The Poodle Papers /Spring Edition

Transcription

Page 12
Page 13
Affiliate Club News:
Poodle Club of Massachusetts
Officers and directors for the years 2006-2008 are
as follows
President- Mary Lebet
Vice-President- Helen Sokopp
Treasurer- Jean Chintalan
Recording Secretary- Deborah Parisi
Corresponding Secretary- Susan Giordano
DirectorsEve Baltzell
Cynthia Brown
Andrew Kress
David Simler
Pauline Simmons
Julie Wilkins
Breeder Referral-Joan Kress
Susan Giordano
Corresponding Secretary
20 Benton Rd.
Somerville MA 02143
617-628-7657
stdpudel@hotmail.com
Puget Sound Poodle Club.
Dana Plonkey, the president of this club, has directed me to write to P.C.A. with regard to our
referral telephone numbers which you list for
people to contact us. The telephone # for Kym
Gagner, who has been our breeders referral person, is no longer active. People who are trying to
call us are complaining that this number is no
longer in service. If you could please ask the person managing this to change this telephone number to 360 832 3747 which is my telephone number, this would be very helpful.
Thank you for your assistance.
Christine Dallas
Secretary for Puget Sound Poodle Club,
Washington State.
Update on Mackey Irick
I got a note from his nephew , Dr Frank Axson,
and Mackey would love to hear from his old
Poodle friends.
Poodle Club of Central California
President-Janet Collins 707.857.3607
janco@saber.net
First Vice-President-Sally Vilas
Second Vice-President-Jan Rix
Secretary-Mary Olund 415.457.4648
Cabpudel@pacbell.net
Treasurer-Jeanne Prouty
Toy Representative-Cheryl Braswell
Miniature Representative-Kathleen Poe
Standard Representative-Beva Wahl
Directors-Bonnie Prato and Denise Wilson
Match, July 8, 2007
Newell Park, Concord, CA
His address is
Mackey J. Irick, jr
Room 305
Seneca Health and Rehab
140 Tokeena Road
Seneca, SC 29678
OPTIGEN 2007
PCA Clinics will be held on Thursday June 14
and Friday June 15.
Same testing and pricing from last years.
Specialty-Saturday, October 20, 2007
Conformation judge-Mr. Charles D. Arnold,
Florida
Obedience judge-Mrs. Jacqueline Coyne,
California
For the Optigen tests, the code is
PCA070614. You go to the Optigen web site and
download the forms,which when completed must
be brought to the show site.
Barbara Green
Thanks, Mary
Page 14
More from Barbara Green !
Agility Trials
June 9-10, 2007
Blood Draw for Optigen and Neonatal En- Judges:
cephalopathy will be Thurs. June 14 and Fri June Denise VanHousen and Keith VanHousen,
15.
Scotia, New York
The price of the test for Neonatal
Encepalopathy (Standards only) is $40.00, plus
an additional $10.00 for the Veterinarian for all
blood draws.
There will be a discount for Von
Willebrands testing done through the Speciality;
$99.00 instead of the regular fee of $140.00 Those
interested may pay at the Speciality.
For all of the above tests done in conjunction with PCA, there will be OFA forms with 50%
discount stickers for OFA listings of the results.
Swab kits will also be available for
AKC,DNA,CHIC DNA Repository, and UC Davis
Addison's/Epilepsy Research.
Reminder Affiliate Clubs:
your new contact is Michael Knight
Dr. Michael G. Knight PhD
212 Brazos Lane Sunnyvale TX 75182
mgk@tx.rr.com
Home 972.226.2837
Work 972.226.1049
Fax
972.203.8713
At our GMPC election on February 20, 2007, one
GMPC officer position was changed. Jean Lazarus is
no longer our GMPC secretary. Lora DeSombre is now
our club Secretary.
Lora's contact information is as follows:
Lora DeSombre
W2706 County Highway J
Shegoygan Falls, WI 53085
920-467-4855
shambre@bytehead.com
Please put Lora's information in your records as secretary for Greater Milwaukee Poodle Club.
Thank you.
Pepsi
Roberta M. Gilson
GMPC President and Breeder Referral
Plymouth, Wisconsin
Entry Fee is $23 for one entry, and $12 for
second entry, $ 10 for third entry same dog on
the same day.
Site: Crown Sports Center (Indoors), 28410
Crown Rd, Eden, MD 21822
Facility: Astro Turf in indoor soccer arenas, On
site food-vendor, RV Overnight Parking
Trial Secretary:
Diane Spalding
609 Fountain Rd
Salisbury, MD 21801
Tel 410-749-4912, email spalding4u@hotmail.com
Entry method is :
First received, 660 runs per day .
Opening Date: March 21, 2007 at 8 A.M.
Closing Date: May 16, 2007 at 12 P.M.
Trial Chairman is Krystle Bounds, email
MyOBcd@aol.com
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE
SALISBURY KENNEL CLUB AGILITY
SHOW PLEASE GO TO
WWW.SALISBURYKENNELCLUB.ORG
Miniature Representative
Update:
We were all pleased to hear that the
health issues for the Aizcorbe family
were stabilized by the end of November.
Mr. Aizcorbe has been taking calls and
e-mail since the beginning of December.
Page 15
June 2007 is the 75th Anniversary
Show!
Mark your Calendars for this Great
Event and come help us all Celebrate!
The Greatest Show on Earth!
Dates for National (including an AKC
Hunting Retriever Test) are
June 9 – June 15, 2007
Trophies for the National!
We are starting another drive to build our
trophy fund in order to be able to continue
to give the medallions and pewter that we
are presently presenting. Please find the
time to send a donation to help us do so.
Looking forward to hearing from everyone and seeing you in June!!
The Board of PCA
wants to thank
Katie Kinowski for her wonderful art work
for the Poodle illustration for the exhibitor
bags for the 75th Anniversary show, and to
Leslie Pope Hall and her committee of Ellen
Phelps and Maureen Watson for soliciting
donations for items to fill the exhibitor bags.
It's going to be a wonderful time in June. We
are looking forward to seeing everyone there.
Attention Toy Breeders!
If our Toy Breeders have any issues to bring before
the June 08 Board Meeting,,please let me know
what they might be. It has to get upon the Agenda.
ASAP!
NANCY HAFNER
Toy Representative
Thank you ,
Lucille
New Poodle Judges
Ms. Gloria Glisson-Middleburg, Fl
Mr. Daniel Dowling-Hope, Me
The PCA Premium will be
in the mail soon.
You can also access it at
infodog.com
or
off the PCA website
www.poodleclubofamerica.org.
Mrs. Sandra Ellis- Cement City, Mi
PCA Website
Mrs. Andre Schoen- Colorado Springs,
Information is updated on a quarterly
basis. The Quarterly updates coinside
with the publication of the newsletter.
Co
Leslie & Mia
PCA Website
Page 16
ORLANDO POODLE CLUB HOLDS
3RD WC/WCX TESTS
Orlando Poodle Club held its third WC/WCX (Working
Certificate/Working Certificate Excellent) tests on March
11, 2007. All retrieving breeds were invited to compete
and Poodles led the way with 3 entries in WCX and 7 in
WC. Congrats to all the Poodles who competed and especially to those that showed incredible Poodle talent by
passing the tests. Passing the WCX test was CH Ascot
Boucheron Joalleria CD SH WCX (Mulligan). Passing
the WC were Cosmic Mountain Scout SH WCX (Scout),
Janabaz Dazzling Jazz CDX AX MXJ (Jazzy), CH Carlyn
Calamity Jane NA WC (Janie), CH Sundance Irrestible
Fire CD SH (Abby) and CH Ascot Boucheron Joalleria
CD SH WCX (Mulligan).
Ethan W. & Abby
Gary Scovel's Scout
The day started foggy and cool but cleared to a warm
80 degrees. I had a lot of help from all the members
of OPC in putting this on, as well as help from members of the local Hunting Retriever Club. Kim
Raymond was my very capable Secretary, and Diane
Wigelsworth acted as Chief Marshall, keeping everyone moving to the line in quick and orderly fashion.
Jody Wigelsworth helped with birds, equipment and in
the field, and Anne Thorne did hospitality along with
running her dog Jazzy. Her husband Chris and son Jack
also provided lots of help in the field as did OPC member Debbi Cole who manned the shotgun all day. Many
other unnamed volunteers also contributed to this most
successful event. Thanks to all of you for all your help!
I think you can see from the pictures that everyone had a
great time including the dogs. What better way to get
out and enjoy the outdoors with your best friends – human and canine – and add a little to your club’s treasury
as well? If you’d like information on hosting a WC/
WCX test, please don’t hesitate to call or e-mail me.
Helen Scovel's.8 mo.
Photos by John Carelli
Joyce Carelli
jcarelli@cfl.rr.com
Page 17
More photo’s from Orlando Poodle Club’s WC/WCX tests
Dana Stewart with Mulliagn
Joyce Carelli's Janie
OPC Members and Handlers
Photos by John Carelli
Now on DVD or VHS Tapes!
1. FROM THE WHELPING BOX TO THE SHOW RING
10. PROGRESSIVE RETINAL ATROPHY:
Dr. Gustavo Aquirre discussed PRA in Poodles
$20.00
A panel of three breeders discuss their methods in preparing a Poodle
puppy for the show ring. Panelists Mrs. Arlene Scardo, Miss Betsey
Leedy, and Mrs. Kadelia Hamilton. Panel is moderated by Mrs Debby
Cozart.
$20.00
12. BREEDIND A GREAT POODLE (TWO TAPES)
4. 1990 DOG JUDGES ASSOC. PRESENTATION ON THE
POODLE: An exciting presentation on the Poodle from the judges
13. POODLE TYPE: Dr. Jacklyn Hungerland and Mrs. James Clark
$15.00
discuss what makes a Poodle.
perspective. Presented by Mr. Frank Sabella and Mr. & Mrs James Clark.
$20.00
5. 1990 DR. ELAINE ROBINSON on PINPOINTING OVULATION: This video tape will be exceptionally valuable tool in any serious
breeding program.
$20.00
6. POODLE TEMPERMENT PANEL: A discussion on improving
Poodle temperament. Panelists include John Fowler, Mrs. Joan Scott,
Mrs. Pat Deshler, Mrs. Glena Carlson. Narrated by Del Dahl
Dr. George Padgett speaks on Poodle traits; comparing inbreeding to out
crossing and line breeding; risk factors in picking up faults; calculating
good and bad genes; helping each other with our breed.
$35.00
14. ASPECTS OF REPRODUCTION: Dr. Edward Feldman
$15.00
discusses reproduction and the Poodle
16. HEREDITARY DISEASES IN POODLES : Dr. Fran Smith
speaks on hereditary diseases in all Varieties. A breeders guide to
genetic diseases.
$15.00
17. ORTHOPEDIC PROBLEMS IN POODLES: Dr. E.A.
$20.00
Corley, discusses orthopedic problems in hips,stifles and elbows as they
relate to all varieties of Poodles.
$15.00
8. THE POODLE POSITIVE: A Judge’s Workshop with Mr. & Mrs.
21. CANINE MALE REPRODUCTION: Dr. Autumn Davidson
James Clark. You do not have to be a judge or aspire to be one to gain a
lot from this tape.
$20.00
discusses reproduction semen collection and managing the high risk
delivery.
$15.00
cont. on page 31
Page 18
Atrial Septal Defects in
Standard Poodles
Pat Forsyth
Not long after Sonya Gordon, DVM, DVSc, adopted
her Standard Poodle Tiger, she began referring to herself as a “poodle junkie.” So it seems fitting that she is
now leading a study to sort out a health problem she
stumbled upon in Tiger’s family. “I have a vested interest in healthy Standard Poodles,” she says. “I’ll never
live without one.”
As a veterinary cardiologist, Dr. Gordon was able to
care for Tiger herself when she discovered he had a
heart problem. Tiger’s breeder became concerned,
however, because Dr. Gordon had found a different
heart condition—a hole between the upper chambers
of the heart—in one of Tiger’s aunts after detecting that
she had a heart murmur. Worried that heart problems
might run in her line, the breeder contacted owners to
whom she had sold dogs and brought as many related
dogs as she could for heart screening at Texas A&M
University.
“The breeder was amazing, so very dedicated and a big
reason why we now know this is a more widespread
problem,” Dr. Gordon says. She initially evaluated 23
related dogs, finding that nine had the hole, called atrial
septal defect (ASD), between their upper heart chambers. Three had symptoms of heart failure. Dr. Gordon and her team at Texas A&M’s College of Veterinary Medicine reported these findings at the 2006 meeting of the American College of Veterinary Internal
Medicine. Since then, they have learned of StandardPoodle ASD cases in other parts of the country and
Canada, none in dogs closely related to the initial family examined. “When we see this showing up around
the country,” Dr. Gordon says, “we get concerned that
it may be quite common.”
Atrial septal defects are a relatively rare congenital heart
malformation in dogs. Breeds considered at increased
risk for ASD are Boxer, Doberman Pinscher, Samoyed
and Newfoundland. Although one case of ASD was
previously reported in a Standard Poodle, Dr. Gordon’s
findings are the first to suggest that ASD may be a real
problem in this breed. All poodle cases she diagnosed
were in dogs between 1 and 7 years old. Although dogs
may have no symptoms if the hole is small, she notes,
signs of ASD might include coughing, trouble breathing, exercise intolerance and possibly collapse or fainting—even death from heart failure. Dr. Gordon’s team
has successfully repaired ASD in poodles with a technique used in children to fix the same defect. The technique and equipment were adapted to work better in
the dog and involve threading a catheter through a large
neck vein into the heart and then inserting a device that
looks like Oreo cookie halves, fitting the halves against
opposite sides of the wall between affected heart chambers, thus sealing the hole. In some cases, the hole is
too big for this technique and open-heart surgery is required to repair the defect.
Because the atrial septal defect was present in many
dogs of the Standard Poodle family they studied, Dr.
Gordon’s team has joined forces with cardiologist and
geneticist Kathryn Meurs, DVM, PhD, of Washington
State University, to explore a possible genetic cause.
