Fri, 01/09/2026 - 1:16pm
Lead Me…Show Me
2025 Bulldog Club of America National Specialty, Columbia, MO
By
Elizabeth Hugo Milam, Photos by Audrey Muhlenkamp, Sandra Martinez, Michelle Peres, Elizabeth Link Newcomb Performance coverage by Bea Page Juniors coverage by Winn Ryman
Our collective favorite time of year as Bulldoggers is, without question, National Specialty week. In our case, this is a full week of celebration—rich with opportunities for education, fellowship, competition, and, most importantly, a heartfelt celebration of our beloved Bulldogs.
Bulldog enthusiasts from around the world descended upon the Wyndham Executive Center in Columbia, Missouri, with visitors traveling from Canada, Mexico, England, Ireland, and Japan. It proved to be an outstanding location for a National Specialty. The hotel was ideal, offering friendly and accommodating staff and a conveniently connected event center that provided ample space for the show rings and special attractions. A complimentary breakfast buffet was available most mornings, adding to the overall hospitality. Hospitality was thoughtfully coordinated by Jennifer Vires, who worked closely with the hotel in selecting and overseeing all food provided throughout the weeklong event, ensuring a consistently welcoming experience for exhibitors and guests. Show Superintendent Richard Seeno—himself a dedicated Bulldogger—kept a watchful and steady eye on the week’s events. Complete National Week results may be found on the Picalo website.
Show Chair Stacey Gann-Trentham ran a truly well-organized and efficient event, assisted by Jim Hale. Stacey was supported by an exceptional team, including her husband, Austin Trentham, along with her parents, John and Nancy Gann. Austin served as the perfect show announcer and auctioneer, keeping events running smoothly and engagingly. The talented Show Committee included Donna Wattenbarger, Performance Trial Chair; Michelle Peres; Jennifer and Lynlee Vires; Karen Zimny; Evelyn Hotze; Brian and Dawn Heidlemeier; and the Knight family—Ryan, Helen, Skylar, and Gage—whose combined efforts helped make the week a resounding success.
Throughout National Specialty Week, the event was captured by a talented group of photographers who are themselves devoted Bulldoggers. Audrey Muhlenkamp, Sandra Martinez, and Michelle Peres preserved the spirit and accomplishments of the week.
National Week began with what has come to be known as the “Pre-Show” on Sunday—a full and energetic start to a very long and exciting week. The host club for this event was BCA Division 6. Attendees were greeted by the Welcome Committee, led by Georgia Ragland, who warmly welcomed exhibitors and guests with friendly smiles and delightfully fun logo “goody bags” that set the tone for the week ahead.
Judging assignments were as follows: Mrs. Pauline DeVito of Orwigsburg, Pennsylvania, judged the Regular Dog Classes; Mr. Dean Dickey of Lone Jack, Missouri, judged the Regular Bitch Classes; and Mrs. Jan Lewis of Waverly, Tennessee, presided over the Intersex, Veterans, and Non-Regular classes.
The main winners were:
Best of Breed: GCHP. Bristol’s The Devil Wears Prada
Joan Johnson & John Barry; Jay Serion, Handler
Best of Winners (WD & BP): BKB Oro Bolanos
Hector Bolanos, Damian Bolanos & Ricardo Blanco Vasquez; Handled by Ricardo Blanco
Best of Opposite Sex: GCH. Cherokee Legend Jacib’s Where’s Waldo
Christine Trotter, Cody Sickle & Brianna Adams; Handled by Brianna Adams
Select Dog: GCH. “Toledo By A & J” “Irish Boy” (aka Tommy Shelby)
Alberto Toledo & Abraham Toledo
Select Bitch: CH. Cascade’s Jolene
Gail & Edward Harris
Winner’s Bitch: Matilda (Mata/Peirano/Sanchis)
Mata, Peirano & Sanchis; Pedro Hernandez; Marco Antonio Pindter Flores, Handler
Reserve Winner’s Dog: Majestic Jelly Roll
Shalisa Neely
Reserve Winner’s Bitch: Poplarhill Northern Sky
Sandra Renfro
Sunday evening concluded with two popular offerings: the Bulldog 101 educational seminar, focusing on breed history and the standard, and the always-valuable “Rent-A-Ring” practice session for Performance exhibitors. Additional details on these events, along with complete Performance results, appear later in this article.
