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by Pat Hastings and Erin Ann Rouse
 Doug and Michaelanne Johnson are all about dogs and have been for over 30 years.
They have raised many champions and many long-lived and much-loved pets. My late
husband and I first met Doug when we were all professional handlers, sharing
dog-show circuits, lessons, disappointments and successes. Over the years,
I came to know Doug and Michaelanne as conscientious breeders whose first
concern was for their dogs and their breeds. So what do they think makes a
top breeder?
"An outstanding breeder is one who stands like a rock in the dog world,"
Doug says. "They have integrity. They are dedicated to preserving the
breed and have passion and commitment. They stay focused and do not deviate
from the goal they set out to accomplish. They learn from their mistakes and
then correct them. They don't complain or make excuses; they just show their
dogs and let their breeding program speak for itself. They select what is best
for their breed and breeding program. They are honest and are constantly
educating themselves."
Over the years, I have found that Doug and Michaelanne live up to their own
expectations of an outstanding breeder. Their story serves well to teach by example.
"The Old English Sheepdog was Michaelanne's 'Dream Dog.' As a young girl,
growing up with the 'Shaggy Dog' movie and 'My Three Sons,' she always wanted
to own this breed. As newlyweds, we agreed this would be the breed for us
and purchased our first Old English Sheepdog in 1972. Our family started then.
"In the fall of 1976, we attended shows in Longmont and saw our first
Bouvier des Flandres, Urus. He was an import from France and drew the attention
of everyone around, including us. We knew right then we were going to own
both breeds.  Today, we actively show and breed both of these two wonderful
breeds. The Old English Sheepdog is under the kennel name BUGABOO and the
Bouvier des Flandres is under the kennel name ROCHEUSES."
Almost everyone in the Fancy starts from the same place: Love and ignorance.
In order to channel that love responsibly and overcome our ignorance, we
need guidance — we need mentors.
"We were very fortunate to have mentors in both breeds," Doug explains.
"In Old English Sheepdogs, a wonderful lady and friend named Edie Shields
was 'Mrs. Bugaboo.' She took us under her wing and taught us about showing,
grooming, breeding and conditioning. Edie taught us how to look at dogs with an
open mind, searching out a dog's merits and the aspects that needed improvement.
Through us, her breeding lines continue as she watches with approval.
"Our first mentors in Bouvier des Flandres were Jean-Pierre and June Tornai
who owned the Urus. We were members of the Colorado Springs Kennel Club, when the
Tornais moved into the Colorado Springs area. They began attending club meetings,
and we became close friends. Our first Bouvier did not come from their breeding,
but they helped us find a bitch with which to start our breeding program.
"Our turning point in dogs and in our breeding programs occurred when we
decided that I should become a professional handler," Doug continues.
"We thought we knew a lot about our two breeds, but when we were exposed
to other breeds as handlers, our knowledge increased greatly. Showing,
conditioning and understanding other breeds allowed us to become better
breeders in our own breeds. We understood structure, function and type much
more clearly. I studied the breed history and standard of each breed that I
showed and how they applied to the dog I was showing - what the strong points
as well as the weaknesses were in relation to the standard and breed history.
Handling taught us to be more objective about our dogs and our breeding programs.
"We have continued our education by teaching others in our breeds through
handling classes and grooming seminars for our National Clubs. Both Michaelanne
and I continue to attend workshops relating to all aspects of dogs: From puppy
evaluations and training to breeding, showing, nutrition and conditioning.  A
couple of months ago, we attended a horse-training workshop with Pat Parelli
in order to better understand animal behavior. Education is continuous in
order to succeed in either showing or breeding."
And what do they tell people who want to know about Old English Sheepdogs or Bouviers?
"With the Old English Sheepdogs, we tell them they are a labor of love;
if you don't love to labor, don't get one. The Old English Sheepdog is a very
time-consuming breed, with all of the upkeep needed for that double coat.
Their personalities are well worth it! They love sweetly and make you laugh
continuously. When Old English Sheepdogs are in full show coat, they are
crowd-pleasing attention getters. Everyone wants to hug and pet them.
"The Bouvier is a bold, stoic dog in nature. They are proud and
discriminating — very protective yet good natured. They require a great
deal of coat care and grooming. True to their nickname, 'Dirty Beards,' they
really can be a lap-full after a drink of water! The Bouvier loves to be part
of the family."
Considering that the Johnsons became enamored of not one but two high-maintenance
breeds, it's a wonder they have time for anything other than grooming. However,
when a big picture is important, we make the time. The best dog people are
caretakers of not only their breeds but of the sport of purebred dogs.
"We belong to the Colorado Springs Kennel Club," Doug says, "and
the Old English Sheepdog Club of America, in which I held the office of the
Great Plains Director. Currently, we are on the Judges Education for this
National Club.