Initial pedigree analysis ruled out an X-linked recessive mode of inheritance, Dr. Gordon notes, because
two affected females were able to produce unaffected
male dogs. The pedigrees suggest a dominant pattern
of inheritance (only one parent must carry the defective gene for the condition to appear in offspring), she
points out, because the trait appears in every generation, but other patterns are possible. “With our current
study, we’re hoping to identify a genetic test that will
allow widespread screening,” Dr. Gordon says, “but
even if we can’t do that, we can find out more about
how ASD is passed on and help breeders make informed
breeding decisions.”
The researchers currently are analyzing DNA from affected dogs and their relatives. They also hope to send
a team to PCA in June to collect Standard Poodle pedigrees, take blood samples for DNA analysis and evaluate the dogs for ASD using echocardiogram equipment.
An echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart just
like the one used in people to look at the abdomen and
heart. It is painless and can be done on awake dogs, is
much more detailed than an X-ray, and involves no radiation.
Dr. Gordon would also appreciate hearing from owners or their veterinary cardiologists if they have a Standard Poodle with suspected or confirmed ASD. She
can be contacted at sgordon@cvm.tamu.edu (please put
standard poodle in the subject line).
Page 19
AKC News
Top Breeds for the year!
YORKIES HAVE THEIR YEAR! TINY TOY OVERTAKES VENERABLE FAVORITES -- GOLDEN
RETRIEVER AND GERMAN SHEPHERD -- AS
SECOND MOST POPULAR DOG IN AMERICA
New York, NY - The American Kennel Club® announced today that the Yorkshire Terrier, fondly called
the “Yorkie” by millions of enthusiasts, has overtaken
the beloved Golden Retriever and the iconic German
Shepherd Dog to become the second most popular purebred dog in America according to AKC® registration
figures. The Labrador Retriever is the most popular
purebred dog in the country once again—a spot it has
held since 1991.
“We have been closely tracking dog ownership trends
and AKC data reveals that the popularity of smaller
breeds continues to grow over the last decade,” said
AKC spokesperson Lisa Peterson. “Not since the Boston Terrier* hit the top nearly 70 years ago has a small
breed worked its way to such a high spot on the list.”
“Dogs have become a fixture in the American family.
The recent rise of the Yorkie proves that many modern
dog owners prefer a portable, pint-sized pet that fits
their modern, fast-paced lifestyle,” added Peterson.
2006 Most Popular Dogs in the U.S.
1. Labrador Retriever
2. Yorkshire Terrier
3. German Shepherd Dog
4. Golden Retriever
5. Beagle
6. Dachshund
7. Boxer
8. Poodle
9. Shih Tzu
10. Miniature Schnauzer
Despite the prevalence of the Yorkie and the increased
popularity of other small breeds, the Top 10 once again
includes four large breeds all known for their intelligence, versatility and ability to be a loving family companion -- the Labrador Retriever, German Shepherd
Dog, Golden Retriever and Boxer. The German Shepherd Dog rose in popularity to third in 2006.
TRENDS: 1915 - TODAY
To get a feel for trends over a longer period of time, the
AKC analyzed nearly 100 years of registration data and
looked at popularity based on group classification, size,
grooming requirements and activity levels:**
Group:
* The Sporting group (Retrievers, Pointing breeds,
Setters and Spaniels) is currently the most popular,
making up nearly 30% of the 2006 registry. This group
peaked in popularity in the 1940’s with 43% of the registry.
* The Toy group has been steadily on the rise since
the 1970’s, when it made up only 12% of the registry
versus 23% today.
* The Working group peaked in the 1990’s at 17%,
most notably due to the Rottweiler being in the top 10
at that time, including several years in the number 2
spot.
* The popularity of the Terrier group has steadily
decreased, going from nearly 27% of the registry to
only 6% this year.
* Hounds have remained the most consistent—at
about 8% since 1915 through today.
Size:
* Small breeds dipped to a low of 18% in the 1940’s
and have grown to 29% of the registry today.
* Despite fluctuations throughout the middle of the
century (including holding the highest percentage of
the registry ever at 58% in the 1940’s) medium-sized
breeds remain at approximately 22% today, the same
percentage as in 1915.
* Large breeds make up the bulk of the registry today (45%) as a result of the Labrador Retriever being
in the top spot.
Grooming:
* Dogs with low grooming requirements have been
steadily on the rise since the 1970’s while dogs that
require more grooming have declined sharply during
the same period. Dogs with average grooming requirements remained steady.
* In 2006, nearly 48% of the registry was made up
of dogs considered to have low grooming needs, versus only 30% in the 1960’s (Poodles were the topranked dog in this time period.)
* Dogs with high grooming requirements were most
popular in the 1940’s.
Cont. on page 20
Page 20
Cont. from page 19
Activity:
* Dogs that require a high level of activity (lots of
exercise) make up nearly half of the registry today, vs.
35% in 1915.
* High energy breeds, such as the Airedale Terrier
and Dalmatian peaked in the 1960’s at 61%.
* Today, breeds with an average activity level comprise 43% of the registry while low activity breeds make
up only 7%.
TOP 50 CITIES:
The AKC also looked at the Top 10 breeds in the
nation’s 50 largest cities. To find your city visit http://
www.akc.org/reg/topdogsbycity.cfm . Some key findings:
* Among major U.S. cities, the Bulldog makes the
Top 10 in 27 cities, followed by the Pug in 22 cities,
the Rottweiler in 15 cities, the Chihuahua in 14 cities
and the Pomeranian in eight cities.
* Other breeds that made multiple appearances on
the local lists but were not in the national Top 10 include the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Cocker Spaniel, German Shorthaired Pointer, Shetland Sheepdog,
Maltese, English Springer Spaniel and the Boston Terrier.
* Knoxville is the only major city in America with
the same Top 10 breeds as the national list.
* Milwaukee is the only city that does not include
the popular Yorkshire Terrier on its local Top 10 list.
AKC registration statistics are compiled from Jan. 1December 31 of the previous year. In 2006, AKC registered 153 different breeds.
being, works to protect the rights of all dog owners and promotes
responsible dog ownership. More than 18,000 competitions for
AKC-registered purebred dogs are held under AKC rules and regulations each year including conformation, agility, obedience, rally,
tracking, herding, lure coursing, coonhound events, hunt tests, field
and earthdog trials. Affiliate AKC organizations include the AKC
Canine Health Foundation, AKC Companion Animal Recovery and
the AKC Museum of the Dog. For more information, visit
www.akc.org .
AKC, American Kennel Club, the American Kennel Club seal and
design, and all associated marks and logos are trademarks, registered trademarks and service marks of The American Kennel Club,
Inc.
From Peggy McDill:
Juniors participating in AKC events with Poodles
From:"Gabrielle Tesarz" <glt@akc.org>
Date:Thu, 7 Dec 2006 15:37:22 -0500
Dear Parent Club Officers,
I am providing to you the names of the Juniors who
have been participating in AKC Events this year. You
may wish to acknowledge their success in some way,
either in the club newsletter or perhaps some form of
recognition at the clubs annual dinner or awards ceremony. These young people are our future breeders,
exhibitors as well as club members and officers. Your
support is appreciated.
The following Juniors handling your breed met the eligibility requirement for the AKC/Eukanuba National
Championship which was to have five wins in the Open
Class with competition within the timeframe for the
event and to have a 3.0 grade point average or equivalent for the past two semesters:
·
·
·
* In 1939, the Boston Terrier was the second most popular dog in America. The Boston was consistently ranked ·
#1 or #2 throughout the early part of the twentieth cen- ·
Mackenzie Aeberli
Aimee Cockerham
Hana Katz
Desiree Rudisill
Emalia Williams
tury. Small dogs are defined as breeds weighing an average of less than 20 lbs.
**Average breed size, grooming requirements and activity levels were determined by a panel of dog experts
Juniors who have handled dogs to Companion Event
Titles:
The American Kennel Club, founded in 1884, is a not-for-profit
organization which maintains the largest registry of purebred dogs
in the world and oversees the sport of purebred dogs in the United
States. The AKC is dedicated to upholding the integrity of its registry, promoting the sport of purebred dogs and breeding for type and
function. Along with its nearly 5,000 licensed and member clubs
and its affiliated organizations, the AKC advocates for the purebred dog as a family companion, advances canine health and well-
Mari-Beth O'Neill
Caleb Belle NA, OA, OAJ
Miriya Tune NJP
AVP Special Services
5580 Centerview Drive
Raleigh, NC 27606
919-816-3594
mbo@akc.org
Page 21
AKC/EUKANUBA
NATIONAL
CHAMPIONSHIP
DECEMBER 2007 JUDGING PANEL RELEASED
NEW YORK, NY (January 2, 2007) – The American
Kennel Club announced today the panel of judges selected for the Seventh Annual AKC/Eukanuba National
Championship to be held in Long Beach, CA on Saturday, December 1 and Sunday, December 2, 2007. The
2007 event will once again showcase the nation’s top
AKC-registered and international dogs as well as the
popular Bred-by-Exhibitor competition.
Heading the panel as Best in Show judge for the 2007
AKC/Eukanuba National Championship is Maxine V.
Beam of Fort Worth, TX. Frank T. Sabella of
Wellington, FL, will judge Best Bred-by-Exhibitor in
Show.
Maxine V. Beam was a professional all-breed dog handler for almost 30 years before retiring in 1972 and
getting approved to judge the following year. Maxine
handled three Poodles to Quaker Oats Ken-L Award
wins, first in 1956, again in 1957 and finally in 1963,
and handled numerous Best in Show winning dogs and
National Specialty winners during her handling career.
This is Maxine’s fourth year judging at the AKC/
Eukanuba National Championship; previous assignments have included multiple breed judging in 2001,
Best Bred-by-Exhibitor in Show in 2003 and the NonSporting Group in 2005. Maxine has also judged national specialties, Westminster and other top shows in
the United States, as well as in Canada, Mexico, South
Africa, and at two of Australia’s largest shows, Sydney
and Melbourne Royal.
Frank T. Sabella began in dogs with a Standard
Poodle in 1953 and by 1955 had finished his first champion and group winner. By the early 1960s, Frank was
one of the most sought-after professional handlers of
his time. He is past bench-show chair of the Santa Barbara Kennel Club and a member of the Greyhound Club
of America and the Poodle Club of America. This is
Frank’s fifth year judging at the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship; previous assignments have included multiple breed judging in 2001, Best in Show
in 2003, Bred-by-Exhibitor Non-Sporting Group in
2005 and multiple breed judging and Junior Showmanship Finals in January of 2006. Frank has judged
Westminster several times, including Best in Show in
1990, and was an instructor at the AKC Judges Institute. He has authored several books, and his awards
include Kennel Review’s Male Handler of the Year and
Gaines FIDO Dog Man of the Year.
Group Judges:
TOY – Dorothy MacDonald – Carmel Valley, CA
NON-SPORTING – Dr. Jose Luis Payro – Mexico City,
Mexico
Bred-by-Exhibitor variety groups Judges:
TOY – Phyllis Wolfish, Canada
NON-SPORTING – Hans Lehtinen, Finland
Judy A. Doniere All Poodles
JUNIOR SHOWMANSHIP PRELIMINARIES:
Danica Burge
C. David Stout
The AKC National Obedience Invitational and AKC
Agility Invitational will again be held in conjunction
with the 2007 AKC/Eukanuba National Championship.
Judges will be announced at a later date.
The 2007 AKC/Eukanuba National Championship will
mark the seventh event in AKC's premier showcase for
dogs, which is presented with Eukanuba. The show
will be nationally broadcast on cable television’s Animal Planet and Discovery Channel.
QUALIFYING DATES ARE AS FOLLOWS:
AKC/Eukanuba National Championship: October 11,
2006 to October 9, 2007
AKC National Obedience Invitational: July 1, 2006 to
June 30, 2007
AKC Agility Invitational: July 1, 2006 to June 30, 2007
MOVING?
Please if you have moved please email
me your new address so, I can change
your address for you, to keep you receiving your Poodle Papers. I only get
one update a year otherwise so your
issues of the Poodle Papers will drop if
I don’t have an up to date address .
Email lnewing@earthlink.net
Page 22
AKC Companion Animal Recovery Introduces Revolutionary Microchip
New chip to provide more affordable alternative for
veterinarians and animal shelters
Raleigh, NC – In its continuing effort to improve the
pet recovery process in America, the American Kennel
Club’s Companion Animal Recovery (AKC CAR) announced that it is introducing a revolutionary new microchip identification system to the market. The new
AKC Companion Animal Recovery ID System™ microchip is technologically superior and more affordable than microchips currently on the market.
AKC CAR and Electronic ID Devices, Ltd. (EID) have
entered a distribution agreement, where AKC CAR has
become the exclusive distributor of TROVAN microchips in the United States companion animal market.
TROVAN transponders have been in production and
used in a variety of applications since 1991, using the
most modern operational and manufacturing technologies available.
The new AKC Companion Animal Recovery ID System™ microchips are part of the American standard,
complying with the installed reader base used for identifying lost microchipped animals in most animals shelters throughout the United States.
“This new system will provide veterinarians, animal
shelters, breeders and pet owners an alternative to the
more expensive microchips currently being offered in
the market,” said Dr. Carmen Battaglia, President and
CEO of AKC CAR. “Our commitment is to increase
the number of pets microchipped and enrolled in our
recovery service in order to increase the number of lost
pets that we recover.”
Through a newly-designed delivery system, the AKC
CAR microchip is implanted between the shoulder
blades just below the skin of the pet. The two-piece,
patented delivery system places the microchip in the
pet while the lancet is simply retracted, leaving the chip
in the precise location intended. Other applicators push
the microchip out of a needle into the skin creating a
risk of breakage and imprecise placement. Additionally, the AKC CAR microchip is smaller than other
microchips and less likely to migrate.
There are many reasons to support the AKC Companion Animal Recovery ID System™. AKC CAR:
Is the nation’s largest not-for-profit recovery service
Provides a live operator, 24 hours a day, 365 days a
year
Has enrolled over 3.5 million animals and recovered
over 320,000
Has a long-term commitment to the pets in the database
Funds veterinary student scholarships, search and rescue teams, and disaster relief
Continues to offer free updates to the pet’s record
Upon enrollment, every pet owner receives a FREE
metal collar tag containing the pet’s microchip number
and the AKC CAR recovery hotline (1-800-252-7894).
The tag is a critical part of the recovery process, particularly if the pet is found by an ordinary citizen without a microchip scanner.
