Nancyk

Very few clubs keep Reserve Challenge certificates but most will have ribbons. In fact in NSW (cant say for other states) there are rules stating ribbons must be handed out in the ring. I believe this should be enforced particularly for ch. rch, bob and rubob so unlookers can see what is going on. Rarely do dogs get put on the markers in place order and it is impossible ringside at times to know who got what. It is really great to be able to stand ringside and explain to onlookers/newcomers what is happening. At the Rylstone Kandos & District Dog Club shows on 24th & 25th July Ch and Res and Bob & Rubob ribbons will be handed out in the ring. We also have heaps of special BOB sashes. 1st 2nd @ 3rd ribbons will be available at the Secretaries tent and announcements made telling people where things are. I do think it important to create understanding of how things happen in the ring if we are to encourage and keep new people to the sport. Those who have heaps of ribbons can quietly hand their ribbons back at the secretaries office - looks very rude to do so at ringside. jmho

I think QLD is looking at the original reason for Ch shows - which is the assessment of breeding stock. The CCCQ have obviusly taken the view that a neuter is not breeding stock and therefore not elligible to be shown. The most succesful way to change the mindset would be to write enmass (individual original letters work much better than petitions) and perhaps state something along the following. "With declining numbers of entire purebred dogs it is important to increase/maintain numbers of our registered purebred dogs in all public venues. A neuter championship will encourage those who may have a lovely dog to showthat may have been desexed for various reasons and perhaps later on purchase an entire dog. Neuter classes at shows will also benefit breeders in that more projeny of entires will be able to be seen and assessed. This is very important these days when the purebred world is underfire on health issues. The common belief among AR's and other extremists is that show dogs are only bred for the showring and are unsuitable as pets. If dogs sold to pet homes can be encouraged into the show rings what better venue to show that sound fit and healthy dogs from show breeders are the norm." A bit rough but something along those lines might be convincing. NSW shows can offer neuter classes now and Ch points will be available after July 1. The Rylstone Kandos & District Dog Club will be one of the first issuing ch points for neuters at their shows on 24th & 25th July. At this early stage only classes 18 & 18a will be offered - but will be reviewed each year as numbers increase. BOB Neuter trophy trophies will be given for the first 10 breeds entered. See you all there. Good Luck QLD

Congratulations to all the nominees and winners. We have always been proud to be members of the MDBA and it was a real pleasure to attend the awards dinner. Meeting and seeing some of the very wonderful people we have in the dog world is just so uplifting. The MDBA is to be congratulated on the innovative things they are doing. Looking forward to Melbourne next year and planning to make a few nominations.

If she is a good natured steady bitch I would leave the puppies with her - but keep them in an area where other dogs (i.e., the desexed btich) cannot interfere. It is fairly normal for bitches to start to "aunty" puppies after 3 weeks if the mother allows it - in your case you sent the mother away and upset the natural order of things. It is important that the puppies have this assocation as it will help teach them correct behaviour.

Unfortunately it is commonly known that hair removal creams are used on chinese cresteds. It is also not unusual to see black texta being applied to coats & toenails. Have seen this done publically at Royals many times. Have seen an exhibitor regularly bring a bag of theatrical makeup and use publically to cover up callouses on elbows. Have seen people use electric shavers to trim fringing on bottomlines of dogs who should not be trimmed and to remove whiskers. It goes on and on and on and the sheer stupidity of doing this in sight on hundreds of people never fails to amaze me. The AR rights people are certainly a huge problem - but until the show world gets some common sense we are an amazingy easy target.

I think it is far too late for additions to be made to the panel. However I do think its great that the MDBA are attending. I requested at the DogsNSW board meeting yesterday that a representative from each state cc and someone from ANKC attend. It was a big ask, however it was approved that I will attend on behalf of DogsNSW and I can only hope that reps from other states will go. So I will be going with an open mind, taking copius notes and perhaps learning a few things that may help us move forward in the plight our purebred registered dogs are facing.

