One dog just couldn’t wait until her cancer-fighting owner, Nancy Franck, got back from the hospital. So on Saturday, the Miniature Schnauzer walked almost 20 blocks solo to visit her. The 10-year-old dog named Sissy walked all the way into the lobby of Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids, where Franck is recovering from complications […]
The American Kennel Club (AKC) strongly supports North Carolina Senate Bill 209, which takes important measures to protect the health and welfare of all dogs in the state. SB 209, sponsored by North Carolina Senators Trudy Wade, DVM, Bill Rabon, DVM and Andrew Brock, would establish the “NC Pets We Care Hotline” to allow North […]
Optigen Press Release The American Spaniel Club Foundation and Gustavo Aguirre, VMD, PhD University of Pennsylvania and OptiGen, LLC Background: The American Spaniel Club Foundation has funded a three year research study to be carried out at the University of Pennsylvania and OptiGen, LLC to identify the molecular genetic basis of inherited cataracts, and develop a DNA-based diagnostic test […]
Despite anything you may have heard to the contrary, highly successful breeding programs do not simply just happen. They are developed, sometimes painstakingly so, often reflecting many years of dedication and effort. To be successful, one of the first things that a breeder must ask and answer honestly is, “What am I trying to accomplish?” This question is just as important to the breeder that owns one dog as it is to the breeder who owns 50 dogs. But how does one effectively answer this question? First, you need to create a mental picture of what you think would be the perfect dog. Once you have this image fixed in your mind, write down the list of traits that make your perfect dog “perfect.” This should answer the question as to what you are trying to accomplish. The next step would be to establish a set of well-defined goals for the breeding program.
There have been numerous times in my long history as an owner/handler in field or performance events when the dogs and I have hit all the high notes and been awarded, at least in my mind, a Bravo Zulu for our efforts. (Editor’s Note: For those readers who are not or were not sailors, marines or coasties, a Bravo Zulu from your commanding officer means “well done.) There have been other times, just as numerous, when I have wondered why any reasonably sane person would not only willingly subject themself to such humiliation but would fork over big bucks for the privilege. No matter from which angle you choose to view this, if you are even a tiny bit objective, it would have to fall under the heading of “not too bright.”
The Berger Picard is a fascinating breed. He is intelligent, loving and even-tempered. He is devoted to his people and would give his life for them. As are most continental herders, he is suspicious of strangers and protective. His main problem is that his scruffy, down-to-earth looks attract attention. Many times this attention is accompanied by an unwelcome invasion of his space. One must understand that this four-legged clown does not appreciate impolite behavior. He is nothing if not a gentleman who gives and demands respect. In a country where we expect all our dogs to behave like Golden Retrievers, this presents a challenge.
I recently held a survey of 50 of my best clients. I asked them eight questions that started with “when it comes to dogs”:
I spent almost two full days and nights doing what any God Fearing Good Dog Show Enthusiast would have done this past week. Watching Westminster! While I didn’t download the WKC App or choose to watch from my IPhone…I did go from my IPad to the IMac and then on to the big screen TV, in that order, from 8:30 am Monday until 11:00 pm Tuesday with just enough breaks to eat and visit the closest bathroom so as not to miss much of the action. By the way, I am soooo glad I own stock in Apple! Just in case you’re not up on all this high tech stuff like I am (NOT!)…Apple brings all those “I” things to the marketplace…and it seems the entire world buys them!
- The Progress at AKC – New York, NY – As I am sure you will recall, before Ronald Reagan became President of the United States, he had a very successful career as a television and film star and as the head of the Screen Actors Guild. What you might not remember was his long-running role […]
By Amy Fernandez As usual, the media’s post-game analysis of Crufts has focused on controversy and negative gossip. Likewise, it goes without saying that such topics abound. The top story ranks among the worst notions associated with this sport, dog poisoning. In a few short days it has traveled like wildfire, despite the fact that […]
