Are you a member of the Bulldog Club of America?

[paw70041]

I joined shortly the BCA after getting Tebow. It was agreed with the breeder that I would show him in conformation. I learned a lot from the club website. But I had other plans too. Both of us needed something other than going on walks! He got his Grand Championship in conformation and we're working on Rally. He has 2 Qualifications right now and needs one more for Rally Novice. He didn't care too much for Fast CAT, preferring to stop along the way and eat grass. We've only done practice runs so it takes some training to check the "enthusiasm" level. We'll keep working on that because when this boy wants to move, he can haul butt. We've tried Barn Hunt and in practice, he has found the quarry. There is so much that bulldogs can do! They don't have to be 'potatoes'. Another reason for joining was to learn more about the breed and support the efforts in educating others. I have enjoyed reading the quarterly Bulldogger magazine. Filled with ads of bulldogs, people promoting their champions (and just plain being proud of their accomplishments), lists of upcoming shows in difference localities, the Division clubs report on their work, a list of dogs that have received conformation titles, performance titles like Rally, Obedience, Agility, etc. and ATT and CGC awards. Then there are the reports from the 'headquarters'. There's a lot going on with our breed and other brachycephalic breeds in certain legislations. Sometimes there are listings of the BCA Rescue Network of dogs available. Health issues may be discussed. Even if we didn't get involved in all of the different areas, I learn a little bit more with each issue. The website has much more information in Health tab, like finding an EB vet in your area, health research being conducted, what test are recommended before we think about breeding and what to ask a breeder about their health testing! That's a goal, right? To make sure the parents are in good health with tracheas, patellas, elbows and DNA tests. There is a Legislative section on what policies or legislation that is being proposed or has been enacted that affects our dogs and any other breeds. Under the "About Bulldogs" tab, a monthly newsletter is now published touching on specific subjects of interest.

If you'd like to know more about the National club, the website is bulldogclubofamerica.org.