Tag: 2020 Issue 2 (Mar/Apr)

Sports et Loisirs: Se Rallier

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May 10, 2020

2:07 pm

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Newsletter

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Sarah E. Price (with Victoria Paul and Sheila Mills)

Trialing Organizations:

  • AKC
  • UKC
  • CKC
  • USDAA
  AKC Rally

UKC Rally Obedience

 CKC Rally Obedience

Trial Levels:

A or B

A or B

A or B (except Intermediate)

 

Novice (RN)

United Rally Obedience 1 (URO1)

Novice (RN)

 

Intermediate (RI)

United Rally Obedience 2 (URO2)

Intermediate (RI)

 

Advanced (RA)

United Rally Obedience 3 (URO3)

Advanced (RA)

 

Advanced (RA)

United Rally Obedience Champion

Advanced (RA)

 

Master (RM)

United Rally Master (ROM)

Master (RM)

 

Rally Advanced Excellent (RAE)

United Rally Obedience Excellent (URX)

Rally Advanced Excellent (RAE)

 

Rally Champion (RACH)

United Rally Obedience Champion (UROC)

Rally Master Excellent (RMX)

  

United Rally Obedience Grand Champion (UROG)

Rally Champion (RACH)

 

 Rally National Champion

 

Rally Grand  Champion (RGCH)

Courses:

 

 

 

 

Novice: Navigate course of 10-15 signs (start and finish do not count) with 3-5 stationary exercises on leash.

Rally 1 Class (RO1): Navigate course on leash composed of 15-17 exercises (shift, start, finish do not count)

Novice: Navigate course of 10-15 signs (start and finish do not count) with 3-5 stationary exercises on leash.

 

Intermediate: Navigate course of 12-17 signs with 3-7 stationary exercises and minimum of 3 Adv. Signs. No jumps, and course completed on leash.

Rally 2 Class (RO2): Navigate course off leash of 15-17 exercises

Intermediate: The Intermediate class is performed on leash, using exercises 1-118 except for Exercise 103 (Send over Jump). It consists of 12-17 exercises (not including Start and Finish) and uses a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 7 stationary exercises. Courses have a minimum of 3 Advanced level exercises.

 

 

Advanced: Navigate a course of 12-17 signs with 3-7 stationary exercises, off leash, and one jump

Rally 3 Class (RO3): Complete course composed of 15-17 stations off leash including Exercise 326 (Honor exercise, where dog performs while an honor dog sits in the ring. Both dogs are scored)

Advanced: Performed off leash, using exercises 1-118. It consists of 12-17 exercises (not including Start and Finish), 3-7 stationary exercises and requires one jump. Courses have a minimum of 3 Advanced level exercises, plus the required jump.

 

 

Excellent: Navigate a course of 15-20 signs off leash (start, finish, and call do not count) with 3-7 stationary exercises, 2 jumps. No patting leg or clapping allowed.

Rally Master Class: Complete course of 15-17 stations off leash, including Exercises 326 and 418 (Cloverleaf) after earning URO3 title.

Excellent:  Performed off leash using exercises 1-299. It consists of 15-20 exercises (not including Start, Finish, Call and the Sit Stay), 3-7 stationary exercises and requires 2 jumps (not consecutive). Courses shall have a minimum of 3 Advanced level exercises, and a minimum of 3 Excellent level exercises, plus the 2 required jumps and the Sit Stay exercise.

 

 

Advanced Excellent: Double qualify in Adv (B) and Exc (B) at the same trial 10x

 

Masters: Performed off leash using exercises 1-398. It consists of 16-20 exercises (not including Start, Finish, Call or Stand Stay), 6-9 stationary exercises and requires 2 jumps (not consecutive).

Cannot use verbal encouragement, verbal/signal commands only when appropriate, similar to formal obedience.

Signs:

http://images.akc.org/pdf/events/2017-rev-rally-minisignswdescriptions-1-2018.pdf

http://res.ukcdogs.com/pdf/2009RallySigns.pdf

https://www.ckc.ca/en/Files/Forms/Shows-Trials/Club-Forms/Rally-Obedience-Signs.aspx

 

Qualifying:

 

 

 

 

Three scores of 70 pts or better under 2 judges at 3 trials

Three scores of 70 pts or better (out of 100) under any judges at 3 trials

Three (3) qualifying scores of 70 points or more must be earned under at least two (2) different judges to earn a title in RA – RE. For RM, three (3) qualifying scores of 85 points, at least 2 different judges.

Titles:

 

 

 

 

R (Rally) N (Level)

U (United) R (Rally) O (Obedience) (Level)

R (Rally) N (Level)

Notes:

 

 

 

 

Must start at Novice, but can skip Intermediate, and work through levels. Do not need a RAE to go into Masters, RAE is also earned when working on RACH. Missing a sign in an NQ at all levels. Can redo in levels up to RM, except jumps, for a 10 pt deduction.

Must start in Rally 1; Barking and/or whining will get major deductions or DQ

Must start at Novice, but can skip Intermediate, and work through levels. Do not need a RAE to go into Masters; RAE is also earned when working on RACH. Missing a sign in an NQ at all levels. (Signs are the same as AKC at novice level only; they change at the intermediate level going forward).

