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Table of
Publisher Shawn Bennett shawn@sgbennett.com
contents Publisher’s Message – Shawn Bennett
Art Director / Design Kathy Cable Advertising Art Dana Jensen Wendy Reyn Pam Sheane
12
16
Musings – William Alexander
The Warkworth Notebook – Dr. Dick Meen Canadian Kennel Club Report
26
CDJA Permit Judges’ Updates
30
Q & Eh! – Interview with Thora Brown Breeders History – The Bouvier Breeders Forum – The Bouvier
22
For advertising and subscription information, please visit www.CanadianDogFancier.com S.G. Bennett Marketing Services 861 Marion Street Winnipeg, MB R2J 0K6 Phone: 204.895.2222 www.sgbennett.com
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38
42
Health & Genetics: Vomiting Dogs – Dr. Jamie Rothenburger Pro Profile – Emily Burdon
76
BOH Profile – Cathy Cimmamon, Cinnakees
80
Are Docking and Cropping Bans Really for Animal Welfare? No Polish, but Plenty of Spray-Paint
Wool Dogs – An Early Breed
82
86
Dog Breeder: The New Mental Disorder
New Products
74
88
92
94
CanuckDogs.com
96
Canadian Dog Fancier Contacts, Rates & Deadlines Index to Advertisers
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102
©Copyright 2013. S.G. Bennett Marketing Services. All rights reserved. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced by any means, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of the publisher. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein and the reliability of the source, the publisher in no way guarantees nor warrants the information and is not responsible for errors, omissions or statements made by advertisers. Opinions and recommendations made by contributors or advertisers are not necessarily those of the publisher, its directors, officers or employees. PRINTED IN CANADA
Contributing Writers Will Alexander Will is often referred to as the “Wayne Gretzky” of dog shows. Musings is a regular feature of CDF, as well Will plans to continue to interview some of the legends in the Canadian Dog Fancy.
6 Canadian Dog Fancier
Dr. Jamie Rothenburger Jamie is a resident in Veterinary Pathology at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, in this issue Jamie shares her wealth of knowledge regarding vomiting dogs. Watch for Jamie’s Health & Genetics feature in each issue of CDF.
Dr. dick meen “Dr. Dick” has been showing and breeding dogs for over 45 years, is past president of the CKC, and is a worldrenowned all breed judge. Dr. Dick shares his thoughts with us in The Warkworth Notebook.
Publisher’s MESSAGE
PUBLISHER’S MESSAGE
Shawn Bennett
Welcome to our November 2013 issue. This issue kicks off
overheard a conversation of two ladies about the exhibit
our third year of publishing Canadian Dog Fancier, and as
they lost to that day. They went on to say how the dog
promised back in 2011, every issue has been delivered on
“couldn’t walk” and went on about their negative opinion
time! Over the last two years we have received countless
of this dog. I silently got up and left, but what they didn’t
phone calls, letters, emails, Facebook posts, etc., telling us
realize is that the person who owned this dog that couldn’t
how much CDF is enjoyed – well we enjoy publishing it just
walk was setup with me! May I add that this dog that couldn’t
as much. Thank you to our loyal advertisers and subscribers, without you none of this would be possible. We lost two great dog men recently in Fred Heal and Skip Stanbridge – both true gentlemen that I always looked
walk was an American Champion and specialty winner. May I further suggest that I did see this very dog walk – quite well actually. What do you think a newcomer would think of this conversation? Do you think that these types of actions would
forward to showing to. We send our deepest condolences to
entice newcomers to our sport? It’s simple, if you don’t have
their families; they will be deeply missed in our community.
anything nice to say – don’t say anything at all, especially
A very interesting article in this issue is about a topic everybody needs to read, it’s a bit of a smelly topic, but it
at the show when you don’t know who is in earshot of your conversation!
needs to be addressed – it’s titled “No polish, but plenty of
Dog shows, like figure skating, are very subjective. What you
spray-paint” and it’s from our friend Lee Connor in the UK.
may think is the best breed specimen may not be worthy of
I’m sure every one of you has a very recent memory of being
the same regard by your competition. We pay for the judge’s
at a show, hotel, or anywhere really, and have come across
opinion, take it as that – if you don’t like their opinion, you
dog poop. How rude and arrogant can somebody be that
have the right to not enter under them next time. The same
they think they are above picking up after their dog? The
dog cannot win every day, that’s not healthy for anybody,
disturbing thing about this is that I know of several hotels
even if it is your dog. If your dog won every day, rest assured
that no longer accept pets because of this very reason – if
you would be the only one walking in circles eventually
we are not careful, we will no longer have the ability to travel with our dogs. Just this summer at the AKC shows I was out every morning picking up after other people’s dogs – that’s right, EVERY DAY! This is unacceptable, no excuses.
because your competition would likely stop showing up. Please keep your negativity behind closed doors, I’m not sure if these people noticed, but entries have been shrinking, we don’t need any actions that help scare any potential
Be Nice
newcomers away before they even start.
