Dog Expo 29-05-11

Paul | blog | May 23, 2011

I have been asked by regular visitor / user of the site, Annie Taylor to post the following event, that is for a very worthwhile rescue, Madra in Galway

Come and join us for our first ever MADRA Dog Expo fundraising event on Sunday, May 29th, 2011. We’ll have dog shows, training demonstrations, healthy hound advice, grooming tips, adoption centres, pet photography, and of course a shopping extravaganza for your four legged best-friend.

Enter your dog in one of the many show categories or let them strut their stuff on the dog walk! Send in your stories in advance for our heart warming tales category, or enter our competition and your dog could be a V.I.D (Very Important Dog) for the day!

Special guests will include Celebrity Vet, Pete Wedderburn; Dog Trainer to the Stars, Mary Owens of Fircroft Kennels; Friend of MADRA, Sharon Shannon, and of course our MADRA dogs and puppies.

We’ll be adding events and competitions over the coming weeks so please check back www.dogexpo.ie

If you would like us to blog about any of your upcoming dog related events, just drop us a line

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Portuguese Water Dog Video & FCI Standard

Paul | blog | May 21, 2011

ORIGIN : Portugal.

DATE OF PUBLICATION OF THE ORGINAL VALID STANDARD : 04.11.2008.

UTILIZATION : Assistance with fishing and retrieving as well as companion dog.

F.C.I. CLASSIFICATION : Group 8 Retrievers, Flushing Dogs, Water Dogs.
Section 3 Water dogs.Without working trial.

BRIEF HISTORICAL SUMMARY : In ancient times, the Portuguese Water Dog could be found throughout the entire Portuguese coast. Thereafter, due to continuous changes in fishing methods, the breed was located mainly in the Algarve region which is now considered as its original birthplace. Its presence on the Portuguese coast is probably very remote and thus the Portuguese Water Dog should be considered as an autochthonous Portuguese breed.

GENERAL APPEARANCE : A dog of medium proportions, bracoïd tending to rectilinear to slight convex. Harmonious in shape, balanced, strong and well muscled. Considerable development of the muscles due to constant swimming.

IMPORTANT PROPORTIONS : Of almost square shape, with the length of body approximately equal to height at the withers.

The ratio of the height at the withers to the depth of the chest is 2:1; the ratio of length of skull to muzzle is 4:3.

BEHAVIOUR/TEMPERAMENT : Exceptionally intelligent, it understands and obeys easily and happily any order given by its owner. An animal with impetuous disposition, wilful, courageous, sober and resistant to fatigue. It has a severe, penetrating and attentive expression, as well as remarkable visual and scent faculties.
An excellent and resistant swimmer and diver, it is the inseparable companion of the fisherman for whom it performs a multitude of tasks, both in fishing and in guarding and protecting its boat and property. While fishing, it will willingly jump to sea to retrieve escaped fish, diving if necessary and likewise if a net breaks or a cable becomes loose. It is also used as a liaison between boats and shore or vice-versa, even at great distances.

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Rottweiler Video & FCI Breed Standard

Paul | blog | May 17, 2011

I have posted this today, as a tribute to 12 year old Daniel Mooney from Belfast whom was involved in a fatal motorbike accident last Sunday evening. I Didn’t know Daniel or his devoted Father Fred personally, but did know them to see at the many Dog shows they attended. Daniel was easily spotted, as he stood out from the crowd, and once in the ring he commanded your attention. He loved all dogs, but in particular his chosen breed, the Rottweiler.

May He Rest In Peace

ORIGIN : Germany.

DATE OF PUBLICATION OF THE ORIGINAL VALID STANDARD : 06.04.2000.

UTILIZATION : Companion, service and working dog.

CLASSIFICATION F.C.I. : Group 2 Pinscher and Schnauzer type, Molossian type, Swiss Mountain- and Cattle Dogs.
Section 2.1 Molossian type, Mastiff type.With working trial.

BRIEF HISTORICAL SUMMARY : The Rottweiler is considered to be one of the oldest dog breeds. Its origin goes back to Roman times. These dogs were kept as herder or driving dogs. They marched over the Alps with the Roman legions, protecting the humans and driving their cattle. In the region of Rottweil, these dogs met and mixed with the native dogs in a natural crossing. The main task of the Rottweiler now became the driving and guarding of the herds of cattle and the defence of their masters and their property. This breed acquired its name from the old free city of Rottweil and was known as the « Rottweil butcher’s dog’ ». The butchers bred this type of dog purely for performance and usefulness. In due course, a first rate watch and driving dog evolved which could also be used as a draught dog. When, at the beginning of the twentieth century, various breeds were needed for police service, the Rottweiler was amongst those tested. It soon became evident that the breed was highly suitable for the tasks set by police service and therefore they were officially recognized as police dogs in 1910.

