FBDCA EWALD AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING LIFETIME
ACHIEVEMENT IN BARN HUNT
Barn Hunt began fairly recently as a dog sport, the first official competitions held in 2013. In this event, dogs use their sense of smell to find rats hidden in a hay maze structure and then indicate their location to their handler. With the roots of the French Bulldog breed in ratting, this has been a sport that many from the breed have found themselves very much inclined, with upwards of 100 titles having been awarded to date. As naturally as French Bulldogs have taken to barn hunt – with many having participated successfully at the lower levels - just a select few have had success at the Masters’ level (the highest of 4 levels of difficulty). In that top level a dog has to find an unknown number of rats (up to 5) and indicate the course is “clear” in under 4 and a half minutes. This must be repeated 10 times to earn a championship title, a feat that is not easy to do with any breed, even a terrier.
In 2019, one French Bulldog demonstrated a phenomenal instinct for this sport, and earned far more titles in Barn Hunt than any other from the breed. Upon writing, he has achieved RATCHX4, having earned 5 Championship-level titles, an admirable accomplishment for any breed, but truly exceptional for one from the non-sporting group. Both his drive and precision in the ring are remarkable, rarely giving his handler anything than a perfect run. They are amazing to watch work together as a team, and always draw a crowd and many cheers ringside.
In honor of this dog, Ewald, (Sullybee Chambord’s My Heart’s Been Stung CAA BCAT RATCHX4 CGC), and his handler, FBDCA member Rick Paine, we have created the Ewald Award for Lifetime Achievement in Barn Hunt. Ewald is owned by members Richard and Kathleen Payne.
Sullybee Chambord’s My Heart’s Been Stung CAA BCAT RATCHX4 CGC
Owned by Kathleen & Richard Paine
About the Lifetime Achievement Awards for Dogs:
Purpose: Lifetime Achievement Awards are intended to honor FBDCA member-owned dogs who have achieved significant distinction in an AKC recognized activity other than conformation. A dog may only earn one of these awards once, and the award is given for extraordinary lifetime achievement.
Application & Award: The Lifetime Achievement Awards will not necessarily be given yearly. Members who believe there is a dog worthy of such an award may nominate their own dog or any dog owned by another member in writing no later than the deadline set yearly by the Honors & Awards Committee of any calendar year for award at that year’s FBDCA Awards Banquet. Awards will only be given upon a recommendation of a majority of the Honors & Awards Committee with approval by the FBDCA Board. The deadline to nominate any dog for a lifetime achievement award for this year is July 31. Please submit your nomination to the FBDCA Honors & Awards Committee Chair, Paul Raleigh, at pvraleigh@gmail.com, before the annual deadline, which is July 31, for this year's Awards Banquet.
Note: The RATCHX4 title will be a requirement for consideration to apply for the Ewald Award for Outstanding Achievement in Barn Hunt.
Revised: February 2024