Monday marked the official beginning of National Week with the launch of the Performance Events and the BCA Sweepstakes. Sweepstakes judging was shared by Dr. Jaime Vasquez of Dallas, Texas, who judged Dogs and Intersex classes, and Mrs. Shirley Slaterpryce of Uniontown, Ohio, who judged the Bitch classes.
Class Winners included:
6–9 Month Dogs:
BKB Oro Bolanos
Breeders: Hector A. Bolanos & Damian Bolanos
Owners: Hector A. Bolanos, Damian Bolanos & Ricardo Blanco
9–12 Month Dogs:
Cherokee Legend Jacib’s Junior
Breeders: Cody Sickle, Christine Trotter & Connie Chambers
Owners: Christine Trotter, Cody Sickle & Brianna Adams
12–18 Month Dogs:
Vigilante “We Are Venom”
Breeders/Owners: Charles Cody Mason, Charles Orion Mason & Hawke Mason
Agent: Ricardo Blanco Vazquez
6–9 Month Bitches:
Delenclos Miracle Juliet
Breeders: Christine Pelzer, Debra Dixon & Lewis Dixon
Owners: Christine Pelzer & Linda Fiordiliso
9–12 Month Bitches:
Dog Gone’s Sweet N’ Sassy
Breeder/Owner: Rachel Garde
12–18 Month Bitches:
Red Dog’s Squishmallow
Breeder: Michelle Rodriguez
Owners: Michelle & Alex Rodriguez
18–24 Month Bitches:
B-Loved Nothing But Trouble
Breeder/Owner: Betsy Love
After thoughtful deliberation, Dr. Vasquez awarded Best in Sweepstakes to the 6–9 month puppy dog BKB Oro Bolanos. Best of Opposite Sex in Sweepstakes was awarded to the 18–24 month bitch B-Loved Nothing But Trouble.
Monday evening featured a trio of highly anticipated events: the Bulldog Talent Show, the Platinum Party honoring Platinum Sponsors, and the BCA Gallery of Winners portrait reveal. This special presentation introduced the newly unveiled Gallery portraits of the previous year’s BCA National Best of Breed and Best of Opposite Sex winners. Tonya Downs’ GCHS. Empire’s Peacemaker At Prisonbreak was celebrated as Best of Breed. The Best of Opposite Sex winner, GCHP. Bish She’s A Brick House (owned by Anna Dolegiewicz and Telanna Stewart), was a repeat winner, and her portrait was displayed alongside the Best of Breed for this presentation.
The BCA Gallery of Winners is a truly unique and cherished feature of the Club and an integral part of the Hall of Fame. Each year, the Gallery—either in whole or in part—travels to the National Specialty, accompanied by Hall of Fame plaques honoring Stud Dogs, Brood Bitches, Breeders, Performance Dogs, Rescue contributors, and significant historical trophies. The Hall of Fame is carefully managed and curated by Carla Ehntholt and the members of the Hall of Fame Committee. This is a substantial undertaking, and the Club extends sincere thanks to all involved for their dedication, time, and expertise.
Tuesday morning dawned early and brought the start of Regular Class judging. Class Dogs were judged by Ms. Brenda Newcomb of Palm Springs, California, while Class Bitches were judged by Mr. Fred Haynes. Originally from Manchester, England, Mr. Haynes now resides in Newtown, Connecticut.
Winner’s Dog, from the Bred-By-Exhibitor class, was awarded to Over The Top’s Great Eagle of Guidance (Renee & Charlene Comeau), a Canadian-bred entry. Reserve Winner’s Dog—also from the Bred-By-Exhibitor class and earning a three-point major—went to B-Loved Smooth Operator (Betsy Love).