Rottweiler breeders aim at a dog of abundant strength, black coated with clearly defined rich tan markings, whose powerful appearance does not lack nobility and which is exceptionally well suited to being a companion, service and working dog.

GENERAL APPEARANCE : The Rottweiler is a medium to large size, stalwart dog, neither heavy nor light and neither leggy nor weedy. His correctly proportioned, compact and powerful build leads to the conclusion of great strength, agility and endurance.

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Irish Red Setter Video & FCI Breed Standard

Paul | blog | May 14, 2011

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN : Ireland.

DATE OF PUBLICATION OF THE ORIGINAL VALID STANDARD : 13.03.2001.

UTILIZATION: Gun dog and family dog.

CLASSIFICATION FCI : Group 7 Pointing Dogs.
Section 2 British and Irish Pointers and Setters.
With working trial.

BRIEF HISTORICAL SUMMARY : The Irish Red Setter was developed in Ireland as a working dog for hunting game. The breed is derived from the Irish Red and White Setter and an unknown solid red coloured dog. It was a clearly identifiable type in the 18th century. The Irish Red Setter Club was established in 1882 to promote the Breed. The club issued the Breed Standard in 1886, and has organised field trials and shows to set the Standard for the Breed since that time. In 1998 the club published the working style for the breed. The standard and working style together describes the physical form and working ability of the breed.
The Irish Red Setter has evolved down the years into a hardy, healthy, intelligent dog, possessed of excellent working ability and great stamina.

GENERAL APPEARANCE : Racy and athletic full of quality, kindly in expression. Balanced and in proportion.

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Dachshunds – You’d have to love them

Paul | blog | May 12, 2011

A wealthy man decided to go on a safari in Africa. He took his faithful pet dachshund along for company. One day, the dachshund starts chasing rabbits and before long the dachshund discovers that he is lost.

So, wandering about, he notices a leopard heading rapidly in his direction with the obvious intention of having him for lunch.

The dachshund thinks, “OK, I’m in deep trouble now!” Then he noticed some bones on the ground close by, and immediately settles down to chew on the bones with his back to the approaching cat. Just as the leopard is about to leap, the dachshund exclaims loudly, “Boy, that was one delicious leopard. I wonder if there are any more around here.”

Hearing this, the leopard halts his attack in mid-stride, as a look of terror comes over him, and slinks away into the trees.

“Whew,” says the leopard. “That was close. That dachshund nearly had me.”

Meanwhile, a monkey, who had been watching the whole scene from a nearby tree, figures he can put this knowledge to good use and trade it for protection from the leopard. So, off he goes.

But the dachshund saw him heading after the leopard with great speed, and figured that something must be up.

The monkey soon catches up with the leopard, spills the beans and strikes a deal for himself with the leopard. The leopard is furious at being made a fool of and says, “Here monkey, hop on my back and see what’s going to happen to that conniving canine.”

Now the dachshund sees the leopard coming with the monkey on his back, and thinks, “What am I going to do now?” But instead of running, the dog sits down with his back to his attackers, pretending he hasn’t seen them yet … and, just when they get close enough to hear, the dachshund says…

“Where’s that darn monkey? I sent him off half an hour ago to bring me another leopard.”

The Dachshund pictured is Marictur Midleton Very Rare

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Rocky Raccoon

Paul | blog | May 11, 2011

I’ve only come across this snip it from the news, that was in some of the papers after the Easter holiday

“A RACCOON has been sighted in Co Cork prompting an “invasive species alert” from the State’s wildlife authorities. Raccoons, which are native to North America, spread rabies and also carry a roundworm ( Baylisascaris procyonis ) which can be lethal to humans.”

I’m not sure if there have been anymore sightings since then, but hope that the animal is captured for it’s and our sake.

How did it get there in the first place ? Is it like the thousands of dogs abandoned each year in Ireland, a result of the collapse of the celtic tiger, and current economic downturn ?

It like the python that was found dead in Wexford last year, probably seemed like a good idea at the time to the person that purchased it.

Too much disposable cash at the time, and not enough brains to carry out the necessary research into these exotic animals results in this type of abandonment.