Titled Beaucerons

First Beauceron to Title in Rally
Jarc Du Fond Des Camps, RN (June Plank)
  • Joppa Mes Yeux Vigilants RN (Adrienne Scott & Susan Bass)
  • Logos Mes Yeux Vigilants RN (Adrienne Scott & Susan Bass)
  • Glorifie Miracle Ame Magnanime RN (Angie Robertson)
  • Enya Des Vieilles Montagnes CD RA CGCA (Annette L Sexton)
  • Maleficent Du Sword ‘N Sorcery RN (Arial Harper)
  • Kafziel Von Der Funkhalde RN (Ashley Ducato & Jill Rose)
  • Mariposa Le Boulanger RI CGCA TKN (Carly Fryer)
  • Mariposa Le Boulanger RN CGC TKN (Carly Fryer)
  • CH Svajone’s Pour La Reine RN CGC (Carly Fryer & Kayla Phillips)
  • GCH CH Genavie Du Chateau Rocher CD BN RN CAX CGCA (Carol Larimer & Karla Davis)
  • CH Armored Rose At Heaven’s Gate RA BCAT RATO CGCA CGCU (Carolyn Mills)
  • CH Vespa Warrior Soul RE RATO CGCA CGCU (Carolyn Mills)
  • Caliber Des Gardiens Du Chaos RN CGCA CGCU (Carolyn Mills)
  • Enzo Elpasso Psi Mysteria RN (Carolyn Mills)
  • Dusty Des Vieilles Montagnes BN RN CGCA CGCU TKN (Charmen M. Gentry)
  • Nomade Du Monde L’Amour De Ma Vie RN (Christina Hutton)
  • CH Falcor Mes Yeux Vigilants RN (Cindy Hartwell)
  • Lovell L’Amour De Ma Vie RN (Cindy Hartwell & Mrs. Elaine Christine Wallace)
  • Grand Lutin Kestrel PCD BN RN CAA CGC (Claire Poissonniez & Karla Davis)
  • Leader Of The Pack Du Chateau Rocher RN BCAT CGC (Crystal Joy Moore)
  • GCH CH Mehari De Haute Crete RN PT (Cynthia Burgess & Alex Zeilmann & Amelia Foreman)
  • Huntress Zora Bleue du Chateau Rocher BN RN CGCA (Daniel Robertson & Angie Robertson)
  • GCH CH Fredericka Du Chateau Rocher CD BN RE OA NAJ OJP CGCA (Deborah Baker)
  • Emerald Mes Yeux Vigilants RE (Debra O’Boyle)
  • Miss De Champreval RN (Dominique Barreau & Susan Bass)
  • Oracle Of Greatness Du Joie De Vie RA CGCA TKN (Dr. Amanda Ramage)
  • GCH CH Lazarus Des Siskiyous RN CGC TKI (Edith Elizabeth Thompson)
  • Paint My World Gold Du Chateau Rocher RN CGC (Graci Judd)
  • Ignatius Bleu De La Noe Du Jardin RA (Heather Dahlin)
  • Ile-Rousse Des Bergers De La Vallee RN (Jacqueline Plank)
  • Arc’s A Warrior For Your Soul RI CGCA CGCU (Jacqueline Plank)
  • Falco Del Mistero Nero RN (Jacqueline Plank)
  • Orc Bas Rouges De Lisica CDX RE (Jacqueline Plank & Derrick Adams)
  • Oras Warrior Soul RN (Jacqueline Plank & June Plank)
  • Arc’s A Warrior For Your Soul CD RE CGCA CGCU (Jacqueline Plank & June Plank)
  • Arc’s Magasin De Bonbons RN (Jacqueline Plank & June Plank)
  • GCH CH Isis Isis Baby Du Chateau Rocher CD BN RAE CA CGCA (Janice Bourell-Casey)
  • Elektra Des Ombres Valeureux RN (Jean Fryer)
  • Arc’s Regalessa BN RA CGC (Joie Sites)
  • Jarc Du Fond Des Camps RN (June Plank)
  • GCHS CH Maitrise Du Chateau Rocher RN CA RATN CGCA TKA (Karen Muller)
  • Arc’s Un Reve Realise CD RAE CA CGCA CGCU (Karen Romine)
  • Mirage De Haute Crete RN (Karen Romine, Dr. Patricia Princehouse, Alex Zeilmann & Amelia Foreman)
  • Isla Mystique Du Chateau Rocher BN RN CA CGC (Kathy Kimmeth)
  • Jamais Sans Toi Du Chateau Rocher RN (Lauren A Trathen)
  • GCH CH Magi’s Magik L’Amour De Ma Vie RI CA DCAT RATN DJ DN CGCA TKN (Linda Buffa & Cindy Hartwell)
  • Justice Served For Bleu Du Chateau Rocher RN (Lydia Zemouri)
  • Lokeilani Bleue Du Joie De Vie RN CGC (Marc & Terri Dicino)
  • Maya Du Coeur De Soleil BN RN AXP AJP OFP CAA DJ AJ (Maureen McLatchy & Elaine Giannelli)
  • Naga Des Barons Noirs Della Foppa RN (Michelle Martin)
  • Lundi Cotes Du Noires CDX RA CGC TKI (Jim & Kelley Norred)
  • Rebelle Avec Une Cause Du Chateau Rocher RA AX AXJ CA CGC TKI (Mrs. Cara N. Dixon)
  • River Rims Out In The Moonlight RI CGCA (Gabriella Zoney Murdock & Sidney Jean Wilcox)
  • CH Olympia Bleue Du Chateau Rocher RN CGC TKN (Jasmine C. Sanders)
  • Lucian De Gardien Des Chutes CD BN RE CGC (Katherine A Cushing)
  • Birdwing Oberklasse-Dieb RN (Shelby B. Vannarsdall & Susan Griffin)
  • Laisser Le Cote Sombre Dans De La Valle Katahdin RA FDC CGCA CGCU (Stacy Crivello)
  • GCH CH Hey Zeus Look At Me De La Valle Kathadin RN CGCA CGCU (Amelia Foreman & Alex Zeilmann)
  • Iroquois Des Vieilles Montagnes RN CGC (Annette Sexton)
  • Nimbus Mes Yeux Vigilants RA CGCA CGCU TKN (Ashley A Ducato)
  • CH Northern Star Of Blue Kisses Gardien Des Chutes BN RN CAA BCAT CGCA (Susan J. Walls)
  • GCH CH Harbin L’Amour De Ma Vie RN AXP MJP CA DS CGC TKP, Paige Johnson & Cindy Hartwell
  • Fabuleux Viper Du Chateau Rocher CDX RAE OA NAJ CGCA (Pamela Woodes)
  • Birdwing Odin War Lord At Defisja RN (Patrick & Diana Cagney & Susan Griffin)
  • Geneve Blanche Ame Magnanime RN (Raul Moreno)
  • CH L’ Mystere Noir Du Chateau Rocher RM2 RAE2 FDC RATS CGCA CGCU TKP (Robin J. & Ralph L. Gowen)
  • Niko Des Barons Noirs Della Foppa CD RI CGC (Roxann Nydell)
  • Vandermoor Hond’s Haliaka RN (Sarah Danielle Davis & Kim Phillips)
  • CH Great Expectations For Bleue Du Chateau Rocher RN (Shayanne Gates, Lydia Zemouri & Karla Davis)
  • Grizzbee De La Pilgrimage CD RN SWN CGC (Sue & Douglas Lewis)
  • Jeremiah Mes Yeux Vigilants RN (Susan Bass & Adrienne Scott)
  • Jurre Mes Yeux Vigilants RN(Susan Bass & Adrienne Scott)
  • CH Giving Mes Yeux Vigilants RN(Susan Bass & Adrienne Scott)
  • Arwen Rotterdog RN CGCU TKN (Susan Griffin)
  • CH Birdwing Nietzsche RN CGC (Susan Griffin & Jack Carney)
  • Birdwing Ode An Die Freude RI (Susan Griffin & Jack Carney)
  • CH Birdwing Not Just A Pretty Face RN CA CGCA CGCU (Susan Griffin & Jack Carney)
  • Hannah Du Chateau Rocher RN CGCA CGCU (Susan Griffin & Lena Hanna-O’Neil)
  • J’Adore Ustaritz De L’Ame Du Loup RE HT RATN CGCA (Susan Pamplin Griffin)
  • CH Jupiter Moon In Blue Du Chateau Rocher RE CGCA (Victoria Lea Paul)
  • Han Solo Du Chateau Rocher CDX RM CGCA TKN (Victoria Lea Paul)
  • Fleetwood Mes Yeux Vigilants RE (Wendy Bemis)
  • Princess Yue Du Chateau Rocher RN (Yvette Ornelas)
  • Can GCH Ame Magnanime Hugues Rebell BH AD CD RM CA HIC (Sheila Mills)

