|
|
|
News & Happenings! This article is writen about a specific breed - the Old English Sheepdog and I see this may also relate to other breeds as well. The topics are "food for Thought". *Written permission is provided by Harris Publications, DOG NEWS , The Digest Of American Dogs Volume 26, Issue 21 May28, 2010 and acknowledged as the original source of publication. I thank them for their permission to place this on my webstie. STOP THE INSANITY
Harsh Words? You bet!
It is time we all stood back and viewed the whole picture while examining just what we are contributing to our breed.
By Dianne McKee-Rowland
(Chairperson, OESCA; Breeder/Owner Education Committee)
Here are just a few of my concerns about my breed, Old English Sheepdogs. However, they could apply to several other breeds.
The Old English Sheepdog (OES) has some well-earned new nicknames. Poodle or Bichon of the Herding Group, a poorly done caricature of a herding dog, Q-tip dog and few less appealing ones.
What does sculpting an OES do for the breed? In my opinion it does nothing good. What it does do is hide the truth and create unrealistic expectations. Judges are being told and shown in strong language that they do not have to spend the time actually going over the dog to discover for themselves what the anatomy of the dog really is. They can just evaluate the appearance that the handler / groomer has created. Why work when you can just look at a pretty picture?
To create a dog by sculpting is to not only create a false impression but it is detrimental to those breeder/exhibitors looking for bloodlines to consider adding to or incorporating into their current ones. Often the selection of dogs to be used for breeding is done by photographs and as much information as the breeder/owner it willing to impart to the other person. This can be, and far too often is, a rude awakening for the uninformed or less knowledgeable inquirer. It is also not a practice of fair competition for the novice or less accomplished (grooming) owner and or handler. We are losing new exhibitors at an alarming rate and other are not joining in because they see that they cannot hope to compete against the appearance of dogs currently being shown. There is also a sad lack of mentorship with our breed.
2. Exhibitions, breeder/exhibitors, and owners need to rethink what they are doing by knowingly showing dogs, or encouraging the showing of dogs than are not sound and thus should not be used for breeding. I see dogs being shown that should not be used for breeding. I see dogs being shown that I know would not meet the criteria stated by the parent club Code Of Ethics or the Standard for the breed. It simply tears apart the fabric of our breed to show, and thus state to the fancy, that these faulty dogs are suitable for exhibiting and breeding.
Everyone who sees these dogs not only exhibited, but receiving winning ribbons from Judges, who seemingly could care less about its quality, will then believe it is in the best interest of the breed to buy, show, and breed one like it. Of course this simply passes on degenerative problems. The novice owner/exhibitors are being shown by a few exhibitors that it is OK to show and breed dogs who came from as many as five generations, or more, of dogs who exhibited these same problems. To sell a dog that may exhibit signs it too is unsound, without making the buyer aware, is tantamount to utter negligence on the part of the breeder. If it is learned at a later date that the dog is exhibiting sings of being unsound, and the breeder does not insist that it be retired from showing and possibly be surgically sterilized, then that breeder is deliberately demeaning the breed.
Members of parent clubs agreed, by signing the Code Of Ethics when they joined, to promote and protect the breed. We must honestly consider what is in the best interest of our breed with regard to breeding a dog that develops a disease, and must remain on drugs to control symptoms. Dogs that exhibit signs of genetic diseases should not be bred. When you have a problems “fixed”, no matter how big or how small, that action cannot possibly alter the faulty genes that that dog carries. Fixing any part of the anatomy of the dog is not only against AKC rules, but is again all ethical practices. Breeders must stop talking themselves into believing it will do no harm to show and breed these faulty dogs. The problems will simply show up in future generations and be spread throughout the World by exporting for breeding, those dogs which have produced the problem or show that they are affected.
One specific and personally troubling symptom of unsoundness is in the shaking hindquarters of some dogs. I first published by concerns about this problem in a Canine Chronicle ad, Feb26, 1983. From what I see in the ring it has only escalated. I frankly do not know all the possible causes of this condition, but I do feel strongly that is must be genetic as it has occurred in several generations, and is against one or more statement in our Standard. “Therefore, soundness is of the greatest importance” Another is “with not sign of aggression, shyness or nervousness.” The Code Of Ethics for the Old English Sheepdog Club Of America states “Only dogs and bitches that are physically sound and of good temperament are to be used for breeding”. Dogs that have hip dysplasia, eye defects, auto-immune disease, deafness, or any other significant hereditary problem must not be bred if we are to keep our breed viable. The soundness, healthy appearance, and temperament of dogs that we have bred reflects our dedication to the good breeding practices and best interest of the bred as set forth in this Code Of Ethics. As with many Clubs, we have members threatening members who talk openly about the problems in our breed, and of course, this only spreads distrust and animosity among those who truly want to find answers to all the disease processes our breed is subject to. To be fully informed is to be forearmed when considering a future for our beloved pets.