I have written about being nice many times in this column,
Enjoy our last issue of 2013, I wish everybody a happy and
but I wanted to share an experience I had recently at a show.
healthy holiday season, and hope to see you at the show.
Most people recognize me or know who I am, but sometimes when I’m away in a distant province I’m just another face in the crowd. I was sitting ringside taking some pictures and
12 Canadian Dog Fancier
Shawn
c
Musings
With
William Alexander
I
t has been an interesting year and
that we put a stop to not-so-perfect specimens.
encouraging seeing some of the clubs trying
Imagine if we did that to humans.
different things to entice exhibitors to attend their shows, I applaud the efforts of these
clubs, but the problems go much deeper.
The dog population is shrinking. It is not entirely due to our economy. Yes, it is expensive for a family to enter and show a dog on a weekend
A very good friend of mine tells me this story.
event, but that is not the only factor. Yes, there
It’s about a Gordon Setter that was born with
are too many dog shows, on any given weekend
the bad luck of having muddy colours, which
an exhibitor has the choice of two, if not three,
meant his tan was not as bright as the standard
ways to go, and if they need to avoid a dog
wants. He also carried a rather high tail. So, this
it’s easy. When I was growing up, there was no
dog was sold on a non-breeding contract and
avoidance the best dogs met week after week,
under the breeder’s advice was neutered. He
but that’s for a different article.
went on to excel in the field and was the envy of the hunting crowd. But alas, this great hunter’s
I believe it’s our elitist attitudes that are helping
line ended with him. Here is a dog excelling at
in the decline of dogs, or let me correct that,
what he is bred to do, but since his high tail, and
purebred dogs. People still have dogs, but they
his not so perfect colour kept him from “walking
have gone the route of mongrels, or dare I say,
the catwalk” at the dog shows, his line ends
“designer dogs”. Even in entertainment, we had
with him. We all like pretty or handsome dogs
Lassie, Rin Tin Tin and Marmaduke. The public is
to accompany us to dog show events, but I do
not as exposed to purebred dogs as it used to
feel it’s time to remember what these dogs were
be. These people want family dogs, companions
developed for, maybe so-and-so Gordon Setter
– they want a pet. There I said it, “a pet”. What
breeder had no idea their dogs had such natural
a negative term to use in our sport. If one loses
instincts and that they may be sought after in
to a dog they feel is of inferior quality, they use
the hunting part of our fancy. I find it a shame
that “P” word. Well I hate to break the news to
16 Canadian Dog Fancier
Musings
you people, 99 percent of dog lovers want a “pet”.
There is a vet that is hired to control the feral dog
Even if a small percentage of those people become
populations in remote areas. This vet guarantees,
the least bit interested in our sport they get run off by
through neutering and spaying, to drop a 1,000 dog
our elitist attitudes. We put so many stipulations on
population to 100, in three years. If they can do that,
the puppies we sell, it’s almost like they are asking for
just imagine what we have done. There are so many
a loan. Oh, I hear “why should I give them 30 years of
great influential breeders right now that were given
my love and devotion, so they can go off and breed to
the chance as young people to breed dogs and try to
so and so’s dog?” Wake up! Thirty years ago someone
advance their chosen breed. Yes, mistakes were made
gave YOU their experience, I call this “Standing on the Shoulders of Giants”. We have all done it, but now we feel we are the only smart ones who can breed dogs. Hence the population decline, which is showing up at a show near you. It’s harder to get majors, with smaller
and then tried to be corrected, but the fact of the matter was, they were given the chance and from the ‘60s to the ‘90s this sport flourished, and some great dogs were produced. We still have great dogs, but I fear for our sport.
shows. It’s more expensive for clubs to hire enough
Remember when Al Gore came out and said global
judges, as our ranks of all-rounders are dwindling as
warming was our fault? Well, I hate to say this but the
well. One aspect affects the others.