“AKC CAR has worked diligently to identify and distribute a superior microchipping system,” continued Dr.
Battaglia. “We are confident that this new microchip
will lead to even more pet recoveries.”
For more information on the AKC Companion Animal Recovery ID System™, visit www.akccar.org/
microchip or call 1-800-252-7894.
About AKC Companion Animal Recovery
AKC CAR, an affiliate of the American Kennel Club®
and a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, is the largest non-profit recovery service provider in North
America. Established in 1995 as a public service to help
pet owners reunite with their lost animals via identification and live operators, the organization has enrolled
over 3.5 million companion animals and recovered over
320,000 lost pets.
AKC CAR makes donations annually for veterinary
student scholarships, grants for search and rescue teams
and donations for natural disaster relief.
For more information visit www.akccar.org , call 1800-252-7894 or email found@akc.org .
Page 23
MARCH CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
New York, NY — The American Kennel Club is the only
purebred dog registry which mandates both registration
as well as care and condition quality control standards
enforced through ongoing rigorous inspections of AKC
Breeders.
In 1991, the AKC’s Compliance Department came into
its own, going beyond the complaint-based system of investigations to mandatory inspection for certain AKC
breeders. Financial resources were allocated toward the
creation of a dedicated proactive inspections team.
In the late 1990’s we became the first and only registry
to enforce a care and conditions policy by establishing
protocols in our inspections program regarding the safety
and welfare of the dogs and their environment. Today,
we have 14 field staff traveling across the country to conduct inspections. In 2006, we conducted approximately
4,800 inspections nationwide in an effort to ensure humane conditions, accurate record keeping and dog identification. We truly embody our tagline, “We’re more than
champion dogs. We’re the dog’s champion.”
The Board recently adopted enhancements to our inspection protocols which I strongly believe will continue to
strengthen overall compliance for AKC breeders using
our registry. The AKC spent more than $5.7 million in
2006 to ensure the accuracy of its registry and the care
and conditions of dogs raised by AKC breeders. New
guidelines that are being implemented by the Compliance department include:
* For the first-time ever, breeders who register 4 to 6
litters annually with AKC will be randomly selected for
inspection.
* As an added incentive for AKC breeders currently
inspected who register 7 to 24 litters annually, we will
waive one 18-month inspection cycle for those who pass
two consecutive AKC inspections. After the waiver, they
will be placed back on an 18-month inspection schedule.
Current continuing protocol:
* Annual inspections of all breeders who register 25 or more
litters
* Inspection of pet shops
* Inspection of distributors
* Complaint-based inspections
One of the new provisions includes inspections of breeders who register 4 to 6 litters per year. Formerly, our em-
phasis was on those breeding 7 or more litters. Now,
breeders in the 4 to 6 litter category will be randomly
selected for inspection. We have found some among this
group who only register a few litters in order to maintain
AKC breeding stock, but don’t register enough litters to
trigger an inspection.
The new protocol will further strengthen our standard
practice of inspecting mainly breeders who register from
7 to 24 litters per year. If these breeders are found to be
in compliance for two consecutive inspections, then the
AKC would defer inspection for the next inspection cycle.
One of the goals of this change is to reallocate resources
toward other areas of needed inspections while rewarding those breeders who consistently comply with AKC
rules.
This new inspection protocol was based upon data reflecting current registration demographics and compliance results. These statistics will be reviewed annually
and resources will be adjusted, if necessary. We continue
to work diligently in areas where we have not changed
Compliance protocol. For example, we still inspect breeders with 25 or more registered litters annually. We inspect pet shops and distributors that sell AKC puppies.
And we inspect customers based upon signed, written
complaints with substantial documentation sent to AKC.
One important aspect of our Compliance protocol includes our DNA program. DNA testing is utilized during inspections for verification of parentage and positive
dog identification. The AKC’s Frequently Used Sire Program, which requires AKC DNA profiling for every sire
producing seven or more litters in a lifetime, or more
than three litters in one calendar year, also aids in our
compliance efforts to protect the integrity of the AKC
registry.
Indeed, we are very proud of our compliance standards,
and continue to seek ways to use our resources to
strengthen AKC’s dedication in this area. Our commitment to compliance protocol is tantamount to our commitment to purebred dogs. By focusing on education
and cooperation, as well as rewarding those breeders who
adhere to AKC policies, we help to preserve the integrity
of our registry and we improve the overall standard of
dog breeding. To find out more about AKC Compliance,
visit:http://www.akc.org/press_center/facts_stats.cfm?page=6
Sincerely,
Ron Menaker
Chairman
Page 24
Foundations for
Cross-Training
Poodles and their companions can participate in
a wide range of competitive activities. Obedience, agility, tracking and field work are just some of the venues
dogs and handlers can enjoy. A good ‘foundation’,
namely solid basic training, serves every dog/handler
team regardless of which activities they may choose. It
is my opinion that the most fundamental part of a solid
foundation is cultivation of a desire to learn. It’s not an
easy task to train an unwilling pupil so ‘learning how
to learn’ while enjoying the process is where it all starts.
In puppy class, my students often want to know what
they should train first. As long as it’s kept simple, I
don’t think the actual behaviour is that important. “Sit,
down, release, send and come” are my basics on which
most everything else builds. A sit is a sit is a sit whether
it be for an obedience group stay, an agility start line,
waiting for birds to fall or honouring a second dog in
the field. Downs are used for different exercises in
both agility and obedience and serve the field dog well
during long hunts when the birds aren’t falling. Some
may wonder why I haven’t included ‘stays’ amongst
the basics. That’s because my control positions
(sit, down, stand) mean ‘stay’ in that position
released. The ‘stay’ is implied by the conRemember ‘less is more’ in dog training, until
trol position command, however this means the
especially with youngsters .
trainer must be very good about teaching releases! A recall/come forms the basis of all retrieves, from obedience dumb-bells, gloves and
cies to persist in the face of stress (fight drive) and perarticles
to birds from the field or pond. Foundation
haps most importantly to any team they will have debehaviours
are inherently the same, it’s the application
sire to work with a handler instead of alone (pack drive).
If you can find what drives the dog, you can use it in according to venue that changes.
In the beginning stages of training it’s very important that the dog ‘buy in’. Observe the pup/young dog
and see what she likes. All dogs have different ‘drives’
or things they naturally do and find motivating. In Shelia
Booth’s excellent book “Schutzhund Obedience: Training In Drive” she lists 5 basic drives: food drive, play
drive, prey drive, fight drive and pack drive. For the
purpose of selecting a field prospect, you would like to
find a dog with strong prey, fight and pack drives as
these dogs will find chasing/carrying inherently motivating (prey drive). They will also have strong tenden-
your training to achieve optimal results! A dog can succeed in training without being high in drives that
complement the work, however it requires more skill,
patience and creativity on the handler’s part.
Remember ‘less is more’ in dog-training, especially
with youngsters. It’s always a good idea to leave on a
high note with the dog still very much engaged and
wanting more. This doesn’t mean ‘sloppy’ training. Just
because the actual session is short doesn’t mean a lot of
thought, planning and set-up doesn’t go into it at times.
Arrange introductions to new concepts so it’s easy and
fun for the pup. Take time to make a plan on how to do
so. Early training is all about teaching, not testing. Help
the dog to be right so she wants to play the game.
So how does a handler tweak foundation behaviours
to better suit the field prospect? Let’s consider the
basics: sit, down, release, send and come. When I put
my dog in a sit or a down the behaviour is to maintain
that position until cued otherwise. Therefore I do not
have a ‘stay’ or ‘wait’ command. Stay/wait is implied
by the positional command sit or down. The handler
must be aware of how to use release cues so as to ‘allow’ the dog to move when the behaviour is over! Pup
has to understand there is a beginning (cue), middle
(behaviour) and end (release) to behaviour.
For a field dog I think this is especially helpful.
Cont. on page 25
Page 25
Cont. from page 24
Every time you command ‘sit’ you are also commanding ‘until I release you from this position’. I feel it’s
simpler and clearer for the dog to understand than adding an extra verbal to denote a function of time via a
separate wait or stay cue. The same logic holds true
for the down. I believe it is more helpful for the dog to
train maintenance of control positions from the cues
that reflect position as opposed to teaching a cue for
the more abstract function of ‘wait’. If the handler is
good about the use of releases, there is no need for additional ‘stay’ training with regard to teaching an additional verbal.
shown there is something there then brought back a
bit, then sent. Verbal cues are paired with this process… field enthusiasts often use “Dead bird” to cue
the dog to look out and away for this situation. The
dog locks onto the target visually, then is sent with
whatever cue is used to release the dog to run. This is
an important difference from a release that indicates
behaviour is over so while “Ok!” or “Free!” may mean
the dog is allowed up from sit or down, in a send the
release means the dog is allowed to do the next part of
the task.
The recall or ‘come when called’ is also critically
important for the field dog. A dog that marks beautifully, never deviates from a straight line through any
Field training and competitive obedience require hazard and takes casts brilliantly is absolutely useless
PCA 2005
training a send cue while
if she won’t bring
agility benefits from it
back the bird. The
greatly. At a fundamental
“ The recall or ‘come when called’ is also
dog must come
level this means the dog
when
called.
critically important for the field dog.”
leaves the handler to run in
There are many
front of her in a directed,
good ways to
focused fashion. Teaching a dog to run fast and straight teach nice recalls which I won’t detail here. To add a
to a bird she didn’t see fall requires trust as well as touch of ‘field’ to them I would definitely recommend
training. With a youngster, use of a target helps to con- the ‘two toy’ game as described in Booth’s book. This
vey this concept. Essentially you give the dog some- is essentially trading the dog one toy for another durthing to run ‘to’… a ball on the ground, a plastic lid ing an active game of retrieving. The dog learns the
with food, a bumper, whatever works best. The dog is fun is not over if she brings back an item. You want
her to bring back an object/bird happily and quickly,
not drag back to the line, knowing good times are over
as soon as she returns. Not only does the dog who
comes back slowly use up ‘memory’ time if there are
multiple falls, the dog that comes back slowly is also
more apt to get distracted and pick up any number of
bad habits. It’s important to remember that there is a
component of hunt test judging based on ‘style’ so the
slow return can also cost the team valuable points!
Field training is no different than any other sort of
dog training in that good basics are the key to success.
Do not be in a hurry to train a dog. Take time to teach
concepts thoroughly while maintaining drive and interest. If something isn’t working within a training plan
and the dog (and trainer!) find the work unsatisfying,
then CHANGE THE PROGRAM. Short sessions done
often will yield better results than long sessions done
less frequently. Long sessions done often are the best
way to turn a bright, eager pupil into a dull, mechani
Cont. on page 26
Page 26
Patent Ductus Arteriosus
(PDA)
Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) is the most common
congenital heart disease found in dogs, usually leading
to heart failure and death unless corrected through surgery at a young age. A recent litter of 8 standard poodle
puppies bred by my parents had 2 affected dogs one
which has been operated on and is expected to lead a
normal life.
As a graduate scientist with first hand experience of
this potentially fatal disease I am keen to investigate
the genetics of hereditary PDA in poodles.
cont. from page 25
cal worker. Being competitive and having fun should
never be at odds, for either part of the team.
For my next article, I invite readers to send in questions and comments for discussion. My Email address
is: dudleyfontaine@msn.com Meanwhile… train
smart, train happy!
Dudley Fontaine
A Poodle Ambassador
On Saturday March 10 2007, the AKC presented a
Meet The Breed event at Barnes and Noble. This
took place at Lincoln Center Book Store, New York
City.
Ch. Ali Kai Diamond Jim on Fifth brought along
his Mom, Barbara Green.
This veteran, being hugged and patted by a lot
of wonderful kids, had the best time. The cookies
were greatly appreciated as well.
Barbara Green
In order to research PDA I will require many DNA
samples from affected poodles along with relatives of
affected dogs (standard, mini and toy) usually acquired
in the form of a cheek swab. If you have a dog that has
been diagnosed with congenital PDA or a dog that is
related to an affected dog and would like to help, then
I would love to hear from you. Dogs may remain anonymous if you would prefer and then once you are happy
for me to do so, I will mail you a cheek swab kit, a very
simple and pain free method of acquiring a DNA
sample.
The start date and strength of the research very much
depends on the number of samples that can be obtained,
of which to date had been very few so I really do need
your help. If I can obtain sufficient cases and willing
participants then I am eager to obtain funding for this
project and hopefully find the causative genes that will
one day lead to the development of a diagnostic test to
help conquer hereditary PDA.
If you have a poodle with a PDA then please contact
me at:
Laura Fox-Clipsham BSc
Graduate Research Assistant
Centre of Preventative Medicine,
Animal Health Trust,
Lanwades Park,
Kentford,
Newmarket,
CB8 7UU
Tel: 08700 50 24 60
laura.fox-clipsham@aht.org.uk
Page 27
Researchers Seek
Genetic Cause of SA in
Standard Poodles
Poodles are known for their beautiful coats; however,
the Poodle Club of America reports that an estimated
50 percent of Standard Poodles are carriers or affected
by a genetic autoimmune skin condition called sebaceous adenitis (SA) with hyperkeratosis, which can
dramatically affect hair coat.
SA causes inflammation of the sebaceous or oil glands
in the skin, which in turn affects the hair follicles causing hair loss, as well as scaling or thickening of the
skin. Hyperkeratosis refers to the sloughing of fine, silvery, sticky dander that accompanies or supercedes hair
loss. Affected dogs often look moth-eaten and may suffer from secondary skin infections. Though it is not
known what causes SA and there is no known cure,
signs of the condition vary widely. Fortunately, the disease can be treated, and often goes into remission.
Though SA is most common in Standard Poodles, it
also occurs in Miniature and Toy Poodles. Other breeds
affected by SA are Akita, Irish Setter, Lhasa Apso, Pomeranian, Samoyed, Weimaraner, and Vizsla. All coat
colors of Standard Poodles are affected by the disorder
that most often appears in young adult dogs, from 18
months to 4 years of age.
“The condition represents a significant health and welfare issue for the breed,” says Cathryn Mellersh, Ph.D.,
a researcher at the Animal Health Trust in Kentford,
United Kingdom. This fact, combined with the willingness of Standard Poodle breeders to submit samples,
encouraged Mellersh and researchers at the Animal
Health Trust to embark on research to find the genetic
cause of SA.