QUESTIONS 1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc) Breeder - involved with breed since 1995 2. Where and why was the breed first developed? From the mists of time the Neapolitan Mastiff is directly descended from the Molossian, with a heritage extending back 2-4000 years, making them one of the oldest recognisable dogs. Our Neapolitan Mastiffs of today are “MADE IN ITALY”. In the 1940s Italian writer Piero Scanziani saw some dogs of this type and was so impressed by them that he began restoration project as the breed was almost extinct after the 2nd world war. 3. How common is it in Australia? 3. How Common is it in Australia? Approximately 2000 purebred dogs now. 4. What is the average lifespan? No real average has been established 8-10 years is often quoted but in reality I believe it would be less than 6 years. 5. What is the general temperament/personality? Generally a calm dog totally devoted to owner/family but with guarding instincts very much intact. Unlike many “modern” breeds they have distinct development stages. Baby, Toddler, Child, Adolescent, Young Adult and Mature Adult to put it in “human” terms. The Neapolitan Mastiff swiftly becomes part of the family, showing complete devotion and love whilst remaining generally suspicious of strangers and politely tolerant of friends. As a family member it is imperative that the Neapolitan is allowed to be an active contributing participant in your life, whilst knowing its place in the family hierarchy. This is not a breed to be left alone without human company. A delightful breed to take walking and exploring, not apt to explore out of your sight. Due to their large size and clumsiness when young, constant supervision with children is necessary. However, their kind and gentle nature is readily apparent when with old or young people. Care and training is needed however as a Neapolitan Mastiff will be very protective of any family member in his care. Generally slow to anger the speed and agility of these dogs is almost unbelievable if they think there is a threat. Owners must develop a relationship of mutual trust and love – always remember the word RESPECT. A Neapolitan Mastiff will not be bribed and must be trained by his owner personally to develop the correct relationship. 6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult? Very little - they will self exercise but love to go with their owners on walks, rides etc., and can go long distances provided the weather is not too hot. 7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with? In most cases definitely not. 8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods? Yes, they can cope quite easily if owners are away from home working but do require "family" time when at home. Not a dog that spends 24/7 in the backyard - close people contact is a must when you are home. 9. How much grooming is required? We recommend at least a once a week thorough brushing, ear cleanings etc., and in hot humid weather daily examination and cleaning in dewlap area. 10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)? Not in the right home - they have an instinct for gentleness with small children and elderly people. In fact two of mine are with a family caring for 6 or so foster children - some who are disabled and the dogs are assisting in many ways. 11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of? As with all giant breeds hearts can be a problem, hips, elbows, eyes should all be asked about. 12. When buying a puppy, what are the things you should ask of the breeder? (eg what health tests have been done (if applicable) and what is an acceptable result to those tests so the buyer has an idea of what the result should be) Hip & Elbow evaluations. Current breed average in Australia is 30/106. Preferably buy only puppies from parents with scores less than the average. Elbows ideal is 0/0 highest score is 3/3. Elbows can be easily injured in this breed so discuss parents scores with the breeder. Heart testing - avoid anyting with DCM in its lines.

If you live in the Western NSW region you may in interested in knowing that a PR Marquee has been purchased and is now beginning to appear at shows throughout the central west. It has information on all breeds, list of clubs, activities etc., and for members sells entry form books and a few items for club secretaries. What is needed is photos of all the breeds (registered purebreeds of course) to be included in the breed folders for people enquiring about dogs. In particular we need photos of dogs being dogs or performing working duties, agility or some activity (not show stacks) so people can get an idea of not only what the dogs look like, but how they imagine the dogs can be. Because it is DogsNSW Western Region we would like photos of dogs from the region (obviusly there are a few breeds not in the area). If you have a photo you think is suitable it will be most welcome. They will be laminated in A4 sheets - so two small or one larger photo would be great. Do put your name, and contact details on the back as well as the breed name - or a business card if you have one. At this stage we will be using only snail mailed photos as I am doing the laminating on a voluntary basis and don't have the time or a good enough printer to do up from emails. Postal Address to send photos is Nancy Keck P.O. Box 105 KANDOS NSW 2848 The PR Stand will be at Bathurst Royal for two days (sat & Sun) and then at the Orange Pet Expo in March. Look forward to hearing from you.

Steve's advice is very good and certainly worth a try. One way to check if it is diet is to put your hand around his jaw and gently raise his front from the ground. If the legs hang straight it is definitely a diet problem. Regards