decline of dog shows is our fault as well. c
Be Dog
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The Warkworth Notebook
with Dr. Dick Meen
W
OW do I have a lot of stuff – I could go on that show about
hoarders... hehe. But it is all good stuff, of course. These days it seems I am spending a lot of time shuffling through it all (must be because I just had another birthday – ugh). And, as I rifle through pages and pages of handwritten notes about the world of dogs I recognize a theme of mine that is ever present –pure-bred dogs
background which the Scottish judge used beautifully to
truly represent mankind’s journey on this earth.
show off the exhibits, giving them a lot of room and time to
Every purebred dog was created for the specific purpose of making our lives easier. Where human beings have trod so have canines. It is the purpose of kennel clubs to preserve this history, our history with dogs. When I made this pitch at an AGM of the CKC a few years ago, one of the directors complained that he was tired of hearing me deliver that message. I now know why. The kennel clubs are failing. On Sunday, October 6, 2013 the Skye Terrier Club of America
do their thing. We later discovered that at 2:07 p.m., when Ms. Gail Marshall was deciding on her finalists, a “golden era of Skye Terriers” had come to an end. Walter Goodman had died. Glamoor Skye Terriers has graced the show rings of the AKC for decades. As an owner-handler, Walter even captured the prestigious BIS at Westminster Kennel Club. Walter always supported the specialty show at Montgomery, and, on even this occasion, he had wrapped a very special gift and written
held its Silver Jubilee 100th National Specialty Show, in
a note for whomever was going to receive it – at the age of
conjunction with the famed Montgomery Kennel Club in
91 and in failing health. Walter was a gentleman and set
Blue Bell, Pennsylvania. A more perfect day one could not
the bar very high for participation in the sport of purebred
have asked for, no snow this year, no rain storm either, just
dogs. He was always immaculately dressed; always perfectly
glorious sunshine. The weather of this day provided a great
behaved, AND, always honouring the Skye Terrier.
22 Canadian Dog Fancier
The Warkworth Notebook continued
But, the Skye Terrier breed is on the extinction list. Walter has moved on. His beloved Skye Terriers are on their way. Both will be remembered forever – long after the Skye has gone the way of the Tahlkan Bear Dog. NOT due, however, to the guardianship of the kennel clubs I fear, but rather because of the enduring legacy of artists. On October 8, 2013 in Toronto, Ontario, an exhibition of porcelain animals was opened at the Gardiner Museum (thanks to the generous sponsorship of a Westie breeder), called “Animal Stories”. This wonderful exhibit captures animals from across the centuries and their roles in our lives. There are a lot of different dogs of course – all doing their thing, be it hunting, guarding and/or loving. My very first Borzoi was a porcelain one and he has been with me for 50 years. My first BIS Skye Terrier is preserved forever
New breeds are on our doorstep because we need them,
in bronze (created by an artist from Niagara-on-the-Lake). I
and canines have continually evolved to meet our needs
also have several plates that Walter Goodman donated to the
beautifully (they are not as narrow minded as their human
specialty shows over the years with hand painted Skyes on
companions). Fifty years from now, I don’t think people
them. Walter stands behind them all.
should have to be guessing what a Skye Terrier once looked
In this techy world, gems, such as the exhibit at the Gardiner Museum, should be a wakeup call for us dog enthusiasts.
24 Canadian Dog Fancier
like. I believe it is time for a dog museum of Canada. c
C
Let’s Play!
KC agility is now more fun than ever! Four new classes have been added and will be played all across Canada starting January 2014. There is a strategic, point gathering game, with
a distance handling element (PAD), a fast-paced course containing the two most dynamic pieces of equipment, the weave poles and A-frame (Steeplechase), and two unofficial classes designed to challenge agility enthusiasts on two international style courses (International Agility and International Jumper with weaves). These new classes promise to add fun and diversity to the CKC agility program. Already the new strategy game, PAD, has been run in fun meets with great success. PAD, Points and Distance, is a game where the handler makes their own course and performs a distance handling segment while collecting points. “PAD is a quick game that takes skill and strategy the human’s part and speed and distance work from the canine partner,” says Heather Ivanitz, who has run the course several times with her Whippet Bec.
