Jasme Bichon Frise

About Jasme Bichon Frise













 

 The kennel name we selected is "Jasme".  We register all of our puppies using "Jasme" as the first word in their American Kennel Club (AKC) registered name.  We used to use "Jasmine" as our kennel name but as time went by, Steve and I decided to create a unique kennel name.  Jasme is not in the dictionary, as far as I know, because it is not a word.  We created Jasme by combining my initials (JAS -- Janice A. Sheehy-Metz) and the first two letters of Steve's last name (ME -- Metz). 

There are a number of factors that we look at when selecting the stud dog that we plan to breed our girl to.  The stud dog must have his genetic testing (CERF and OFA) done before we breed to him.  In addition, the stud dog must be an AKC champion.  He must be in excellent health condition with no known health/genetic problems.

 

We are extremely excited about the puppies that we produce and love each and every one of them.  Steve and I have set very high standards for our breeding program.  We do NOT breed any  of our girls unless we feel strongly that the puppies will be excellent examples of the Bichon breed.  We wanted a kennel name that would be recognized for excellence.  Of course, genetics plays a huge role in the outcome.  We want to feel that we have done everything within our power to improve upon the breed.  Otherwise, there is no reason to breed our girls.

We breed to improve the breed based on the following traits:

     Breeding our girls is not a money making process.  If you find a breeder who actually makes money, I would like to find out how they do it.  Some of the hidden costs involved in our breeding program are the following:

Temperament:  the hallmark of the breed is his cheerful attitude.  A Bichon should have a merry personality.  We look for friendly, out-going personality that is non-aggressive and not overly shy when selecting the stud dog to match our girls' temperament.  This way the puppies should have a wonderful happy Bichon temperament.

Movement:  The Bichon should move freely and not appear to have a choppy gait.  A smooth reaching gait is therefore very important.

Coat, Color and Pigment:  We look for a full double coat that appears to be plush velvet.  Our girls' coats are extremely thick.  Some of our puppies are born with shadings of buff or cream on their ears but this usually disappears by the time the puppy reaches one year of age.  We rarely have any puppy retain their coloring even though 10% shading is acceptable by the AKC Standard.  We look for the strongest black pigment in any stud dog that we consider for breeding with our girls.  You can never have too much pigment.  Some of our girls have large black freckles (spots) on their belly and back.  This is a very good indication of good pigment.

Conformation and Overall structure:  When on the table at the dog shows the judge looks at the bite first.  This makes it extremely important that the puppies have a good scissor bite.  The Bichon should have substance in the proper portions.  

  genetic testing of eyes (CERF) on an annual basis for all our Bichons even those
      that we are not currently breeding;
  genetic testing of hips (OFA) after each of our Bichons have reached the age of
      two years old (we only breed girls that have a rating of good or excellent;
  showing our own Bichons for their America Kennel Club  conformation
     championship;
  only breeding finished American Kennel Club conformation champions;
  extensive training for all our Bichons including obedience, conformation ring
      and house training; and
  maintaining all of our Bichons in top health including exercise, grooming, 
      veterinary care, food, and bottled spring water.

  food,
  bottled spring water, 
  ceramic food and water dishes, 
  small quantities of shampoo, 
  crate, 
  leash, 
  rolled leather collar,
  brush and comb, 
  toys, 
  littermate scented towel,
  anything else we feel is necessary for the puppy to make a smooth transition
     from our family to your family, 
  including written instructions for the care and feeding of your new pet, 
      crate training  and general instructions.