"We are members of the American Bouvier des Flandres Club, in which I have
served as President, Chairman of the Board and currently as a Board Member.
"We belong to the American Boarding Kennel Association. I currently serve
as an advisor for the Boarding and Training facilities in the State of Colorado
Department of Agriculture's Pet Animal Care Facility Act program.
"We are also mentors for the Judges Education Group and provide seminars and
ringside mentoring in both breeds."
 Among those who have benefited from the Johnsons' guidance is their son, Colton.
A professional handler in his own right, Colton shows the Johnsons' Old English
Sheepdog, currently the Number 1 Herding dog in the country.
Busy dog people indeed, but not too busy to take care in placing their puppies.
They have satisfied many clients and families with healthy, sure-footed pets and show prospects.
"Michaelanne and I are very selective about what homes we place our dogs in,
whether they are show or pet homes. All pets are sold on a limited registration
and required to be spayed or neutered at one year of age — no exceptions. If we
grow young dogs up for showing and they do not turn out, we have them neutered
or spayed before placing them in new homes.
"We will have prospective buyers visit our facilities and visit with the puppies
and/or adults in which they are interested. We watch the reactions and how the
whole family interacts with them. We inquire as to the type of environment and
surroundings the dog will be placed into, the ages of the children, family work
schedules and the family's ability to provide for the dog. We discuss training,
health-care and nutrition options. Most of all, we make clear that the puppy or
dog is to be returned to us if the family can no longer provide for or love the
pet they have selected. As their breeders, we are responsible for all of our dogs'
well-being and, if need be, rescue.
"We love to hear how the puppies we have placed are doing. We get emails, pictures,
birthday cards, Christmas cards and flowers from our pet people. We love the family
picture with the dog right in the middle of it. That shows me the dog is well-loved
and part of the family.
"The owners of our show prospects keep in contact with us on regular basis. It's
like an extended family. We love the calls from our puppy people or co-owners when their
dogs have just gotten their first points, won Best of Breed, gotten a group placement
or that elusive and exhilarating Best In Show. The happiness in their voices is
heartwarming to us as breeders.
"We have those clients who keep in touch with us throughout their pet's life.
Yes, even as they cross the rainbow bridge — it is a heart-wrenching experience
when clients call and, in some cases, stop by to tell us their dogs have passed on.
That is a tear jerker for all. However, once the owners have grieved their pet's loss,
they are oftentimes ready for another one. We have many repeat clients who come back to
us for a new puppy.
Just recently, one of our owners purchased her third Bouvier from us.
Her first Bouvier came from one of our first breedings and lived to be 15 years old. She
recently lost her second dog, again at an old age, and called us when she was
ready for her third.
"As a breeder we want to know of all health issues, no matter what they may be. It
only helps us produce healthier, stronger dogs. In some cases, we as breeders are
able to assist clients through the history of their dogs' parents, siblings and
grandparents. We are there for support, not only for the dog but also for the
owners. Being notified of a serious health issue allows us to notify owners of
other puppies in that litter and make corrections to our breeding program. We
firmly believe in testing our breeding stock. Of course, this is only one of
many considerations that we take into account. Most of the quality breeders we
know go out of their way to make things right. As breeders, we want to see our
breeds prosper, not end, and we do everything we can to ensure just that."
Their dedication extends to the generation of dog people coming up behind them.
They share what they've learned and encourage novice dog people to strive for
the best that's in them.
"If you have mentors, learn as much as you can from them. Ask as many
questions as you want, but pay attention to the answers. Educate yourself to
the standard of your breed and understand how it applies to type, function of
movement and purpose of your breed. Study the pedigrees of dogs and reflect on
the dogs of the past.
"If you do not have a mentor in your breed, we suggest you find out when
the next National Specialty is for your breed.  Attending your National allows
you to see many dogs from the U.S., Canada and elsewhere, all in one location.
It is overwhelming in some cases, but do not feel intimidated. Everyone there
has been in your shoes. Get a ringside chair and a catalog. Research and study
the dogs you favor and their lines thoroughly. Contact the breeders who have
those dogs or lines and talk to them. Most breeders will want to know your
intentions; they may have suggestions or recommendations for you. Become
involved. You will meet mentors and make friends, and you will be on your
way to showing and breeding. The rest will follow, as you listen and learn."
What they tell people about Old English Sheepdogs applies just as well to them
as breeders: It's a labor of love; if you don't love to labor, don't take up
breeding. The Johnsons have spent their lives laboring from love, and we are
fortunate to have them in the dog world.
On December 2, 2006, the Johnsons were named AKC Breeder of the Year at the AKC/Eukanuba National
Championship Dog Show in Long Beach, California an honor so very well deserved. Congratulations, Doug and Michaelanne!
For more information on AKC and the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship Dog Show, visit www.akc.org.
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