Seeking the Mode of Inheritance
To begin the SA research, Mellersh collected DNA
samples from affected Standard Poodles and their close
relatives. The samples are from dogs living both in the
United States and the United Kingdom. Hoping to receive more samples, Mellersh is now analyzing the data
to find genetic markers linked to the mutation that
causes SA.
the DNA the mutation is and we can go about looking
for the mutation that actually causes SA,” she says.
The condition is recognized as hereditary; however, the
mode of inheritance isn’t clear. A test breeding between
two SA-affected Standard Poodles suggested that SA
is inherited as a simple autosomal recessive trait. However, the disease doesn’t always present that way.
“Our evidence suggests that it may not be a simple recessive condition as previously believed,” says
Mellersh. “There may be more than one gene involved,
or there may be environmental conditions that influence whether a dog develops signs of SA, even if the
dog carries the SA mutation.”
To make breeding decisions even more complicated,
dogs may be carriers of SA but not affected, or they
may be affected with SA, but the signs might not show
up until later in life, if at all.
Frustrated over problems caused by these patterns of
the disease, Ann Mandelbaum, who lives in Woodbury,
Conn., decided to stop breeding Standard Poodles.
She now lives with four Standard Poodles from her
breeding, all of which are touched by SA. One is clinically affected; one is subclinically affected and does
not show signs; one is a carrier that produced SA puppies; and one is a possible carrier, the result of breeding a bitch that is now clinically affected and a sire that
has produced offspring affected by SA.
“While I was breeding I was constantly looking for dogs
with no history of SA,” Mandelbaum says. “The dogs I
bred to were all older, used quite frequently, and had
no known history of having produced SA at the time I
bred to them.”
Skin Biopsy Identifies SA
Currently, the only way to diagnose SA is through skin
biopsy as no genetic test identifies carriers or affected
dogs. Unfortunately, skin punch biopsy isn’t always
reliable. Once the mutation is identified, it potentially
could lead to the development of a DNA-based test to
identify affected or carrier animals.
In a skin punch biopsy, a veterinarian gives a dog a
local anesthetic, and then removes a small cylindrical
biopsy specimen of skin. The sample is sent to a
dermatopathologist with a background diagnosing SA
for microscopic examination.
“Once we have those markers we will know where in
cont. on page 28
Page 28
cont. from page 27
In 1999, Linda Rhodes’ black Standard Poodle,
Donnchada Ollie, started losing the hair on his chest.
Rhodes, who lives in Hockley, Texas, had her veterinarian conduct a battery of tests on “Ollie,” including a
punch biopsy to test for sebaceous adenitis. All tests
were negative, including the one for SA, and Ollie was
diagnosed with seasonal alopecia or hair loss.
Three years later, Ollie again started losing significant
amounts of hair. This time the greatest losses were in
his topknot and on his back. Rhodes took Ollie straight
to specialists at the veterinary school at Texas A&M
University. Three larger punch biopsies were taken and
the conclusive diagnosis was sebaceous adenitis.
“The specialist remembered reading Ollie’s original
punch test that had been done in 1999,” Rhodes says.
“He told us that the size of the punch done then was
inadequate for a firm diagnosis.”
Rhodes’ experience is not isolated. Sebaceous adenitis
is difficult to diagnose because the signs mimic other
diseases, such as allergies or hypothyroidism. Even if
a veterinarian suspects SA and does a punch biopsy,
accurate results are not guaranteed. The findings may
be inconclusive or even result in a false negative such
as Rhodes experienced with Ollie.
lished in the August 2004 issue of Veterinary Dermatology found that essential fatty acid supplementation
and daily applications of topical cyclosporine, an immune system suppressant, helped promote coat condition and hair regrowth.
“From day one in 1999, I was devastated that Ollie was
losing his hair,” Rhodes says. “All I was aware of at
that time were the cosmetic changes.” Despite the recommended baths and oil soaks, Ollie gradually lost
more hair until more than three quarters of his hair had
fallen out. Rhodes resorted to shaving Ollie completely
to ease his discomfort and help make the regular baths
and soaks easier for them both. He also looked better.
At first Rhodes was able to keep the “musty” smell
often found with SA-affected dogs at bay for a week or
two after each bath. But then Ollie began to smell musty
after just a few days. Other health problems — hip dysplasia, centralized retinal atrophy, and ear infections
due to flaky skin caused by SA — were beginning to
take a toll and the scrubs became increasingly difficult
for him to tolerate, so Rhodes discontinued them.
“He turned 12 in August and my priority now is his
comfort,” she says. “Fortunately, Ollie has no bald spots
now. His hair grew back in, but it is very thin and mostly
straight.”
Breeders and owners are encouraged to follow the SA
testing guidelines of the Orthopedic Foundation for
Animals, which maintains a registry of SA-tested animals. The OFA requires a minimum of two biopsies
that are evaluated by an approved dermatopathology
laboratory.
Mandelbaum’s poodles haven’t experienced the same
overwhelming level of signs. “The hair coat is more
difficult to keep matt-free because of the clumping and
‘stickiness’ associated with the disease,” she says.
“Other than that, there is nothing difficult about dealing with SA at the level we have experienced it.”
Two primary veterinary dermatopathologists that do
testing in the United States are: Ann Hargis, D.V.M.,
DACVP, of Everson, Wash., who can be reached at
(425)
775-6903
or
by
e-mail
at
Hargisann@comcast.net; and Maron Calderwood
Mays, V.M.D., Ph.D., DACVP, of Bushnell, Fla., who
can be reached at (888) 669-9693 or by e-mail at
mbcmvmd@bellsouth.net. In Markham, Ontario,
Canada, Drs. Julie Yager and Susan Best perform dermatopathology testing for Vita Tech. For information,
please call (519) 767-2116.
“There is often considerable variation between the clinical signs displayed by different dogs with the same
apparent disease,” Mellersh says. ”These differences,
such as the age of onset or the rate of progression, are
almost certainly caused by the modifying effects of
other genes, and perhaps also influenced by environmental effects.”
Coping with an Affected Poodle
The standard treatment for SA is frequent bathing and
oil soaks to loosen and remove skin crusts and dead
hair. A veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics when there
are secondary infections. The results of a study pub-
Until a genetic test is developed, the key to reducing
the incidence of this disease in Standard Poodles is careful breeding. “The more frequently the same dog or
bitch appears on the top and bottom of a pedigree, the
more likely the dog whose pedigree it is will inherit an
identical mutation from both the dam and sire, and suffer an inherited disease,” says Mellersh.
cont. on page 29
Page 29
cont. from page 28
Breeders also may consult experts at breed registries, such
as the OFA or the Poodle Health Registry, for information. These experts can help breeders carefully choose
pairings to limit the likelihood of SA. Additionally, registering the results of SA tests with the OFA and Poodle
Health Registry can help advance information and knowledge about SA in Standard Poodles. N
DNA Samples Needed for SA Research
Researchers at the Animal Health Trust in the United
Kingdom are working to find a genetic marker for an
inherited skin condition, sebaceous adenitis (SA) with
hyperkeratosis, in Standard Poodles. To advance their
research, DNA samples from affected dogs and their close
relatives — siblings, parents and grandparents, affected
or unaffected — are needed.
To find out more about submitting a DNA sample, please
contact:
Cathryn Mellersh, Ph.D.
Animal Health Trust
Lanwades Park, Kentford
Newmarket, Suffolk CB8 7UU
Phone: +44 01638 750659
Fax: +44 01638 750794
E-mail: cathryn.mellersh@aht.org.uk
Web site: www.AHT.org.uk
How to Submit SA Test Results to Breed Registries
Breeders and owners of poodles affected by sebaceous
adenitis (SA) with hyperkeratosis may contact the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) or the Poodle
Health Registry for information on how to submit test
results or for breeding information. Contact information for both registries is listed below.
Orthopedic Foundation for Animals
2300 E. Nifong Blvd.
Columbia, MO 65201-3806
Phone: (573) 442-0418
Fax: (573) 875-5073
E-mail: ofa@offa.org
Web site: www.offa.org/ saproc.html
Poodle Health Registry
2112 Eunice St.
Berkeley, CA 94709-1417
Fax: (360) 378-6954
Web site: www.poodlehealth
registry.com
*Used with permission from the Purina Pro Club Poodle
Update, Nestlé Purina PetCare
December 13, 2006
The Poodle Health Registry (PHR) information for Standard, Miniature,and Toy Poodles is now
available in a pedigree database format.
The PHR Pedigree Database is an important
tool for puppy buyers,breeders looking for a stud dog
or bitch possibly not carrying thesame deleterious genes
as the prospective dam or sire of the litter,current dog
owners wanting to know what has been produced in
thepedigree of their dogs, and fanciers concerned for
the health of our beloved breed. Please register your
Poodle(s) who have, or who havehad, health problems,
whether genetic in origin or origin unknown, to make
the PHR pedigree database a useful tool for all. Those
who register their dogs certainly have the well-being
of the breed in mind.
In order for a dog to be registered, the diagnosis has to be verified by a veterinarian, and at least one
owner needs to submit the registration. Registration is
free.
In addition to dogs registered with the PHR,
dogs registered with the UK Standard Poodle Club SA
and Addison's Registries are included as well as the
old GDC SA registry and the OFA SA registry.
The pedigrees that come up identify affected
dogs, the parents and siblings of affected dogs, and dogs
that have been tested clear or tested carriers of various
diseases by DNA or other definitive tests. The PHR
database does not include titles because of the difficulty of keeping them up-to-date.
The pedigree database is easy to use. You can
search on dog name (or partial name), call name, registration number, date of birth, and color, as well as various diseases/disorders. You can display pedigrees from
3 to 9 generations, breedings (bred to and offspring),
and siblings.
The database may be accessed through the link
on the PHR website. Registration is free and easy. Please
choose a password unique to the PHR only as it is not
encrypted.
Those who wish to be notified when a new dog
is added to the registry can register on the Poodle Health
Registry website.
PHR is run entirely by a small group of volunteers. Kindly show your appreciation for the work
and upkeep of the pedigree database and registry with
a tax-free donation. You may donate through Amazon on the PHR Homepage, or send a check to PHR
Treasurer, 1635 Grange Hall Rd., Dayton, OH 454322050. Amazon takes a 2.9% of all donations made
through them.
Page 30
Regional News
REMEMBER THESE DATES!
SEPTEMBER 19-20-21-2007
REMEMBER THE LOCATION !
QUEEN MARY EVENTS PARK
LONG BEACH CALIFORNIA
REMEMBER THE HOST HOTEL !
REMEMBER TO MAKE YOUR
RESERVATION SOON !
COAST LONG BEACH HOTEL
700 QUEENSWAY DRIVE
LONG BEACH CA
562-435-7676
(MENTION YOU ARE COMING FOR THE
POODLE EVENT)
REMEMBER THE JUDGES!
DANIEL AUGUSTUS
RANDY GARREN
DR. JACKLYN HUNGERLAND
LUIS AIZCORBE
DORIS COZART
SHIRLEY INDELICATO
BETTY RIBBLE
ROSALIE ALVAREZ
ROBERT LONG
PATTI DAVIS
Hi Everyone!
The Poodle World will be gathering in September in Long Beach California to Celebrate Poodles
being shown before the Queen!! Even as we speak the
grounds are being reseeded at Queen Mary Park and in
September the grass will be beautiful!! We will have
spacious tents and grooming areas and lots of wonderful vendors for you to spend your money and great raffle
and auction prizes. If you wish you can visit the Queen
Mary and take a tour of this "ghost ship"! There are
some other lovely shopping areas not far away from
the event. You can fly into Long Beach (around 15 minutes from the location) or Los Angeles (30-45 minutes
from the location). We will be having golf carts to take
you and your Poodles from the Hotel to the grounds or
you can walk the very short distance from your hotel
room. Myself and other PCSC members will be at the
National in June with more information to make your
visit a wonderful experience.
We are so excited now that 2007 is here and
September is just around the corner. The Poodle Club
of America and The Poodle Club of Southern California are both looking forward to seeing you at the Regional Show and the back to back Host Club Specialties. Our event is followed by back to back all breed
show-Santa Ana Valley Kennel Club show on Saturday and Sunday. All events superintended by Jack
Bradshaw Dogshows.
We are going to have some wonderful raffle
and silent auction prizes all three days....plus some
cont. on page 31
Page 31
cont. from page 30
wonderful live auction prizes at the Banquet on
Wednesday night, September 19th...One of the items
auctioned will be the painting used for the Regional
Logo donated and painted by distinquished judge and
author/artist Michael Faulkner. Another wonderful item
will be three wondeful minature room boxes decorated
with sceens using Poodles figurines . These are being
donated by the artist and designer Susan Chusid, one
of our PCSC members. Susan is owned by Standard
Poodles and does a wonderful job with these. Once
you see them you will fight to be the highest bidder!!
They are beautiful! We will be having some other items
in the raffle donated by the estate of Rudy and Dorothy Huck of Peppertree Poodles. Madeline Patterson
will be coordinating the raffle and auctions. If you have
anything to donate please contact Madeline at 805529-7405 or email her at bradandmad@aol.com.
Susie Osburn of Lido Poodles is the Chairperson for
the Performance Events being held at the Regional and
following Specialties. Susie is a delight to work with
and is doing a great job getting all the events going
and approved by AKC. Susie has submitted the following report:
OBEDIENCE & RALLY:
Wed 19th
Shirley Indelicato-All obedience and rally classes
Thurs 20th
Betty Ribble-All obedience and rally classes
Fri 21st
Rosalie Alvarez-All obedience and rally classes
We are offering all of the regular classes plus the
following non regular classes:
Pre Novice
Grad Novice
Grad Open
Brace
Versatility
Veterans
AGILITY:
Wed 19th
Robert Long-All agility classes
Thurs 20th & Fri 21st
Patti Davis-All agility classes
We are offering all of the regular classes plus the
FAST classes
Please plan to attend and I guarantee you will
have a wonderful time spent before the Queen!
