Top Notch Toys March 2017

BREEDER’S FORUM BRUSSELS GRIFFON

with JACQUE JONES, TREYACRES

I have been “out of dogs” for almost two years. Having had dogs for most of my life, it seems strange not to have a puppy beside me as I sit here at the computer. But there comes a time when it is time to quit. An option would have been to send a dog off with a handler, but that just wouldn’t work for me. We did that a few times and had some great wins but I didn’t have that special feeling of tak- ing a young dog in the ring and hoping that he enjoyed it as much as I did. Was his tail up? Hopefully it was, but if not he may be entered at several more small shows for experience and if he was not enjoying it by then, he stayed home, or in some cases, he went to pet home and spent the rest of his life living in luxury on someone’s lap. Of course, if he was of that special quality, we may use him for breeding, if we bred to a really great Griffon with showmanship that just wouldn’t quit. I chose to never double up on a fault, conformation nor showman- ship. Of course, it didn’t always turn out as I had planned, but when it did work, WHEEEE! When I decided to retire, I went the whole way and Treyacres prefix is retired also. This does not mean that I will never be a spectator at ringside. It is always great to meet old friends, tell stories of years ago and watch the ring full of pups as we pick out that Best In Show prospect. 1. Tell us three conformation characteristics you consider criti- cal in your breeding program. Head, bone and topline; however, I must add temperament. 2. What dog that you have bred have you been most excited about and why? If I have to pick one I would prob- ably say Ch. Treyacres Zorro. I can’t say he was definitely the best Griff I bred. I know that he sired many great cham- pions and was an asset to the breed.

But the most exciting moment I can remember was when he went Best In Show at 10 months of age, with yours truly at the end of the lead! The rest of his show career was with a handler and I just watched! 3. What are your thoughts on importing and exporting? Years ago we imported some nice Griffons from England and I feel that they added a lot to our breeding pro- gram. I have exported several to a good friend in Europe who is starting his own breeding program. If anyone who chooses to export, do your homework and make sure that you know where your dogs are going. 4. To date, what has been your high point as a breeder? This goes back to question #2. But having said that, I must mention that Zorro’s dam, Ch. Treyacres Every Good Thing (call name, “Goody”) won her first group at 8 months of age. I just held the lead and she won it on her own. 5. What is your pet peeve in the show/breeding world? Too many breeders are kennel blind. Also, I have taught Judges Education quite a bit and it is interesting to watch

Beautiful smooth male.

Young red bitch with a beautiful top line.

CH Treyacres Zorro at 10 months of age, first Best in Show, c. 1988.

60 • T op N otch T oys , M arch 2017

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