We need to encourage everyone to participate in all ongoing health studies, and Clubs need to provide clinics where DNA or blood samples may be collect to be provided for those studies. Grants need to be supported by Parent Clubs to facilitate the studies designed to promote the health within that breed. These studies will hopefully add to the overall health Education needs to be ongoing and should be open and available to everyone, no matter how little or how much experience they have with the breed. Nor should it be a matter of what their current aspirations or future dreams may be. Educational Seminars should never be held behind closed doors or presented by just one person who travels across the Country. What is being taught should never be done a limited basis, with only a chosen few allowed to sit on the event. This simply promotes the idea that personal agendas are being followed and leaves an unpleasant memory for those denied admittance. If limited space is a concern, then a video representation of the event need to be made available to those who were denied attendance. Mentor programs need to be implemented by Mentor Meetings, where the Standard and Illustrated Guide are discussed with an eye to making the dissemination of information more uniform.
3. Education should be sought with all possible diligence by everyone who wishes to make rasing and showing dogs a hobby or a vocation. Our breed is not a singular entity, but rather one of a complex group. I often suggest that people interest in learning about a breed that interests them attend seminars offered by other breed clubs, as well as those about their breed. Learning what your breed is not isn’t only of interest, but is of actual value, as it identifies and offeres contrasts to what is vital to your breed. The study of any breed, needs to start with anatomy and form and function. The AKC now has a Mentor program that will be of great value to companion animal owners, as well as those whose interest is in breeding and showing. I urge all knowledgeable owners to list themselves as being willing to be a mentor to new owners in their area. Passing on factual information will contribute to the well being of the AKC, and all Breeds.
4. Clubs need to promote events sponsored by the AKC rather than other entities when at all possible. We turn to the AKC for assistance when unfair dog laws are being proposed that will impact on us, and then complain when the AKC needs to make some adjustments to fund raising so they can continue to afford to lobby in our favour. In our breed, herding is an example. Instead of proving an AKC sponsored event, my Club this year has elected to provide and event sponsored by another entity, and thus we will deny the AKC their share of the income that will be generated by the event. It is not a great of money, but every dime counts in these tough times. Only AKC supported events will yield titles that will be included on our AKC Certified Pedigrees.
JUNE 2010
It's once again time to prepare for our annual trip North to Cairns starting in early July. This is our second trip up north, following the Agricultural Show circuit that incorporates Ingham, Malanda, Atherton Tablelands, Innisfail, Milla Milla and Cairns. We will be showing a new Tooshay member, Tinytots Woomera along with two new babies. We are looking forward to this trip both as a holiday and dog shows. It's so nice to see the diversity of our great country and will be nice to rekindle friendships we made on this journey last year. On the show scene, we have been doing very little showing due to our litters being due. Brett Abraham and Sandy Barrington Rowe had a fantastic weekend in Rockhampton showing their seven Pomeranians on 26 & 27th June, returning home with a swag of points. It was nice to have a strong prescence of Poms at these shows. Congratulations to all exhibitors for a great weekend. MAY 2010
AND
We also attended the 2010 Sydney Royal for the first time and I am thrilled that Pipster was awarded second place getter in his class, at the 2010 Sydney Royal!
I am travelling to USA on a well earned holiday for a few weeks. Of course, I will be visiting as many shows and Pomeranian people in the States while I am there. Can't wait to hit those dog product merchandise stores and see the countryside. Pipster continues to win BOB at the local shows and we have a very busy year left ahead of us. Firstly, off to NSW to attend the Pomeranian Speciality Show (51 entries thus far) in early April then the 4'ps All Toy Show which leads up to the Sydney Royal! We are driving all this way and picking up a couple of friends and their dogs along the way. We will also be doing the Northern Agricultural Show circuit again this year, which takes us right up to Cairns and back. We are keen to meet up with our many friends we made while doing this journey last year. Check out our advert in "Dog News Australia" 'Winners' Edition' February 2010....Pipster has done so well in such a short period of time and we are very proud of our little man. We are taking this month off from exhibiting our Poms and catching up with a long list of jobs needing to be done around the house and the gardens. I am sure the dogs will also like having this time out as it's been very hot and humid, at this time of the year, for showing heavy coated Poms in daytime shows. I had a scare recently when I slipped and fell in a puddle of water during a power blackout. X-Rays taken at the time were inconclusive (due to the sweeling). It was later confirmed to be badly sprained and wasn't broken. I am finding it arkward having to wear a wrist brace for the next month while it heals. Must say I am so happy that it wasn't broken! We are off to the Sydney Royal this Easter and looking forward to new showing experiences, meeting up with other Pomeranian exhibitors and catching up with friends.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.... If you are travelling during this festive season, please take care on the roads! Another year is nearly over with only two more shows left to go in 2009, the last being on 31st December. How good is this? We now have family in Brisbane and Townsville. It makes it a pleasure to travel to those two locations showing our Poms and catching up with our family too!
This will be a busy month for me travelling Interstate, for the first time, to attend our first 'NSW Spring Fair' being held on the weekend of Friday 20th, Saturday 21st & Sunday 22nd November, 2009. We have also entered in the NSW Pomeranian Club Speciality show being held on Thursday 19th. This will be a great opportunity to meet the many well-known, long-established Pomeranian breeders and exhibitors and to eyeball their Poms "in the fur"! I am sure this will be a memorable event and am looking forward to this series of shows.