Should we be surprised though, as it’s just the same situation that we come across all the time regarding dogs that are dumped or handed into the shelters after the “owners” realise that they can’t meet the animals needs ?

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Dog Control Statistics

Paul | blog | May 10, 2011

I was listening to a podcast the other day from Pete Wedderburn and he mentioned the following site where you can obtain all kinds of interesting statistics re Dog Control in Ireland

Some interesting information can be found under the enforcement tabs, re fine issues against fines paid etc.

We have blogged about Dog Wardens and the services they provide in the past here at pedigreedogs.ie but now you can check out for yourself if you think the service is affective or not.

Paste the following link into your internet browser http://www.environ.ie/en/Publications/StatisticsandRegularPublications/DogControl/

Having said all this, I think it doesn’t matter how well policed the whole dog area is re licences and enforcement, we are still going to see ad’s on the general classified websites like the following

“Free pups – 6 pups for good homes. 4 female 2 male. Mother is a IKC registered German Shepherd and we think she was covered by a Gordon Setter (black&tan)”

Now as you most of you are aware, I am involved in the Munster Agricultural Societies “Cork Summer Show” in relation to the All Breeds Open Dog Show being held on the third and final day of this show.

When at the main offices today, I spoke with a visitor that advised, she was aware of a person in Cork, that buys litters of pups from all across Ireland, and sends them across to the UK to be sold

Seemingly this person has become filthy rich, from this venture.

With ad’s like the above, (not to mention the people selling bitches in pup) and this “Gentleman” above, even though there are some signs we are making progress, what’s your view on the overall welfare of dogs in Ireland ?

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Dalmatian Video & FCI Breed Standard

Paul | blog | May 7, 2011

ORIGIN : Croatia.

DATE OF PUBLICATION OF THE ORIGINAL VALID STANDARD : 14.04.1999.

UTILIZATION : Companion dog, family dog, suitable to be trained for various purposes.

CLASSIFICATION F.C.I. :Group 6 Scenthounds and related Breeds
Section 3 Related breeds.
Without working trial.

BRIEF HISTORICAL SUMMARY : The origin of the Dalmatian dog is still obscure and rests solely on suppositions. From illustrations, discovered in the tombs of ancient Pharaohs and similar to paintings dating back to the period from the 16th to the 18th century, one can suppose that the Dalmatian has been in existence for some thousands of years. Church chronicles from the 14th century and from the year 1719 definitely suggest that the breed originated in the Mediterranean region and especially in the neighbourhood of the Dalmatian coast.
The earliest illustrations of the breed can be found in pictures by Italian painters of the 16th century and in a fresco in Zaostrog (Dalmatia) that can be dated back to the year 1710 approximately.
A work by Thomas Bewick, published in 1792, contains a description and the drawing of a Dalmatian, which Bewick refers to as « the Dalmatian or coach Dog ».
The first standard for the Dalmatian was written by an Englishman named Vero Shaw in the year 1882; in 1890 this standard was transferred to the official breed standard.

GENERAL APPEARANCE : The Dalmatian is a well balanced, distinctively spotted, strong, muscular and active dog. Symmetrical in outline, free from coarseness and lumber, and as a former « coach dog » capable of great endurance at a fair turn of speed.

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Dog registrations down 5% – Kennel Club London

Paul | blog | May 5, 2011

The Kennel Club notes the 5% drop in registration figures for the first quarter of 2011 as compared to 2010, but is not surprised by it.

“As we have always warned that the difficult economic climate and the unpredictability which the economy is causing for many people on both a business and personal level, was bound to make serious breeders think twice about breeding litters.”

The difficult economic climate was bound to make serious breeders think twice about breeding litters.

My blog on the 08th of Feb was also about this topic, where I stated that if “it were a case that less dogs were being bred in Ireland, I’m sure we would all agree that this was a good thing, but I’m not so sure”

Is it a case now where a responsible dog breeder will only breed, if they have a large waiting list and then some, for the resulting pups ?

People will always say, why buy a dog when the rescue centres are full to overflow as a result of the economic crisis?

Found on the Why Advertise section of Pedigree dogs website we advise people that if they are not buying a registered pedigree dog, then rescue a dog from their local shelter.

Pure bred registered dogs, bred from health tested parents from a responsible breeder, will give, IMO the new owner a better chance of succeeding with a dog than any other circumstance

This responsible breeder will carry out home visits with potential new owners, and will also get them to sign a contract, where one of the points would be, that for any reason the new owner is unable to take care of the dog any longer, they should contact the breeder, so that a suitable home can be found.

