shortstep

That is not how I read it. So is it a black or a dark or just more meaningless dribble as they really don't like blues. LOL To me it is just more proof that often standards have everything to do with politics and fashion and little to do with science.

I agree with Gayle. I would even take it a step further. With the current state of affairs regarding welfare issues surrounding breed ring and breeding for show, I think all potential new breeders should look long and hard at what they want to accomplish and not be made to feel they need to show dogs to be a good breeder. Some of the best breeders I know have never even been to a dog show. In today's world, breeding dogs suitable for their life style (be that pet, working dogs, active sports companion, what have you) with excellent health and moderate fit body has far more importance than having a winning dog show appearance. I do not know what breed you have so it makes it hard for me to make suggestions. But if it is an active breed, I would look into some dog sports, agility, herding, tracking and fly ball are all fun and usually supportive with out politics. I would not join the breed club, at least not yet. I would join some chat groups about your breed and just start learning about it. I would also become an expert on every disease that affects the breed. I would read the RSPCA UK investigation and report on pedigree dog breeding welfare concerns and take note of what areas of concern affect your breed. I would also work with rescue for your breed for a while, it can help you learn how dogs end up in the wrong homes and may prevent it happening to one your your future pups. Join some chat groups on dog genetics and breeding, there's lots to learn. I would not worry about getting a bitch at this point, males can breed for many years and by letting your dog mature you might be giving more time for hidden health problems to come to light, like early cancers. Spend 4-5 years learning about your breed, dogs in general, dog activities and training, health and genetics and do some rescue time and you will be well on your way to making a really well planned decisions to breed. More than likely during that time you will come to know other breeders in your breed and before you know it obtaining a bitch will not be a problem. I wish you all good things and hope you enjoy your adventures with dogs.

Ah well the problem is ME! I will try again :D Australian Working Border Collie Registry OK this link is working for me, can you try and see if it works for you? thanks

Some months ago there was some posting and interest in the Australian Working Border Collie Registry. I said at there was a web site in progress. There is now a temporary web site for those that are interested and the Offical web site will be up in the next few months. Hope this helps for now. Here is the address for the Australian Working Border Collie Registry web site Opps I just corrected the link, please try again for the full web site.

Tell me more, have you seen these lines working in Qld, Joe? Any dogs in particular I should be looking out for? I think these are the parents of the litter noted above. So these are top German working lines or show lines? http://www.dogspot.in/puppies/volkersonkennels9-german-shepherd-dog-alsatian/ Yes the litter parents are both VA Kkl1 SchH3 from Germany is highest testing results on the Shepherd Dog and this testing stopping the incorrect traits on the dog from breeding and only the best dogs are good enough to pass on this level. This dogs are West German showline but will have beautiful drive and balance in the temperament and the good health, strength and conformation. Showline dog of this level is better worker than average working line dog. Joe So you think these dogs are considered to have level top line and absence of roached back that the poster is after?

Tell me more, have you seen these lines working in Qld, Joe? Any dogs in particular I should be looking out for? I think these are the parents of the litter noted above. So these are top German working lines or show lines? http://www.dogspot.in/puppies/volkersonkennels9-german-shepherd-dog-alsatian/

Should not need a judge or even a standard to tell anyone looking, that this breed has fallen totally off the tracks (at least in the show ring).

Here is a video that shows the change in the GSD over the last 50 years or so, both in Germany and in the US/Europe/UK. http://wn.com/History_of_the_change_in_the_german_shepherd_over_the_years It might help you define in your own mind what it is you want to avoid and what you want to find. For example it shows the roached back that looks like the dog had a spinal injury. Hips that are about half the height off the ground that any normal dogs hips would be. Hocks that wobble,look loose and often are so dropped they are touching the ground. almost uncontrollable looking gait and the impression the dogs is about to fall down or loose it balance. Good video which shows the extreme appearence and locomotion found in the show dogs, that you may want to avoid in a dog that is to have an active life and be a companion. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_z3fgk9bQw&feature=player_embedded

The breeds on her blog getting attention lately are the Shar Pei, Basset, Neo Mastiff and all giant breeds. Taken from her last blog, seems like it will be more of the same delivered the same. One thought has pervaded the last couple of days of researching Mate Select and reading on the lists the concerns of breeders - for whom breeding dogs has become an unenviable juggling match of expensive health tests, co-efficients of inbreeding, ancestor loss co-efficients etc etc - and owning dogs for too many has become a gut-sinking wait for preventable disease and lives robbed too young. What a bloody shame that is has come to this. What a bloody shame that those who could have done something to stop it never did. And what a bloody shame that more isn't now being done to tackle the fundamental reasons why too many dogs today lead shortened, compromised lives.

