Trilogy Re-Boot

Since last year, I've wanted to make this story, a series to be exact but I didn't really know how to start. Lots of things happened that impeded the development (thesis, father's death, etc.) but now I'm warming up to start everything from scratch.

I plan to re-read novels like Gregory Maguire's Wicked series, Tolkien's LOTR Trilogy and maybe throw a little ASOIAF in there. It's kind of like a fantasy-epic kind of thing. I got the idea from Gregory Maguire's Wicked. I've always been a big fan of his work and his style of writing and how he portrays the characters accompanied by how he shows (not tells) the readers about the world of Oz.

So here's the breakdown of the series, I've divided it into three parts to make it into a trilogy:

1. The Harlequin Wench
2. The Queen of Teal
3. No title yet, but it's the culmination of the story (duh)

Runner up and two more..

Max's second try in the show ring was better than I expected. Last Saturday was kind of amazing really. He was in the same group as the revered Kingfriend Mr. Wow, one of the best French Bulldog show dogs today and actually went as runner-up to him. I didn't really expect it but it was the highlight of my day. Ring 2 was also decent as he went on to compete for winners dog though he didn't win. I like what I'm seeing and maybe if I let him mature more (like let him have a vacation away from the show ring and mature physically), he'd have a better chance of getting points since most winners are matured.

As good as his outing last Saturday, I saw two problems. First was that he loses his 'swag' whenever he steps in the show ring. We need to expose him more to people and dogs alike outside our place. This is the only remedy that I can see for this. If he becomes comfortable and confident with himself in public, he'll be way better in the show ring strutting his stuff. The second is the inconsistency of my trainer/handler. Yeah, I know, he has bigger priorities, but c'mon, I pay him. If this goes on I'd have to go look for a new trainer and one of the bigs actually told me to get a new one since he has known my trainer for a while now.

And there's this weekend. FCI International Dog Show in the Mall of Asia for two days. Hopefully Max would improve a bit more since its free for all now that Mr. Wow has finished his championship. Hopefully Max's coat wouldn't look draggy or whatever. One can only hope.

Thumbs Down

Okay, so this is a rant post. Two weeks ago (I think), or was it a week ago, one of my helpers, Toto, told me that he saw thick liquid oozing out of Christmas's vagina (yes, I said vagina) which indicates that she could be in heat soon. With that said, and she didn't 'take' when I had her mated last January, I contacted the owner of the stud dog in Facebook. We chatted about Diablo 3 at first and he told me that the stud dog died because of heatstroke. He went on explaining how some construction workers working on their building had moved the fan that was meant for the dogs and didn't return it the way it was placed initially. So yeah, he said he couldn't do anything since his dog died. I asked him if they had other stud dogs and he said they might be getting a new one, so I told him I'll just use that one for the backstud agreement that we had.

I told this to one of the new acquaintances I have, a show breeder who knew him and others that were friends with this person. He was surprised when I told him of the story and said that he'd ask others who were friends with this guy if this was true. After a couple days the guy still didn't answer the questions. SO, this led to me and my mum to device a small plot. She would use her phone to call and 'inquire' about said dead stud dog's stud services and LO AND BEHOLD, the dog is still alive and the stud fee actually increased from 5 gran to 7.

Now my dilemma is whether to confront this guy or just plain out, rat him out so that his 'reputation' or whatever it is gets destroyed. I don't like his cocky and douchey vibe to begin with. I mean, if you're going to lie, make sure its fool-proof, cover every detail and keep your people in check ESPECIALLY when you have a snoopy customer such as myself.

So my next step is to use another friend, if the answer is still the same, I'll need to reach a decision soon. I'm not wasting 5 gran on a dog who missed his mark and is presumed DEAD.

From Angry Humor on Stage to the New York Times' Best Seller's List

Whenever I'm asked who makes me laugh or who would I pay to see (on stage, yes I'm talking about stand-up comedy), I'd always say Lewis Black because Carlos Mencia is an overrated patriotic (and usually unfunny) prick. Black's angry humor accompanied by witty banters from the American economy, to politics, to how his parents' marriage survived over the decades never seized to amaze me every single time I watch him on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart or whenever I catch him on TV. So When I found out he had a couple books published, I immediately researched about said books and ordered them.