John Shoemaker
President-PCSC
Assist Showperson-PCA Regional
dssup@cs.com
cont. from page 17
who express their views on “The Successful Raising of a Show Puppy”
22.SUCCESSFULLY BREEDING THE INFERTILE BITCH
Dr. E. Robinson discusses breeding the infertile bitch.$15.00
31. 2004 PRACTICAL GENETICS FOR POODLE BREEDERS — Dr. Jerold Bell discusses how breeders should use the
$20.00
23. 1998 SEMINAR — PEDIGREE ANALYSIS:
Jerold Bell discusses pedigree analysis.
$15.00
24. 1998 SEMINAR — GENETIC DISEASE ANALYSIS
Jerold Bell discusses genetic disease analysis.
$15.00
27. 2001 SEMINAR — BREEDING STRATEGIES
Dr. John Armstrong and Dr. George Padgett discuss “Type” casting,
establishing a line, role of DNA mapping in making breeding decisions.
$20.00
28. 2002 PCAF SEMINAR — WHICH PUPPY TO KEEP
Mrs. Pat Hastings leads us in an interactive seminar in solving the puzzle
of “Which Puppy to Keep”
$20.00
29. 2002-UPDATE ON SKIN & COAT OF THE POODLE
Dr. Robert Dunsten, Texas A & M, Presents a prelude to a new study of
Sebaceous Andenitis in Poodles
$20.00
30. 2003 PCAF SEM. “RAISING THE SHOW PUPPY”
Mrs James Edward Clark leads a panel of prominent Poodle Breeders
advances in dog genome research in making breeding decisions.
$20.00
32. 2005 “ANNE CLARK on POODLE PEDIGREES”
Mrs. Edward Clark discusses various aspects of Poodles and their
pedigrees.
$22.00
(Please circle the tapes desired) 1 4 6 8 10 12 13 14 16 17
21 22 23 24 27 28 29 30 31 32
TOTAL AMOUNT DUE WITH ORDER: $ ____________
Make all checks payable to:
PCA FOUNDATION
US FUNDS ONLY
FOREIGN ORDERS ADD $3.00 PER TAPE
MAIL ORDER TO:
ALLEN KINGSLEY
E-MAIL
3311 KINGFISHER LN. AJKFISHER2@AOL.COM
DENTON, TX 76209
SELECT VHS OR DVD
Page 32
The 75 th Anniversary
Poodle Club of America
National Specialty
AKC
Retriever
Hunt
Written by Mia DiBenedetto
Test
Events
The Poodle Club Of America’s 75th Anniversary
National Specialty show will again host an AKC Retriever Hunt Tests and WC/WCX events. Both tests
will be held Saturday, June 9 and Sunday, June 10, 2007,
This year’s AKC trial will include Junior, Senior and
Master level tests.
AKC Junior, Senior and Master Hunt Tests
Judging Masters will be Sue Shaw of Perkasie, Pa.,
and Michael K. Moss, of State College, PA. The Master test will begin at 8 a.m. on Saturday, June 10 and
will continue Sunday, June 11, if necessary.
Judging the Junior and Senior levels will be Mary
Williams of Hampstead, N.C., and Sandy Stiger of
Pittstown, N.J. The Junior and Senior Hunt tests will
begin at 8 a.m. on Saturday, June 9.
Shaw has some tips for those participating this year.
• Be Very Aware of what you and your dog are
doing. When you go to the line, watch your
actions as well as your dog’s behavior. Is he
looking straight ahead, eager but not out-ofcontrol? Is he ready to watch for the bird, or is
he swinging his head and looking around? Does
he clearly understand what is expected of him?
•
Be aware, too, of what you are doing and wearing. The handler must wear dark or camo clothing. Be sure nothing is flapping about so that
your dog is focused on you — and not something else that is moving.
•
Be very aware of your hand signals and your
voice commands. Be consistent. The dog
should be released from the line by handler on
his name (or in the case of a blind, by the word
back.)
•
Do As Much Water Work As You Can.
Poodles need lots of water training – as do the
other breeds, but water is usually the biggest
obstacle in front of them.
•
Vary Your Training Grounds. Using the same
pond will not get nearly the results as using
different ponds and water areas. This also applies to land work as well. The dog will learn
and feel too comfortable, if he constantly uses
the same environment and while it’s great for
building confidence, you don’t want him to be
surprised when he gets to a hunt test area that’s
unfamiliar to him.
•
Don’t Train Too Far Above Your Dog’s Ability. While challenging your dog may be good
— don’t just assume he can jump into a Master level set-up and have success.
•
Be Aware of the Factors. Handler’s need to
learn to read factors that will affect a retrieve.
The slant of the terrain, the wind direction, old
falls, cover, even the distance to the bird may
all affect your dog’s performance.
•
Set Your Dog Up For Success not failures.
Train to the dog’s ability level. Success follows success — don’t make failure a pattern.
Sue Shaw is no stranger to hunting poodles. Sue judged
the Working Certificate and Working Certificate
Excellent tests at the 2005 National Specialty and the
Masters Hunt Test and the WC/WCX events in 2006.
Shaw, has owned and handled Curly-Coat Retrievers
for over 15 years. “I’m honored to be asked to judge at
the Specialty for a third year,” Shaw says, and especially on the Diamond Anniversary!
Each year I’ve seen the performance of the dogs and
their handlers improve. And what really gets me excited, she says, is that I can look back and see how far
they’ve come. Just like the Curlys, I remember back
and see that the Poodles are improving and showing
better work each year. “This improvement reflects,
better training, better techniques and more experience
on the part of the handlers and dogs.”
More and more Poodle owners are training their dogs
for the field and not just as a one-time performance
event at the show. Their work and hard training shows
Shaw says.
cont. on page 33
Page 33
cont. from page 32
•
KISS. Just as you have heard many times before, Keep It Simple Stupid. Building confidence is very important especially with new
training. Build confidence first, and then go
from there. Just because your dog is 3 years
old does not mean he needs to be doing the
same work as another dog of the same age.
•
Read Your Dog. Be a smart handler and learn
to read your dog’s actions. If you know he is
going to cheat around a corner or bend on a
blind, stop him before he manages to cheat and
handle him before he makes the mistake. Take
your time, never quit, and never take your eyes
off your dog. Have your whistle in your mouth
and your hands ready to cast ahead of time.
•
Remember To Have Fun! Don’t Get Discouraged. Don’t get upset when your dog fails
but learn from it. And remember the next time
so you can improve and work on that. Remember they are only dogs, and they can only do
what they can do at that particular time on that
particular day.
•
Don’t quit. Keep at it. You might be amazed
and just when you think he’s never going to
get it—Viola!! He does.
— Great achievement takes a toll on those who have
the
courage
to
make
the
journey.
Good Luck and we will see you in June! Sue Shaw.
Be Prepared, Practice Is Key
Start training Now! The more exposure your poodle
has, the better he will perform. In many parts of the
northeast, it may be too cold to do water work but you
can run marks now. If possible, train with others and
use live birds/ducks as often as you can. According to
professional trainer Mike Lardy, water temperature
should be about 55 degrees or above to do any serious
water training. Water can be an issue with poodles, so
if your dog is at all hesitate to enter water, the sooner
you can get going – the better.
Obedience and Drills. Basic obedience and drill work
can help you through the cold winter months. We actually rent an indoor dog-training facility so that we
don’t completely stop training due to the weather.
Sue Shaw hunting partridge with Ch.
Chocca-Shaw's Irish Blessing, MH
Handlers should be aware that the AKC Hunt Tests are
not “just” a more difficult form of the WC and WCX
certificates. Dogs need to be ready to demonstrate hunting skills beyond the WC and WCX and need prior
training and experience with live birds. The AKC requires that live birds are used in all levels, often times
requiring that a dog retrieve a “cripple.”
AKC Retriever Hunt Tests were designed to give the
dog owner a good, basic hunting dog and provide a
place to run and compete. Here the dog is not competing against the other entries, but against a “standard.”
This “standard” was established by AKC as a means of
judging good hunting retrievers.
Dogs are judged in three divisions; Junior, Senior,
and Master.
*”The Judges shall score the dogs on (a) their natural
abilities, including their Marking (memory), Style, Perseverance/courage/hunting and (b) to relatively greater
degrees in Senior and Master Hunting Tests, their
Trainability as evidenced in steadiness, control, response and delivery.
From the standpoint of a breeder or a person considering a breeding, natural abilities are of great importance
while abilities acquired through training are of relatively less importance.
A Judge must keep in mind the fact that he is evaluating numerically, a defined set of abilities and not judging a dog in relation to the performances or merits of
cont. on page 34
Page 34
cont. from page 33
The First Time Junior Hunter
the other dogs entered. A dog’s abilities are scored
against an established standard.”
*From Regulations & Guidelines for AKC® Hunting
Tests For Retrievers
Junior Hunting Tests
Dogs shall be tested on four single marks, two on land
and two on water. Dogs shall be steady but may be
brought to the line on leash with a flat buckle collar.
Dogs may be restrained gently with a slipcord, or held
gently by the flat buckle collar until sent to retrieve.
English slip leads, prong, choke and pinch-type collars
are prohibited. Leashes, including short tabs, shall be
removed before dogs are run.
Senior Hunting Tests
Dogs shall be tested in minimum of four hunting situations that shall include one land blind, one water blind
(that may be run as a double bind on land and water),
one double land mark, and one double water mark.
There shall be at least one diversion shot and at least
one of the hunting situations should include a walk-up.
Master Hunting Tests
Dogs shall be tested in a minimum of five hunting situations as follows: multiple land marks, multiple water
marks, multiple marks on water and land, a land blind
and a water blind (at least one that shall be a double
blind in any combination). There shall be at least three
series. At least one of the series shall include a walkup, diversion birds and/or diversion shots.
Getting Started
If you are going to enter a Hunt Test for the first time, it
is advisable to start your training now. Probably the
best way to become involved and to learn the “ropes,”
is to contact your local AKC Retriever Club. Most
clubs have training days at the beginning of the Hunt
Test season so this is the perfect time to get out there
and try.
Clubs across the country can be located on the AKC
Web site. On the site, first search for Retriever Hunt
Tests, then click Club Search. Most clubs provide
group-training sessions. A place where you can practice with your dog on live birds in a simulated Hunt
Test situation.
At the Line
It is good practice to try and walk to the line looking
directly at the first mark. When you are at the line and
sit your dog, give your dog a chance to settle and look
out at the test grounds.
If you watch your dog you will see them look at each
bird location. When they show they have recognized
where the birds are coming from and you are ready,
signal the judges you are ready. Take your time and do
not hurry.
When the first bird is out make sure you wait for
the judge to release the dog before you send your
dog! If you send your dog before the judge releases
the dog you are out!!
When you are training it is a good idea to silently count
to 5 before you send the dog on a mark, this conditions
the dog to a delay between seeing the mark and going.
In Junior stakes you will have the dog on a lead or
hold them by the collar, even so, if you are leaning forward which you probably will be the dog can easily
pull you off the line if they are conditioned to go as
soon as they see the bird.
In hunt tests you will hold an empty gun or facsimile.
In general you might consider holding the gun on the
opposite side as the dog when you are sending and on
the same side when taking the bird from the dog.
Always make sure the gun is pointed in a safe direction and never points at a person or dog!
cont. on page 35
Page 35
cont. from page page 34
When your poodle returns with the bird you should
stand looking directly facing the next bird. Give the sit
command and take the bird with the hand on the opposite side from the dog. Thus if the dog is on your right,
take the bird with you left hand moving the bird across
your body and place it on your left hip out of site of the
dog.
The gun should be in your right hand acting as a barrier for the dog. Do not touch your dog until you have
taken the bird! Motion to the judge to take the bird from
your left hand by simply holding it out from your body
and they will take the bird.
Water
Water can be a real obstacle for the dogs. It is essential that your dog be able to retrieve his marks in the
water.
Usually Junior tests position the dog very close to and
perpendicular to the waters edge. Dogs naturally will
square obstacles such as hills, ditches, roads, and water and must be conditioned to take an angled line, a
line not close to 90 degrees.
Move the gun under your left arm if the dog is on the
right and take hold of the dog’s collar with your right
hand and attach the lead if you are using one.
Take a moment to allow both you and your poodle to
settle before calling for the second bird.
Distance
Make sure your dog is comfortable retrieving to 120
yards on land. Too often you see first time dogs leave
the line, go out 35 or 40 yards and break down and
start hunting. They are conditioned to this distance, as
that is about the maximum their owners can throw a
bumper.
Handlers new to hunt tests usually sit their dog, throw
a bumper, dokken or ball and then send the dog for the
mark. In essence you are conditioning the dog to go a
relatively short distance directly away from the trainer
and line. At the Junior level you are not likely to see a
mark thrown directly away from the line but rather a
right-to-left or left-to-right and perhaps angled slightly
back.
Cover
Expose your dog to as great a variety of cover as possible. In all likelihood, the cover your dog works in at a
hunt test will bear no resemblance to the clear area you
have been throwing bumpers, dokkens or balls in.
The water at Crop-Les Farms in Maryland is excellent
technical water and a dream for most experienced trainers with many points, islands and alcoves. Junior dogs
will probably have a clear view of marks and will not
have to force through cover or navigate water hazards.
It is a safe bet you will see decoys both on land and in
the water. Make sure your poodle does not shy away
from or try and retrieve them. Decoys are held in place
by cords tied to small lead weights of a few ounces
touching the bottom of the water. Dogs will often need
to swim through a set and sometimes get caught up in
an anchor cord, no big deal but first time dogs may be
spooked and panic.
Many first time Junior dogs have not had very much
exposure to water and thus are not very confident. The
more you expose your poodle to water the more comfortable and confident they will become.
You should not expect your poodle to be able to see the
mark all the way from the line to the fall. More often
than not, some factor such as a cover, a ditch, depression, mound or side hill will cause the dog to momentarily loose site of the mark forcing the dog to require
the area of the fall.
cont. on page 36
Page 36
the bird. Delivery to hand, however, is required for the
WCX.
cont. from page 35
The WC and WCX Certificates
In addition to the AKC Hunt Tests, the 2007 Specialty
will again play host to the PCA Working Certificate
and Working Certificate Excellent tests on Sunday,
June 10. Sue Shaw and Michael Moss will judge this
year’s WC and WCX certificates.