As we all know, new DNA testing is now available to screen for increased genetic diversty between potential breedings, and one area they are looking at is improved immune function. http://www.marsveterinary.com/breederservices.html Here is some follow up information on this area of study. 1. Major Histocompatibility Complex and Autoimmune Disease in Dogs http://www.akcchf.org/canine-health/your-dogs-health/major-histocompatibility.html The Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) can best be described as the “factory floor” of the immune system. The MHC is an area of the human, and canine genome, which has been identified to code for the creation of proteins that the immune system uses to distinguish between foreign and non-foreign bodies. All cells within the body are “tagged”, if you will, with “self” proteins produced by the MHC. Basically the way that both the human and canine immune system functions is that the T-cells of the immune system interact with the protein coat of any material they encounter in the body – it is the MHC that gives the body’s own cells the “secret password” that tells the T-cells this is a friend, not a foe to be destroyed. These “friend or foe” protein markers are also called antigens. In humans, they are known as human leukocyte antigens (HLA) and in canines, Dog Leukocyte Antigens (DLA). When the T-cell encounters a material and determines that the antigen does not belong there – it will take steps to attack and kill the cells that are surrounded by the foreign protein. This is how the immune system kills bacteria and other microorganisms, which get into your dog’s body. When a virus gets into the body, it hijacks the reproductive system of the cells it invades, forcing it to make duplicates of itself, and in effect changes the protein signature of the cell. This is how the immune system can identify cells, which have been infected by viruses, and attack them to try to stop the spread of the infection. In humans it is the MHC that leads to rejection problems in organ transplant surgeries, and why transfusion of the “wrong” blood type can be fatal. Recently, protocols for both kidney and liver transplants in dogs have been developed. As such procedures gain more wide spread acceptability among practitioners- deeper understanding of the functionality of the MHC in tissue rejection will need to be explored and anti-rejection treatments expanded, as they have in humans. However, just as it is in humans, the most significant aspect of the Major Histocompatibility Complex to your dog’s health is the role the MHC plays in so-called autoimmune diseases. What is an Autoimmune Disease? An autoimmune disease is basically a condition where something “goes haywire” with those codes produced by the MHC, and the body starts treating “friends” as “foes” – and basically turns on itself. “Autoimmunity" literally means "immunity against self". The symptoms of autoimmune disease are caused by the body mounting an immune response to antigens that would normally be recognized as “self.” Most autoimmune diseases in dogs, as well as in humans, have a genetic basis. It is believed that there is genetic variance in the MHC that causes the individual or dog to be more susceptible to an autoimmune reaction, and that various environmental factors from viruses, bacteria, and allergens, to toxins can set off that susceptibility. Veterinarians identify four major factors relevant to causes of autoimmune disease in dogs, Genetic predisposition Hormonal influence Viral Infections Stress In dogs that may be predisposed to autoimmune reactions, common vaccines for canine disease such as distemper and parvo have been known to trigger the response. Certain regularly used canine drugs have also been associated with aggravating immune response blood disorders, such as the newer combination of monthly heartworm preventives. Keep in mind too, that any drug has the potential to cause immuno–related side effects in such susceptible individuals. Because it is known that autoimmune diseases are linked to genetic predispositions in the MHC—this is yet another reason why potential dog owners of purebred dogs should only deal with respected and reputable breeders who are aware of, and employ breeding practices designed to limit genetic disorders. The thyroid gland plays a key role in the immune system, and thyroid disease is one of the most common autoimmune diseases in dogs. Since proper thyroid function is critical to a healthy immune system, if the dog is susceptible to thyroid disease, by inference it is also likely susceptible to other autoimmune disorders. This is why genetic screening for thyroid disease can be used in healthy animals to determine their fitness for breeding. The animal’s blood is tested for the presence of antithyroid autoantibodies. Any dog that has such antibodies circulating in the bloodstream, could potentially develop thyroid disease, and/or be vulnerable to other autoimmune diseases because his or her immune system is compromised. Responsible dog breeders use thyroid prescreening as a very important tool for selecting good breeding stock. Common Canine Autoimmune Diseases As stated, Lymphocytic thyroiditis, is the most common MHC related autoimmune disease in dogs, and as such actually serves as a marker for susceptibility to a myriad of other autoimmune diseases. Some of these are: Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA), Immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (IMTP or ITP) Autoimmune thyroiditis (hypothyroidism) Hypoadrenocorticism (Addison's disease) Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE): Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Myasthenia gravis Other MHC Functions It would be remiss in an article about the MHC and canines not to mention this interesting sidebar. Recent studies have shown that the MHC may form the scientific basis for the continuing anecdotal reports of dogs with the ability to “sniff out” cancer in humans. The olfactory ability of dogs is well documented. Dogs can identify chemicals diluted to parts per trillion in solutions. There have long been reports of dogs alerting owners to the presence of melanomas by constantly sniffing at a skin lesion. There have been several clinical studies published in respected medical journals that have tested and confirmed the ability of dogs to detect melanomas, bladder, breast, and lung cancers. Now, a recent study published in the journal Medical Hypotheses, indicates that anomalies in the MHC of the humans presenting with those cancers may be the mechanism for these dogs’ remarkable diagnostic abilities. It is known that human body odor is determined by the human leukocyte antigens (HLA) that are produced by the Major Histocompatibility Complex. The study concluded that “the volatile organic compounds produced by tumors, and detected by dogs, are products of MHC genes. These HLA molecules in humans have “soluble and detectable isoforms that are present in body fluids such as blood, urine and sweat, and there is a strong association between changes in HLA and cancers.” 2. This I thought was interesting and worth a listen. Gopod discription of how 'Risk Factors' will take on more importance in breeding programs for complex diseases. Pod cast Major Histocompatiblity Complex Dr. Lorna Kennedy, a member of the faculty of the University of Manchester Center for Integrated Genomic Medical Research in the United Kingdom. Dr. Kennedy has received funding from the AKC Canine Health Foundation for her work in the genetics of hypothyrodism, immune mediated hemolytic anemia and anal furunculosis. These diseases are all associated with changes in an area of the canine genome called the Major Histiocompatability Complex (MHC). In this podcast, Dr. Kennedy discusses the MHC, autoimmune diseases, her research on these diseases and similarities to human conditions. http://www.akcchf.org/news-events/multimedia/podcasts/major-histiocompatability.html