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Pedigree Dogs in Ulster Banks Business Bite

Paul | blog | May 4, 2011

We are delighted to announce that Pedigreedogs.ie has been featured yet again, this time in Ulster Banks Spring / Summer edition of Business Bite

This publication can be found in all the Ulster Bank branches in Northern Ireland, and is once again great exposure for the pedigree dogs website.

It’s got to the stage that we are now working on a press page for the main site Pedigreedogs.ie, and will add this feature along with the others that we were featured in, The Sunday Business Post & The Sunday Times.

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The Seven Deadly Sins (Of Dog Showing)

Paul | blog | May 3, 2011

Does showing your dog bring out the Angel or Demon in you ?

Wrath also known as “rage”, may be described as inordinate and uncontrolled feelings of hatred and anger

I’m sure we have all felt this at some stage when showing our dogs, most times directed at the appointed judge for down garding our prize exhibit, and then other times at fellow competitors, in instances when the run up behind you etc, or fail to congratualte you when you have a deserved win

Greed also known as avarice or covetousness, is, like lust and gluttony, a sin of excess

This can be directed at the exhibitor who continually shows their champion dog at every Championship Dog Show in the country not giving the upcoming dogs any chance of getting a foot on the green star ladder. It can also apply to some of the exhibitors that choose to camp at the show grounds and party on until the early hours of the night, keeping us and or dogs from a well deserved rest.

Sloth - The sin of laziness

This can apply to the exhibitor that arrives at the dog show with little or no preparation work done, They can be seen grooming their dog at the last minute and desperately trying to de-scale any plaque from the dogs teeth. The same exhibitor has also not spent much time on their own appearance, and when asked to do a couple of circuits of the ring, raise their eyes to the heavens.

Pride – It is identified as a desire to be more important or attractive than others, failing to acknowledge the good work of others, and excessive love of self

I’m sure we all know people in our respective dog breeds that are full of bullsh…..I mean pride. Some of these people are on every breed club committee that they can possibly be on, attending every breed seminar, open show or event that is remotely to do with dogs. As per my blog yesterday, and in relation to failing to acknowledge the good work of others,some of these exhibitors storm out of the ring when given a grade that obviously couldn’t be correct, and can be heard muttering things like “The judge should have gone to spec savers”

Lust - lechery is usually thought of as excessive thoughts or desires of a sexual nature

This of course can be applied to a lot of Dog Show exhibitors, not only in regards to ogling the handlers in the tight fitting and sometimes inappropriate attire, instead of the dogs on show, but also in regards to show titles like Champion, Annual Champion and International Champion. Some exhibitors lust after these titles so much that they loose sight of everything else, and will do anything legal, or sometimes not, to make sure they obtain the same.

Envy – As described in the bible “Neither shall you desire… anything that belongs to your neighbor”.

Now in the world of dog showing this mainly applies to another exhibitors dog, even though when asked about the same dog, this same exhibitor would run it into the ground no end. It doesn’t stop just at the dog in question though. It could be the mode of transport that the other exhibitor arrives in, the equipment that they have to groom and kennel their dogs in, and of course the titles and achievements achieved by this kennel over the years of hard work and commitment to their breed and showing dogs.

Gluttony – Derived from the Latin gluttire, meaning to gulp down or swallow

Making up your dog into an Irish or International Champion is of course a perfectly good reason to celebrate. Where better to hold this celebration than at the next dog show. The main ingredients for this celebration is of course a humungous cake, with the obligatory picture of the dog centre stage, and excessive amounts of fizzy alcohol. Normally an open invitation is sent out on one of the social networks, which possibly is the first and biggest mistake. Some people prey on these celebrations, and manage to put away more cake and fizz than the intended recipients put together. There is no end to these peoples gluttony, as sometimes they will attend two or sometimes three celebrations at the same dog show. Don’t be fooled though, their cards have been marked, and soon they will become outcasts in Irish Dogdom, and maybe move on to miniature pony exhibitions in the future!

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Dog Showing in Ireland

Paul | blog | May 2, 2011

There was no blog yesterday, due to the fact that I was busy at the back to back dog shows in Thurles, South Tipperary, on Saturday and Clonmel yesterday for the Fermoy Canine Club’s show. I must be getting old, as I never entered the Hound Association Of Irelands show today, and looking at the weather outside at the moment, looks like a made the right decision.