The Beauceron Bulletin

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May 10, 2020

8:22 am

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The Beauceron Bulletin

Volume XXIV Issue 2

March/April 2020

Inside This Issue

President’s Page – April 2020

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May 6, 2020

5:33 pm

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Newsletter

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Carol Froid Cossey

Carol and Mya

I don’t think any of us figured that 2020 would bring us this pandemic! While most of us are under quarantine, we hope everyone is staying safe and free of contamination and able to enjoy their Beaucerons and family.

The Board is currently working on the revised COE. We hope to have this in the final stages and approved by the BOD shortly and then out to the membership.

The Breed Certification committee has done a great job in revising the Versatility Award to cover many of the events offered. The Board approved the new Versatility Awards at the last meeting. The committee is currently working on the ROM Award and I believe we will see that in the coming month or so. Congratulations on those who qualified for the award!

The Board had to make the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 National Specialty & Journeé due to the virus and the state’s policy on gatherings. Many of us were hoping it would not come to this; however, it was not looking good going forward. We felt that the safety, health, and well being of every member and/or competitor needed to be considered. We did approve Region 4 to hold the 2021 event in Blackfoot, Idaho, since they did such a tremendous amount of work putting this event together. Bookmark your calendar for June next year and plan to join us for an excellent National and Journeé in Blackfoot.

We are hoping this pandemic comes to a halt soon, so that everyone can get back to their lives. Take care and be safe!

Pick of the Litter

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May 6, 2020

8:59 am

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Membership, Newsletter, Region 2

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Denise DiLosa

Ages: 38 and 2.5

Location: Louisiana

Beauceron(s): Arc’s Bete Du Bayou, OA, OAJ, XF, RATN, CGC, TKI (“Brie”)

How long did you research before adding a Beauceron to your life? I knew about the breed long before I actually got one and I am always researching breeds. Not sure, if I first heard about them researching double dew claws as my older mix breed has them or watching a dog show. Was looking for a new agility dog, I knew I wanted a large dog, a herding breed, and a breed without so many genetic health problems and kept coming back to the Beauceron.

What did you do to prepare? Lots and lots of online research, talked to a few breeders, and YouTube videos.

How did you find your breeder? Internet searches to be honest. I knew I was looking for a breeder whose focus was performance, not conformation. And one who would work with me to find the perfect match for what I wanted to do with her, which was agility.

What goals do you have? To show the world how amazing she is, at least in agility. We have also tried Barn Hunt and Dock Diving. Unfortunately, we do not have opportunities here to train for those. Might try Rally one day, she definitely could do it.

What is something that you were not ready for with you Beauceron? I would not say I wasn’t ready for it, but just how sensitive to correction and bad experiences they are. And how in your face they are, literally.

What is easier then you had expected about owning a Beauceron? The internet had me believing I was going to have a blood thirsty ticking time bomb on my hand that was going to try to kill everybody, similar to some Malinois I have met, and would need to be kept on a short leash. Either my Beauceron is defective or the internet lied.

If you had to give advice to someone coming into the breed what would it be? Listen to the owners and the breeders out there. They know way more about what the breed is capable of than the internet. They are not house pets. They are definitely a jack of all trades, masters of none, but awesome dogs.

What do you think we need more of in the community? Beauceron meet ups and events, Beauceron specialties with more than just conformation.

Is there anything that you would have done differently so far? Probably not

What are some things you are looking forward to in the future? Being able to go to trials and class again, and the Canine Biathlon. 

Beauceron Bibliothèque

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May 6, 2020

8:39 am

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Sarah E. Price

Researching the Beauceron can be difficult due to the language barrier since much of the early literature is French. However, with Google translate, it is easier than ever to delve into the older publications. Learning about the original descriptions of ideal structure and temperament is useful, or just enjoy the diagrams and pictures! The following is a list of free online resources and publications.

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2020 Rose City Classic

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May 5, 2020

9:43 am

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Events, Newsletter, Region 4, Regional

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Kayla Phillips

I love kicking the year off at one of my favorite shows on the west coast, the Rose City Classic! It’s in Portland, Oregon, typically the third week of January. This is a huge four day show with over 3,000 dogs and public attendance is very high. This show gets news time and featured on AKC.TV, as well as visited by children on their school field trips! It’s great to see the community come together for a show and for the dogs to be so nicely displayed for viewers.

This year we had a nice entry of some lovely Beaucerons from puppies to mature adults, both colors, and both ear styles were represented. We had multiple kennels, both domestic and foreign, represented. All the judges commented on their amazing temperaments, and how hard breeders have worked to improve the breed in the last 10 years!

Overall it is was a great weekend filled with Beaucerons, friends, and fun times! We hope to see everyone back next year and more Beaucerons competing in conformation, rally, and agility! I will be working hard to make this a supported entry for next year.

Rose City Classic Beaucerons: (left to right) Alissa and Patrón, Maile and Sidone, Kayla and Ki, Phenix, and Scout.

Thursday Conformation Entry:

Judged by: Mr Christopher Tilghman Neale

Puppy Dogs 9 Mos & Under 12 Mos.
(1/W) 5 SVAJONE’S PRINCE SIDON. DN577169/03. 02/08/2019. BREEDER: Kayla Phillips. By Sokrates Melodia Szczurolapa-CH Lykiais Gardien Des Chutes. OWNER: Maile Hirano Kayla Phillips.

Puppy Bitches 6 Mos & Under 9 Mos.
(1) 20 PRAEDA DU JOIE DE VIE ADVENTURE. DN576724/07. 04/21/2019. BREEDER: Angie Robertson Dawn Johnson. By CH Japper du Dragon Noir-GCH Monet Happy des Monts du Lac CGCA CGCU. OWNER: Dr. Kim Rioux Angie Robertson.