The reason why people wait is because as the older the dog gets the less likely the hips will change for the worse. If you go to the OFA web site and read the information on their system, it will show the rates of accuracy of scores for every 3 - 6 months of age. the scores will be come more accurate as the dogs gets older. Here it is http://www.offa.org/hd_prelims.html The OFA accepts preliminary consultation radiographs on puppies as young as 4 months of age for evaluation of hip conformation. If the dog is found to be dysplastic at an early age, the economic loss from the cost of training, handling, showing and so forth can be minimized and the emotional loss reduced. These preliminary radiographs are read by the OFA veterinary radiologists and are not sent to outside radiologists. The same hip grades are given to preliminary cases. A recent publication* compared the reliability of the preliminary evaluation hip grade phenotype with the 2 year old evaluation in dogs and there was 100% reliability for a preliminary grade of excellent being normal at 2 years of age (excellent, good, or fair). There was 97.9% reliability for a preliminary grade of good being normal at 2 years of age, and 76.9% reliability for a preliminary grade of fair being normal at 2 years of age. Reliability of preliminary evaluations increased as age at the time of preliminary evaluation increased, regardless of whether dogs received a preliminary evaluation of normal hip conformation or HD. For normal hip conformations, the reliability was 89.6% at 3-6 months, 93.8% at 7-12 months, and 95.2% at 13-18 months. These results suggest that preliminary evaluations of hip joint status in dogs are generally reliable. However, dogs that receive a preliminary evaluation of fair or mild hip joint conformation should be reevaluated at an older age (24 months). Now me again, but what they do not say is that it is rare for hips to change greatly after the 12 month mark. So yes, less than 5% of the dogs tested will change their score but they only change a little bit. (also anyone send the same xray around to different scorers, you are very likely to get different scores from each perosn, so it is not an exact number anyway.) So in most people opinions these days, it is better to look at dog around 12 months. If the dogs has a problem this allows you to start addressing that problem 12 months sooner which can greatly affect the dogs quality of life. This also allows for the concerned breeder to know what is happening with the hips in the litter prior to breeding those parent dogs again, another words if things not looking good they can decide not to repeat thate breeding or not breed those parents at all and prevent breeding more affected pups. If the dog is poor/ borderline HD or near to the number you would normally stop breeding at, then recheck them at 24 months and see how much they have changed if at all, otherwise retesting is not needed if the dog was well with in the normal range. BTW I know of more than few dogs that were tested at 12 months and repeated at 24 months and their hips scores imporved, so as said before reading xrays is not an exact science.