People from the four corners of Ireland, and from further afield,travel to these events, in cars,vans,caravans,campers, a lot using these shows over the bank holiday W/E as part of their annual holidays choosing to stay at local hotels, guest houses and B+B’s and some reverting back to the old tents and camping out.

Most people do it for the love of their dogs, and the social occasion that a dog show in Ireland can be.

Some are on the hunt for the most green stars in the year for that breed, and the accolade of annual champion.

Some dogs get to spend their few days in relative comfort, stretched on the sofa of the owners motor home or caravan, whilst others are crated on top of each other in the back of a van or small car.

Some losers congratulate the winner in their class, others storm out of the ring and bin the placement card and grading.

At the end of the day it all boils down to one persons opinion, that person being at the centre of the ring, the judge.

Whether they be breed specialist or an all-rounder it’s their opinion of your dog on the day and that’s all.

People will say that the lack of consistency is very annoying, when say an exhibit goes Best of Breed (BOB) one day and then second in it’s class the next day, even with the same dogs entered.

All judges will interpret the breed standard differently, some giving more importance to certain area’s than others. Mind you it is annoying to see dogs gaining top honours in their class / breed when the dog clearly has a temperament issue or any other eliminating fault as per the breed standard.

We all say that at the end of the day we bring the best dog / dogs home with us, and as long as were are not kennel blind, who cares what the result was at the end of the day.

If we all know our breed standard, and our dog conforms to same in all areas, then that persons judgment of your dog on the day really shouldn’t matter that much.

To all the winners over the W/E, well done, and to all the rest of us, there is always next week

Ah, the joys of showing dogs !!

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Samoyed Video & FCI Breed Standard

Paul | blog | April 30, 2011

ORIGIN : Northern Russia and Siberia.

PATRONAGE : Nordic Kennel Union (NKU).

DATE OF PUBLICATION OF THE ORIGINAL VALID STANDARD : 22.07.1997.

UTILIZATION : Sledge- and companion dog.

CLASSIFICATION F.C.I. : Group 5 Spitz and primitive types.
Section 1Nordic sledge dogs.
Without working trial.

BRIEF HISTORICAL SUMMARY : The name Samoyed derives from the Samoyed Tribes in Northern Russia and Siberia. In Southern parts of the area they used white, black and brown parti-coloured dogs as reindeer herders ; in the northern parts the dogs were pure white, had a mild temperament and were used as hunting- and sledge dogs. The Samoyed dogs lived close to their owners, they even slept within the shelters and were used as heaters. The British zoologist Ernest Kilburn Scott spent three months among Samoyed Tribes in 1889. Returning to England he brought with him a brown male puppy called « Sabarka ». Later he imported a cream coloured bitch called « Whitey Petchora » from the western side of the Urals and a snow white male called « Musti » from Siberia. These few dogs and those brought by the explorers are the base for the western Samoyed. The first standard was written in England in 1909.

GENERAL APPEARANCE : Medium in size, elegant, a white Arctic Spitz. In appearence gives the impression of power, endurance, charm, suppleness, dignity and self-confidence.
The expression, the so called « Samoyed Smile », is made up of a combination of eye shape and position, and the slightly curved up corners of the mouth. The sex should be clearly stamped.

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Respect

Paul | blog | April 29, 2011

Respect should not be confused with tolerance, since tolerance doesn’t necessarily imply any positive feeling, and is compatible with contempt, which is the opposite of respect.

Introduction to Judges (As per the schedule of the Combined Canine Club)

Mr.Andrew Brace (England)
Andrew Judges all breeds and groups recognised by the English Kennel Club also Best in Show

Now on the 29-05-2010 my blog was as follows – Click Here

“ANDREW BRACE, one of the UK’s top all-round judges, has been warned and fined £300 over the nature of his judging of Border collies at Blackpool last year.
Following the judging, many people watched the video of Mr Brace on YouTube, and many more commented on an apparent lack of interest in the exhibits. Several complaints were lodged with the Kennel Club.

At its meeting in February, the General Committee considered these objections and subsequently upheld them. The Committee said it ‘was particularly disturbed by Mr brace’s cursory nature of examination of exhibits and his disinterested, detached and offhand manner towards exhibitors.’

He was found to be in breach of Regulation F9 – failing to maintain and abide by the highest standards in accordance with KC Rules and regulations and the Code of Best Practice for Judges”

Now at Combined Canine Clubs Easter Classic Mr Brace had 17 breeds to judge, the majority of them in the Terrier Group.