Bred-By-Exhibitor Bitches
(1/W/BW) 6 SVAJONE’S PAINT YOUR PALLET BLUE AND GREY. DN577169/04. 02/08/2019. BREEDER: Kayla Phillips. By Ch Sokrates Melodia Szczurolapa-Ch Lykiais garden des chutes. OWNER: Maryann Sullivan/ Kayla Phillips. (3 Pt Major)

Open Bitches
(1/RW) 14 MARIPOSA LE BOULANGER CGCU. DN458396/08. 02/28/2016. BREEDER: Deborah Baker. By Hartza de Subeltz Beaucerones-Ch Fredericka du Chateau Rocher CD OA NAJ. OWNER: Carly Fryer.

(2) 18 ALAUNA OF GABRETA FOREST (CZECH REPUBLIC) CGC. DN471733/01. 04/18/2016. BREEDER: Dr. Villiam Stancik. By Ame Magnanime Cyrano Puissant-Arwen Enyhed. OWNER: Derylee Hecimovich Angie Robertson & Milan Hecimov.

Best of Breed Competition
(B) 9 GCH LORD LEKOR DU CHATEAU ROCHER. DN426424/02. 03/04/2015. Dog. BREEDER: Karla Davis. By DJack Du Mont Des Croisettes-Gem De L’Ame Du Loup. OWNER: Susan Almatrood & Adell Almatrood. (5 Pt Major)

(BOBOH )10 CH OCTAVIA BLEUE GARDIEN DES CHUTES. DN560486/01. 10/07/2018. Bitch. BREEDER: Joanna M Law Carol Cossey. By CH Sokrates Melodia Szczeurolapa-GCH Jezabella Noire du Chateau Rocher. OWNER: Joanna M Law Carol Cossey. (5 OH Pts)

12 CH SVAJONE’S POUR LA REINE CGC RN. DN577169/02. 02/08/2019. Bitch. BREEDER: Kayla Phillips & Sherri Phillips. By CH Sokrates Melodia Szczurolapa CGC-CH Lykiais Gardien des Chutes. OWNER: Carly Fryer & Kayla Phillips.

(SEL) 16 GCH MYSTIQUE DE SOLEIL MINUIT CGC. DN464310/03. 07/02/2016. Bitch. BREEDER: Joe Ciorra Jan Ciorra. By Ch Ch De Joie Du Chateau Rocher CA-Gatekeeper Xena CGC. OWNER: Derylee Hecimovich Lan Hecimovich. (5 Pt Major)

(OS) 22 GCHG CH MAITRISE DU CHATEAU ROCHER TT RATN CA RN CGC. DN456023/06. 01/26/2016. Bitch. BREEDER: Karla Davis. By GCHG CH De Jolie Du Chateau Rocher TT SAR CGCA-Gem De L’Ame Du Loup BH CA. OWNER: Karen Muller. (5 Pt Major)

Friday Conformation Entry:

Judged by: Jean-Louis Blais

Puppy Dogs 9 Mos & Under 12 Mos.

(1/W/BW) 5 SVAJONE’S PRINCE SIDON. DN577169/03. 02/08/2019. BREEDER: Kayla Phillips. By Sokrates Melodia Szczurolapa-CH Lykiais Gardien Des Chutes. OWNER: Maile Hirano Kayla Phillips. (3 Pt Major)

Puppy Bitches 6 Mos & Under 9 Mos.

(1/W) 20 PRAEDA DU JOIE DE VIE ADVENTURE. DN576724/07. 04/21/2019. BREEDER: Angie Robertson Dawn Johnson. By CH Japper du Dragon Noir-GCH Monet Happy des Monts du Lac CGCA CGCU. OWNER: Dr. Kim Rioux Angie Robertson. (3 Pt Major)

Bred-By-Exhibitor Bitches

(1/RW) 6 SVAJONE’S PAINT YOUR PALLET BLUE AND GREY. DN577169/04. 02/08/2019. BREEDER: Kayla Phillips. By Ch Sokrates Melodia Szczurolapa-Ch Lykiais garden des chutes. OWNER: Maryann Sullivan/ Kayla Phillips.

Open Bitches

(1) 14 MARIPOSA LE BOULANGER CGCU. DN458396/08. 02/28/2016. BREEDER: Deborah Baker. By Hartza de Subeltz Beaucerones-Ch Fredericka du Chateau Rocher CD OA NAJ. OWNER: Carly Fryer.

(2) 18 ALAUNA OF GABRETA FOREST (CZECH REPUBLIC) CGC. DN471733/01. 04/18/2016. BREEDER: Dr. Villiam Stancik. By Ame Magnanime Cyrano Puissant-Arwen Enyhed. OWNER: Derylee Hecimovich Angie Robertson & Milan Hecimov.

Best of Breed Competition

(B) 9 GCH LORD LEKOR DU CHATEAU ROCHER. DN426424/02. 03/04/2015. Dog. BREEDER: Karla Davis. By DJack Du Mont Des Croisettes-Gem De L’Ame Du Loup. OWNER: Susan Almatrood & Adell Almatrood. (5 pt Major)

(BOBOH) 10 CH OCTAVIA BLEUE GARDIEN DES CHUTES. DN560486/01. 10/07/2018. Bitch. BREEDER: Joanna M Law Carol Cossey. By CH Sokrates Melodia Szczeurolapa-GCH Jezabella Noire du Chateau Rocher. OWNER: Joanna M Law Carol Cossey. (5 OH Pts)

12 CH SVAJONE’S POUR LA REINE CGC RN. DN577169/02. 02/08/2019. Bitch. BREEDER: Kayla Phillips & Sherri Phillips. By CH Sokrates Melodia Szczurolapa CGC-CH Lykiais Gardien des Chutes. OWNER: Carly Fryer & Kayla Phillips.

(SEL) 16 GCh MYSTIQUE DE SOLEIL MINUIT CGC. DN464310/03. 07/02/2016. Bitch. BREEDER: Joe Ciorra Jan Ciorra. By Ch Ch De Joie Du Chateau Rocher CA-Gatekeeper Xena CGC. OWNER: Derylee Hecimovich Lan Hecimovich. (5 Pt Major)

(OS) 22 GCHG CH MAITRISE DU CHATEAU ROCHER TT RATN CA RN CGC. DN456023/06. 01/26/2016. Bitch. BREEDER: Karla Davis. By GCHG CH De Jolie Du Chateau Rocher TT SAR CGCA-Gem De L’Ame Du Loup BH CA. OWNER: Karen Muller. (5 Pt Major)

Saturday Conformation Entry:

Judged By: Mrs Patti Widick Neale

Puppy Dogs 9 Mos & Under 12 Mos.

(2/RW) 5 SVAJONE’S PRINCE SIDON. DN577169/03. 02/08/2019. BREEDER: Kayla Phillips. By Sokrates Melodia Szczurolapa-CH Lykiais Gardien Des Chutes. OWNER: Maile Hirano Kayla Phillips.