26 Canadian Dog Fancier
PAD uses 15 obstacles and/or obstacle combinations. Six of the 15-point valued obstacles are bar jumps valued at one point each. Nine additional obstacles are assigned unique values from two through 10. The distance handling section awards a bonus of 20 points if completed successfully in addition to the points posted at each obstacle. There is a maximum of 80 possible PAD class points awarded at all levels, with 60 points accumulated from performing obstacles and 20 points for the bonus section. The required points for a qualifying score vary according to the dog’s level, and division. A little added challenge is that the dog must perform a judgedefined finish obstacle to stop the time and is assessed one fault point for every full second over time. This is subtracted from the total points (obstacle and distance sequence total) accumulated on course to determine the final score. The course time is 35 seconds for all levels and all divisions. In this time the dog performs as many obstacles as the handler chooses and does the distance sequence which can be incorporated into the course at any point. No whistle blows
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to signal the time to start the distance bonus sequence so handlers have full influence over the course performance. The distance sequence contains two to three obstacles and is marked with an identifying line that is set at 15 to 20 feet in excellent, 10 to 15 feet in intermediate, and five to 10 feet in novice. The handler may direct the dog to the Distance Sequence of the course at any time, but the entire course must be completed within 35 seconds. The judge will announce “BONUS” when the Distance Sequence has been completed successfully and will call “FAULT” if it is not successful. Required points vary from 60, for a 24-inch Regular Excellent level dog, down to 44 points for a four-inch Veteran Novice dog, so there is a wide range of point requirements to suit all levels and divisions. When handlers were running PAD in the fun meets, they at first thought that the time would be an issue. But it didn’t turn out that way as almost all dogs were able to earn a qualifying run as long as they stayed focused on the course. PAD is not part of the Agility Master Championship titling program – but offers stand-alone Titles in novice, intermediate, and excellent. Look for PAD next year at an agility event in your area. Steeplechase is a familiar game to most. It is designed to have spectator appeal as it emphasizes speed and control. It is a jumpers-style course with the dog performing either the weave poles or A-frame twice. Steeplechase is a time-plus-faults type of event that tests the handler’s control over their dog. This new class is open to any dog eligible to compete in any CKC agility class regardless of previous levels of achievement. So, novice, intermediate, and excellent level dogs all run the same course with the same standard course times which is decided by the course distance. Scoring is time plus faults with off courses resulting in non-qualifying runs. Missed contacts and dropped bars, however, simply add five seconds each to the dog’s time.
The international classes courses will not require course approval, but may be taken from any international course design (European courses), from other events but credit must be given to the course designer. Alternatively, sections from an international course may become part of a course designed by the judge of record. This class will be offered with the accepted international jump heights of 12, 16, and 24 inches or 14, 18, and 26 inches. Some special international-style equipment, if available, is encouraged on these courses.
Steeplechase is not part of the Agility Master Championship titling program but offers stand alone titles.
These classes will not earn titles but a club may offer prizes. No recording fee will be paid to CKC.
This new class features speed and accuracy and allows clubs to offer another element of fun to their trials.
With the many changes to CKC agility in 2014, a new phase of agility will emerge. With the official fun classes and the international style, unofficial classes, CKC agility has taken a step toward a more competitive edge and addressed the concerns of agility enthusiasts across the dominion.
International Agility and Jumper (with weaves) These two classes may be offered at CKC trials – either at the end of the day or during a lunch-break, or as standalone matches. They are good implements to be used in the application process for the CKC Agility Team Canada team as the offer the many challenges often seen in international style courses.