Followed by more purebred genetics http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/05/070510090442.htm Life As A Dog Means Faster Mutations ScienceDaily (May 10, 2007) — It may be hard to see that the Chinese crested dog is descended from the wolf, but it’s easier to grasp that two poodles of different sizes are related. In her dissertation presented on May 3, Susanne Björnefeldt, at the Department of Evolution, Genomics, and Systematics at Uppsala University, shows that dogs of the same breed differ more genetically than was previously thought. The wolf is the first animal that humans domesticated. Even though all dogs descend from the wolf, today dogs occur in more variants than any other mammal. These variations are not only the result of breeding, but also of the comfortable life dogs lead, a life that has entailed genetic changes. We might expect dogs to be genetically different from those of another breed, but we might also be led to believe that they are relatively similar within a single breed. But in fact dogs of the same breed are genetically more different than we thought, according to Susanne Björnefeldt. She mentions the poodle as an example: it is genetically divided into five groups, although kennel clubs divide the poodle into four distinct groups. In her dissertation Susanne Björnefeldt has primarily compared the mitochondrial DNA of the dog with that of the wolf and found that more protein changes have taken place in dogs over a shorter period than in the case of their wolf ancestors. Dogs have mutated more rapidly than wolves. Many of these mutations can be harmful to the animal. Whereas wolves have eliminated most altered characteristics through natural selection (a wild wolf with inferior characteristics will not be allowed to mate), dogs have been able to pass on their mutations, for better or worse. “One advantage is that it is easier to use the dog as an experimental animal in scientific studies in order to facilitate the search for pathogenic genes. A drawback, however, is that thoroughbred dogs are more susceptible to diseases,” says Susanne Björnefeldt, .... Reference: Consequences of the Domestication of Mans Best Friend, The Dog, ISBN: 978-91-554-6854-5

How Do You Make the Perfect Sled Dog? ScienceDaily (Sep. 25, 2010) — Over the last few hundred years, Alaskan sled dogs have been bred to haul cargo over Arctic terrain and, more recently, for racing. Now, researchers writing in the open access journal BMC Genetics have identified the contributions different breeds have made to the speed, endurance and work ethic of Alaskan sled dogs. Heather Huson and Elaine Ostrander, from the National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, USA, worked with a team of researchers to carry out genetic analysis in 199 sled dogs and 681 purebred dogs from 141 different breeds. Huson said, "The Alaskan sled dog comprises several different lineages, optimized for different racing styles -- long or short distance. We sought to identify breed composition profiles associated with expertise at specific tasks, finding that the Alaskan Malamute and Siberian Husky contributions are associated with enhanced endurance; Pointer and Saluki are associated with enhanced speed and the Anatolian Shepherd has a positive influence on work ethic." The researchers sampled sled dogs from eight kennels, rating them for speed, endurance, and work ethic, using established criteria specified for the distinct racing styles of sprint and distance. These attributes were correlated with genetic information taken from each dog and compared to likely ancestral breeds. Speaking about the results, Huson said, "The Alaskan sled dog presents a case in which a genetically distinct breed of dog has been developed through the selection and breeding of individuals based solely on their athletic prowess. Interestingly, this continual out-crossing for athletic enhancement has still led to the Alaskan sled dog repeatedly producing its own unique genetic signature. Indeed, the Alaskan sled dog breed proved to be more genetically distinct than breeds of similar heritage such as the Alaskan Malamute and Siberian Husky." Story Source: The above story is reprinted (with editorial adaptations by ScienceDaily staff) from materials provided by BioMed Central, via EurekAlert!, a service of AAAS. Journal Reference: Heather J Huson, Heidi G Parker, Jonathan Runstadler and Elaine A Ostrander. A genetic dissection of breed composition and performance enhancement in the Alaskan sled dog. BMC Genetics, 2010; (in press) [link] Gives a whole new look at the concept of purebred doesn't it.