(A) 7 PIRATE’S LAIR AU GARDIEN DES CHUTES. DN575080/03. 03/04/2019. BREEDER: Carol Ann Cossey & Joanna Marie Law & Karla Davis. By GCH Glacier Bleue Souers Jumelles-Lady Rhea Van Horst Du Chateau Rocher. OWNER: rose bednarski/ Jessica Lyn Stover / Kayla Phillips.

(1/W/BW) 11 PICK YOUR POISON DU LA COUR DES REVES. DN577169/05. 02/08/2019. BREEDER: Kayla & Sherri Phillips. By Ch Sokrates Melodia Szczurolapa-Ch Lykiais Gardien Des Chutes. OWNER: Alissa Felix & Kayla Phillips. (4 Pt Major)

Puppy Bitches 6 Mos & Under 9 Mos.

(1) 20 PRAEDA DU JOIE DE VIE ADVENTURE. DN576724/07. 04/21/2019. BREEDER: Angie Robertson Dawn Johnson. By CH Japper du Dragon Noir-GCH Monet Happy des Monts du Lac CGCA CGCU. OWNER: Dr. Kim Rioux Angie Robertson.

Twelve To Eighteen Month Bitches

(1) 8 OH LE VRAI AMOUR DE ROI GIVRE. DN557641/05. 11/10/2018. BREEDER: Pamela Frost. By GCH CH Luc Du Chateau Rocher-GCH CH Magie Noir Du Mont Des Croisettes. OWNER: Adina Norris and Thane Norris and Pamela Frost.

Bred-By-Exhibitor Bitches

(1) 6 SVAJONE’S PAINT YOUR PALLET BLUE AND GREY. DN577169/04. 02/08/2019. BREEDER: Kayla Phillips. By Ch Sokrates Melodia Szczurolapa-Ch Lykiais garden des chutes. OWNER: Maryann Sullivan/ Kayla Phillips.

Open Bitches

(2/RW) 14 MARIPOSA LE BOULANGER CGCU. DN458396/08. 02/28/2016. BREEDER: Deborah Baker. By Hartza de Subeltz Beaucerones-Ch Fredericka du Chateau Rocher CD OA NAJ. OWNER: Carly Fryer.

(1/W) 18 ALAUNA OF GABRETA FOREST (CZECH REPUBLIC) CGC. DN471733/01. 04/18/2016. BREEDER: Dr. Villiam Stancik. By Ame Magnanime Cyrano Puissant-Arwen Enyhed. OWNER: Derylee Hecimovich Angie Robertson & Milan Hecimov.

Best of Breed Competition

(B) 9 GCH LORD LEKOR DU CHATEAU ROCHER. DN426424/02. 03/04/2015. Dog. BREEDER: Karla Davis. By DJack Du Mont Des Croisettes-Gem De L’Ame Du Loup. OWNER: Susan Almatrood & Adell Almatrood. (5 Pt Major)

(BOBOH) 10 CH OCTAVIA BLEUE GARDIEN DES CHUTES. DN560486/01. 10/07/2018. Bitch. BREEDER: Joanna M Law Carol Cossey. By CH Sokrates Melodia Szczeurolapa-GCH Jezabella Noire du Chateau Rocher. OWNER: Joanna M Law Carol Cossey. (5 OH Pts)

12 CH SVAJONE’S POUR LA REINE CGC RN. DN577169/02. 02/08/2019. Bitch. BREEDER: Kayla Phillips & Sherri Phillips. By CH Sokrates Melodia Szczurolapa CGC-CH Lykiais Gardien des Chutes. OWNER: Carly Fryer & Kayla Phillips.

(OS) 16 GCh MYSTIQUE DE SOLEIL MINUIT CGC. DN464310/03. 07/02/2016. Bitch. BREEDER: Joe Ciorra Jan Ciorra. By Ch Ch De Joie Du Chateau Rocher CA-Gatekeeper Xena CGC. OWNER: Derylee Hecimovich Lan Hecimovich. (5 Pt Major)

(SEL) 22 GCHG CH MAITRISE DU CHATEAU ROCHER TT RATN CA RN CGC. DN456023/06. 01/26/2016. Bitch. BREEDER: Karla Davis. By GCHG CH De Jolie Du Chateau Rocher TT SAR CGCA-Gem De L’Ame Du Loup BH CA. OWNER: Karen Muller. (5 Pt Major)

Sunday Conformation Entry:

Judged By: Sulie Greendale-Paveza

Puppy Dogs 9 Mos & Under 12 Mos.

(2/RW) 5 SVAJONE’S PRINCE SIDON. DN577169/03. 02/08/2019. BREEDER: Kayla Phillips. By Sokrates Melodia Szczurolapa-CH Lykiais Gardien Des Chutes. OWNER: Maile Hirano Kayla Phillips.

(A) 7 PIRATE’S LAIR AU GARDIEN DES CHUTES. DN575080/03. 03/04/2019. BREEDER: Carol Ann Cossey & Joanna Marie Law & Karla Davis. By GCH Glacier Bleue Souers Jumelles-Lady Rhea Van Horst Du Chateau Rocher. OWNER: Rose Bednarski/ Jessica Lyn Stover / Kayla Phillips.

(1/W/BW/BOBOH) 11 PICK YOUR POISON DU LA COUR DES REVES. DN577169/05. 02/08/2019. BREEDER: Kayla & Sherri Phillips. By Ch Sokrates Melodia Szczurolapa-Ch Lykiais Gardien Des Chutes. OWNER: Alissa Felix & Kayla Phillips. (4 Pt Major, 5 OH Pts)

Puppy Bitches 6 Mos & Under 9 Mos.

(1) 20 PRAEDA DU JOIE DE VIE ADVENTURE. DN576724/07. 04/21/2019. BREEDER: Angie Robertson Dawn Johnson. By CH Japper du Dragon Noir-GCH Monet Happy des Monts du Lac CGCA CGCU. OWNER: Dr. Kim Rioux Angie Robertson.

Twelve To Eighteen Month Bitches

(1) 8 OH LE VRAI AMOUR DE ROI GIVRE. DN557641/05. 11/10/2018. BREEDER: Pamela Frost. By GCH CH Luc Du Chateau Rocher-GCH CH Magie Noir Du Mont Des Croisettes. OWNER: Adina Norris and Thane Norris and Pamela Frost.

