Above : James with multi-SBIS Am . Ven . Col . Ch . Mokaodc Robobull Catatumbo , ‘ Cata ,’ winning BOB at Crufts 2016 . Above right : James with multi-Group , multi-SBIS , FBDCA National Specialty BIS GCh . Haloridge ’ s Cruisin The Open Sea , ‘ Tuggy .’ Right : The record-breaking BIS , multi-SBIS , FBDCA National Specialty SBIS and Top 20 winner Am . Can . Ch . Robobull Fabelhaft Im on Fire . In 2010 ‘ Bru ’ became the first ( and only to date ) French Bulldog ever to win the Non- Sporting Group at Westminster . He was handled by Perry Payson . ed by Amy Rutherford , six different SBIS winners , and we have won the last two consecutive JCCA National Specialties with father and son . This is all on a very small scale and limited breeding .
DIR : Most people in this sport hope to achieve a modicum of success in a single breed . You have achieved worldwide fame in three breeds , and it hasn ’ t taken you a lifetime to do it . To what do you attribute this amazing success ? JD : That ’ s a good question . First of all , I have a huge passion for my dogs and the original intent of the sport . I never set out with any particular goal or record-breaking ambitions in spite of having achieved it in all three breeds . As a breeder , I breed for what is pleasing to my eye according to the breed standard as I interpret it . Believe it or not , rankings are of absolutely no importance to me at all . Anyone with a checkbook and a handler these days can “ rank ” a dog , but my pet peeve is to see “ top ” dogs of mediocre quality owned by people with no knowledge or respect for the breed they own . I am much more interested in breeding and presenting dogs that are recognized worldwide by other breeders as beautiful examples of the breed . I also believe I have a strong artistic eye for breeds that interest me , and I try hard not to be kennel blind , which I
believe has been the demise of many a successful kennel .
I also follow my instincts . For example , just a few weeks ago , I saw a short , grainy video clip of a young French Bulldog who was not bred by me but who was about two-thirds my pedigree containing all of my top dogs . His beautiful type , pedigree and health clearances combined to make him something special . After considerable effort , I did something I never dreamed I would do . I purchased him sight unseen because I believed in him so much . His name is multi-SBIS , multi-Group-winning GCh . Haloridge ’ s Cruisin The Open Sea . I exhibited ‘ Tuggy ’ for the first time last week , and at the age of 15 months , he
I never set out with any particular goal or record-breaking ambitions in spite of having achieved it in all three breeds .
was SBIS in a wonderful lineup at the French Bulldog Club of America National Specialty ! People tell me I have the “ Luck of the Irish ,” and while there may be an element of truth to that , nothing beats a good eye and knowledge of the breed standard .
DIR : Few people know your husband and longtime partner , Dr . John Turjoman . Tell us a little about him . Is he content to enjoy the dogs at home and be proud of you , or has he ever wanted to enter the show ring ? JD : John is incredibly supportive and proud of my accomplishments in the dog world but is quite happy to enjoy them simply as companions , which is what all dogs should be first and foremost . He once had to take our Winners Bitch back in the ring at an Afghan Specialty , but after having to endure the humiliation of me yelling instructions across the ring , he has no desire to do it again !
John is accomplished in his own right . Before becoming a doctor , he traveled the world for several years performing
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