Josie

Josie is the foundation of everything here. She came from my mentor, who spent twenty years selecting for open airways before there was a formal test for it, and she set the standard for what I keep: a fawn bitch with a moderate head, open nostrils, a real neck and the stamina to enjoy a walk. She had three litters, in 2019, 2021 and 2022, and was spayed at her last C-section. Pia and Belle are hers. When OFA brought respiratory function grading to the United States she was already retired, and I had her graded anyway, at six. She graded 0. Josie turns nine in November. Her mask has gone grey and she still wants her ball thrown. She sleeps silently, which anyone who has lived with a Frenchie will understand is the whole story.