Barbet Breeders Talk About Their Breed and the Sport
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Ellen Rich
Ethelred Barbet
I have been showing dogs for over 40 years. My mom and I bred Old English Sheepdogs. Later, I became involved with Bichon Frise while still in the Miscellaneous Class and continued with them once they became members of the Non-Sporting group. While living in New York I judged several all breed AKC-sanctioned Match shows. I had been showing Bulldogs for 20 years when I read an article in the Wall Street Journal about Barbet and knew it was the perfect breed for me! It is an honor and pleasure to be a part of the Barbet community.
Where do you live? What do you do “outside” of dogs?
Outside of dogs I am a retired Special Education teacher and spend a lot of time transporting rescue dogs in Florida. I am currently a docent at the Ringling Museum giving small group tours at John and Mable Ringling’s winter mansion in Sarasota, Florida.
How has the breed’s recent AKC recognition affected you?
The fact that Barbet are now in the Sporting group is fabulous and has piqued the interest of many dog fanciers. But, the downside to that, in my opinion, is that many people want to jump on the Barbet bandwagon. It makes me even more discerning when placing a pup.
What special challenges do breeders face in our current economic and social climate?
I feel very little pressure regarding the economic climate. Regarding social climate, it is still a battle with the #adoptdontshop mantra. I will never ship a pup, so if a potential owner does not respect that, I find it unnecessary to work with them.
What definite signs of show-worthiness are you looking for in your puppies?
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Short URL: http://caninechronicle.com/?p=193063
Posted by AnthonyA
on Dec 16 2020. Filed under Current Articles, Featured.
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