Bred-By-Exhibitor Bitches

(1/W) 6 SVAJONE’S PAINT YOUR PALLET BLUE AND GREY. DN577169/04. 02/08/2019. BREEDER: Kayla Phillips. By Ch Sokrates Melodia Szczurolapa-Ch Lykiais garden des chutes. OWNER: Maryann Sullivan/ Kayla Phillips. (4 Pt Major)

Open Bitches

(2) 14 MARIPOSA LE BOULANGER CGCU. DN458396/08. 02/28/2016. BREEDER: Deborah Baker. By Hartza de Subeltz Beaucerones-Ch Fredericka du Chateau Rocher CD OA NAJ. OWNER: Carly Fryer.

(1/RW) 18 ALAUNA OF GABRETA FOREST (CZECH REPUBLIC) CGC. DN471733/01. 04/18/2016. BREEDER: Dr. Villiam Stancik. By Ame Magnanime Cyrano Puissant-Arwen Enyhed. OWNER: Derylee Hecimovich Angie Robertson & Milan Hecimov.

Best of Breed Competition

(OS) 9 GCH LORD LEKOR DU CHATEAU ROCHER. DN426424/02. 03/04/2015. Dog. BREEDER: Karla Davis. By DJack Du Mont Des Croisettes-Gem De L’Ame Du Loup. OWNER: Susan Almatrood & Adell Almatrood. (5 Pt Major)

10 CH OCTAVIA BLEUE GARDIEN DES CHUTES. DN560486/01. 10/07/2018. Bitch. BREEDER: Joanna M Law Carol Cossey. By CH Sokrates Melodia Szczeurolapa-GCH Jezabella Noire du Chateau Rocher. OWNER: Joanna M Law Carol Cossey.

12 CH SVAJONE’S POUR LA REINE CGC RN. DN577169/02. 02/08/2019. Bitch. BREEDER: Kayla Phillips & Sherri Phillips. By CH Sokrates Melodia Szczurolapa CGC-CH Lykiais Gardien des Chutes. OWNER: Carly Fryer & Kayla Phillips.

(SEL) 16 GCh MYSTIQUE DE SOLEIL MINUIT CGC. DN464310/03. 07/02/2016. Bitch. BREEDER: Joe Ciorra Jan Ciorra. By Ch Ch De Joie Du Chateau Rocher CA-Gatekeeper Xena CGC. OWNER: Derylee Hecimovich Lan Hecimovich.

(B) 22 GCHG CH MAITRISE DU CHATEAU ROCHER TT RATN CA RN CGC. DN456023/06. 01/26/2016. Bitch. BREEDER: Karla Davis. By GCHG CH De Jolie Du Chateau Rocher TT SAR CGCA-Gem De L’Ame Du Loup BH CA. OWNER: Karen Muller.

Saturday Rally Entries:

Rally Novice A Class: (080.0/3) 64 CH LYKIAIS GARDIEN DES CHUTES. DN423293/02. 04/07/2015. Bitch. Beaucerons. Breeder: Carol Cossey. By Gch Ch Glacier Bleue Souers Jumelles-Gch Ch Fiala Du Chateau Rocher CGC. Owner: Kayla Phillips & Sherri Phillips.

Rally Intermediate Class: (091.0/Q) 81 CH SVAJONE’S POUR LA REINE CGC RN. DN577169/02. 02/08/2019. Bitch. Beaucerons. Breeder: Kayla Phillips & Sherri Phillips. By CH Sokrates Melodia Szczurolapa CGC-CH Lykiais Gardien des Chutes. Owner: Carly Fryer & Kayla Phillips.

Rally Advanced A Class: (089.0/1) 36 MARIPOSA LE BOULANGER CGCU. DN458396/08. 02/28/2016. Bitch. Beaucerons. Breeder: Deborah Baker. By Hartza de Subeltz Beaucerones-Ch Fredericka du Chateau Rocher CD OA NAJ. Owner: Carly Fryer.

Sunday Rally Entries:

Rally Novice A Class: (098.0/2) 64 CH LYKIAIS GARDIEN DES CHUTES. DN423293/02. 04/07/2015. Bitch. Beaucerons. Breeder: Carol Cossey. By Gch Ch Glacier Bleue Souers Jumelles-Gch Ch Fiala Du Chateau Rocher CGC. Owner: Kayla Phillips & Sherri Phillips.

Rally Intermediate Class: (097.0/4) 81 CH SVAJONE’S POUR LA REINE CGC RN. DN577169/02. 02/08/2019. Bitch. Beaucerons. Breeder: Kayla Phillips & Sherri Phillips. By CH Sokrates Melodia Szczurolapa CGC-CH Lykiais Gardien des Chutes. Owner: Carly Fryer & Kayla Phillips.

Rally Advanced A Class: (086.0/2) 36 MARIPOSA LE BOULANGER CGCU. DN458396/08. 02/28/2016. Bitch. Beaucerons. Breeder: Deborah Baker. By Hartza de Subeltz Beaucerones-Ch Fredericka du Chateau Rocher CD OA NAJ. Owner: Carly Fryer.

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The Why of Breed Club Membership

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May 5, 2020

9:42 am

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Latest Updates, Membership, Newsletter

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Courtney Goddard, Region Director (1)

I have been involved in the breed for a little over three years now. I joined the American Beauceron Club (ABC) before bringing a Beauceron into my home. You might be asking why I joined before even owning a Beauceron. I wanted to get my foot in the door and show the community that I was serious about adding one of these amazing dogs into my life. Although I owned purebred dogs, I had never been part of a breed club and wondered what it would be like to join.

Being part of a breed community is so much more than just joining a club of like-minded people. It’s getting involved on a deeper, more meaningful level. A breed-specific club is not just a camaraderie based on ownership of a specific breed, but a “celebration of the breed” by enthusiasts, as Beauceron owner and breeder Craig McCracken said (The Beauceron Bulletin, Volume VI, Issue 2 [2004]).

2019 Westminster Meet the Breed (back row l-r): Courtney Goddard, Bubba Staroski, Eric Hensley, Jen Westrate, Elaine Giannelli, Karla Davis, Kara Staroski; (front row l-r) Sara Reid and Justin Bradley.

There are numerous benefits to joining the ABC, or any breed club:

  1. You are accepting and understanding the breed standard toward which all Beaucerons should be bred, exhibited, and judged;
  2. You are encouraging ethical breeding of purebred Beaucerons who exemplify that standard and bring the natural qualities and abilities of the breed to the forefront;
  3. You are an active participant in protecting and advancing the breed’s best interests;
  4. You are encouraging and participating in the events and promoting the abilities of the Beauceron through participation and sportsmanlike conduct;
  5. You are supporting the ABC’s Code of Ethics (COE);
  6. You are contributing to OFA, CERF, genetic research, breed rescue, and the health of the breed;
  7. And, perhaps most importantly, you have a voice, and, if you choose, an active role in protecting and promoting the Beauceron breed.