Basically as above with a few different ideas. Any hip at any age can change and the younger the dog is the more likely it will change, however even at 12 months that risk is not large. It will only change a small amount. So for example if you get a dog at 12 months with an OFA Excellent to Good range score (total 0-10 AVA) then this dog has almost no chance of developing HD later in life. However if you have a dog that is say Poor to Borderline (AVA 20-25 total) then this dog could have enough change to drop down into the dysplastic range. This dog should be rexrayed at 2 years of age and even again at 4 years if you are breeding this dog. However, there are good reasons to check hips at 12 months. First off and very important the sooner the breeder knows how the hips are on the last litter, the sooner they can take action. Say a dog has HD at 12 months, well now the breeder knows this and can plan accordingly. If they waited to 24 months or older there is a good chance another litter would have been bred during that last 12 months. So it is not only in the best interest of the breeder but also the buyers to find out ASAP what the hips are doing on any litter of pups. I would also say that if you find you have hips of some concern the soon you know the better. For example you may want to change your training plans, nutrition or any other number of things for the dog, for example joint supplements can be started sooner. Also if the hips do not look good then postponing desexing a little longer until all growth has finished would be in the best interest of the dog. So I think screening as young as possible is always the best plan. Then you can make plans for the future and if needed retest the dogs again in a year or 2. BTW Cornell Uni now has a new method called dorsolateral subluxation (DLS) test to screen with, it is more accurate than OFA and can be done at I think it was 8 months old. http://bakerinstitute.vet.cornell.edu/contentimages/library/lust-diagnosis.pdf I am still hoping that one day there will be some interest in this new test down here, as I think it is well worth having in Australia.

Yes I do understand that, and it is more of the same, different levels of breeders. As I said all Kennel clubs should have a standard of care, and all members should have to live by it, and everyone who uses the registry should have to be a memeber . I am so sick of hearing the words BYB pasted on to any breeder who does something different to what the person makeing the accusation does. Does anyone really thing that KCs can take another divide in their membership and survive it? I guess we will find out. I really do see making these divisions as what has lead to the downfall of dog breeding, and BTW I really do see dog breeding as on it way down in a very serious way and it is happening now. BTW I just read the Chairman (or is it president?) of UK KC has stated he will resign. May not mean anything at all, but seems like a very busy time of big changes at the KC to make that announcment too. edited, opps I was responding to your comments about membership and breeders in the Uk KC being different to here.

That bit gets me - the KC will still register the litter and there is nothing on the registration papers to say if the breeder runs a backyard business or is accredited, so it is meaningless to say whether a litter is registered as AB puppies or not. The whole AB idea is a bit of a wonder. I just do not see how we can have 2 classes of breeders, breeders who take the proper actions and breeders who do not. But since this AB idea is being brought in down here too, then it must be part of the master plan and will be tied into the EBV schemes. BTW I really do not like the way some breeders (like you have above) are already implying that any breeders that do not buy into the AB program are therefor BYB. Here we go again, attacking each other. I for one have not gone for the AB (and I already did everything they require and more). I am opposed to 2 classes of breeders scheme, think we already have a culture of attacking each other and need to be finding ways to end this and certainly not be promoting it, and I totally do not support the whole AB scheme, that does not make me a BYB. Don't we have enough people taking shots at us without taking shots at each other? Haven't we run off enough ANKC breeders, do we really need our numbers of breeders to be cut down even more? You have totally misread what I said or chosen to twist my words to see insult where one wasn't there ie. An ABS breeder can do a breeding that doesn't follow the guidlines/rules of being an ABS breeder and the kennel club will still register that litter - the breeder is just not supposed to say they were ABS breeder at the time the pups were bred. They can be ABS before and after. When I registered my current litter, they emailed me to say the litter can't be registered under the ABS scheme as they had no record of the sires microchip - either send the number or instructions to register litter without ABS recognition!! The other point being, that there is nothing on the registration form for the puppy that states the breeder is ABS - this is a scheme being touted to puppy buyers as a way of stearing them towards breeders who are supposed to be doing their best for the breed/pups but at the end of the day, the puppy buyer has very little proof (and none of it in paperwork with the pup unless the breeder has spent out to get the official puppy wallets which don't fit all the info we have to supply with the pups!). The only way buyers know that my current litter is ABS is because it is currently advertised on the KC website in the ABS section for the breed. Yes, a puppy buyer could check by phoning the kennel club, but buyers don't even ask to see the paperwork for the health tests, just accept they have been done (I include copies in the puppy pack and explain what they mean). I do not know all the ins and outs of the Uk KC, but what I said about having 2 classes of breeders, those who 'do' what is right and those who 'do not have to' do what is right is really stupid. Kennel clubs should have a standard of care and everyone is held to. Steve discussed it very well. I do take insult, as you said it again 'registration papers to say if the breeder runs a backyard business or is accredited' as if you are either one or the other. So does a AB never make any money and give their pups away? Are AB pups only born in a home? Are all breeders that are not AB running a buisness? Are all breeders who are not AB birthing their puppies in their back yards? The aussuptions are wild and unfounded and do nothing but cause bad feeling between breeders. So yes I take offence. Stop saying I am a BYB or a backyard buiness because I am not an AB.

