Carol Fellbaum, owner breeder, handler
Carol Fellbaum’s love for dogs began with her very first companion, a pug named Fanny. After moving from Wisconsin to Houston in 1988, Carol found herself drawn into the world of dog shows. She began working behind the scenes and building lasting relationships with local and national dog enthusiasts. It was there that she discovered the Bichon Frise—a breed that quickly captured her heart and became her lifelong passion.
More than 25 years later, Carol is the owner of A Dog’s Life Pet Salon and the proud mother of two children, along with countless beloved Bichons. She considers herself fortunate to have built a career centered on what she loves most: breeding exceptional, world-class Bichons while running a successful grooming business.
Deeply committed to both her breed and her community, Carol actively supports the HSPCA and is a member of the Bichon Frise Club of Greater Houston and Northwest Houston’s Women’s Business Forum. On the national level, she serves as Vice President of the Board of the National Bichon Frise Club of America.
Carol Fellbaum, groomer
Better Breeder Chronciles: Sep 16, 2025
How do you come back from heartbreak and build a bloodline that makes history?
Master breeder Carol Felbaum reveals how losing her foundation bitch’s first litter almost ended her program, and how perseverance turned that tragedy into a dynasty of champion Bichons. She shares the inside story of Donald, (GCHG High Ridge He’s So Full of Himself ROMX) a dog some doubted who went on to sire top champions worldwide, and she explains why mentorship, transparency, and collaboration are the future of purebred dogs.