28 Canadian Dog Fancier
“I have always enjoyed running CKC courses and look forward to the new classes next year,” says Ivanitz. “It will give everyone more opportunities to earn different types of agility titles.” c
PERMIT JUDGES’ UPDATES (Breeds, Groups, New Permits) For contact information and further details, go to the Canadian Dog Judges Association Website:
www.dogjudge.com As of OCTOBER 15, 2013 ANDERSON, Wendy, NL> PERMIT: Half Non-Sporting Group LICENSE: Half Non-Sporting BERNIER, Francois, QC> PERMIT: Half Toy Group LICENSE: Sporting, Half Toys BRUCE, Pamela, ON> PERMIT: Working Group LICENSE: Sporting, Hounds, Terriers, Toys, Non-Sporting, Herding BYRNE, Judith, NB> PERMIT: Non-Sporting Group LICENSE: Sporting, Working, Terriers, Toys, Herding
EWLES, Alan, ON> PERMIT: Herding Group LICENSE: Sporting, Hounds, Working, Terriers, Toys GAINS, Robert Terry, BC> PERMIT: Half Working Group LICENSE: Sporting, Toys, Herding GUNN, William D (Sandy), ON> PERMIT: Terrier Group LICENSE: Sporting, Hounds, Working, Toys, Non-Sporting, Herding GUY, Michael, ON> PERMIT: Half Toy Group
CHANT, Karen, AB> PERMIT: Half Herding Group LICENSE: Toys
HANSEN, Valerie, AB> PERMIT: Terrier Group LICENSE: Sporting, Hounds, Working, Toys, Herding
DANKNER, Stewart, ON> PERMIT: Half Hound Group LICENSE: Half Hounds
HEAL, Barbara, ON> PERMIT: Half Hound Group LICENSE: Sporting, Working, Herding
HAILEY GRIFFITH Professional dog handler
905 933 8412
30 Canadian Dog Fancier
HEWSON, Anna, ON> PERMIT: Half Herding Group LICENSE: Working, Half Herding LARIVIERE, Raymond, ON> PERMIT: Half Working Group LICENSE: Half Working, Terriers, Toys MacDONALD, Edward H., BC> Now All-Breed Status WALKER, Corinne, MB> PERMIT: Half Herding Group LICENSE: Working WALKER, Rita, ON> PERMIT: Terrier Group LICENSE: Sporting, Hounds, Working, Toys, Non-Sporting, Herding WILSON, Brenda, BC> PERMIT: Half Working Group LICENSE: Sporting, Half Working
Q & Eh!
Barbara Heal
Vice President, Canadian Dog Judges Association
Interview
Thora Brown – President, Canadian Dog Judges Association To the world of dog enthusiasts, the name Thora Brown is well-known. Her list of accomplishments is endless! This year will mark the end of her term as president of the Canadian Dog Judges Association. Starting in 2006, Thora’s many contributions to the club went well and beyond the norm. It is for this reason that I chose to interview Thora, not only as an interest to the dog community, but more importantly to take the opportunity to thank her for giving so selflessly to the CDJA and to the sport of dogs.
Q. When and why did you decide to become a conformation judge?
TB. By 1980, I was ready to move on from handling and to slow down on breeding. Allan and I both had career obligations, but I wanted to stay involved and move on to new challenges. I started judging because I love the sport. I judged my first show in Canada in October 1983, in the United States in June 1985, and internationally, in Australia, in July 1994. Since then I have judged in 25 countries around the world.
Q. How and when did you first become involved in the sport of dogs and dog shows?
Q. What would you consider to be the highs and lows of judging?
TB. Since I grew up in Toronto, it was an annual treat to go to the shows at the Canadian National Exhibition and the Sportsman Dog Shows. In 1960 my family finally acquired a purebred Bulldog, who was not show quality, but his litter mate was. This introduced me to what was actually happening in the ring. As they say, I got the “bug”. I became a pest at shows and soon learned to ring steward so I would have something to do ... worked for handlers, bench-sat for breeders, anything that would keep me involved. I bred my first litter of Bulldogs in 1963, co-bred a litter of American Cockers in 1965. The rest is history.
TB. The highs are some of the wonderful dogs I have had the
Q. How different are the shows, dogs and exhibitors of today from when you first started?
TB. This is hard to comment on as my role at shows has changed and therefore my perception has changed as well. Even so, I think they are less fun then they were, less social, less inviting. The emphasis has shifted from “good dogs” to “winning dogs”. There are fewer breeders who truly study their breed and more exhibitors who want a rosette. I hate to say a shift away from what is good for the breed, for purebred dogs, to how do I get to the judge to make him put me up.
32 Canadian Dog Fancier
joy of seeing and touching, truly incredible moments of the thrill of judging such animals. Of course, I have to mention the wonderful people I have the pleasure of meeting, friends now that I correspond with all around the world. The lows – travel, planes, cold arenas. Q. When did you first become involved with the board of the Canadian Kennel Club?
TB. I have always tried to follow what is going on at CKC, either from reading the minutes when published, talking to my director, or attending board meetings. I ran for the board in 2000. Q. What significant changes have you seen within the CKC over the past 10 years?
TB. I think the boards have realized the need to concentrate on the financial stability of the club. They can no longer spend hours on dog show rules. Unfortunately, many good ideas get recycled before any action is actually taken. Q. When did you first become involved with the Canadian Dog Judges Association?