The first one is Nothing's Sacred, Lewis Black's autobiography that accounts Lewis' disregard for authority, his education and past escapades and his perspectives on today's current issues and real life events. This short-read (yes, it's not that long) had me glued because of the mixture of wit and in-your-face humor that has been a trademark of Lewis Black through the years. That's why I can't wait to finish this so that I could start his other book, Me of Little Faith.

New Addition

Last Monday I finally got my third French Bulldog, Parue. The situation is kind of complicated so let me explain. The show-breeder I got it from, Mr. Paul Chiu, wasn't supposed to 'out' her (yes, a female), but he told me if I would agree to a puppy-back(1) agreement then he'd allow me to take her home which I did. This was the first time I had a deal like this but for me it's a gamble I'm willing to take since Parue is kind of old already (6 years) but according to Paul she can still carry two more litters before she retires.

Parue Closeup

I chatted with Paul, who's a show breeder and owner of a couple of champion dogs and has produced quality puppies for a couple hours last week. I didn't really know him personally but we talked about the breed and his plans of breeding, this led to Parue. He had this plan of line-breeding to a specific dog, a dog that I myself liked. This is the simple reason why I took Parue home. So we agreed to meet; I would go to his place and check out his dogs and talk and maybe strike a deal. We did.

Parue loving her new home

I find him nice to talk to. The guy is funny and knowledgeable about the breed and is witty as well. My initial experience with this breeder was pleasant unlike some other breeders that I have talked to who's either rude or just plain douchey. It's nice to be acquainted with people like him especially if you're a newbie like me. His group are nice and accomodating and are not selfish in terms of their knowledge about things related to the French Bulldog and the small community it has here in the Philippines. Hopefully we could produce this coming litter and I hope Parue and her future pups will be healthy. I guess with Paul's help things would go according to plan.

Oh, by the way, Parue is from Russia.


Here is Parue (Fiesta Iz Palevyh)'s pedigree

Pedigree of FIESTA IZ PALEVYH
FIESTA IZ PALEVYH Russia 2006	J.Ch Russia, Ch Russia, 4 BOB, BIS, BIG DALI DE LA PARURE Fawn Belgium 2004	CH NETHERLANDS CONFUCIUS DE LA PARURE Fawn Belgium	WORLD WINNER Ch. CANADA Y BELGIQUE-Amsterdam world winner,NL Toronto,C Canadian Champion Winner Championclass,CACIB,Word Winner 2002 DUTCH NATIONAL 2002 WIJCHEN,NL Best Male GENK,B Best Male and BOB AALST WIEZE, B RES-CAC/CACIB BELGIUM NATIONAL 2003 2 nd Championclass ZENITH DE LA PARURE Brindle Belgium 2000
			ZINA DE LA PARURE Fawn Belgium
		LUCE DEI MIEIOCCHI DELL'AKIRIS Brindle Italy 2002	INTER CH, ITA CH, AM CH, CAN CH ORESTE DELL'AKIRIS Brindle Italy 1997
			TIFFANY DELL'AKIRIS Brindle Italy 2001
	Ch.Rus DEZIRE DE LA PARURE Belgium	KLEINCALVIN DELL'AKIRIS Italy	INTER CH, ITA CH, AM CH, CAN CH ORESTE DELL'AKIRIS Brindle Italy 1997
			INT/IT CHVIOLET BLANCHE DELL'AKIRIS Brindle Italy 1998
		BLANCHE DE LA PARURE Pied Netherlands	LE BLANC VON DER GRIMMELSBURG Pied Germany
			GERMAINE DE LA PARURE Pied Netherlands 1978
World Pedigree DataBase French Bulldog - http://ingrus.net/frbull/en

Images from: http://ingrus.net/frbull/en/index.php

*(1) Puppy-Back. The breeder/owner of the dog will sell you the dog for a minimal price but when the dog gets pregnant, the breeder gets apuppy (male or female depends on his/her preference) of his choosing back.

