Judge CV
From the day I was born I came in contact with dogs and French bulldogs in particular. One can say I was “infected” by the “Frenchie virus” once my parents introduced them in my life. During my childhood years in the seventies I have followed my parents during long travels to the numerous dogs shows throughout the world. I was fortunate to spend “quality time” with some of the greatest pioneers, breeders and owners of many breeds. I spent many years of my childhood in Germany and UK among people who had different other breeds besides their French bulldogs. Besides Frenchies we have bred Bulldogs, Bullmastiffs and owned several other mostly Molossian breeds.
In those days the “junior handling” as we know it nowadays did not really exist. I presented dogs during the so called “Junior fancy dress show” where you had to “dress up” in a personality which had some kind of connection with the breed or its origin. Later on I chose to stay at home and care for the dogs while my parents were away traveling, showing or judging. I loved to work with my four legged friends: taking care of them and simply be there for them and to play and train. They were always great company and good fun to be around with.
Since a youngster I have been always been around numerous litters. The breeders which have been our tutors were all vets. I have seen, heard, learned a lot about natural selection and how important it was to observe dogs carefully so you are able to “read and understand” your dogs (better).
A bit later I also started to show interest in showing dogs and I guess the rest is “history”. Fairly young I travelled all over the globe and I enjoyed every minute of it. I especially enjoy the bond you build with the dog(s). I love the challenge to try and get a strong connection with a dog in order to get that “click”. This makes it possible to achieve great results together.
I showed many French bulldogs of which some are very well known in the French bulldog scene worldwide.
We have bred, raised, trained, loved, (co)owned, handled multiple Group Winners, Multiple BIS Winners, 24 FCI World Winner Titles, Cruft Winners and exported our dogs to 60 countries worldwide. Many successful kennels worldwide based their kennel on our lines or where influenced or inspirated by them.
Finally I wanted to follow my father’s, Victor Alexander van Raamsdonk, footsteps and I decided I also wanted to become a judge. For me it is of paramount importance that dogs will stay sound, healthy and happy companions.
Of course I also enjoyed the Dog Show Club life and I have several functions in the Cynology:
- President of the Brabant Cup & Meijerij International Dog Show
- President of the Federation of Mollossian breeds, NL
- President of the Mollosian breeds National Dog Show, NL
