French Bulldog"Ed Bigham"

How long have you been with the breed?
Ed: Since 1951

How did you meet with your first Frenchie and become as involved as you are today?
Ed: Through the SPCA of Los Angeles. While in search of a pet I found a “bulldog type puppy”, at a cost of $6.50 including shots. Two years later at a show in Beverly Hills, CA, I learned that she was a Frenchie. Her name was “Rusty” and she shared her love with me for 13 years.
Upon returning from the Bervely Hills Show, my interest in breeding and showing was stimulated enough that further investigation into the breed standard and requirements for showing resulted in my obtaining a registered female puppy from Laurelwood Kennels. This puppy, when old enough was mated to Ch Terrette´s Gamin, from which came “Tony” who finished with three five point majors.
Due to my assignments overseas and throughout California with a large oil company, my activities with Frenchies were limited to one or two companions until my retirement in 1975, at which time the Bali Hai Kennels was established.

What was your foundation stock?
Ed: In 1973 through Mrs. Karnes, Joel of Bali Hai was acquired and through the efforts of Angel Terrett, two black faced fawns were acquired from Sweden. On a trip to the Crufts Show in England in 1978 we discovered Ch Garngour Hurricane whom we tried to obtain. He was not available, so we decided to take two of his pups out of the Puzzlewaite line.

What bloodlines do you have?
Ed: American, Swedish, English and German. Now into the third generation, I am trying to stablish a truly sound Frenchie combining the good of all four lines.

In your personal opinion, what features make a “good French Bulldog” (the most important)?
Ed: My first impression of a Frenchie is an overall sound dog with all features in proportion, with no part of the dog (including the head) out of balance with the overall dog. The reason for the European dogs in my bloodlines is to bring strength of spirit, movement and ear carriage. I do not believe one feature can stand alone. If a “headhunter” gets only heads and bad feature otherwise then that is not a good Frenchie.

In your personal opinion, what faults are the worst to you in the French Bulldog?
Ed: My personal feelings are that (even though little is said about it in the standard) poor movement, poor ear carriage and lack of spirit are faults and are not becoming to a Frenchie. Too long in body, too high on leg and “too bully” are other points that are bothersome. We must remember in the “too bully” dogs that we are not dealing with English Bulldogs, but a bred down, manmade Frenchie. They are not Bull Dogs, as we know the English Bulldog.

In your personal opinion, how do you feel the Frenchies today compare with those in the past?
Ed: Better. Why? We have better communications among the breeders and are not afraid to use someone else´s line if we can better our own by doing so. Too much inbreeding in the past brought out all the good and all the bad. There were many excellent Frenchies in the past, however they seldom got beyond the Breed in shows. Today, we have group winners and even best in show, which means better dogs, better recognition or both.

What tips for breeding better Frenchies do you give the novice from your many years of dedication, devotion and experience?
Ed: Start off with the very best you can find, who meet the standard of the breed as nearly as possible. Don´t expect to get good from bad stock. Do not forsake quality for color. Above all, do not rush into a breeding program. Take your time, study your breed, and study what is available and go from there. At the beginning, keep your best for your future breeding program and place the pets into companion homes. As time goes by, you can begin to share your good with other breeders. Be prepared for a litter of pups, and remember, not even an experienced breeder can guarantee that a six week only puppy is “show quality”, at three months “show potential” or at six months, “possible show quality”. After six months fairly definite quality can be established.
Don´t become kennel blind. Know your bred and study the standard. And last but not least. Be prepared to care for a litter up to six months of age prior to placement into homes, if necessary.

What tips for showing Frenchies in a better manner do you give the novice exhibitor?
Ed: If you can afford it, use a handler, until you learn the “ins and outs” of showing dogs and the “dog game”. Once you learn (and this can be done through handling classes) both you and your dog can experience the ring. There is no greater joy that a win handling your own dog. Learn the patterns of showing in the ring; learn to stack your dog properly. Keep one eye on the judge, one on yourself, and one on your dog. (Three eyes!).
Always listen to and follow the judge´s direction. Train your dog who has show potential from the time he is a wee puppy. Get him used to different surroundings, i.e. Shopping centers, people. Strange noises. In others words, socialize them. Get them prepared for the unexpected. Always dress neatly and have your dog manicured to perfection, and clean.
It´s fun and remember, it´s a sport. Poor sportsmanship is a no no. Win or loose, always keep your composure, remembering there is another show and another judge, Always congratulate the winners. Also remember, your feelings go right through the lead to your dog. Your mood is his mood. If you are nervous, then so is your dog. If you are happy and confident, so is your dog, and right down the lead.

What was one of your proudest moments with the breed?
Ed: Almost all moments with the love and companionship of the Frenchies are great ones. Perhaps one of the many proud moments was the Golden Gate Show of 1979 when we had 22 Frenchies entered and most every one of the exhibitors got a small piece of the action. There was friendship and sharing in this group of oldtimers and newcomers and good sportmanship was in abundance.
In summary, I´m extremely proud to be owned by several Frenchies and to be a supporter of the breed. One last thought, “honesty” in dealing with the newcomer will net good feeling and likely, an avid supporter of the Frenchie.