ORIGIN OF THE USBC
Part Two - The Growing Years
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Big House's Stella Rae, CJ
and Big House's Luna
Isabella (Dogues 4 mos old)

OWNER(s):
CJ Mingolelli and
Marco Herrera

BREEDER:
Bonnie Gordon

KENNEL:
Fire Island Bordeaux

GO TO GALLERY

By Bonnie Gordon
The decision to move our National Specialty Show from Chicago presented the club with new challenges. The comfort and security of a constant show site forced the USBC to grow and change, it also set precedent. Each National is planned about one year before the actual show, and the first priority is to find a site.

Fortunately, we were contacted by a show group called the Tri State Working Dog Association. This group had secured both site and motel, conveniently located near a major highway and allowed us to have our national separate from their ongoing show. Thus on October 9, 1994, our first Heightstown New Jersey show took place. We invited French Judge Anne Marie Class to judge and critique our dogues.

With the ever increasing popularity of the Dogue De Bordeaux rising, and the spirit of conformation showing within our blood, the club tried to have at least 1 specialty show a year. Our usual gathering was in Pine Barrens New Jersey in early April under the US Neopolitan Mastiff Club. For these specialties, we used their judges.

October 1995, again brought us gathered in Heightstown, New Jersey. An unusually wet fall had all of us knee deep in mud. Although the site was barely navigable, our French Judge, Jauques Becuwe, graciously critiqued and judged our dogues. This show would be the last unity of the Dogue De Bordeaux. As of 1996, major changes would affect the USBC, thus severely affecting the breed as a whole.

Due to the diversity among fanciers and show participants, it was decided by a small nucleus of USBC membership to create a more credible and legitimate organized club. This group felt it was necessary to protect its comprehensive registry and to protect the future of the Dogue De Bordeaux as a whole. A lawyer was contacted, and it was decided a corporation with laws, bylaws, trustees, and board members would best serve the future of the breed. The corporation would protect the integrity of the club and its registry. A general meeting was held in Heightstown New Jersey on October 26, 1996, with the incorporation attorney presenting all aspects of this decision and why it was done. There were some who disagreed with this decision and felt they needed to separate from us. This would cause much friction and confusion among participants, which in turn affected the dogues.

Despite the chaos surrounding the incorporation, progress within the club continued. Our newsletter was reformatted to the Dogue Days, we created a logo, and the corporation went into cyberspace. Monthly meetings were held by conference calls, and we began to plan our 1997 show. Regrettably, 1996 did not boast of a true National. A small group had a show under the auspices of the US Neopolitan Mastiff Club on November 10, 1996.

Our 1997 National Show was held in Fairview, PA on October 18th & 19th. We re-invited Madame Anne Marie Class to judge and critique our dogues. An American Temperament Test was available on the second day for anyone who wished to participate.

Controversy, back-stabbing, and chaos continued throughout 1998. The corporation continued to move forward, despite many of the obstacles thrown in its path. Many members were convinced to drop out. Rumors and untruths ran rampant. This put a great deal of stress on our future. The main nucleus of the club pressed on, despite all the turmoil.

Our 1998 National Specialty boasted a judge from the Netherlands. Bas Bosch made his first trip to America to judge and critique our dogues (it must be noted, that all judges used by the USBC must be approved by our French counterparts). Our club also presented the TAN at this show, which was performed by the Porres Brothers. Our site was in Bear, Delaware, again in October. The park and the weather was beautiful, but turnout was small. It was very disappointing to all who had worked so hard to organize this show.

We realize that lies and back-stabbing will eventually be the downfall of all involved. The USBC has and will continue to weather any and all future storms. With our solid foundation and its dedicated nucleus, we will continue to persevere. A club is for all... One should never let personalities interfere with the growth, education, and enjoyment one gets from being part of a breed club. Let's not forget, the USBC is not for a specific few, but for ALL fanciers of the breed. Each member has the right to give his input, be a part of, or desire change. All of the club's accomplishments are for the Dogue De Bordeaux, not for individual gain.

Continue to Part Three - Conclusion...