For the love of furry friends 'n' squishy faces
Bulldogs strut their stuff at local Puppy Match
BY MARY ANNE ROSS Correspondent
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, especially when it comes to bulldogs.

SCOTT FRIEDMAN Abby Goldstein, 2, of East Brunswick, comes face to face with Bowser during the Bulldog Club of New Jersey's Puppy Match, held Sunday at the Middlesex County 4-H center on Cranbury Road.

To some, those massive jowls, jutting teeth and pushed-in faces might inspire fear, but to more than 100 people who attended the Bulldog Club of New Jersey's show on Sunday, it was all about love. Puppy love.

This show, held at the Middlesex County 4-H Center on Cranbury Road in East Brunswick and officially called a Puppy Match and Futurity, was just for puppies - from little ones that could be carried three in one arm, to 12-month-olds weighing over 50 pounds.

"It's really a chance to socialize the dogs and get them used to being in the ring," said breeder and club member Ken Dudley, of Kendee Bulldogs in Hunterdon County. "It's also a chance for breeders to get feedback about their latest litters or showcase an up-and-coming champion."

To the untrained eye, Placido (named after the famous tenor) looked like most of the other bulldogs in his 9-month-old age group. But his owner and breeder, Julian Prager, of Resolute Kennels, Zionsville, Pa., thinks he's really got what it takes.

SCOTT FRIEDMAN Dennis Van Etten, of Delran, takes a look at contenders while serving as a judge at the Bulldog Club of New Jersey's Puppy Match Sunday. The event was held at the Middlesex County 4-H center on Cranbury Road.

"See how broad his head is and how thick his legs are," he says proudly. Prager should know. He and his wife, Dorothy, have been raising bulldogs for 30 years.

Dorothy owned one when the two met.

"For my birthday, he bought a huge cow bone for my dog. It was the right thing to do," Dorothy recalled with a laugh. Over the years, the two have bred and raised several champions.

Placido was entered in the first event of the day, and the competition was tough, with five other very handsome bulldogs in varying colors in the ring. Judge Dennis Van Etten examined each one carefully, looking at them from all angles, running his hands over their heads and backs. Van Etten asked the handlers to "stack" their dogs, having them stand and hold a particular stance. Being puppies, the contenders kept squirming away, only to be gently repositioned by their owners.

SCOTT FRIEDMAN Rocco, owned by Michael Kaenpffer, of Millstone, has his sights set on licking a face during the puppy match.

After what seemed an endless amount of inspection and study, Van Etten made his choice, and Placido walked away with first place.

What made the judge pick Placido?

"They were all good dogs, but he had a really nice head, and that's important to the breed standard," Van Etten explained.

Placido seemed to take his victory in stride, but the Pragers said he could look forward to a special meal and a good belly rub.A

ccording to the American Kennel Club, bulldogs have moved from No. 23 in popularity among dog breeds to 10th. That's a mixed blessing, as far as Judee Shuler of Kendee Kennels is concerned.

"Of course we're proud that people are realizing what wonderful dogs these are, but they are not right for everyone and we worry about puppy mills," she said.

According to Shuler, the American Kennel Club code of ethics prohibits breeders from selling their litters to pet stores.

"It's best to get dogs from a breeder. That way you can be assured of their health and temperament," she said.

Prager goes even further.

"Find a breeder that you like, because that should be a relationship you will have for the life of the dog. They will be able to guide you about food and behavior. Some breeders even take care of their dogs when their new owners go on vacation," Prager said.

John Sabin, of East Brunswick, and his wife, Erica, have been raising bulldogs for the past few years.

"These dogs are not for athletic families; they won't be your running partner," Sabin said. "Ours go out in the backyard, and they like to go down the kids' slide, but then they come in the house and sleep for four hours."

They have great personalities, according to Erica.

"They are really clowns and they are wonderful with kids," she said.

Sunday was the first time that Robert Manganaro, of Edison, attended a bulldog show. He doesn't own a dog, but has always loved the breed. He bent down and spoke softly to one of the puppies that looked up adoringly, body wiggling with enthusiasm.

"How can you not smile when you see a face like that?" Manganaro asked.

For more information about bulldogs or for referrals to breeders, visit the New Jersey bulldog Web site at http://bcnj.org/.