Winner’s Bitch, who would go on to claim Best of Winners and Best Bred-By-Exhibitor, was B-Loved Nothing But Trouble (Betsy Love), previously Best of Opposite Sex in Sweepstakes. Reserve Winner’s Bitch, also earning a three-point major, was another Canadian entry from the Open class, Pelee’s Big Adventure With Ogimaa (Stephanie Kilworth, Loc Trinh & Melissa Lamb).
Tuesday also featured a full slate of educational and social activities, including the BCA Judges Education Seminar and hands-on workshop presented by Betsy Love; CGC and Trick Dog preparation along with other Performance Central activities; a repeat presentation of the popular Bulldog 101 seminar; and the Lucy Pet Food–sponsored Welcome Party.
Intersex judging was presided over by Dr. John Gann of Marshall, Missouri, marking his second BCA National assignment in this role. From an impressive entry of Champions, Dr. Gann made the following selections:
Best of Breed:
GCHB. Karma’s Moonshadow
Breeders: Wendell & Pat Tinsley and Elizabeth Karshner
Owners: Tammy Evans; Wendell & Pat Tinsley; Eric Evans
Also awarded AKC NOHS Best of Breed
Best of Winners:
B-Loved Nothing But Trouble
Breeder/Owner: Betsy Love
Best of Opposite Sex:
GCH. Cherokee Legend Jacib’s Frank Butler
Breeders: Cody T. Sickle, Christine Trotter & Connie Chambers
Owners: Cody T. Sickle, Christine Trotter & Brianna Adams
Select Dog:
GCHS. Agape’s Dead Ringer (For Love) Spears
Breeders: Alecia Wagner & Charles Spears
Owners: Alecia Wagner, John Ferrero & Charles T. Spears
Select Bitch:
GCHP. Bish She’s A Brick House
Breeders: Anna Dolegiewicz & Kathy McCullough
Owners: Anna Dolegiewicz & Telanna Stewart
Agent: Eduardo Paris
Awards of Merit:
GCHB. Brumar’s Making Ole Memories Come Alive
Breeders: Sandra Martinez, Pat Buchanan & Louise Deschenes
Owners: Sandra Martinez & Betty Buelteman
GCHB. Hermy’s Great Balls of Fire
Breeder: Christine Hermiller
Owners: Christine Hermiller & Julie Roof
GCHB. MBK-A & J Sunshine (Doky)
Breeders: Victor Montes & Abraham Silva Sr.
Owners: Abraham Silva Sr., Jazmin Romero & Dulce Castro
Agent: Ivan Garza
GCHS. Bleu Javary Winter Solstice Livingston
Breeder/Owner: Robin Bodtmann
Owner: Kenneth Andrews
Agent: Dennis O’Connor
GCHS. Camelot’s Angelika of Open Skyes
Breeders/Owners: Adrian & Michelle Quesada
Best Puppy:
BKB Oro Bolanos
BKB Oro Bolanos
Hector Bolanos, Damian Bolanos & Ricardo Blanco Vasquez; Handled by Ricardo Blanco
Stud Dog:
GCHS. Wade Manor True Man O’My Heart
Breeders: Judy Wade, Eileen O’Rourke Halverson & Celia Fuller
Owner: Judy Wade
Brood Bitch:
GCHB. Dog Gone’s Living on a Prayer
Breeder: Rachel Garde
Owner: Christine Hermiller
Veteran Dog:
GCHG. Big Thompsons Samurai
Breeders: Karla & John Thompson and Matt Hawley
Owners: Karla & John Thompson & Sachie Kelly
Veteran Bitch:
GCHG. Hales Angels Katherine the Great Katie
Breeders/Owners: Jim Hale & Sue Landreville
BCA Brace:
Dog Gone’s A Penny for Your Thoughts / Ch. Dog Gone’s One for the Money
Breeder/Owner: Rachel Garde
Junior Showmanship was judged by Ms. Brenda Newcomb.