I wanted to be able to participate and contribute by going to ABC events, joining committees, etc. In my short time in the ABC, I have been to numerous events to represent the breed and club, such as Westminster’s Meet the Breeds, assisted with the rescue raffle at the 2018 National Specialty, and I helped run an ABC sponsored herding trial. Wanting to get even more involved, I volunteered to chair the Ways and Means committee. In doing so, I gained hands-on experience with the 2019 and 2020 National Specialty events by creating welcome bags and finding souvenirs. As the chair, I also oversaw the creation and production of the 2020 ABC calendar. While that was a very involved and tedious project, I learned SO much! I got to know a lot of dogs and learn about their breeders, pedigrees, owners, and the great things they accomplished. I took my club involvement a step further and ran for the Region 1 Director to the ABC Board of Directors (BOD). Since joining the ABC, I have had more opportunities to work one-on-one with other club members and have gained a lot of new friendships. You open your world to new people and gain new friendships with whom you truly learn to appreciate the Beauceron breed.

2020 ABC Herding Trial Banner

By joining the ABC, you also gain the ability to advocate for the breed. Claire Roybal (Poissonniez) wrote:

The ABC is the voice and representation of our breed in this country. In arranging Meet the Breed events and Judges Education seminars, this club determines how our breed is known and perceived in the United States. As ABC members, we are the guardians of our breed’s reputation in a nation where some breeds have struggled with wrong perceptions. In our club, we have the ability to agree upon a code of ethics for owners and breeders. How shall we protect the health, temperament, and type of our breed? It’s easy to talk about these things in online forums, but in the club we have the power to take these lofty ideas and make them so.

Claire Roybal Poissonniez, The Beauceron Bulletin, Volume XVIII, Issue 1 (2015)

A breed club does so much more for the breed than non-members may realize. We have the ability to educate not only people interested in the breed or new owners, but judges too. From long-time Beauceron owner and ABC member, Elaine Giannelli, ’The club is responsible for writing and making any changes to the breed standard by which all AKC judges judge the breed. The ABC is responsible for the training of AKC judges through the club’s judge’s education program. They put on seminars and present the breed at judges’ institutes.

Brenda Trojanowski at the 2018 National Specialty surrounded by rescue raffle items.

Additionally, ABC members get some tangible benefits too! The ability to submits photos for the annual club calendar, discounts on entries in the National Specialty and other supported events and gear, the bi-monthly club publication The Beauceron Bulletin (including all archived copies on the website), access to the club’s website and all content. ABC members are also eligible to receive the club’s Register of Merit and Versatility awards.

2020 ABC Member Calendar.

Keeping all of this in mind, why wouldn’t you join the parent club for the Beauceron? We have the power to continue to encourage the responsible breeding of purebred dogs and preserve, and better, the Beauceron breed. When considering joining don’t ask yourself, “What can the club do for me?” ask, “What can I do for the club.” Although intangible, for the most part, being a member of the ABC provides so many benefits. It connects you with others who care about preserving the authentic Beauceron as well as bettering the breed through better health testing or genetic research. It allows you to contribute in minor such as participating in elections or voting on revisions to the COE, or in more significant ways such as volunteering your time, skills, knowledge, or expertise to assist the club. You should want to join because you want to do your part in bettering the breed. What begins as self-education about the Beauceron will evolve into public education. You start as a newcomer, and over time, you become the elder who helps guide and mentors the next generation. It is through the power of the breed club’s collective membership that we ensure the preservation of our beloved Beauceron.

Beaucerons Running Biathlons

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May 5, 2020

7:37 am

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Newsletter

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Sarah E. Price

Some of the Beauceron participants in the 2019 spring biathlon (l-r): Emmanuel Domingo and Indy, Denise DiLosa and Brie, Brannon Lynch and Drax, Sarah Price and Rose.

In May, over 1,200 people from across the U.S. descended on the Vapor Wake K9 training facility in Anniston, Alabama. They all came to get wet, muddy, and sweaty with their best two- and four-legged friends at the fifth annual U.S. Canine Biathlon. Among the throngs of people, Malinois, GSDs, and Labradors were a small but special group of people, Beaucerons and their owners. I have run the biathlon several times, and as far as I know, only one other Beauceron owner has participated before 2019. In total this year there were at least seven Beaucerons, including a puppy, and Falco who none of us got to meet, unfortunately:

  • Alyesha Carr and Inca (Pennsylvania)
  • Brannon Lynch and Sarah Price with Drax and Rose (Alabama)
  • Denise DiLosa and Brie (Louisiana)
  • Emmanuel Domingo and Indy (Georgia)

Surprisingly, just a year after no one knew what my dog was (other than a “pretty Rottweiler” or a rottie-black lab-GSD), multiple people came up to me to ask, “Is that a Beauceron?” The neatest moments for me this year had nothing to do with the race itself. Walking out of the parking lot first thing in the morning and running into another Beauceron and owner (Emmanuel) and crossing the finish line and hearing “Beauceron!” from the bleachers, which turned out to be Alyesha and her friend Michelle.

Brie giving Denise some encouragement through an obstacle.

The biathlon is advertised as a 5k, and in 2019 included over 80 obstacles. It winds from the start line up and down, over and under, in and out of a multitude of natural and purpose-built obstacles, until you end up back in the start area to finish the race—actually covering between four and five miles. There is a lot of water on the course, which is good because May is pretty warm and humid in Alabama.

The first water obstacle on the course is full of ice! (Rose and Sarah, 2018)

Several sections are run in creek beds, a welcome respite from the sun and heat, although the footing can be a little tricky. The course necessitates a lot of crawling– under fencing, through culverts, pipes, and low-slung covers, and of course through a lot of mud. There is also a lot of going over things: logs, traffic barriers, wire spools, cars, buses, stairs, and this year a ten-foot-tall pyramid of tires. The course primarily skirts around the hilly terrain of the former military base, but about a quarter of a mile from the finish is the aptly named “heartbreak hill” which is at about 1,100 ft AMSL. It is not quite straight up and down, but it certainly feels that way.

Drax heading up heartbreak hill (Spring 2019).

From the top of heartbreak hill, the (welcome) sound of music from the start area drifts up the backside of the mountain, and you know you are close to the end. From the base it is a short run through at least seven more obstacles, including carrying your dog across a log suspended over a pool, before you can cross the finish line. All of this to say, running and completing the biathlon is challenging and exhilarating.

Brannon and Drax emerging a (little too happy) from a mud crawl (Spring 2019).