The Debut

Max on his first try in the ring alone since there were no other entries in his class

MAY 12, 2012 was UnderJAW Baymax's debut in the show ring at the PCCI Activity Center in Marikina City. After ten training sessions, Max finally debuted in his first dog show although it wasn't what we expected. There were no other entries on the baby puppy class under the French Bulldog category, meaning he needed to compete in the group category (competing with other breeds like Shih Tzus, Chihuahuas and whatnot). This meant waiting a LONG time for us. I was with Lito, my sort-of older brother, Aldrin, a friend and the driver, and Coppi who was supposed to be taking pictures but was thinking of other things resulting to almost no pictures at all. 

We arrived before 1:30 in the afternoon. No parking space, almost no space to set up our stuff and was ambushed by the bigtime French Bulldog breeders who are now my acquaintances. Funny the sequences actually, I was replying to a text that my friend Meg sent me, when I turned around they were grouped around us and looking at Max. I was shocked and overwhelmed but was glad to finally meet them in person rather than just chatting with someone without a face. We continued playing the waiting game right after they left. Max needed to still walk the show ring even though he didn't have anyone to compete with. I guess its a must. That was around past 4:30 in the afternoon. Then another three hours to finally compete in the Groups. There were five dogs, Max, a Shih Tzu, a Chihuahua, a Toy Poodle and a Pekingese. The last three didn't really pose a threat, and this made me think 'hey! we might just actually win this thing!' because the only real competition in that ring was the Shih Tzu, who won. Well, it was okay since we didn't really go there to go be competitive. The goal was to introduce Max to the environment of the dog show and for him to be used to it and we succeeded. He was scared at first but being there with him, I assured that there is nothing to be scared of. And his handler/trainer Art did a great job in training/handling him. He's one heck of a trainer/handler but a bit on the weird side which is totally fine with me.

I'm actually real proud of him the second time he strutted when he competed for Groups, the boy almost won (I think). The next show is on the 26th where more entries would surely join. Keav, Wina, Coppi and another friend of Wina's might come, I'm not sure yet and a new friend, Carlo will debut his girl, so I won't be totally alone the next time. 

 Max stacked on the table. Art didn't stack Max nicely cuz he didn't have competition.

(PS. The show lead (leash) shouldn't be there!)

 I think he was checking out the female Frenchie that Art showed me. lol.

This is what Max did the ENTIRE afternoon.

 Max staring at the REALLY small chihuahua pup jumping.

 Max: "I'm bored!"

Alain: "YEAH, you and me both, bud."

After his first try in the show ring. Little boy got scared! 

Bite and Fall

This Bites

My mother was bitten by Steve, our miniature pinscher this afternoon when he got loose from his leash. Steve is very friendly but he has this thing for chickens or any feathered animals. The dog just goes berserk and he knows where my dad's game fowl are so he immediately rushed to the backyard where my mum chased him. In his flurry, he unintentionally bit my mother who was trying to restrain him, thus, a trip to the hospital.

At the hospital, we were greeted by a nice nursing staff and a douchey doctor. Normal procedure; filling up applications, Q&As and whatnot. Then I asked the doc if i can get rabies when I unintentionally got my finger slightly stabbed by her canine when i was making her take a deworming pill. I say 'stab' not 'bite' because she did not bite me nor did I have an open wound. The skin on my index finger did not break so I wasn't that much alarmed, but I still freaked for a couple days. Anyway, going back to the douchey doc, he said that even if the skin did not break, there is still a low chance of getting rabies so yeah, with my personally paranoid mind and my detailed imagination, I wanted solutions and prevention. He gave me an option of getting a series of rabies shots just in case, because they practiced prevention which is great. We went back and forth, asking and answering questions in a one on one, douche versus dick. I was annoyed, he was annoyed but hey! That's why the world is interesting! I decided to get the shots since I'm constantly handling dogs. He also told me to get a tetanus shot just in case too, which I agreed to (this bitch tetanus shot still hurts like hell while I type this).