Best Junior Handler: Zoe Brewer
Reserve Best Junior Handler: Aubrey Pritchard
Wednesday evening featured the Great Ball of Sires Party, which offered breeders an outstanding opportunity to view a diverse group of dogs and engage in in-depth conversations with their owners. Delicious food and drinks added to the enjoyment of this innovative event. A beautiful catalog featuring photos, pedigrees, and biographies of the participating dogs was created by Michelle Peres. Assistance with hosting and executing the event was provided by Jennifer Vires, Stacey and Austin Trentham, all of whom helped make the evening a success.
Thursday brought everyone back to the show rings for the BCA Division 6 Specialty. Judges were Mrs. Mary Brunk of Fort Myers, Florida, for Dogs; Mr. Marcel Daignault of Williamsport, Tennessee, for Bitches; and Link Newcomb of Santa Ana, California, for Intersex, Veterans, Non-Regular Classes, and Junior Showmanship.
Results were as follows:
· Best of Breed: GCHB. Brumar’s Making Ole Memories Come Alive
· Best of Winners (WB): Jolibull There You Go
· Best of Opposite Sex: GCHP. Bristol’s The Devil Wears Prada
· Select Dog: GCH. ATP Wmson’s Rock Hudson
· Select Bitch: GCH. Dog Gone’s Sweet Revenge
· Winners Dog: Primecut Always A Gentleman
· Reserve Winners Dog (3 pts): Majestic Jelly Roll
· Reserve Winners Bitch & Best Puppy (3 pts): ATP Wmson’s Bobbi Brown
· Best Bred-By-Exhibitor: LT Singing in the Rain
· Best Junior Handler: Aubrey Pritchard
· Reserve Best Junior Handler: Zoe Brewer
The hotel hosted a lovely Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday evening, followed by a fun game of bingo that provided a relaxed close to the day.
Friday’s show was the Bulldog Club of Greater St. Louis Specialty (BCGSL). Judges were Link Newcomb for Dogs; Mr. Michael Brunk for Bitches and Junior Showmanship; and Mr. Marcel Daignault for Intersex, Veterans, and Non-Regular Classes.
Results were as follows:
· Best of Breed: GCHB. Hermy’s Great Balls of Fire
· Best of Winners (WD & Best Puppy): Topbrass Nothin’ Tougher Than a Mother Trucker
· Best of Opposite Sex: GCHP. Ch. Bristol’s The Devil Wears Prada
· Select Dog: GCHB. Brumar’s Making Ole Memories Come Alive
· Select Bitch: GCHB. Slaterpryce’s Total Eclipse of the Heart
· Winners Bitch & Best Bred-By-Exhibitor: Whitehills Sunny Delight
· Reserve Winners Dog (3 pts): B-Loved Nothing But a Good Time
· Reserve Winners Bitch (3 pts): Frankly La 701 (Vanegas)
· Best Junior Handler: Zoe Brewer
· Reserve Best Junior Handler: Aubrey Pritchard
The Annual Awards Banquet was held Friday evening and served as a celebratory highlight of National Week. A wide variety of awards were presented, along with thoughtful comments from the judges, and the highly anticipated reveal of the 2026 BCA National Specialty site, judges, and official logo.
Hall of Fame inductions were a significant focus of the evening. Two Hall of Fame Sires and eleven Hall of Fame Brood Bitches were honored, including one brood bitch who achieved the remarkable Plateau distinction for eight Champion get. In addition, Hall of Fame Breeder honors were bestowed upon one breeder achieving 50 Champions, five breeders achieving 25 Champions, and eleven breeders achieving 10 Champions.
The prestigious AKC Outstanding Sportsman Award was presented to Karen Zimny, recognizing her dedication, sportsmanship, and service to the Bulldog fancy.
One of the evening’s important recognitions was the announcement of the Ambassadors for Health. Diamond and Platinum Ambassadors are honored annually at the Awards Banquet, with six Diamond and seven Platinum dogs earning this distinction in 2025.
The BCACF Russ Thomas Health Award was retroactively awarded to the 2016 Best of Opposite Sex winner and Platinum Health Ambassador, GCH. Royal Crown’s Strick-Ly Texas Queen.