Meanwhile, John had taken some of our dogs to Brisbane shows, being held this same weekend, with a good result in Crouchent Tameeka Jade winning RUOB and Bitch Challenge.
Still in Townsville and it's topped 36 degrees here already! ...Cupidtown Gold N Chance, won We attended the Zone 3 Dog of The Year finals held in Ingham and the two support shows conducted over the weekend of 2/3 Oct 09. The two shows had some 265 entries each day. Ingham has a very nice, green show rings and tidy grounds with large shade trees. It was a hot and sticky weekend considering that summer is yet to arrrive. I am very thrilled with the devlopment of little Pipster...Cupidtown Gold N Chance, who won Little Pipster won his first Also Crouchent Tameeka Jade who won her first HUGE congratulations to my sister Petrina Limkin, winning 3 classes with her three dogs entered in the 9th Shetland Sheepdog National Specality Show conducted in Brisbane on 4/5 August 2009 with 232 entries.
Petrina's dogs won:
Shatrin Saints B Praised - 1st Aust Bred Class - Best opposite Aust Bred in Show Eastonia Eye Candy (Imp NZ) - 1st Open Bitch - Best Opposite Open In Show
Anscot The Rambler - 1st Intermediate Dog Class - CHALLENGE DOG -
INTERMEDIATE IN SHOW - RUNNER UP IN SHOW ! This is what dreams are made of.........Way to go sis!!!!!!!!
We are looking forward to attending the EKKA on 6th August to view the dog show and see how this is This is a busy month for Tooshay Kennels as we head off on the North Queensland show circuit for the first time. We'll be isiting Innisfail, the Atherton Tablelands, Cairns, Townsville, Sarina & Mackay dog shows and do the "tourist" thing during the lay-days to see this wonderful State of ours. While travelling this circuit, we were fortunate to involve our second passion, flying foxes, by our doing a visit to the Tolga Bat Hospital, Atherton which houses some 4 species of bats on a full-time basis and view this marvellous facility in person. This facility is a modern sanctuary for injured and orphaned bats including micro-bats. The official grand opening is taking place on 22nd August. Tolga Bat Hospital is now a registered charity and donations are tax deductible. For those wanting further information on this wonderful facility and its work, please click on this link: www.tolgabathospital.org/hospital_orphans.htm No shows or travelling for us. A nice quiet relaxing month with a well deserved rest for all of us.
The merry month of May has set off with a BANG for Tooshay Kennels!
We attended the Easter Shows conducted at Woodstock, North Qld and caught up with Courtney, our daughter whom we haven't seen for two years. The weather was very overcast when we left Mackay and continued to threaten while we travelled up to Townsville. The rain held off while the shows took place but came crashing down upon us a few times over the weekend. This resulted in a few campers experiencing storm damage during the evening storms and having to gather their beds to set up a new camp under the shelter of the adjoining Social Club awning due to their camp being either washed out or blown down.
We are celebrating both Miyu Jenni Lee and Cupidtown The Instigator's gaining their 'Champion' titles this month!
FEBRUARY 2009 We attended the Bundaberg Canine Club show where Cupidtown The Instigator won a 10 point BOB on Saturday and another on Sunday! Go Yogi! We now have three weeks off with our next show being Callide Valley in March.
JANUARY 2009 We travelled on to our next show in Wondai which was also our inaugural visit to that town where we survived a fierce summer downpour to discover we had sprung a leak in the side wardrobe of our caravan! We met a lot of new people at these shows and agreed it was worth the travel alone to gain new friends and contacts. Our dogs travelled well and we are becoming efficient in packing our caravan, ute and all the necessary equipment for our trips away. Next trip was to Gladstone where Cupidtown The Instigator won an 8 point BOB and Tooshay My Fair Lady won Baby Puppy In Breed. We then moved on to Mackay the following weekend, where Cupidtown The Instigator was awarded Runner Up BOB and Tooshay My Fair Lady won Baby Puppy of Breed. A fantastic result for January!
Yogi celebrated his First Birthday on 10th December 2008
NOVEMBER 2008 Well our show year has now come to its end and our dogs have earnt their holiday break which is during the hottest part of our summer period (35 degrees and 75% humidity!) We made our first trip ever to Durack over 4th, 7th & 8th November 2008 where "Yogi" outdid my wildest expectations. Not only did Yogi perform brilliantly in the ring, he enjoyed himself!
|
CONGRATULATIONS Venetia. We are happy to provide our ongoing support!
1st place Pomeranian in the 'National' Rising Star over the twleve month period of 2009; and
As at November, Pipster is #1 'Rising Star 'Pomeranian in DogzonLine Pointscore! Go little Pipster.
Best Puppy In Show at "Dogs Are A Lifestyle Too" show held in Townville on 24/10/09. 
Bon Voyage Angela! ... 
Daughter No: 1 has set off to the U.K. on her well deserved holiday visiting our relations and touring Scotland, Ireland, Wales and France. 