I haven't seen my mum turn into the dragon queen for a long time until this afternoon. It was our house helper's fault for not locking the small gate to the backyard, or in a variation, he didn't put Steve back into his cage which is already appropriate because it was windy already. A learning experience for all of us, and I think Divine Intervention for my part. I didn't know rabies activates more or less 2 years after you get bit (waaay early if you get bit by a rabid dog and not get treatment). I'd be a dick saying this (though I already am), but half of me is thankful my mum got bit, because I wouldn't have the opportunity to ask that douche doctor about my case. Good thing I'm paranoid as well. Oh, and our van broke down, the starter got busted for some reason. We left it in a Caltex station in front of the hospital, hopefully it's still there tomorrow morning. (God please let it be there tomorrow morning)


The Fallout V3 


May and I got to talk via Skype on her birthday (NYC time). We had a brief truce to catch up. It was nice, I missed our conversations. But even on Skype I can feel the awkwardness between us. Knowing her, she always had a pipebomb hidden in her pockets somewhere and I was right. She told me to go out and date other people. I asked her if she was breaking up with me, she said, in a way, yes but in a way, no. We're in an open relationship and has been for years now. It's our sick cure to us missing each other. We both haven't done it for a while especially me. But she wanted space and I understand that, it's just frustrating for me because we're in that stage and age where we can take the leap, but I guess I'm wrong. She gave me a pass, and she told me that she was expecting for me to do the same which I did. We've been through this twice already, and ended up getting back together in a complicated fashion. Who knows? I guess it's about time I get out and about, meet some chikas or something. Though I know both her and Eri would scrutinize my choices because y'know, them bitches are like that.

Burger Queen

When will I see you again? Did that last smile you gave me mean goodbye? I am so going to make a cover of Jose Marie Chan's Beautiful Girl and my version won't be as crappy as Christian Bautista's.

canDid frustrations

When my father and I decided to venture into dogs and dog breeding, both of us never thought of actually joining dog shows. Just honest-to-goodness dog breeding and selling. But not the puppy-mill type since my father for more than thirty years was submerged in breeding and genetics when it came to game fowl. When he was still alive he bred for excellence, for quality. Never did he tolerate mediocre results and I guess I'm lucky to say that I'm a chip off the old block in that manner. When I decided to continue this venture into dogs, all that I thought of was the money that I would make since French Bulldogs and Yorkshire Terriers, the two breeds that I'm focusing on right now are expensive and would be a good way of earning money. I never thought of the dogs themselves at first until I got my first French Bulldog, Christmas last September. She's a sister of a Philippine Champion but she has a major fault, her tongue is sticking out. But it didn't stop me from falling in love with her and that's the time I realized that I don't really want to go into this for the money. Christmas is probably one of the sweetest dogs that I'll ever know and despite the comments of other people that I should sell her, I won't. She's part of the family now, and even if she's not going to be part of my show-breeding program, she's still as valuable as Max, my first male show-puppy or the other dogs that I will get.

That's my whole development up to this point. Now I have the budget to get two more female dogs to complete my first triumvirate that will serve as the foundation of Honeywell. Back when I didn't have money, there were so many great dogs/puppies up for sale which frustrated me so much. But I realized that I don't have to rush into things. I tried to absorb as much knowledge as I can about the breed, the local and foreign breeders, the bloodlines and whatnot. Now I've found the circle of show fanciers that I need to stick to. Good thing most of them are nice or at least willing to help out a newbie such as myself. Now I have prospects that I'm waiting to further develop. Hopefully it would turn out okay...

And then that proverbial hard place.

I've been in talks with one of the biggest kennels here in the Philippines when it comes to French Bulldogs. They have produced a lot of champion and companion dogs alike. I heard prior to this point that these people were nice and it was true. But the thing that put me off was my talks with one of them. He entertained me, but he wasn't as nice as I expected. Like that annoying professor you have in college where he keeps on asking you for an answer and you know that what you're gonna tell him is the right one but he'll twist it the other way around. This guy is nice, a lot of people like him. But he keeps on projecting this vibe both on text and on phone calls that I'm just this little ant that's not relevant. Funny how I can afford any of their dogs and yet he keeps on giving me this treatment. I love to play possum and it paid off instantly. I'm not going to go into details, what I'm trying to say is why not try to help those new people especially those who have great potential. Those new guys that has great perception and talent, people like me. I'm not trying to brag, and it's obvious I'm still below the ladder so to speak, but if it were me, entertaining someone new in your field that already has focus on something (especially if that something actually compliments your work), I'd definitely help them out in a heartbeat.