A full slate of Performance Awards was also presented, including honors for Agility, Rally, and Scent Work, as well as Versatility Awards and the Best All-Around Bulldog.
New for 2025 was the introduction of the BCA Charitable Fund Scholarship, awarded to a Junior Handler who meets established eligibility requirements. This year’s recipient was Zoe Brewer. The scholarship was generously donated by Michael and Michelle Peres in loving memory of their daughter, Alle.
The evening also featured a lively silent auction, expertly led by Austin Trentham, showcasing a lovely array of Bulldog-themed items that were enthusiastically bid upon.
Saturday marked the final day of National Week with the Heart of America Bulldog Club Specialty. Judges were Mr. Marcel Daignault for Dogs; Ward McAfee of Weatherford, Texas, for Bitches; and Mrs. Mary Brunk for Intersex, Veterans, Non-Regular Classes, and Junior Showmanship.
Results were as follows:
· Best of Breed: GCHB. Brumar’s Making Ole Memories Come Alive
· Best of Winners (WD & Best Bred-By-Exhibitor): B-Loved Nothing But a Good Time
· Best of Opposite Sex (from Veterans): GCHG. Hales Angels Katherine the Great Katie
· Select Dog: GCH. Royal Crown’s Rolls Royce
· Select Bitch: GCHP. Vista and Wade Manor Hazel Says Hello
· Winners Bitch: LT Singing in the Rain
· Reserve Winners Dog (3 pts): LT Theodore a Bull
· Reserve Winners Bitch (3 pts): Dog Gone N Boxcar’s American Beauty
· Best Puppy: JNJ Brandy You’re a Fine Gurl
· Best Junior Handler: Annabelle Walters
· Reserve Best Junior Handler: Zoe Brewer
Juniors and Performance: The Heart of Our Future
An essential and inspiring component of this year’s Bulldog Club of America National Specialty was the thoughtful focus placed on our Juniors and Performance programs—two areas that continue to grow in importance and enthusiasm within our Club.
Under the leadership of Winn Ryman, innovative ideas flourished throughout the week. From expanded Junior activities to the continued success of the Sire Showcase concept, these initiatives reinforced an important truth: our Juniors are not just participants—they are Bulldoggers, and they are the future of the BCA.
At the National Specialty in Columbia, Missouri, Juniors were recognized not only for their accomplishments in the show ring, but also for the meaningful contributions they make to our sport. In addition to competition, a variety of activities were created specifically for them, encouraging camaraderie, confidence, and friendships that will last well beyond National Week.
The week began with an unforgettable highlight: Welcome Junior Swag Bags, spearheaded by Zoe Brewer, who successfully secured more than $600 worth of donated products for each participating Junior. These impressive bags quickly became the envy of many Senior Bulldoggers and set the tone for a week focused on inclusion and appreciation.
While adult members attended the Big Reveal cocktail party, Juniors continued a cherished tradition with a night at the movies, enjoying Wicked 2 together. On Tuesday evening, during the Lucy Pet Food–sponsored party, Juniors were introduced to the crowd and divided into teams amid enthusiastic cheers. With excitement running high, they opened the first clue of the Amazing Bulldog Race. For the next hour, teams raced throughout the show site, completing challenges to earn subsequent clues, culminating in the hospitality room where they enjoyed treats together while watching Best in Show.
Additional social events throughout the week included a Pizza and Pool Party, as well as designated Juniors Tables at the Thanksgiving Buffet & Bingo and the Annual Awards Banquet—ensuring our young Bulldoggers felt welcomed, valued, and celebrated at every turn.
Sincere thanks go to the parents and many volunteers who helped make these activities possible. The success of this year’s Junior program provides an exciting foundation for the future, and ideas and suggestions are always welcome. The goal remains clear: to keep our Juniors just as excited about the National Specialty as the rest of our membership.
Performance Events at the National Specialty
By Bea Page, on behalf of the BCA Performance Committee
The Performance aspect of the 2025 BCA National Specialty was exceptional! It was jam-packed with events, activities, contests, educational opportunities, entertainment, and an overall welcoming aura of positivity, fun, enthusiasm and camaraderie – making for a most special Specialty.
