Another Perfect Heart!

This past week Champion Heartstrings Mambo had a perfect echocardiogram by Board Certified Cardiologist and Professor of Cardiology at Ohio State University – Dr. Schober!

Heart problems are a leading cause of death in the Dogue de Bordeaux and something we are deeply committed to doing our best to improve.  Most heart conditions are genetic and no Dogue will enter our breeding program without a clear echo.  It is a deal breaker.  Mambo becomes the 10th Heartstrings owned or bred Dogue to be subjected to and pass an echocardiogram and this is thrilling, better than any color ribbon!

When families inquire on puppies we do our best to educate.  How to familiarize yourselves with the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals website where you can view vertical and horizontal test results.  What questions to ask as you talk to breeders.  “Heart checked by my regular Vet” is not good enough.  “Auscultation” is not good enough.  Many heart problems can pass these tests.  It must be the strictest scrutiny of “Echocardiogram.”  It must be performed by a Board Certified Cardiologist.  This requires considerable time and expense – most likely a Board Certified Cardiologist is not around the corner.  Unless and until a genetic marker is isolated and identified Echo’s are the best tool for evaluating breeding stock and to us, critical for admission into our breeding program.

To say this is incredibly satisfying is an understatement.  More than a piece of paper, it is more evidence that we are producing healthy, healthy, healthy Dogues.  Improving the health of the Breed which is our passion and driving force.

Mambo was pretty pleased with himself as well.  He celebrated his perfect Echo with a brand new Jolly Ball – blue of course, his favorite color.  Well done “Uncle BoBo,” Well Done!!!

mambocomingout Mamboecho Mambojollyball

Cleveland Crown Classic and Valley Forge Shows

Another wonderful weekend for our Dogues and their loving families in the show ring!  Everyone leaves with ribbons and most importantly Dogues and owners had a great, great time.

Crown Show – Cleveland OH (20 Dogues entered Sunday Dec. 6): Jazzy takes BOB, BOS 2 Days and Select Bitch.  Bardos Jr. used for 2nd place in a very competitive Bred by Exhibitor class.  Luther 1st place 12-18 month males.  They all did such a great job and made us so proud!

But we would have to say….the absolute crowd pleaser and darling of the Crown show was the lovely Petra handled by her Mama Jessie – used for RWB – a big win and they were so cute and excited.  They had such a ball together and were ecstatic.  It was adorable.

Valley Forge Show – Oaks PA:   Mama Claire returns to the show ring after babies last July and used for Select Bitch in her first show in 7 months!  How exciting for her and her family.  Women will understand this – it is always extra special to see a Mama bounce back after babies and be looking this great and winning!!!  A very nice win for Laszlo as well – RWD with beautiful competition; this young boy so promising.

Super job Heartstrings Dogues and Families!  Thank you so much!

Bardoscrown Jazzcrown2015 Luthercrown PetraJessiecrown PetraJessiecrownwinning

Jazzy’s 2016 Westminster Kennel Club Invitation

Jasmine receives her INVITE and becomes the 4th Dogue in our home to receive this amazing honor.  Only the Top #5 ranked dogs of any breed are invited.  There is no way to describe getting this heavy gold and purple envelope in your hands.

A Westminster “Invite” is something any breeder hopes to achieve.  Over year and years – you hope to produce a great Champion.  Let alone a Westminster Invite winning Dogue.  A true dream.

Amazing job Jazzy Jazz! Jazzwminvite2016