This system (espcially when combined with open stud books) allows breeders to dramtically lower their litters COI in just one generation. Just as is the case with your dog. This is why some are already complaining that this system is not doing enough and is not giving the buyer the real information of past levels of high inbreeding in the pup they are buying.

Was thinking being 'educated' and about what has already happened, with the 15 breeds being singled out for vet inspection at shows (in the UK) for health problems. I wonder if this is how the COI scheme will start out. I can see 3 classes of breeds/dogs being singled out. First class would be very high breed average COI lets say above 10% at 10 generations, or single dogs of any breed with high COI. And it would also include all endangered breeds (breeds with less than 100 pups born each year is the usual definition). These dogs would have to achieve either a protocol written for the breed by a panel of outside experts or the kennel club rule of reducing COI by 1/4 each generation/litter till it reaches Class 2. Class 2 would be say 5-10% COI breed average, or breeds nearing endangered, lets say less than 150 pups a year. They would have to have a protocol written by the panel of outside experts or cut their COI by lets say 2% each generation/litter until the reach class 3. Class 3 would be 3-5% breed average and they would have to reduce by .5% each genration/breeding until below 3%. At below 3% breeders have to maintain below 3% and do not need to reduce. Over all rule that all breeders must breed at or below their breeds current class. Now I made this whole thing up, but I bet it is going to some sort of system where breeds are classes based on the breed average COI and then required to reduce COI in each litter as directed for that classification. With the new open stud book, no breed could claim that they can not lower their COI as they can bring in dogs. Then to be in the AB program you would need to be already below the breed average COI by 1 class on all your litters. So another words if your breed average was in class 2, your litters would have to fall in to class 1. Any other crystal balls working today?

That bit gets me - the KC will still register the litter and there is nothing on the registration papers to say if the breeder runs a backyard business or is accredited, so it is meaningless to say whether a litter is registered as AB puppies or not. The whole AB idea is a bit of a wonder. I just do not see how we can have 2 classes of breeders, breeders who take the proper actions and breeders who do not. But since this AB idea is being brought in down here too, then it must be part of the master plan and will be tied into the EBV schemes. BTW I really do not like the way some breeders (like you have above) are already implying that any breeders that do not buy into the AB program are therefor BYB. Here we go again, attacking each other. I for one have not gone for the AB (and I already did everything they require and more). I am opposed to 2 classes of breeders scheme, think we already have a culture of attacking each other and need to be finding ways to end this and certainly not be promoting it, and I totally do not support the whole AB scheme, that does not make me a BYB. Don't we have enough people taking shots at us without taking shots at each other? Haven't we run off enough ANKC breeders, do we really need our numbers of breeders to be cut down even more?

For years I tried to get 'all ' dog breeders to defend each other rights even if what those breeders are doing is not what you do, but that has never happened. Now we reap the results of that short sightedness. For years I have watched as many people have wanted my breeds stud book open to the purebred working dogs of the same breed. But that has never been considered. Now at least in the UK (and likely the rest of the world will soon follow) that decisions has been made for them by others. Would have been much better to have directed the process themsleves and controlled the in take of new dogs to only purebred working dogs with pedigrees, but now if they look like a duck they are duck with no pedigree at all. But if this is what it takes then this is what it takes I guess. Nothing to wonder about really from what I have seen happening over the past 15 years.