Performance Central – where all things Performance-related were headquartered – was abuzz all week long! Heartfelt thanks go out to Donna Wattenbarger who served as Secretary for Performance events and who worked diligently to make sure all was covered and went well, to include securing adequate space at the show site for Performance Central to operate. BCA Performance Committee members April Paulman, Audrey Muhlenkamp, Cindy Madill and Bea Page, along with assistance from Kelly Rosson and DeAnn Mobley, were kept hopping with the steady flow of participation.
Sunday evening was the kickoff with Rent-a-Ring, where folks who were entered in Obedience and Rally could get some practice and tips for the next day’s trials. This was a great way to acclimate dogs and handlers in advance to the ring environment in which they would be judged.
The Obedience trial got underway bright and early at 8 o’clock on Monday morning, followed by the Rally trial. Our judge for both was Jeanne L. Ramirez, DVM. Counts for Obedience were: 1 in Novice A, 1 in Beginner Novice A, and 2 in Beginner Novice B (with 1 absent). The sole qualifying team was from the Beginner Novice B class: CH. Risinmoon’s Full Monty owned by Jim & Donna Wartenbarger and handled by Donna earned First Place. Because there was not a qualifier in the regular classes, we did not have an Obedience High in Trial winner this year.
Rally counts and placements were:
Novice A (4 entries/3 qualifiers)
First Place: Gunslinger Hell’ On Wheels ATT FITS owned by Laura Anninos (handler) & Susan Rohringer.
Second Place: CH. LP’s Dog Of Steel CGC owned & handled by Jennifer Vires.
Third Place: Hotze’s Holly Houdini AXP AJP OFP CGC TKN owned by Evelyn Hotze (handler) & Eric Hotze.
Novice B (8 entries/1 absent/7 qualifiers)
First Place: CH. Risinmoon’s Full Monty owned by Jim Warthenbarger & Donna Wartenbarger (handler)
Second Place: Risinmoon’s Seven Nights in Ireland owned by Jim Warthenbarger & Donna Wartenbarger (handler)
Third Place: Seabee’s True Man’s Copper Turbo 911 owned by Elizabeth Burke (handler) & Cathey Martin & Dewayne Martin & Zach Martin
Fourth Place: Seabee’s There’s No Place Like Home owned by Patricia Ropp (handler) and Cathey & Dewayne Martin
Intermediate (2 entries/2 qualifiers)
First Place: Georgia Grace II BN RN FDC CA FCAT4 THD RATN CGCA CGCU TKA ATT FITG owned & handled by Kelly Rosson
Second Place: Iroc Seargeant Reckless RN OAP NJP NFP DCAT SWM SHDA CGCA TKA ATT owned & handled by April Paulman
Advanced B (2 entries/1 qualifier)
First Place: RACH Showbiz Ampirion Bright Lights Whatever Lola Wants CD PCD BN RM3 RAE3 owned by Anne Hier (handler) & Joan Fisher & Kara Gordon
Excellent A (1 entry/1 qualifier)
First Place: Guppy RA MXP MJP2 MJPB OFP SWEE SWM SCME SEME SHDME CGC TKP owned & handled by Amy Cunningham
Excellent B (1 entry/1qualifier)
First Place: RACH Showbiz Ampirion Bright Lights Whatever Lola Wants CD PCD BN RM3 RAE3 owned by Anne Hier (handler) & Joan Fisher & Kara Gordon
Master: (2 entries/2 qualifiers)
First place: RACH Showbiz Ampirion Bright Lights Whatever Lola Wants CD PCD BN RM3 RAE3 owned by Anne Hier (handler) & Joan Fisher & Kara Gordon
Second Place: GCH. Chelsea’s Oh Danny Boy BN RE CD CGC TKI owned & handled by Patricia Ropp
Both the High Combined & High Trible Q awards went to RACH Showbiz Ampirion Bright Lights Whatever Lola Wants CD PCD BN RM3 RAE3 owned by Anne Hier (handler) & Joan Fisher & Kara Gordon.
