VICTOIRE'S BICHONS
Vickie Halstead RN, LNC
Circle Pines, MN
victoire2@mac.com
763-786-6645
763-360-0864
My main goal is to improve the quality and health of the Bichon Frise. I do this by breeding only champions, completing genetic screening for diseases on parents before breeding, considering pedigrees carefully before breeding, having no more than 2 litters per year so the puppies can be properly
socialized, raising my bichons and puppies in my house as part of the family instead of in a kennel, and providing 3 year health guarantees on puppies sold. I am only involved in one breed of dog so I can do the best job possible. My second goal is to provide happy, healthy puppies as pets to carefully chosen homes. My third goal is to produce that special show quality bichon.
breeding and showing bichons
since 1990
I have successfully produced 28 AKC registered Bichon Frise litters, out of which 26 have become champions, and more to come.
 
Breeder of Bichon national specialty winner
May, 2005
I am breeder/owner/handler/groomer of Am. Can. Ch. Victoire Cheers to Austin "Asti" who won best in show at the Bichon national specialty.
 
President of local Bichon Frise club
1993-1995
I was also a Board Member of this club for 3 years prior to becoming President.
 
Member of Bichon Frise Club of America (BFCA)
1997 to present
Since 2002 I have been chair of BFCA's Health Committee. My health committee developed a web site devoted to Bichon health at www.bichonhealth.org.
 
Member of Bichon Frise Club of Canada
since 2004
I write a health column for the Banter (newsletter) called "Health by Vickie"
 
Speaker at University of Minn. (Vet students)
2005
Ethical Breeding Practices
 
Speaker at Theriogenology national meeting
2006
Diagnosis of Pregnancy: My research project ongoing since 1998 on measuring abdominal girths to diagnose pregnancy and predict litter size, instead of expensive veterinary tests.
 
Presentation for Minneapolis Kennel Club
March 2007
Combatting Skin Problems in Dogs
 
St. Barnabas School of Nursing--graduated March, 1973
     RN for 34 years, currently work in ER plus some consulting/teaching
 
Kaplan College
     graduated from Legal Nurse Consultant program August, 2003
 
Attended several canine seminars
     1990-present
 
My experience as a nurse and medical/legal knowledge have helped my breeding program in many ways. I groom my own bichons as pets and for shows. My teaching experience has helped me train new bichon owners to groom and show their dogs.
available upon request