One way or the other, I'll get something from them. And I think the way to go is another route, another person. One that's formal but easy to talk and deal with. Thank goodness for business partners. Trying to fend off newbies that have great potential is a red flag for me, good thing in this situation, I'm the newbie. If it were someone else, they would've just said 'yes'. I actually analyze and think before I make a step, especially now I have mentors that are helping me out. Funny how they are in the same social group.

Oh, and another thing, smart buyers don't buy the product immediately after they've seen it the first time especially with an item that's insanely expensive. They review and analyze the product even after seeing it in person if it would be a good buy or not. It's kind of unethical for a seller who was initially poised as formal and firm into asking if you're going to buy it immediately after you've seen it. Money does not grow on trees, but it's just sad that rich ordinary people tend to forget that.

Next batch of books

I've started reading and re-reading again to help myself to become more productive in writing and film-making. I've tried writing again but I guess it just won't work until you've warmed up a bit so to speak. Trying to finally jump-start The Harlequin Wench and continue with the drafts for my next short film, I realized that I need some more help so I decided to get some books that will expand my knowledge in writing and film. I researched about books that are good reads for film and I've got a couple in mind (and in my Amazon cart).

1. Save the Cat! The Last Book on Screenwriting You'll Ever Need (Blake Snyder)

Blake Snyder is a working, selling writer himself, so that gives the reader a true inside glimpse into what it's like, what it takes, and what to expect on the long road to screenwriting stardom. Many screenwriting how-to tomes are written by guys and gals who have few or no real studio credits, so with this book you can be sure you are getting the info direct from the source of a successful member of the Hollywood elite.

2. Film Directing Shot by Shot: Visualizing from Concept to Screen (Steven D. Katz)

Film Directing Shot by Shot offers a good introduction to the rudiments of film production. Steven D. Katz walks his readers through the various stages of moviemaking, advising them at every turn to visualize the films they wish to produce. Katz believes that one of the chief tasks of filmmaking is to negotiate between our three-dimensional reality and the two-dimensionality of the screen. He covers the number of technical options filmmakers can use to create a satisfying flow of shots, a continuity that will make sense to viewers and aptly tell the film's story. Katz provides in depth coverage of production design, storyboarding, spatial connections, editing, scene staging, depth of frame, camera angles, point of view, and the various types of stable compositions and moving camera shots.

3. The Five C's of Cinematography: Motion Picture Filming Techniques (Joseph V. Mascelli)

The illustrations and printing style point quite obviously to the book's mid-60s origin. An introduction by someone who remembers what it was like to shoot film in 1908 and knew D.W. Griffith personally should tip you off immediately that this book is something special. Still, the illustrations are clear and help illustrate the text's points very well.

4. The Shut Up and Shoot Documentary Guide: A Down and Dirty DV Production (Anthony Q. Artis)

The key to Artis' style is his instant accessibility. He strives to give daunting, complicated technical and aesthetic concepts total and immediate clarity....he's as attentive to the subjective, intangible aspects of filmmaking (such as working with crews and interview subjects) as he is to the objective, technical ones....Most of this information is as applicable to fiction filmmakers as documentarians, making Artis' book a handy guide for a wide range of beginning independent directors and cameramen -American Cinematographer

reality

Funny how people realize after THREE YEARS that you're a dick. a lovable dick, but a dick nonetheless and bitch and whine about it and share to the world that they just had an epiphany.

max training bootcamp

Max started his dog show conformation training yesterday afternoon things are looking up already. The trainer liked his overall look, the way he moves and the natural swag he has while walking. Hopefully he'll be ready for the FCI all-breed dog shows this coming 26th and 27th (May). But the competition is very stiff. One word, WOW.