After speaking to a friend of mine whom was showing in a terrier breed, “Judged” by Mr Brace, and whom had no prior knowledge re the above, it seems that the warning and fine may have meant nothing.

In a casual conversation towards the end of the dog show, I asked this exhibitor how they had got on, and was advised they got Reserve Green Star. A fact that they were quite happy with except that the judge paid very little attention to the exhibit on the day . On top of this after the dog had been stacked on the table, and before the dog was ready to move, the judge used a squeaky toy to get the dogs attention. This of course did get the dogs attention, not just then but the whole time that the dog was moved, and all he wanted to do was get back to this toy, and his head and vision was constantly fixed on the holder and not on the job in hand.

I know that there is a complaints process at each show, but in all honesty, the onus should be on the appointed judge to carry out the task that they often say they are privileged to do

We have mentioned here in the past about the rising financial costs in attending a show, and we are delighted that some clubs go to the expense of bringing in these “Top Judges” but the least the exhibitor deserves is the judges full attention for the few minutes that some of us get to be in the ring.

I must say in my nine years of showing it has only happened twice, once at breed level and once at group level, and both judges were out of the top draw. Maybe it’s a fact that these judges can sort the wheat from the chaff, but we all pay the same entry fee, and deserve the same amount of attention and respect as the eventual Best in Show exhibit.

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ISPCA & Dog Rescues play Tit for Tat ?

Paul | blog | April 28, 2011

Last week I blogged about comments made by ISPCA Chief Executive Noel Griffin

A lot of smaller dog rescues in the country were up in arms over the comments, due to the fact they thought that the ISPCA was trying to shift the emphasis from them re their high PTS rate, to these rescues that send dogs to locations in the UK, if a suitable home can’t be found for the dogs in Ireland

The ISPCA alleged that the conditions of the vehicles etc that these dogs were sent from Ireland in were far from perfect.

Now we have the following situation

“After a period of investigation, last week ISPCA Inspector Lisa O’Donovan and the Gardai closed in on a self-styled animal rescue centre in County Cork. Twenty seven dogs of various breeds were removed from the property while three dead dogs were also found on site.”

We are all aware of the proposed Dog Breeding Establishment Bill, where dog “Breeders” in Ireland, were eventually going to be regulated, even if the proposed, and yet to be enacted bill, did not go far enough, in a lot of peoples opinion

Surely it would be in everyone’s interest if dog rescues / shelters were regulated / monitored on a more frequent basis.

A lot of people are of the opinion that there are far too many shelters / rescues in Ireland, and that if there were just a few main ones like the Dogs Trusts etc, things would run a lot more smoothly.

When anything is run on a voluntary basis, it’s hard to keep things on an even keel. I remember talking to a well respected man in the world of Dogs in Ireland, about his time spent working with a rescue in Cork, where he advised that in the end he left due to personal conflicts with some of the other members. He also advised that he had been advised that some of the dogs that were sent to the UK to be re homed sometimes found there way from the UK to some animal testing plants in Europe.

I’m sure we all think that the welfare of these dogs is paramount and that we are all singing from the same hymn sheet, but I’m sure we have all had friends in the world of dogs, that we eventually fell out with due to an un known belief or that persons actions.

I recall my time spent on a breed club committee, where it was often very difficut to get 12 members, all of whom adored the dog breed in question, to agree on certain issues pertaining to the breed.

As I’ve said on forum posts before, there is an awful lot of extremely good work carried out by some of the dog rescues around the country, but sometimes maybe the human element takes over, and it’s poor dogs like these that end up suffering.

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All Ireland Collie & Sheepdog Society Seminar

Paul | blog | April 27, 2011

Sunday 22nd May 2011- 10 am – Cloghran

Price: (Seminar only) €20 which includes buffet lunch, tea/coffee

(Seminar plus Practical Judging) €25 which includes buffet lunch, tea/coffee

NOTE – Places on the Practical Judging session are extremely limited so book early to secure a place

Certificates of Attendance will be issued

IKC Student Judge Form will be signed by Senior Judge of Practical Judging Session

COST: (payment must accompany your booking and may be made by cheque or PayPal)

Seminar €20 (includes buffet lunch and refreshments)

Seminar plus Practical Judging €25 (includes buffet lunch and refreshments)

To secure a place, contact: Maureen Timmins (Secretary AICSS)