From what I am reading today, it is not accurate anyway. It is erring on the side of false low COI's. All imported dogs are counted as founder dogs, so have a COI of 0%. Many dogs have incomplete pedigrees so they are not taken back the whole 10 generations, yet the numbers are not adjusted for that, so dogs or lines in a dog that are say 5% COI in 5 generations are being reported as 5% computed across 10 generations (a rather big difference and reducing the COI in some cases rather dramatically). Also remember that the UK Kennel Club now has totally open stud books. Any dogs that looks like the breed and passes the mandated health tests can be registered. All of these new dogs that enter, (and I assume even if they have pedigrees and many will, they will not be recorded) will be counted as COI 0%. This will be very handy as a breeder can drop their COI from very high levels very fast by just adding one of the open stud book dogs to their pedigree. Not everyone's cup of tea, but if they make rules that the COI must be reduced, this will allow it to be done. Especially in breeds were all the dogs in the current population have high COIs. Steve, it says this is just the first step for this system. I believe before they can mandate COI breeding directives, the registry would have to have a system to compute and record the COIs, to regulate the breeders they need to be able track what the breeders are doing. I think in some countries you enter into the kennel clubs system the sire you want to use and then the system gives you all the information and also tells you if this would be violating any of the breeding restrictions. So far they have only linked the mandated health tests results to this system. From what I understand there are going to be a lot more mandated health tests and other health information will be collected (possibly vet records like the system they are putting into place now here in Australia) and this data will be added to the system and then there will used in an attempt to do EBV's. Time will tell. However things are moving and changing at a tremendous rate. Totally opening the stub books across all breeds was of the most dramatic changes I could have imagined. At this point nothing they change or do would surprise me. I wonder how long it will be before it is put into place down here.

I use Dogtainers Sydney office and always ask for Errol. I have used them for local, national and internation flights, for last 9 years. Not one problem, always exceptional care for the dogs, excellent communication with me and new owners and knowledge of their job is exceptional. They are the only choice as far as I am concerned! (and I have no interest in the company).

I have never seen so many dead foxes on the roads. I think we have a population explosion of foxes this year along with mice and rats. Last week, mid day, I found a fox in the act of killing a 3 month old lamb in the paddock. The lamb was still warm to the touch, fresh blood everywhere. It was in the act of ripping out the throat. When I interrupted it ran off. No other body area of the lamb had been touched yet. I went back to the house and had to wait for some help to move it out of the paddock. 3 times the fox came back before I could remove the dead lamb. This fox, though it ran away when it saw me, was not put off by me chasing it off.

Thus, each dog breed represents a closed breeding population of individuals with high levels of phenotypic homogeneity. Not surprisingly, there is reduced genetic diversity within breeds and greater genetic divergence between breeds. Indeed, 27% of the total genetic variance observed in dogs is between breeds, compared with the 5-10% that exists between distinct human populations (Parker et al., 2004). The strong selection that breeders have imposed in order to produce a homogenous population of individuals with common morphological and behavioral traits has led to an excess of inherited diseases in domestic dogs. Although this is unfortunate for the companion animal community, the fact that many breeds display an excess of disease offers a unique opportunity to identify genes that have been difficult to localize through the study of human families and populations, with cancer providing an excellent example (Cadieu and Ostrander, 2007). Years ago a friend of mine in genetics said that pedigreed dogs were as good if not better then mice/rats populations specially inbred for genetic study. Having all the different breeds each genetically unique from the other breeds but with each breed being well inbreed on it's self, made the perfect lab rats.

Have just spent a little while using their system. After you enter a dog, you can then get the inbreeding average for that breed, compared to your dogs inbreeding level. Most COI's seem to based on 10 or more generations. You can then enter a dog you wish to breed your dog to and it will combine the COI's to give you the litters COI. So far there are no guidelines for each breed as to COI breeding goals, just general statements that lowering the COI is good. This system also brings up all madated health tests and the dog's results, but so far is it not doing any sort of EBV scores with them that I can see for litters. All of this data is open to the public. Now in some countries in Europe, after they got these systems (like the above) in place, they then set breeding limitations on COI. Such as a max COI allowable or that COI has to drop by a certain 1% on the average COI. These were breed based so all different. They also madated a lot more health testing and all the results were automatically sent from the vets (another words reporting was also maditory) are all the results are in the system, and anyone can look them up. I know there is already planning for using these sytems in ANKC. Has anyone heard of plans being made to put them into place? Or will we just find out after the fact.