Summer Schedule (tentative)

April 20-22- Birthday celebrations /slash/ grad mini-party

April 24- Completion of transfer of ownership for Max and Mel

May 5- French Bulldog Breed Seminar @ Max's Restaurant, Scout Tuazon, QC (5:00pm onwards)

May 26-27- FCI All-Breed Show @ PCCI Activity Center, Marikina City (1:00pm onwards)

June 16-17 FCI All-Breed Show @ PCCI Activity Center, Marikina City (1:00pm onwards)

update

• Christmas didn't get pregnant
• Finished thesis
• Graduated and became the Undisputed Liberal Arts Champion
• Is hated and vilified because of stupid, ungrateful, spineless (and poor)(scratch that, piss-poor) roommate
• Has a new male pup, Max
• Has shot his first short in years for Youtube's Your Film Festival
• Is now eight months owner of the business and ruler of the land
• Is still not in talking terms with his wife-to-be
• Is overweight
• Has jump-started writing the epic he conceptualized 12 years ago
• Has started drafts for his next short film
• Has been wrongly accused of collecting empty soda bottles filled with piss (that was the spineless, piss-poor roommate mind you).
• That last one was funny
• Most of his girl friends wreak of female war (though he told them not to stoop down 100 levels)
• Is waiting for the two baby girls he'll be getting to groom, develop and show after Max

Winter has err, arrived.. I guess..

It is official, I now hold two bachelor's degrees, AB Mass Communication and BS Psychology. Of what use? Just to state that I have finished college (twice) and I am learned. Will I use it towards a future career? Early answer was yes but since there were events that were outside my control, the answer is no, at least for the immediate future. I am the new steward of my family. I hold the realm. Some people say it is way too early but some say that it was in a way, overdue. I have no gripes with running everything, but of course who would want their plans and goals to be derailed so prematurely especially when you were supposed to be the top pick of the litter. It is set, and new goals that need reaching has been listed and developed.

My attention besides running the business is pointed towards my dogs, my future dogs, and campaigning them in dog shows. I now have a male french bulldog pup, UnderJAW's Baymax or simply, Max. He's one hell of a character and has great potential according to a lot of people. I never expected to get a male pup but when I first saw him I immediately fell in love. He starts his training this coming Monday, hopefully we reap good results.

Filmmaking is next on the list. Me and my buddies entered Youtube's Your Film Festival. It's spearheaded by Ridley Scott and Michael Fassbender to find new talent with diverse ways of telling their own stories in their own unique way. Our entry is titled 'Grasa' or Hobo in english (I guess). It's a simple 'day in the life' sort of treatment, following a hobo in his daily rounds around the city. It stars my good friend Raffy Palma, the musical scoring was provided by another good friend, Carlo Sayo, and the direction/camera is by another good friend, Keavin Mutuc and myself. It has garnered positive feedback so far and I hope it places at least in the semis.

Besides dogs and films, the third installment is being myself, which translates to bumming around. Watching tv shows like Supernatural, Gossip Girl, Nikita, Sherlock, Game of Thrones and the like are part of my weekly rounds, that go hand in hand with surfing the internet all day and not exposing myself to the sun (this is so me 2005).

Another thing that has been occupying me is the screw job that happened in school. I am now officially hated and vilified because of my roommate and the garbage that he served to my block. Funny how someone who you cared for and protected can stab you repeatedly in the back whilst you go on and live your somewhat miserable life mourning the loss of a father. I do not know his motives, but obviously, this was the first time he became socially relevant. I don't know, and honestly I don't care. My block are sheep to begin with.

It is poetic justice that a bunch of ingrates flocked together in one snug group, oblivious of the truth. Am I a bad person? Absolutely! I don' wear a white hat, but I'm damn sure honest and truthful about myself and others. How? One word. Dick. The only redeeming quality in the public eye if you're a dick is the cold and harsh honesty you have. At least I don't claim to be a good, helpful guy. Unless I personally care about you, I would care less if you get hit by a truck or a mini van. It just pains me how I helped these people, individually, and still forget all those and believe trash and act like high school hippies. Not my loss, and at the end of the day, or maybe someday, people would realize, people at the other side of the wall would realize, that the only real thing that came was me.