The Poodle Club of America, Inc. allows any registered Poodle over six
months of age which meets the performance requirements to receive the
Working Certificate and the Working
2. The WC test is a marking test while the WCX is a
memorytest:
a. On the land test, the bird should fall into only light
cover for the WC and may have deeper cover for the
WCX.
b. The water test should show the dog’s courage to reenter the water, therefore, angled entries, excessive distances in the water and the line to the water, and are
discouraged.
“A dog which marks the fall of a bird, uses the wind, follows a
strong cripple, and takes direction from its handler is of great
value.” (AKC Retriever Hunting Test Rules)
c. One of the water retrieves should
be done into swimming water if
possible.
d. The local rules and the approved
club rules regarding use of live birds
should be followed.
Certificate Excellent.
The purposes of these Certificates are to test the natural working ability of the Poodle and to demonstrate
his interest in birds, his ability to take direction from
the handler, his marking ability, his willingness to enter the water, and his trainability.
e. Line manners are not to be judged in the WC test.
The requirement for the bird to be delivered to the area
of the handler is all that is required for the exercise to
be completed. The WCX test does require steadiness
on line and delivery to hand.
1. Retrieval of two single birds at approximately 50
yards on land for WC and a double bird mark at approximately 75 yards on land, with an honor, for WCX.
Good Luck and Have Fun with your retriever training. While I’m not an expert on Poodles, they do appear to be the type of breed that needs to be challenged,
and need a variety of jobs to do. Don’t do the same
marks and drills and be sure you always end each training session with some fun bumpers. Quit while your
poodles still wants more.
2. Retrieval of two single birds from water to prove
willingness to re-enter water for WC and a double water mark for WCX.
If anyone has any problems, questions or comments,
please feel free to give m ea call (401) 455-9234 or Email me (mdibenedetto@wjar.com)
3. The dog may be held on line, as steadiness is not
required for WC, but the dog must be steady on the
line for WCX.
For OFA Clinics near you
Performance Requirements for a PCA Working Certificate or Working Certificate Excellent
go to:
4. The dog must not show fear of guns.
Guidelines for the Evaluation of a Dog’s Performance
in a Working Certificate and Working Certificate Excellent Test
http://www.offa.org/
calendar.html
1. The “retrieve” in the performance criteria for the WC
indicates that the birds should be returned to the handler in such a manner that the handler could easily reach
Page 37
National Specialty News
PCA OBEDIENCE & RALLY
The Nationals are approaching quickly and will be here in a flash. The obedience and rally competition
will take place on Tuesday, June12th, at the Wicomico Civic Center in Salisbury, Maryland. The
judging panel is as folows:
Ms. Allison Jaskiewicz-Utility B & Open A
Mr. Jeffrey Showman-Utility A & Novice A
Mr. Frank Washabaugh-Novice B
Mr William Wisecup-Open B
Mrs. Betsy Biard-All Rally Classes
The non regular classes will be assigned to the judges after entries close in May.
The judge's and exhibitor's dinner will take place immediately after judging is completed right there at
the Wicomico Center, so plan to stay and eat with us. Each year the food gets better and better so please
don't rush off. Contact Ann Mandelbaum for ticket information, or look in the premium.
Come to exhibit, come to watch, but most importantly, come to have fun. We have some special
surprises in store for you for our 75th anniversary show. You won't want to miss it!
Susie Osburn
PCA Obedience/Rally Chairman
DON’T’ BE LATE !
ADVERTISING DEADLINE FOR THE
2007 75 ANNIVERSARY NATIONAL SPECIALTY CATALOG
IS
TH
th
APRIL 20 !
FULL PAGE WITH PHOTO…....$60
ADDITIONAL PHOTOS…...…...$10
FULL PAGE, TEXT ONLY.….….$50
HALF PAGE TEXT ONLY……...$35
AFFILIATE CLUBS……………..$40
COMMERCIAL ADS……………$75
If you need a supportive paw to help put your ad together? – call or e-mail us asap
Contact Advertising Chairman
Mary Lebet at 978-356-5576 - or e-mail hoodpond@comcast.net
Page 38
Your’re invited
Hunting Poodle Medallion Winners and Past
WC/WCX Achievers to be Recognized at Dinner!
Submitted by Claudia Straitiff
The 2007 PCA Specialty promises to be a week full of activity, hustle and bustle for anyone involved in any
aspect of Poodles!
Exciting and new to participants and fans of Hunting Poodles and associated events will be a dinner sponsored
by Purina. Purina and members of the PCA Board will unveil and award
medallions to the first group of Poodles/Handlers that have achieved the
requirements of the PCA Hunting Poodle Medallion Program. At the same
time, all past WC and WCX awardees will be recognized as part of the
PCA 75th Anniversary celebration.
A buffet dinner will be served at the Wicomico Civic Center at 7:00 p.m.
Sunday evening, June10, 2007. The event promises to be full of fun and
will be the culmination of a weekend full of Hunting Poodle activity!
If you want to learn more about Hunting Poodles, or just want to join in the
celebration of yet another unique and talented group of Poodles, please join
us at the Wicomico Civic Center on June 10th.
The price for the buffet dinner is $20. Tickets can be purchased on-line at www.poodleclubofamerica.org OR a
mail-in reservation form will be included as part of the 2007 Hunting Test and WC/WCX Premium mailings.
Anyone who is entered in or working at the Hunting Poodle activities (WC, WCX or AKC Hunting Tests) and
any past awardees of WC/WCX certificates will be admitted to the dinner compliments of Purina. But reservations are necessary.
As typical of most Poodles, the Hunting Poodles just love an audience and promise to put on a great show of
talent combined with the comic relief that only a Poodle can offer!
The 2007 PCA Hunting Tests will be held at Crop Les Farms on Saturday, June 9th (and 10th as needed) and the
WC/WCX events will be held on Sunday, June 10th. Directions to the site are available from the online Premium
List.
For additional inquiries regarding the dinner email: cstraitiff@mail.com.
Page 39
PCA Steps into the
Modern Age
No longer is it necessary to write and mail as many as
five different checks to get ready for PCA thanks to the
“ONLINE PURCHASING” that is now available on
the Poodle Club of America website
(poodleclubofamerica.org).
In order to respond to many requests, the Board of Governors agreed to establish PayAccounts on the PCA
website. It is now possible to select and purchase reserved seating and luncheon and dinner tickets online.
It is easy to make donations to the trophy fund and to
purchase space for catalog advertising — copy and photographs for advertising can be submitted electronically as well. Catalogs with judging results can be ordered and paid for, and donations to the Poodle Club of
America Foundation can also be made.
Richard Lehman
Asst. National Show Chairman
Greetings to all Poodle
lovers:
And special greetings to all who plan to attend
PCA’s 75th Anniversary. Our plans are extensive
and nearly complete.
Invitations to participate in the Celebration of Past
Winners, part of our Friday festivities are in the
mail. We hope many will take this opportunity to
let those special Poodles have one more moment
in the spotlight at the Poodle Club of America.
The opportunity to use PayPal, the opportunity to
take advantage of reserved seating, our first Hunting Poodle Medallion awards dinner – these firstFor your shopping convenience PCA’s PayPal account time additions just add to what has always been
allows shopping using a secure server. It isn’t even nec- The Greatest Poodle Show On Earth – PLEASE
essary to have a PayPal account although setting up join us for this memorable event.
one takes only a few minutes and is a free service. For
foreign visitors, PCA’s PayPal account eliminates the
hassles and expenses of currency conversion. It’s all
done electronically in an instant.
It works something like this. When you make purchases
for goods and services or make donations, your items
are placed in an electronic “shopping cart.” Once you
are finished shopping, you proceed to “checkout.”
PayPal provides a chance to review and change all items
that you’ve purchased. Once the checkout process has
been finished, the results are sent to PCA and distributed to the person handling the particular item. For example, luncheon reservations are sent to Doris Grant
and trophy donations go directly to Lucille Perzan. In
case of a mix-up of any kind, a permanent record is
kept in PCA’s PayPal account for instant confirmation.
It couldn’t be easier or more secure.
Tickets for meals and reserved seating will NOT be
mailed. They must be picked up at PCA much in the
same way as they have been picked up in the past. The
website and the Premium List have information about
where and when to pickup tickets purchased online.
This service is being provided on a trail basis. Please
let the Board know if you like or dislike it.
Glenna Carlson
National Show Chairman
Judges for the 2007 National
Toys ... Mr. Dana Plonkey
Miniatures ... Miss Maxine Beam
Standards ... Mr. E.E. Bivin
Veteran Sweeps ... Dr Samuel Peacock
Juniors ... Mrs Doris Cozart
Intervariety ... Ms. Helen Lee James
Novice A … Mr. Jeffrey Showman
Novice B … Mr. Frank Washabaugh
Open A … Ms. Alison Jaskiewicz
Open B … Mr. William Wysecup
Utility A … Mr. Jeffrey Showman
Utility B … Ms. Alison Jaskiewicz
Rally 1 …Mrs. Betsy Baird
Rally 2 … Mrs. Betsy Baird
Rally 3 … Mrs. Betsy Baird
AKC Hunt Test:
Master Hunter - Sue Shaw and Michael K. Moss
Junior Hunter/Senior Hunter - Mary Williams and Sandy
Stiger
WC/WCX: Sue Shaw and Michael K. Moss
Agility ... Ms. Janet Gauntt
Page 40
PCA Agility 2007
2007 is a banner year for PCA National Specialty agility. Not only is it the 75th anniversary of the show it is
the 10th anniversary of the PCA agility trials. Our first
trial was in 1998 and the judges were Janet Gauntt and
Nancy Williams. Janet will be returning to judge our
trial this year and we are certain she will find the trial
has changed much in 10 years.
The first trial was held outdoors on a beautiful summer
day. The next year we moved indoors, and have been
inside ever since. The first year PCA held an agility
trial was the first year I came to the “greatest show on
earth” and I thought the outdoor location ideal. I was
told that June weather in Maryland may not always be
as lovely as that first year, and subsequent years demonstrated this to be true. We are fortunate to be able to
play agility indoors in air conditioning and not have to
worry about the weather!
In honor of our 10th year AKC has approved our request to have a parade of MACH title holders during
the trial. Each agility trial entry with a MACH will be
presented with a commemorative ribbon. There is no
entry fee for this informal parade, but handlers should
indicate MACH Parade on their entries as a non-regular class. Poodles in the MACH parade may be exhibited in any clip except designer/grooming contest clips
or clips that allow the Poodle to resemble another breed.
Please, no bandannas, bows or fancy collars or other
adornment that would not be permitted on the Agility
course.
For those that were not fortunate to be at our first trial
I am asking that anybody that attended that first year,
and has any photos of the event, please bring them to
the trial so we can display them.
All you agility junkies out there have an opportunity
this year to show in 3 trials over 3 days. The Salisbury
Kennel Club is having 2 days of AKC agility (including the FAST class) indoors in a soccer arena the Saturday and Sunday before our trial. For information on
this trial go to the AKC or the Salisbury Kennel Club’s
web sites. They will be doing measurements both days
so those of you that do not have your permanent jump
height cards yet can get your 2 official measurements
that weekend as well. This is a limited trial, so get those
entries in as soon as possible! Unfortunately we will
not be able to offer move-ups from this trial to ours
because, per AKC, it is considered a different trial under the two organizations.
Everybody is encouraged to come watch our trial; we
welcome you and hope to have the bleachers full of
cheering fans! If you want to REALLY get a good view
of the action you can volunteer to help at the trial by
emailing me at JANBHOP@AOL.com. In addition to
a ringside view you will be given vouchers for the delicious lunch and the worker prize drawing.
See you soon!
See you soon!
Jan Hopper
PCA Raffle Table
is looking for your help!
It's that time of year again. We are all looking
forward, with great expectations, to the coming
of PCA. This will not be just another great
PCA adventure, it will be PCA's 75th Anniversary. How wonderful it would beto actually be
a part of this great event. Why not spend some
time with us at the Raffle Table giving us whatever time you could. Wouldn't it be great to tell
your friends you were not only at PCA's 75th
Anniversary but that you were actually a part of
the Raffle table's great group of workers.
Please contact me to let me know we can count
on you .
Thank you.
Alice Wolaniuk
Raffle Table Co-Chairman,
445 Sassafras Rd
Warwick, Md. 21912
Phone 410-755-6719
e-mail awolaniuk@netgazers.net
Page 41
P.C.A. Foundation News
Foundation Update
Planning for the 2007 Poodle Club of America National
Specialty is almost complete and now it's time to execute on those plans and deliver a week of events that
will celebrate the Poodle for the 75th time. It is the
first time in almost as many years that Annie Clark will
not be a presence at PCA, either as an exhibitor, judge,
speaker or observer. Annie and her husband Jim were
great supporters of Poodle health issues and Annie in
her years as President helped the Foundation take great
strides forward. Her focus on balance went far beyond
what she considered a key attribute of a good Poodle;
to her view of how critical problems of the breed should
be analyzed and addressed. She understood the complex of issues that a breeder must consider in making a
breeding decision and consistently lectured about the
importance of knowing and understanding the pedigrees
of dogs being considered for breeding. The need for
accurate information and the need for each breeder to
be responsible for their decisions were critically important to her.
As we enter the third year after the sequencing of the
dog genome, some mysteries are starting to unwind and
we are starting to find more solutions to genetic health
issues. The Foundation will continue its support of
Addison's and Epilepsy research at the University of
California, Davis. The important work being done at
that institution holds great promise for solutions to critical Poodle health issues.
Certainly one of the key discoveries for Poodles has
being the development of the DNA test for neonatal
encephalopathy in Standard Poodles. This test was the
result of great research at the University of Missouri.
Since many people still have questions about the disease and the test, a representative from the University
of Missouri will be at PCA to present to the PCAF seminar and then also be available on Tuesday to answer
individual questions during a blood draw clinic for neonatal encephalopathy.
This year the Foundation seminar will also feature a
speaker for the National Institutes of Health to update
us on their Poodle related research. Staff members of
the NIH will be present on Monday and Tuesday to
participate in a blood draw for their morphology study
and also their toe cancer study in black Standard
Poodles.
Michael Wahlig
PCA Foundation
Start the Spring off with a donation to the PCA Foundation. You can contribute to this worthy cause
by simply filling out the form below. The Foundation acknowledges all contributions.
I wish to contribute $ ________________ to the Poodle Club of America Foundation, Inc., in the
name of ______________________________________________________________________.