Phone: 01-8354377 or 0863327590

Email: maureentimmins@gmail.com

SEMINAR

10 am

· General Construction And Movement Of Dogs –

Speaker: Bernie Ladd, Best in Show Judge

· The Breed Standard of the Rough Collie –

Speakers:

Paul Battigan (Roclynn Rough Collies)

Mary McNally (Copamage Rough Collies)

· The Breed Standard of the Shetland Sheepdog –

Speakers:

Arthur Finnan (Snugborough Shetland Sheepdogs)

Tom Wall (Daliyhaa Shetland Sheepdogs & Rough Collies)

PRACTICAL JUDGING

Limited number of places for this session – book early to secure a place

· Practical Judging/Student Judge Hands-On Session –

(IKC requirement for prospective judges)

Facilitators – Qualified Group 1 Group Judges:

Peter Farrell (Belrah Rough Collies)

Dermot Timmins (Kynan Rough Collies)

Arthur Finnan (Snugborough Shetland Sheepdogs)

Tom Wall (Daliyhaa Shetland Sheepdogs & Rough Collies)

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Buying A Newfoundland in Ireland

Paul | blog | April 26, 2011

The following information has been posted after The Emerald Isle Newfoundland Club kindly granted permission re the same.

The Clubs website can be found under the Breed Club Link to the right hand side of this blog, and is a great source of information relating to the Newfoundland Breed

Introduction

Everybody wants a healthy dog, so it is wise to be aware of any future problems. It is vital that both parents of your puppy have had the relevant health checks done, as outlined below. There is no breed without problems and Newfoundlands are generally healthy. Problems that have arisen in the breed can be detected early and reputable breeders will have their breeding stock assessed before they are used for breeding purposes.

Hip Scoring
As with most Giant breeds, Newfoundlands can have problems with hips. Once the bones are mature – over 1 year of age – hips can be x- rayed to detect hip problems.
The hip x-rays are sent to the British Veterinary Association (BVA) & The Kennel Club for a panel of specialist vets to score each hip. The hip scoring range is 0 – 53 for each hip. 4-4 would mean a combined hip score of 8. The Newfoundland average is 26 at present, but the lower the score the better. Dogs & Bitches with scores higher than this should not be bred from.

Heart Testing
Newfoundlands should be screened to eradicate hereditary problems such as sub-aortic stenosis and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). A colour-flow echo-doppler is the best form of testing and should be performed by either a vet, a cardiologist or a veterinary surgeon, provided they are accredited to perform the exam by the Veterinary Cardiovascular Society. It is strongly recommended breeding stock to have this done.

Choosing a Breeder
Do not rush into buying a dog. Do some homework, it will pay off in the end. Good strong, healthy puppies from a caring breeder have to be waited for – puppy farmers love the customer who is impatient and wants one now – dont play into their hands.

10 Questions you should be asking.

1. How much will the puppy cost? What does this include?

(Most breeders will give you a supply of the puppy’s food, possibly its 1st injection and possibly 6 weeks free insurance)

2. Will registration documents be endorsed to restrict breeding?
Ans. Yes These endorsements are put on to protect the breed so health checks etc are done on a puppy when it reaches an age for these to be done and before you can breed with the puppy.

3. How old is the bitch (mother of puppies)?
It is recommended that a bitch should not be mated before the age of 2 years and not over 7.

4. How many litters has she had?
It is recommended a bitch not to have more than 1 litter in 12 months (reputuable breeders seldom breed a bitch in this space of time – 18 -24 months would be a more realistic time scale and some will only breed a bitch once.)

5 What is her hip score & the sire’s (father of the puppies)?
Ask to see copy of the certificates from the BVA, and repututable breeder will be only too happy to let you see these. Heart Certificates should also be made available to you, please check this too. A 5 generation pedigree will also be given to you.

6. How often do you breed?

7. If something happens and I can no longer care for the dog what happens?
All responsible breeders will take back a puppy they have bred if circumstances change.

8. When can I get my puppy?
A puppy should not leave its mother before 7 weeks (49 days), although most breeders will keep them to 8 weeks.

9. Will the puppy be vet checked?
Again all responsible breeders will have puppies checked when they are 48 hrs old and again before the puppy leaves for a new home. (Some will supply letter from vet to say puppy has been checked and all is fine).

10. If I have problems with my puppy can I come to you for help?
Again responsible breeders will be more than happy to help in any way they can. If you live near you will find that they will give you advice on grooming, training etc.

What a puppy should look like.