In wrestling terms, I was a main-event guy* on both of the courses I took, both I was loved and hated, but at the end of the day, at least the Comm people that I've helped recognize the effort and respect I gave them while this spineless ingrate of a roommate of mine wasn't even a 'should-have-been', he was a jobber* at best, and just had the opportunity a couple weeks before everything ended. As the famous saying of the people in the Game of Thrones universe always say, "Winter is coming". For me, it has already arrived, but for others who were used to the warm summer, it surely is on its way. The only difference between me and them, is that I already know how to brave it, to survive it. Hopefully, winter doesn't take them all and prove once and for all who holds the truth.

(*-just google what these terms mean if you're not a wrestling fan)

My quest to find the first show french bulldog pup that will be the foundation of my future show-breeding has started. I thought at first it would suffice to just browse at the classifieds online and look for decent puppies that had potential. It was followed up by inquiring to the two of the best (there are a lot of 'bests' in this group) kennels but kind of fell short, I haven't had any replies yet from them. Am I an annoying window shopper? No, a window shopper yes, but a window shopper that has every intention of getting a puppy that has a chance, that is deserving to be called a Philippine Champion in the future.

Then it came to me, these guys, these dog breeders/enthusiasts has a circle. A circle that at first, was shy to come up to even in Facebook. But hey, I was running out of options. So I talked to a couple of them and sure enough, they were willing to help not only in pointing me at the right direction, but helping me in choosing the right one. They were gracious enough to share some tips about their experiences and knowledge about the breed and what they tend to look for. Sure, their tastes kind of differ a little but the gist was the same. These couple of tips is already common to experienced breeders but to a newbie like me, its gold. and I ain't selfish so here I am sharing what I found out. Posting it for others like me and of course, for myself so I won't forget.

• check for the overall outline/conformation of the puppy/dog.

• bone structure should go with the age of the puppy/dog.

• movement of the dog goes naturally if the dog has correct body structure.

• toes should not be splayed. they should be close together to show strength and balance.

• structure traits depends on the line of the dog. sometimes they develop earlier than some.

• possibly assess 3-4 mos of age before the puppy enters its awkward stage.

• make your puppy pick as early as 2 weeks, if the puppy doesn't change by 4 weeks, there's a chance that good development would ensue.

• puppy should be confident and sociable. frightened and scared puppies would be detected by the judge. socialize and train them.

• be wary of the topline, it should be roached and balanced. (no dip on the shoulders- weak forelegs.

• hindlegs should have angulation, should no be straight.

• bloodline of the dog should be solid, not having a lot of bloodlines. breeder should be very knowledgeable of the lines of his breeding stock.

• if looking for a show potential dog, better go to breeders who exhibit their dogs in shows constantly.

• most of the time, males are 'better' in terms of conformation and posing than females. females are hard to find because breeders usually keep the good ones for breeding.

• look for breedings with good combinations (good sire and dam).

I hope to add to these pointers, so I could share what they shared to me.

French Bulldog Breed Standard

General Appearance
The French Bulldog has the appearance of an active, intelligent, muscular dog of heavy bone, smooth coat, compactly built, and of medium or small structure. Expression alert, curious, and interested. Any alteration other than removal of dewclaws is considered mutilation and is a disqualification.

Proportion and Symmetry--All points are well distributed and bear good relation one to the other; no feature being in such prominence from either excess or lack of quality that the animal appears poorly proportioned.

Influence of Sex--In comparing specimens of different sex, due allowance is to be made in favor of bitches, which do not bear the characteristics of the breed to the same marked degree as do the dogs.

Size, Proportion, Substance
Weight not to exceed 28 pounds; over 28 pounds is a disqualification. Proportion--Distance from withers to ground in good relation to distance from withers to onset of tail, so that animal appears compact, well balanced and in good proportion. Substance--Muscular, heavy bone.