On Monday evening, the “Bulldogs Got Talent” show took place and drew a large crowd of spectators who were treated to some excellent entertainment. Thank you to Lisa Leatherman, Larry Leatherman & Betsy Leugers for judging the seven acts that ranged in complexity and length. There were dogs that did a single trick: one looked at himself in a mirror on cue; another was an escape artist who got out of her crate all by herself. One showed off her scent discrimination ability, and another demonstrated advanced obedience skills. Then there was the supermodel who strutted her stuff on the runway in a series of gorgeous costumes. There was a skit about a police pup carrying out law enforcement duties and there was an educational sketch about enrichment for raising puppies. All were truly appreciated and immensely enjoyed as evidenced by abundant applause, cheers and laughter from the audience.
On Tuesday, our Canine Good Citizen (CGC) & Trick Dog Evaluators provided folks with preparation for testing. Coaching, walk-thru’s and having lots of props on hand were conducive to success when participants presented for evaluations later in the week. Tutoring and opportunities to “try it” were also furnished as introductory education about numerous sports: agility, obedience, rally, scent work, parkour, fast cat & conformation. The goal was to encourage folks to branch out and get involved in pursuits beyond what they were already doing.
On Wednesday morning, back-to-back AKC Temperament Tests were held. This was the second year that BCA has included ATT’s at its National. Many thanks to Laura Anninos for handling the entries, paperwork and check-in/checkout table. For Test 1, evaluated by April Paulman, there with 12 entries with 10 that passed. The cavaletti ladder proved to be quite challenging for many! For Test 2, evaluated by Bea Page, there were 10 entries (the same 10 that passed Test 1), and all passed. To title, dogs must pass two tests, each under a different evaluator. We are so very pleased that our testing this year yielded 10 new titles!
All day Thursday and Friday morning were spent administering all levels of CGC & trick dog evaluations. We set a BCA National Specialty record this year with the number of tests taken and passed! The total was 49: CGC=13, CGCA = 8, CGCU = 8, TKN = 13, TKI = 5 and TKP = 2.
Performance achievements were recognized Friday evening at the Annual Awards Banquet in three major categories:
Performance Hall of Fame:
Six Bulldogs were inducted and/or received Plateau awards for excellence in Agility, Rally, and Scent Work.
Versatility Awards:
Five Bulldogs earned the top-tier Diamond Versatility Award, recognizing exceptional achievement across multiple disciplines.
Best Overall Bulldog Competition – a contest sponsored by the Performance Committee. Points are awarded for existing titles and for participating in shows, trials, tests & Performance Central activities. Additional points are awarded for passing tests and placing in events. The objective of the contest is to incentivize entries in all the events & activities available during the week. The winner and placers were announced and presented with lovely prizes:
1. Donna Wattenbarger & Monty
2. Elizabeth Burke & Cheeto
3. Evie Cunningham & Maui
4. Jennifer Vires & Kal
The Performance Committee was happy to be asked to come up with something for Juniors to do at Performance Central as part of the Amazing Race activity that Winn Ryman organized for Juniors. The assignment we gave them was based on shaping behaviors and they did really well! We would also like to express how delighted we were that Juniors Evelyn Cunningham and Lilian Jorgensen not only showed in Conformation but also took part in in the Performance events and activities.
Throughout the week, we repeatedly heard exclaimed, “The future of the breed and the BCA rest with our Juniors and Performance.” Deep appreciation to all who participated and warm congratulations for all successes. We are stoked that Performance has been embraced by the BCA and that our committee was able to make a vital contribution to the mission and enjoyment of our BCA National Specialty.
Looking Ahead
It was a long, exciting, and memorable week celebrating Bulldogs, dedication, and community. As we close the chapter on this outstanding National Specialty, we are already looking forward to East Peoria, Illinois, where the 2026 BCA National Specialty will be held October 25–31. Show Chair Shirley Slaterpryce and the Division 2 Committee are promising a fabulous event—and we can’t wait to gather once again.
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Fri, 01/09/2026 - 1:16pm