This contribution is made in memory/ honor of
_____________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
I wish this contribution to be used for _________________________________________
(Please specify a specific area, i.e. PRA, Hips, SA, vWD, or to the General Fund)
Mail your check to : (note Donations are Tax Deductible)
The Poodle Club of America Foundation, inc.
2945 James town Rd., Long Lake, Mn. 55356
Page 42
activity, strange ring equipment, tape or markings on
the floor, doors opening and closing, other dogs in all
shapes and sizes moving about, friends or family members (both canine and human) the dog recognizes,
judges following the dog, birds flying around, or simThe comment is often heard around the performance ply doing exercises in close proximity to barriers or
rings after a poor performance that a dog is “ring-wise.” other active rings. Sounds are the usual dog show
By “ring-wise,” the handler usually means that the dog sounds of outbursts of barking, crowd noises, banging
always performs perfectly in practice, but will not of- chairs, objects being dropped and thrown, squeaky crate
fer the same performance at a show. The supposition dollies, P.A. systems (including dropped microphones
is that the dog craftily sits around waiting for a chance and screeching equipment), applause, whooping and
to “stick it to” the handler at the first opportunity—in whistling. Many poodles are very sound-sensitive, and
fact, one often hears this line of thinking expressed. these tend to seem apprehensive or catatonic at dog
Because poodle owners tend to think of their dogs as shows. Smells that distract many dogs are livestock
arenas where agility trials are often held,
food ground into mats, ring stanchions and
There are three scenarios that usually produce agility equipment on which dogs have urinated, bitches in heat, and concession
what handlers think of as ring-wise behavior.
stands. We don’t often think of “feel” as a
distraction, but surfaces to which dogs are
not accustomed often distract them, and at
more intelligent than dogs of other breeds (rightly so!),
outdoor
trials,
wind and weather are “feel” factors.
they might even be worse about anthropomorphizing—
IS YOUR POODLE
RING-WISE?
attributing human thoughts and motives to their dogs—
than owners of other breeds.
One of the characteristics that make up high intelligence is the ability to generalize knowledge, that is, to
apply something that is learned to a variety of situations. It is my contention that highly intelligent dogs
do this. So it would hold that if a dog is smart, it would
not be “ring-wise,” but would apply the things it learned
in practice to a variety of locations and conditions, IF
PROPERLY PREPARED.
There are three scenarios that usually produce what
handlers think of as ring-wise behavior. One is that the
dog has not been sufficiently “proofed” for the conditions it encounters at an obedience or agility trial. The
second is that the handler does not act the same at the
trial as she does in practice, and thus is not giving the
dog the same cues. The third is that the handler has
made an inaccurate assessment of what the dog actually knows.
It would be impossible to list all the interesting or intimidating factors that exist at a trial that do not exist in
the average backyard or training facility. They fall
under the basic senses of sight, sound, smell, and feel.
Because dogs are or were “predators,” they have heightened senses beyond what people can imagine. Sights
the dog may not be used to are all of the congestion,
I once attended a dog-training seminar at which the
seminar-giver was expounding on some subject when
a man in a gorilla mask entered the room. Of course,
all eyes turned to the masked man. Then, after she
regained their attention, the seminar-giver asked the
attendees what she had just said. No one knew. She
said that this is what happens to a dog at a dog show. I
often wonder how accomplished speakers can continue
their speeches without a hitch when people in the audience cough, or babies cry, or cell phones ring. Whenever I am interrupted while talking, I go blank about
where my talk was headed. The answer to this problem is “focus,” or “trained focus.” To be successful in
the performance ring, the trainer must teach the dog to
focus on the task at hand while being exposed to a variety of distracting stimuli. Many dogs find this type
of training fun and stimulating, as they learn that it is a
game they can win by ignoring the distraction. Then,
when this dog encounters distractions at a dog show, it
causes him to confidently focus on the handler, thinking that it is yet ANOTHER feeble attempt to cause
him to “fall for” the distraction and miss his reward.
Many handlers do not act the same at trials as they do
in practice. Some do feverish or lengthy warm-ups,
and may leave their best performance outside the ring.
Some “practice” outside the ring or building, where they
are unable to correct anything that the dog does wrong.
cont. on page 43
Page 43
cont. from page 42
Trainers often do not realize that our darling little poodle
puppies do not sit in their x-pens or yards dreaming of
In effect, these handlers whittle away their authority
their obedience or agility careers. They have absolutely
by showing the dogs over and over that there are no
no concepts about dog sports other than what we give
consequences for failure to obey in this dog show setthem. They don’t lust for titles or blue ribbons. They
ting. Many bribe with treats profusely outside the ring,
do not lay awake nights thinking of how they can emhoping that their dogs will not notice that the cupboard
barrass us in the ring. On their very best days, dogs are
is empty when they walk into the ring. Some people
just dogs. We have trained them, and if they are not
are so nervous when they go into the ring that their
adequately prepared, or they do not have a good attivoice has a different tone, their body has a different
tude, it is our fault, not theirs. EVERYTHING that
posture, their footwork goes haywire, and their dogs
goes on in performance is our fault. If we work and
do not recognize their cues. Many handlers constantly
work and work and still cannot reach our dog-training
babble to the dogs in practice, then become strangely
goal, perhaps we selected the wrong dog to train, which
(to the dog) quiet in the ring. Some people are so neris still our fault. Perhaps we cannot read a dog, have
no dog-training talent, poor timing, or we
are simply clumsy oafs. That also is not
EVERYTHING that goes on in performance is
the dog’s fault. Using the word “ringour fault.
wise” insinuates that the dog plans its failures in the ring, which is ridiculous.
vous that they fail to offer the dog support in the ring—
praise or play between exercises, or verbal praise during the performance in agility or rally. Many people
use soft voices when they practice, and they become
inaudible at the noisy dog show, or they raise their
voices at the dog show, and their dogs do not recognize
the commands in the new voice. Some people, as a
result of their own nerves, correct their dogs inappropriately before going into the ring, which leaves no time
to work through the anxiety created before their turn in
the ring. Some dogs work best in the ring when they
are a bit worried, and some dogs work best in the ring
when they are feeling very confident. It is up to the
trainer to figure out what her dog needs, then ignore
her own insecurities and create the atmosphere the dog
needs before entering the ring.
Lastly, there are the many people who DO act the same
at the trial as they do in practice. They never require
obedience in practice, and are surprised for some reason when they don’t get obedience at the trial. In the
ring, we, as handlers, pay our entry fee for the FIRST
response of the dog. In practice, these trainers repeat
the same exercise over and over, and when the dog FINALLY does the exercise, they stop, confidently thinking that the dog has learned it. What the dog HAS
learned is how many times it can goof off before it must
concede the point. Or perhaps the dog learned that it
only has to do the exercise once. So, if the handler at
the show gets that “once” outside the ring, the dog believes it is done for the day.
Trainers used to say that, if the judge would just come
to their back yard, they would be able to qualify. But
unfortunately, the nature of dog sports is such that the
dog must go to a noisy, smelly, busy, strange place and
perform in order to qualify. The average dog that does
not qualify is ill-prepared, not ring-wise.
Joann Neal
Color Matches
at
PCA on June 11th
The judging order is
Brown 10 amJudge:Michael Lamb
Red & Apricot 12 noon Judge: Shelley
(Wooldridge) Hamilton
Silver 2 pm.Judge:Jim Deppen
Page 44
Page 45
Art Show
at
The Dog Show
The 2007 Best Artwork Depicting a Poodle was awarded to "the calm before the show" by Zefi Famelis,
Tasmania, Australia. It is a white/cream poodle flattened on the grooming table, fluffed & ready for the ring.
She did two Poodles, both Pastels that are lovely! The winner can be viewed on the artshowatthdogshow.com
website.
Pat Deshler
AKC SEEKS ENTRIES FROM
ACROSS THE
NATION FOR 8th ANNUAL AWARDS
FOR CANINE EXCELLENCE
An American Kennel Club (AKC) ACE award is a national honor, given to only five dogs each year who
have performed an exemplary act or series of acts,
whether large or seemingly small, that have significantly benefited a community or individual. One award
is given in the following five categories: law enforcement, search and rescue, therapy, service, and exemplary companion dog. Honorable Mentions will be
awarded to exceptional entries in each category.
In addition to the prestige of being chosen from hundreds of entries, each of the five honorees receives a
cash award of $1,000, an engraved sterling silver collar medallion and an all-expenses-paid trip for dog and
owner to Long Beach, Calif., to be honored at the seventh annual AKC/Eukanuba National Championship in
December 2007. The engraved names of the five recipients will also be added to the ACE plaque that is on
permanent display on the AKC Library’s “Wall of
Fame” in New York City. Dogs receiving honorable
mention will be awarded an engraved bronze medallion. All entrants will receive an AKC ACE Certificate
of Recognition in acknowledgement of their nomination.
cont. on page 46
Page 46
In Memorium
Todd Patterson
Ravendune Poodles
6/19/1945-2/14/2007
Todd is survived by his mother, Jean PattersonBrewer, his sister, Jill Leitz and her daughter Piper. He
was preceded in death by his father, Jack and his brother,
Tim. His father had bred dogs and passed along this
passion to his oldest child. In high school, Todd worked
for a local veterinarian. Over the years, he finished
countless champions for his clients and bred more than
150 champions in all three varieties. Many were top
producers: Ch. Ravendune Kend'lee Typesetter (toy14); Ch. Ravendune Sweet Baby James(9) and Ch.
Ravendune Sittin' Pretty(15)(miniatures); Ch.
Ravendune Manilow (standard-24).
Todd handled many PCA winners including
the toy Ch. Mari A Spring Storm,TP (BOB PCA 10/5/
1978 at the Chicago Regional and BOB at Ludwig's
Corner on 6/15/1979). He showed Syntifny Michanda
Show Biz to BOV from the Open Class at Ludwig's
Corner on 6/12/1981. As a special, Todd and "Bird"
went on to win BOB at the Kansas Regional on 10/15/
1981 and BOV at the Washington Regional on 9/20/
1982. Both bitches were sired by Ch. Syntifny Piece
of the Rock,TP whom Todd also finished.
Todd not only enjoyed working with the dogs,
he appreciated being involved with his clients, many
of whom he considered close friends. His input helped
others create their own successful breeding programs.
He also loved to share his grooming techniques. His
presence is deeply missed.
Respectfully submitted by Jaye Klein Justice-Mari Toy
Poodles
cont. from page 45
Anyone, including the dog owner or handler, may submit a nomination. Submissions for the American Kennel Club Awards for Canine Excellence for 2007 must
include:
A non-returnable, original photograph of the dog. Hiresolution electronic photos (300dpi and at least 5x7
inches or, 72dpi at least 20x30 inches) are permissible
but not scans.
A 500-word-or-less description of how the dog has demonstrated excellence.
Dog’s call name, registered name if applicable, breed,
age and sex.
Betty Strawson
Breeder of Tophill miniatures
World reknown breeder of Tophill miniature Poodles
passed away in England recently.Her pedigree is in
many miniature Poodle lines across the country today.
Mary Howarth
Idadoun
Mary Howarth, of the renown Idadoun kennel in England, passed away in 2006. Mrs. Howarth was a judge,
her last notable assignment was Crufts 2001, and owned
a number of influential miniatures, of late Eng. Ch.
Idadoun Black 'n Notorious .
Connie Withington
Tresilva
Connie Withington, another English judge and breeder
of toys under the Tresilva affix , passed away in January 2007.
Both of these women were long-time breeders of topquality poodles, and their contributions to the breed
will be missed in England and in the United States.
* We welcome any Poodle fanciers to be listed here who
have contributed to the sport of Poodles.Please email any
In Memories to lnewing@earthlink.net. Thank you!
Owner/Nominator name(s), address, phone number. Email address if available.
*Please note that to be considered, dogs must be AKC
registered or registrable.
Nominations will be accepted until June 29, 2007 and
should be sent to:
Ronald N. Rella: ACE Awards 2007
The American Kennel Club
260 Madison Avenue, 4th Floor
New York, New York 10016
FMI :AKC ACE awards, to download a nomination form or to view last year’s honorees visit http:/
/www.akc.org/news/ace/index.cfm.
Page 47
PRA - THEN and NOW
Luis Aizcorbe
We first heard about PRA during the middle sixties
when it was publicized that Ch. Harmo Rough and
Ready, a well known black miniature poodle being
shown in the Northeast by Bill Trainor, was affected
with the disease. At the time we thought this was an
isolated incident and did not give it much thought.
During the following years, even when reports of other
affected dogs surfaced here and there, we failed to fully
understand the impact that PRA would have on the
breed in general, and the breeding practices of conscientious miniature and toy breeders, in particular.
We had our dog’s eyes first checked during 1971, but
1973 was the first year when Dr. Richard Donovan a
renown Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmology came from Boston to conduct
yearly eye clinics. Sixteen miniatures, all either black
or brown, were examined, belonging to five different
breeders. Everybody agreed to enter the examination
area together so that there would be no secrets regardless of the results. After completing the examination,
Dr. Donovan made a statement to the effect that it was
the first time he had examined those many black and
brown miniatures and not found a single one even suspicious of having PRA . It was not until then that I fully
understood the extent of the problem.
A few years later, a close friend and well known white
toy poodle breeder had to face the devastating effects
of the disease. What was considered one of the preeminent toy lines of the day was decimated. At the time,
my brother and I used to take Tauskey like pictures and
one of our subjects was a young toy bitch closely
linebred to our friend’s best known stud. After efforts
to draw the bitch’s attention by throwing keys failed, I
assumed the bitch was blind. If that were the case, why
would she look in the direction of sound? I told my
wife and she encouraged her friend to have her handler
check the dogs. When after much soul searching our
friend made the facts public, reactions varied. Some
made her into a heroine, while others, mainly with
vested interests at stake, vilified her. Regardless, this
was the most difficult, heart wrenching experience we
have ever been exposed to in dogs, short range, and
one similar to which other breeders have had to go
through themselves.
sibly before OptiGen testing was available had to keep
PRA concerns high in our list of considerations in making breeding decisions. Even if we knew that our breeding stock was clear, we were forced to make some decisions that entailed a degree of risk in order to improve our line in one way or another.