Head
Head large and square. Eyes dark in color, wide apart, set low down in the skull, as far from the ears as possible, round in form, of moderate size, neither sunken nor bulging. In lighter colored dogs, lighter colored eyes are acceptable. No haw and no white of the eye showing when looking forward. Ears Known as the bat ear, broad at the base, elongated, with round top, set high on the head but not too close together, and carried erect with the orifice to the front. The leather of the ear fine and soft. Other than bat ears is a disqualification. The top of the skull flat between the ears; the forehead is not flat but slightly rounded. The muzzle broad, deep and well laid back; the muscles of the cheeks well developed. The stop well defined, causing a hollow groove between the eyes with heavy wrinkles forming a soft roll over the extremely short nose; nostrils broad with a well defined line between them. Nose black. Nose other than black is a disqualification, except in the case of the lighter colored dogs, where a lighter colored nose is acceptable but not desirable. Flews black, thick and broad, hanging over the lower jaw at the sides, meeting the underlip in front and covering the teeth, which are not seen when the mouth is closed. The underjaw is deep, square, broad, undershot and well turned up.

Neck, Topline, Body
The neck is thick and well arched with loose skin at the throat. The back is a roach back with a slight fall close behind the shoulders; strong and short, broad at the shoulders and narrowing at the loins. The body is short and well rounded. The chest is broad, deep, and full; well ribbed with the belly tucked up. The tail is either straight or screwed (but not curly), short, hung low, thick root and fine tip; carried low in repose.

Forequarters
Forelegs are short, stout, straight, muscular and set wide apart. Dewclaws may be removed. Feet are moderate in size, compact and firmly set. Toes compact, well split up, with high knuckles and short stubby nails.

Hindquarters
Hind legs are strong and muscular, longer than the forelegs, so as to elevate the loins above the shoulders. Hocks well let down. Feet are moderate in size, compact and firmly set. Toes compact, well split up, with high knuckles and short stubby nails; hind feet slightly longer than forefeet.

Coat
Coat is moderately fine, brilliant, short and smooth. Skin is soft and loose, especially at the head and shoulders, forming wrinkles.

Color
Acceptable colors - All brindle, fawn, white, brindle and white, and any color except those which constitute disqualification. All colors are acceptable with the exception of solid black, mouse, liver, black and tan, black and white, and white with black, which are disqualifications. Black means black without a trace of brindle.

Gait
Correct gait is double tracking with reach and drive; the action is unrestrained, free and vigorous.

Temperament
Well behaved, adaptable, and comfortable companions with an affectionate nature and even disposition; generally active, alert, and playful, but not unduly boisterous.

Disqualifications
Any alteration other than removal of dewclaws.
Over 28 pounds in weight.
Other than bat ears.
Nose other than black, except in the case of lighter colored dogs, where a lighter colored nose is acceptable.
Solid black, mouse, liver, black and tan, black and white, and white with black. Black means black without a trace of brindle.

Approved June 10, 1991
Effective July 31, 1991

2012

No, not the end of the world dickbags (though it is turning out to be hell year). Thesis.. Palanca.. The next NaNoWriMo.. making films AND goin' to film school.. and my official venture into dog breeding/showing.

Thesis is just hell. No explanations there. Me and a couple others are gonna try and join the Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards this year. My short story entry, Lazarus, is kind of looking okay. But okay won't cut it. I need to work on it late-feb and march. Filmmaking and Film School.. Ah, one of my great loves. I'll finally get a decent camera (Canon EOS 550D) this coming month so I can finally do these suckers the right way. "Sa Piling ni Kaye", "Lupang Pinaglakhan", and "Doble-Kara" will be in full motion once I graduate (or not). And lastly, my dog Christmas is finally pregnant (i think, hope she is). And once I get my erm, inheritance money (i love you pop), I'll be getting another French Bulldog, a good (and expensive) one that I'll be campaigning in shows until she (yes, I'll be getting a girl) becomes Philippine Champion. Once that happens, I'll breed her to another Phil.Champ (or higher) to get back my expenses and of course get a pup out of that monster combo.

That's the plan (at least for now) this year. Hope I can endure everything. Prelude is in 'indefinite hiatus'.