What makes this event special is accomplishing all of this with your dog. I have to say running it with a Beauceron is the most natural “sport” of everything Rose and I do. We have trained in IGP, scentwork, herding, obedience, and agility. These activities are all fun and provide her with mental and physical outlets (and humble training for me as I awkwardly use the wrong hand, directional, command, or bumble about on two left feet with airplane hands), and we have a good time doing them. But the biathlon is a test of all of our skills and our relationship. The connection you feel as you navigate the course relies on a strong working bond, the one we all seem to have with our Beauces, as well as their crazy athleticism. Very few dog sports allow a handler and dog to complete everything together. Rose is right beside me crawling through mud, patiently waiting patiently when I am too slow getting up and over an A-frame, and pulling me up heartbreak hill. She trusts me when I ask her to jump into a pool of water six feet below us or crawl fifty feet through a dark culvert.

Rose (patiently) waiting for Sarah to army crawl under the fence.

My husband is not an outdoorsy kind of guy, at all, so I was a little apprehensive for his first run. We were in different time corrals, so he finished after me. When I finally found him in the main event area, my worries were assuaged, and I was reminded of how I felt the first time I ran with Rose, the sheer elation of completing the race and how amazing she is at everything I ask of her. He was ecstatic and ready to run again that afternoon; he did come to his senses as the adrenaline wore off. Drax was too young to run in 2018, and the 2019 biathlon was the first time he and Drax competed in an event together. He really got to test their working relationship and reap the satisfaction and joy of all the hours of training, engagement, and socialization he has put into his dog.

Late in the afternoon, Brannon and I caught up with Alyesha, Emmanuel, and Denise to meet each other’s dogs, have a quick chat, and take some photos. There are no Beaucerons in our general area, so this was a rare chance to be reminded of how not-unique our dogs actually are. When you are not frequently around other Beaucerons, you can start to feel as though your dog is the ‘weird’ one for being aloof, or their quirks and idiosyncrasies are just your dogs. Everyone’s pups were beautifully behaved, but like Rose and Drax, they did not care to give more than a passing sniff to not-their-people. Saturday afternoon was probably the densest concentration of exhausted Beaucerons in the Southeast, if not the United States.

Alyesha and Inca.

I think events, like the biathlon, showcase how amazing this breed is and places a reminder of that front and center. I have heard other racers complain that their dogs do not run the course with them, and even act like they would be better off without their owners. As anyone who owns this breed knows, Beaucerons have the endurance, agility, strength, and intelligence that makes something like the U.S. Canine Biathlon look like a stroll in the park. But they also have that unique bond with their person, so they are in the game with you from start to finish and giving you that goofy grin the whole time. I encourage all Beauceron owners to run the U.S. Canine Biathlon, or a similar event if you can. See for yourself how much fun this breed makes getting hot, sweaty, muddy, and sore. I hope to meet more of you and your amazing dogs at the U.S. Canine Biathlon run!

Denise and Brie slogging through tunnels and mud.

Additional Canine Events

ABC Rescue Update

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April 27, 2020

2:13 pm

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Adopted, Latest Updates, Rescue

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Kara Staroski

Do you think some things work out for a reason? Some days in rescue things go smoothly, dogs are adopted into their perfect homes right away and live happily ever after. Some days we hit roadblocks at every corner. We had a case recently where a beautiful Beauceron ended up in our rescue program, this is Abby’s story.

I first heard about Abby via email several months ago. Abby’s owner was an experienced dog person, someone who had even put obedience titles on her Dobermans. She acquired Abby secondhand through a back yard breeder. She had owned Abby since she was a puppy and had done an incredible amount of training with her. Abby’s owner poured her heart out to me, admitting that with health issues and not being as young as she once was she wasn’t able to meet Abby’s needs. As I reassured her that we match the dogs to their perfect homes (NEVER first come first serve) I could hear the relief in her voice. She really loved Abby and truly wanted the best for her. As we worked out the details I learned Abby lived in Idaho. Perfect, I thought to myself, I already knew the perfect foster.

Sidney Wilcox, the Region Four Director, has fostered over a dozen Beaucerons since I have known her. I knew she would be a great fit for Abby, to evaluate her and help figure out the next step in her life. Sidney responded immediately that she and her family would be able to take Abby in. Over the next few days arrangements were made and Abby went to live at RiverRim Ranch. My first emails about Abby were all positive, she was everything her first owner said, sweet, intelligent, and VERY well trained. Sidney told me if she entered her in a Rally trial she could get her Rally Novice title on her that weekend. We got pictures and videos of Abby posted and waited for applications to come in.

One of the hard parts about being rescue chair is disappointing people. Often for every dog we post we may have a dozen people (or more!) apply. Some people are eliminated from the running rather quickly, their landlord doesn’t allow dogs over 50 lbs, their veterinarian tells me something along the lines of “Wow, I’m surprised they want another dog, we haven’t seen their current dog in several years and they would only let us do a rabies vaccine.” Once we eliminate those folks then we move to step two, Googling and checking Facebook profiles of the applicants. One applicant had multiple ads in classified groups for various dogs. Red flag. Another had a Go-Fund-me set up to get a knee surgery on a dog she forgot to mention she owned on her application. As I moved through the applicants there were several good ones. But were they the right fit for our perfect Abby? Abby is VERY smart. She needs a job, so we wanted her to go to a home where she could possibly do a performance sport, or at the very least be an active companion. Finally, Sidney and I found what we considered the best home possible for Abby. Our little Idaho lady was heading to the Pacific Northwest! The family’s application sounded wonderful. They had researched the breed and even attended shows to meet up with breeders and other adult dogs. They were looking for an active hiking buddy and possibly a dog to try agility and barn hunt with. This was perfect!

We gave the family the great news, and then Covid-19 started sweeping across the USA. Everything came to a screeching halt when Sidney’s entire county was put into a mandatory stay-in-place order until June; over two months away. I gave the hopeful family the bad news. They were understanding, and asked me to keep them in mind for a future dog. So what to do with Abby? She was safe and sound at Sidney’s of course, but she really deserved a family of her own. Sidney came to me with an idea. She knew of a family local to her who had asked her about training a dog for them to be their hearing assistance service dog. They were experienced dog folks who lived close enough to Sidney that she could be there to support and educate them as needed. I am the last person to recommend a Beauceron as a service dog. We all know that they are slow to mature and their failure/washout rate is very high. It didn’t take much to convince me as Sidney and her friend Gabby began sending me videos of them training Abby. Abby was such a fast learner! Within a week she was alerting to the sound of a telephone ringing, and a fire alarm going off. I was incredibly impressed! Once the family submitted their application they took Miss Abby on a trial run. This brings us to present day. Abby is thriving and now, officially, has her forever home! I think of all the twists and turns in her road of life. There are so many different ways her story could have gone. As I go through the photos her new family has sent me, and I hear about how Abby not only is bringing them joy, but a little more piece of mind I know we have given them both a happy ending.

Kara, ABC Rescue Chair