We have always been a strong proponent of linebreeding once a solid foundation is in place, but all breeding
programs have to be tweaked to add desirable traits
without loosing more important characteristics. PRA
concerns were at or near the top of our list, and we
always tried to minimize PRA risks by:
1-Never breeding to a stud that we knew had produced
an affected offspring .
2-Requesting a current eye examination certificate
(preferably after a dog is over 4 years old).
3-Asking the stud’s owner and/or breeder about the
producing record, specifically inquiring about any
knowledge of PRA affected offspring.
4-Preferably using a stud owned by someone we knew
and trusted.
We bred to 4 different studs following these guidelines.
We unknowingly bred to 4 carriers. The puppies from
three of these litters were not used in our breeding program. All three puppies from the other litter had a lot to
offer. Two of them became influential producers in the
variety. Now the question is, would we have gone
through with the breeding had we known beforehand
that the stud was a carrier? Knowing what we know
now, of course we would have, but no one owns a window to the future. Had we known at the time that the
stud was a carrier, we would not have used him. I am
not implying that the breeders and/or owners of all four
studs knew, at the time of the breedings, that their studs
were carriers, but some did and in my opinion their
actions could not be justified.
When it came to PRA, I used to categorize breeders in
the following way:
a- Those who checked their stock and publicized any
bad news for the benefit of others who had connections to the line and the fancy in general.
b- Those that checked their dogs for their own benefit
but concealed any negative findings.
c- Those that never bothered to check their dogs, maybe
because they suspected what the outcome would be or
Those of us that bred miniature or toy poodles respon-
cont. on page 48
Page 48
cont. from page 47
simply because they didn’t want to know.
In those days even when it was reasonable to expect
that a dog or bitch would never be affected due to the
proven track record of one parent or another, it would
take years of testing his/her offspring to determine
beyond any doubt whether or not he/she was safe. There
was no substitute for yearly testing all breeding stock
under six years of age. Although one used to hear about
the onset of PRA varying by breed, Dr. Donovan would
tell me that he had never seen PRA in a five year old
dog that he had checked and found free at four years of
age. He also told me the story of a well known cocker
spaniel that he found showed early signs of PRA before his fourth birthday. The owners took the dog to
another ophthalmologist who found him free and gave
him a CERF#, which was used to include the dog in
the yearly registry the Spaniel Club printed showing a
list of dogs certified free of hereditary eye and other
diseases. A year later the same ophthalmologist found
the dog affected after he had been used at stud for an
additional year. I previously neglected to mention that
among our friend’s toys that were found affected in 1976
was an inbred 9 month old bitch. I have always believed that factors such as heavy concentration of affected or safe bloodlines can accelerate or in other ways
modify the typical patterns of inheritance associated
with PRA. This is hardly an opinion likely to be found
in a textbook. Instead it is one developed after being
exposed to experiences such as the one related above
and others at the opposite end of the spectrum, which
defy conventional scientific theory.
Miniatures, unlike toys and standards, used to be color
bred. Blacks and browns were interbred, but whites and
creams were bred to like colors, silvers to silvers and
so forth. I knew PRA used to be found in toys of all
colors, but for years I believed black and brown miniatures and occasionally silvers and blues were the only
colors where PRA was found in miniatures. I was
greatly surprised when it later became common knowledge that PRA had been found in a line of prominent
white miniatures
With the advent of prcd OptiGen testing, what I considered the greatest hurdle miniature and toy poodle
breeders used to face, the identification of PRA carriers, was eliminated. Why is it then that the quality of
miniature poodles has dipped so much during the last
several years? Some would certainly blame the decline
on the dogs and bloodlines that were lost to PRA in the
pre OptiGen days. There are progressively less miniature breeders around, and smaller entries in this variety, and as the law of probability dictates, less quality
dogs. I remember when it took an entry of fourteen
bitches to make a 3 point major in Florida. Now it takes
four. Competition creates competition and elevates
quality. Top notch miniatures are hardly seen in the
rings, especially males. I rarely attended a dog show
except when judging, for a period of about fifteen years
after 1985 when we stopped breeding and started judging. This makes it difficult to chart the decline in this
variety, but a lot of work needs to be done, and OptiGen
is a valuable tool to improve the variety, if applied properly.
I read with interest and some concerns the comments
made by some toy and miniature breeders, which appeared in the Fall issue of this publication, concerning
the use of OptiGen testing results in their breeding decisions. Our mindsets always led us to safeguard the
foundation of our line, and the guarding against PRA
was always at the forefront of any decision we made.
However, I could understand someone with an established line, excelling in other areas, using a dog or bitch
from their line that tested OptiGen B to a dog or bitch
that tested A, in order to preserve other attributes in the
line. This, of course, working towards a breeding stable
comprised of all A stock. I could even see the process
repeated to breed additional As, but once this goal is
achieved, I would not go backwards and breed to a B
again. The issue, as I see it, is not only whether or not
the offspring will be affected. That is of utmost importance, of course. Regardless, it is a nearsighted approach
which would tend to fix a dangerous mindset. If an offspring that tests B looks good then it would be used
again; if a dog, he would be made available at stud and
resulting puppies would likely be sold where their destiny is out of anyone’s control. The result can only be
damaging to the breed. Furthermore, the process would
be repeated again and again limiting future breeding
decisions as the Bs would never be eradicated. On the
other hand, if work is done to achieve an all A stable of
dogs, breeding to any A dog will not limit the members
of the litter as far as PRA and would allow the breeder
the freedom to concentrate on other traits. A sensible,
long range approach to breeding, I believe.
I could not visualize any circumstance that would justify breeding a C. I know from personal experience that
one looses control once a puppy leaves our house. It
cont. on page 49
Page 49
cont. from page 48
could be bred to another C and then what? Don’t we as
breeders have humanitarian responsibilities to our dogs
and to the health of the breed? Sometimes I wonder if
OptiGen testing gives some a false sense of security. It
is such a great tool when its findings are applied properly!
Following is the reprint of an email sent by Jessie Burrow from Burline Poodles to Dr. Jeanette Felix , President of OptiGen, and her very interesting response,
which dispels some misconceptions on the subject:
"CLEAR BY PARENTAGE"
From: JJBurline@aol.com
To: genetest@optigen.com
Sent: Tuesday, February 20, 2007 2:44 PM
Subject: PRA Testing Requirements
Question: If I breed Dog "A" to Dog "B", both have
been DNA tested for PRA and both are determined to
be Pattern A / Normal, then I think I can assume that
the puppies are " Genetically Normal by Parentage."
Or can I?
Question: Now if I breed two first generation "Genetically Normal by Parentage" dogs together, their litter
should also be "Genetically Normal by Parentage."
However, for reasons I do not understand, OFA will
not accept a second generation offspring as "Genetically Normal by Parentage." Do you know why or at
least what their reasons are?
Background: I breed, raise, and show Miniature
Poodles and have recently add Toy Poodles to my line.
As of this date, I have only bred an "A" to an "A" and
have considered all of our offsprings to be Genetically
Normal by Parentage. I am currently on the third and
fourth generation in my kennel. Should all of my breeding stock be tested again?
I am sure that at least 99% of the breeders think that
once tested and you breed an A to an A, everything
down the line is Genetically Normal by Parentage and
no further testing is necessary. I have searched the
Internet and the Poodle Club of America (PCA) web
site but cannot find guidelines suggesting additional
testing are needed. What are your recommendations?
Jessie H. Burrow
Burline Poodles
From: Jeanette Felix
To: JJBurline@aol.com
Sent: Thursday, February 22, 2007 11:48 AM
Subject: Normal by Parentage? - Re: PRA Testing Requirements
Dear Jessie,
You are theoretically correct to expect that all descendents from PRA normal x PRA normal matings will be
PRA normal. This is true if both parents in every mating are known to be PRA normal either by genetic testing or by "normal by parentage."
However, in order to confidently rely on this approach,
you need to consider the requirements and the risks:
1. You must start out by testing all of your breeding
stock and any new breeding dogs brought into your
kennel. You must not rely on anyone's "word" that a
dog is normal.
2. You must confirm parentage relationships for every
descendent on an ongoing basis through AKC parentage analysis. There is a very real rate of mistakenly
identified parents, typically sires. We must stress to you
that cases of faulty parentage happen to the very best
of breeders. Accidents happen. Double matings happen. You can rely on "normal by parentage" only if you
document actual parentage. Some clubs and OFA consider the ongoing risk of non-parentage high enough to
justify acceptance of only one generation of "normal
by parentage."
3. You must accept that there is a very low, but real rate
of inaccuracy in parentage testing. Sometimes, more
than one male can be considered the potential sire because their DNA is so similar. Sometimes, mistakes are
made.
4. We believe there is more than one form of inherited
PRA in poodles. While the prcd form of PRA (detected
by Optigen's test) is by far the cause of the majority of
PRA cases, a small portion remains unidentified. There's
nothing we can offer here at present, but you need to
be aware that a second type of PRA could show up.
Thanks for your time,
cont. on page 50
Page 50
cont. from page 49
5. The frequency of new mutations causing prcd-PRA
is extremely rare, but this risk really can't be factored
in for practical purposes.
AKC Delegates Report
From PCA Delegate to the AKC
6. And finally, if a human error was made anywhere Scott Olund
along the line - samples labeled incorrectly, dogs identified incorrectly, a lab or office error was made, several generations could occur before the error was recognized. Great attention to detail at every step is required.
Elected to the Class of 2011
Patricia Haines, Patti Strand and Ken Marden were
elected to the board, class of 2011, at the last Delegates Meeting.
Our recommendation to concerned breeders is to always test the dogs that will be bred. You can rely more
on "normal by parentage" for pets or dogs that won't be
bred. If pets or non-breeders are carriers, they won't
have disease.
Two new Breeds in the Herding Group
The Swedish Vallhund and Beauceron, which became eligible for AKC registration on March 1,
2007 and may compete in the Herding Group at
shows held on and after June 27, 2007.
Based on all these reasons, Optigen does not issue certificates for "normal by parentage."
AKC ANNOUNCES FUTURE LOCATION FOR
RALEIGH OPERATIONS CENTER
I hope this helps you make your decisions.
-- Move Slated for 2008 -Sincerely,
Jeanette Felix
___________________________________
Jeanette S. Felix, Ph.D.
President
OptiGen, LLC
I would like to thank Dr. Felix and Mr. Burrow for allowing us to reprint these emails
LUIS E. AIZCORBE
Miniature Representative
The Poodle Club of America
For more information
about OptiGen
go to www.optigen.com
or for other upcoming clinics
go to www.optigen.com/opt11_calendar.taf
New York, NY - The American Kennel Club(r) announced today plans to move its Raleigh Operations
Center from its current location at 5580 Centerview
Drive to the Brier Creek Corporate Center in Raleigh.
The move is expected to occur in mid-2008. The Brier
Creek building is currently under construction.
The Brier Creek site was selected after an extensive
search that included 40 potential properties. The decision-making process was carried out using an experienced management team assisted by proven commercial real estate consultants.
"The modern, efficient layout of our new location will
enhance productivity and provide our Raleigh employees with a top-quality, professional working environment," said AKC Chief Operating Officer John Lyons.
"This decision proved to be far more economically feasible
compared to staying at our current location, requiring
time-consuming and costly renovations to upgrade the
space, which would have resulted
in long-term disruption to our operations."
"The intention was to remain in Raleigh, close to our
cont. on page 51
Page 51
cont. from page 50
current location so that any impact on employees was
minimal," said Keith Frazier, AKC's Assistant Vice
President of Audit and Control, who headed the search
for new space. "The Brier Creek location is ideal for
our needs as it offers conveniences for employees which
do not currently exist. It is also very close to the Raleigh-Durham International Airport, several hotels,
interstate highways, and the North Carolina State University School of Veterinary Medicine."
"Our building will also be well-branded, with AKC
signage visible from the highway and airport and our
bronze DOGNY dog statue greeting visitors as they
approach the building. And of course, our canine companions will be welcome in office," added Frazier.
###
The American Kennel Club, founded in 1884, is a not-forprofit organization which maintains the largest registry of
purebred dogs in the world and oversees the sport of purebred dogs in the United States. The AKC is dedicated to upholding the integrity of its registry, promoting the sport of
purebred dogs and breeding for type and function. Along
with its nearly 5,000 licensed and member clubs and its affiliated organizations, the AKC advocates for the purebred
dog as a family companion, advances canine health and wellbeing, works to protect the rights of all dog owners and promotes responsible dog ownership. More than 20,000 competitions for AKC-registered purebred dogs are held under
AKC rules and regulations each year including conformation, agility, obedience, rally, tracking, herding, lure coursing, coonhound events, hunt tests, field and earthdog tests.
Affiliate AKC organizations include the AKC Canine Health
Foundation, AKC Companion Animal Recovery and the AKC
Museum of the Dog. For more information, visit
www.akc.org <http://www.akc.org/> .
Poodles in America, the ten volume PCA
reference set containing
pedigrees of all Poodles recognized by AKC
as Champions from
1929 through 2003, is available as a set or as
individual volumes.
Volume I
Volume II
Volume III
Volume IV
Volume V
Volume VI
Volume VII
Volume VIII
Volume IX
Volume X
(1829-1959)……………$20.00
(1960-1964}……………$20.00
(1965-1969)……………$20.00
(1970-1974)……………$20.00
(1975-1979)……………$22.00
(1980-1984)……………$22.00
(1985-1989)……………$30.00
(1990-1994)……………$30.00
(1995-1999)……………$35.00
(2000-2003)……………$38.00
The Set of ten, purchased at one time
..……$247.00
U.S. Postage Included
Foreign Postage add $5.00 per volume
U.S. Funds Only
Make checks payable to: PCA
Enter the number of each volume desired in the
appropriate blank:
I____II____III____IV____V____VI____VII____VIII____IX____X____Set____
AKC, American Kennel Club, the American Kennel Club
seal and design, and all associated marks and logos are trademarks, registered trademarks and service marks of The
American Kennel Club, Inc.
Payment By: Check___Money
Order___Visa___Master Card___
“ Happiness comes through
doors you
didn't even know
you left open.”
Mail order to:
Allen Kingsley—3311 Kingfisher
Ln. Denton, TX 76209
Unknown

The Poodle Papers /Spring Edition

Transcription

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