· Strong & sturdy

· Coat dense, soft & fluffy and clean (no bald patches or scabs)

· Skull reasonably wide

· Ears look big compared to head and are pink and clean inside.

· Eyes bright and clear, not cloudy or weepy.

· Nose clean, cold and no discharge.

· Feet should not be flat or splayed.

· Puppies should be firm but not fat – Tummy rounded but not distended (pot belly could mean worms)

· No sign of diarrhoea or discharge from back end.

· Puppies should be active, inquistive and alert!

We hope these tips help. All responsible breeders spend the time and money on getting these health checks done, so that hopefully the puppies will be fit and healthy.

We can only advise you, the final decision lies with you, but please, there are a lot of people out there that are not taking the time and effort to try and eradicate health issues, simply saying these tests are not called for, we feel they are.

Come to a show, look for yourself at the dogs, yes we have them spruced up for the show but you can see the quality that comes from making the effort in getting tests done.

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Dogs and The Internet / WWW

Paul | blog | April 25, 2011

When the Internet was first launched back in 1969 and then the world wide web in 1990, I’m sure Tim Beners Lee (pictured left) whom is credited with the invention of the latter, didn’t have what the www has become in mind.

I think it was around the time that he was being knighted by the Queen that he said he was of course very proud of his achievement, but not of what it was being used for in current times.

I have talked about the above title a few times since we started this blog over a year ago, and after spending a fair bit of time at my laptop over the W/E thought it would make for another good blog post for today.

The reason I was at my machine was that there were 2 big events in the Irish Dog Show Calendar being held over this Easter week end.

The first being the Combined Canine Club International Dog Show held at the IKC National Show Centre in Cloughran Dublin, and as is usual these days the video of the BIS showdown was up on the social networks within 24 hours. The second event the Pup Of The Year final, was held last night, and the results were nearly instantly available, a fact that a lot of enthusiasts were very welcome for, not being able to attend the event in person.

This is the internet / www being used in a positive way in the hobby of showing dogs in Ireland. I’m sure Tim Beners Lee would have no problem with this.

However, the same tools are being used in a far from positive way, with the welfare of dogs being the loser, when it’s used in this way.

I am of course referring to certain advertisements on the general classified web sites, where bitches that have been recently mated are being offered for sale.

This has of course caused an uproar by the dog loving people of this country, some of whom are constantly trawling these sites,and bringing ads like these to the attention of the wider audience.

When enough huff and puff has been caused / created the owners of these sites then decide to take down these ads.

It’s an area that has been in the spotlight over the last few weeks on the social networks, and has even come to the attention of Sean Delmar the President of the Irish Kennel Club.

The question is though, what can be done ?

I must say I am delighted with the response to my invite re the Pet Expo Breed Village being held on the 08th and 09th of October in the RDS. This as I have said before is a perfect opportunity to promote responsible dog ownership, promote the positive attributes of your breed, and educate the captive audience re things such as breed specific health tests / screening.

I think the task of stopping people from carrying out unbelievable acts, like selling a bitch in pup etc, will be extremely difficult, although if they don’t have a platform to advertise, they may think twice before creating this situation, but our most powerful tool is educating potential owners, as to what is considered by any decent human being, as being acceptable or not.

374 total views, 1 today

Standard Poodle Video & FCI Standard

Paul | blog | April 23, 2011

Good video apart from the info re crossing with certain breeds !

ORIGIN: France.

DATE OF PUBLICATION OF THE ORIGINAL VALID STANDARD: 06.03.07.

UTILIZATION: Companion dog

CLASSIFICATION F.C.I.:Group 9 Companion and Toy dogs
Section 2 Poodle
Without working trial.

BRIEF HISTORICAL SUMMARY:
Etymologically, the French word “caniche” (Poodle) comes from “cane”, the French word for a female duck. In other countries, the name of the breed is associated with splashing around in water. Originally, this dog was used for wildfowling. It descends from the Barbet of which it has conserved many characteristics. In 1743, it was called the “caniche”: the female of the barbet in French. Thereafter the Barbet and the Caniche (Poodle) were gradually separated. Breeders worked hard to obtain original subjects of uniform colour. The Poodle became very popular as a companion dog because of its friendly, joyful and loyal character and also because of its four sizes and different colours which everyone can choose according to preference.

GENERAL APPEARANCE:
Dog of medium proportions, with a characteristic frizzy coat which is either curly or corded. The appearance is that of an intelligent dog, constantly alert and active, harmoniously built, giving an impression of elegance and pride.

585 total views, 1 today

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