Belgian Invasion

Belgian Invasion...

A Message ...

For The Newbies
We, serious old-timers, almost always welcome new additions to the dog-show-crazed bunch of dog people. In the circuit, lifetime friendships are formed (sad to say too, of course ... sometimes it's the other way around if started on the wrong foot). When reputable breeders, those who practice responsible ethical breeding sell their "show stock", they are actually building a foundation for relationships to last a lifetime, at least during the lifetime of the dogs sold. Normally, reputable breeders should pave the way and guide the newbie in showing aside from the usual dog-care among other things. That is why also, for the newbies especially those still without a dog ... if you want to show, be very honest with your intentions. Almost always, the old-timers will give you their winning stock if they see you fit. They want you to experience the joy that "they" do and wish you the best. For one, it is their breeding that you will be showing for them.
Before you even consider as to what breed, hang around at dog shows. Talk to dog-people with passion. Keep an open mind, keep the learning windows open and observe. Understand first hand the rules of the game before you start attempting to play the game. See which dogs are winning. See which handlers are with the winning dogs. Observe the different type of handlers how they bait, how they gait the dogs. If possible, talk to the judges as to why he picked a certain dog. Befriend knowledgeable dog-people. Mark your catalogs. And at the dog show, watch and observe the preparations made ... the little big things. Notice the difference between the preparation made by for example Shih Tzu people or the Cocker Spaniel fanciers from German Shepherd owners. Lots of doggie kits to pretty up and most of the time, the handlers have brushes in their pockets. With breeds like let's say Bulldogs, lots of ice. Observe.
To old-timers, newbies are easily spotted. They are with the most genuine "joy" in the clapping of hands, cheers and screams. It reminds all of us how we once where and don't we miss simple pleasures. That is why we want you in the ring with us. Your joy is our joy. Welcome to the club.

ReCOHllections RECALLED

I have long wanted a Belgian Shepherd dog. I remember corresponding with breeders abroad back in the 80's except I did not have enough money to spare to import a dog costing thousands of dollars. So, first chance I got with enough money on hand while I was in New York, I got in touch with a Belgian Sheepdog breeder I came across the AKC GAZETTE Magazine. I figured that the breeder being in the official AKC publication is a reputable one ... DUH.

The things we all read in the doggie books we get our hands on, various articles and advices given would seem more than enough to keep us on-guard. Mr. Breeder did everything by the book: the introduction, the phone interview, the meeting, the "tips & training", the bonding, the proper documentation and finally, the sale. Mr. Breeder even had guarantees and binding contracts, partial payment and full payment clauses. The first Belgian Sheepdog, Loup, I bought from Mr. Breeder but he never came to the Philippines. Mr. Breeder offered to bring me to JFK airport and since he was taking me to the airport, he would just bring Loup with him in the morning when he picks me up. The night before the flight, I called to confirm and he asked me where I was the whole day. I was at a dog show talking to other breeders. Loup was male. I needed a female. And Mr. Breeder said that he will not allow Loup to be bred to just any other female. Mr. Breeder never showed his face with Loup at my front door and the dog never made it to the Philippines. I never saw Mr. Breeder again. Needless to say, I never got my money back and it was later I found out about how reputable Mr. Breeder truly is.

At JFK the next morning, Bill Daugherty of Bel-Reve Belgians, the one I met at the dog show showed up with UZI, the first Belgian I brought in the Philippines. After a couple of months, Bill showed up in the Philippines and personally delivered two American Champion Belgian Greonendaels, one of which went BEST IN SHOW, Bel-Reve's Thunder Road.

ReCOHllections

During the APEC Summit in the Philippines, the government contracted services to ensure that security measures are to the max. Around 70 bomb detection dogs mostly Belgian Malinois and a few Dutch Shepherds were brought in by the contractor and it has been rumoured that these dogs cost over a million pesos each. The contractor of course never bothered to register these dogs with the country's recognized registry, PCCI. The government, too couldn't care less registering or even demanding for the necessary documents as long as the dogs are able to do the job. This was during President Ramos' term. Erap and Clinton have both been ousted from the presidential seats, the 70 heads of bomb detection dogs have multiplied tremendously in the hands of military and government personnel and their other associates. Other professional trainers, various protection and bomb detection dog schools have mushroomed all trying to rub elbows with those seated or have the right connections to get the same initial contracts for the supply of bomb detection dogs. There's no news about APEC Summits happening, just ABU SAYYAF's bomb threats and terrorists' spill-overs. There's lots of kidnaps for ransom especially for businessmen who could well afford to pay ransoms. They, too can well afford million-peso-malinois or Dutch Shepherds professionally trained to protect. And these dogs you see caged in their backyard suffering from some form of separation anxiety, circling in a 3 by 4 foot cages.

It is pathetic that Filipinos fall prey because of their ignorance. Others with a higher intelligent quotient on the other hand use it to their advantage. What good is an attack dog when these dogs are left at the back of the house, fed by uncaring house boys? What good are the attack dogs when there are 8 armed men in a van halting your vehicle to a stop in broad daylight? And what good is a dog when there is no master to serve?

To my dismay, I introduced the Belgian Groenendael to the Philippine show circuit at the same time that the APEC Summit was in town. Bringing in foundation stocks from the top breeders from America only to be sidetracked by the Malinois craze is one of my biggest heartaches. Here I am promoting responsible dog ownership and breeding of quality stock while the unregistered Malinois pups are selling like hot cakes. To top it off, it is not easy when your country's registry still has not decided as to what stand it will take when it comes to breeding these dogs. In America, the Malinois, the Groenendael and the Tervuren are different breeds while in Europe, they are merely varieties.

Uzi, daughter of Westminster Best of Breed Bel-Reve Pistolero, the first Groenendael I brought in has passed away. I never bred her and although, have in the passed bred Groenendaels, would probably not breed any more Belgians that I can not keep myself. It is in my mind, better for the breed to keep them in my turf.