Q & Eh! TB. I was one of the founding members in 1997 and served
TB. Quite closely. CKC has asked CDJA for feedback on judge
as membership chairperson for the first few years. I had long
issues on several occasions. A polling of our membership provides CKC with a view as to how a judge sees the issues and situations. We have written the board and the EOC about things we feel need to be addressed – from a review of a current rule, to breed standards, to recognition of new breeds. CDJA also works with Shows and Trials to organize the annual two-day conference.
believed such an organization was needed for Canadian judges to provide education, information, and a face for the Canadian judge. Q. What changes have you seen within the CDJA since it was first formulated in 1996?
TB. We have become a very active organization – newsletter, on-line seminars, joint sponsorship of the annual conference, active web page, immediate update on CKC news, support for local judge study groups, an information booth that is available for shows, a pin to honour our senior judges with 20 years as all-breed judge. There were some skeptics at the beginning who felt such an organization had nothing to offer to a judge, but now it is obvious how we can enrich the knowledge of all judges. Our membership represents over 80 percent of all Canadian conformation judges . Q. How closely does the CKC and CDJA work together?
Edgar Rojas Professional all Breed Handler
26 Abbeywood Cr. Guelph, ON N1K 1V2
519-766-0667
edgarprohandler@yahoo.com 34 Canadian Dog Fancier
Q. With the many changes to our sport in recent years; declining entries, banning on docking/cropping, low registrations – how do you think our sport will fair in the future?
TB. We are facing a very different social environment than when I began in 1960. I would hope the purebred dog will continue to be valued and admired and that there will be a need for a venue to assess and reward these good animals. How will a dog show look? I don’t know. The interest and participation in performance events is growing while conformation is declining. c
BREED
The Bouvier
The bouvier By Heather Brennan
T
he Bouviers des Flandres is a herding breed
Herding tending tests are meant to mimic the
that originated in Flanders. It began as an all-
conditions that a shepherd and his dog would
purpose farm dog that drove livestock, pulled
encounter as they move their sheep about to different
carts, and guarded flocks and the farmstead.
grazing areas. The dog needs to ensure that the sheep
Their size and strength combined with natural
are safe at all times while also preventing them from
protective instincts, and a hardiness suited to the
damaging property – which may belong to others,
climate, made them ideal for many tasks on the farm.
and ensuring that they go in the desired direction
Over the years these same characteristics would also
and do not wander too far from the flock. Only sheep
make them suitable for work as war dogs, police dogs,
are used in herding tending tests. The basics of the
and in sports such as herding and schutzhund.
tending tests include exit from the pen, negotiating a
The Canadian Kennel Club offers a number of herding title options for those interested in working their dogs on livestock. Depending on the type of test or trial, the stock may be ducks, sheep, or cattle. There are championships available in arena herding, stock dog
narrow roadway, a bridge, pausing for traffic, working them in a wide grazing area, and re-penning them. At intermediate and advanced levels the dog must turn the flock within a grazing area. At the advanced level dogs must also work stock in a narrow grazing area. At various points the handler is required to put the dog
work, and herding tending. The Bouvier can compete
in stays and sits/downs to show control of the dog
in any of these tests or trials.
and situation. The length of the course and difficulty
The basic arena herding setup involves fence and
increase as the levels advance.
freestanding obstacles. The dog must gather stock
Stock dog trials are divided into different segments
from the take pen, drive the animals to a settle area,
and each segment is judged separately although they
keep them within the settle area, call the dog off
tend to be competed sequentially in a manner that
the stock, gather the stock and move them through
flows. The goal is to have a stock dog that can move
the obstacles, and then drive the stock into an
livestock about in a calm manner that does not unduly
exhaust pen. The requirements including length of
panic the stock and keeps everything happening
drives, amount of handler interaction, and number
with a minimum of fuss. The basic aspects of stock
and difficulty of obstacles increases with each level
dog trials include an outrun, lift, fetch, drive, removal
(started, intermediate, and advanced).
of stock from a pen, re-penning them, negotiating
Not surprisingly, Bouviers do well at obedience and schutzhund as well as herding tests and trials. They are also used for police work and as guide and service working dogs for the disabled. 38 Canadian Dog Fancier
BREED
The Bouvier
freestanding obstacles and additional tasks as chosen by the course director. An outrun is when the dog gathers information about the herd by moving around it and assessing it without spooking the animals. An outrun culminates in a lift with the dog beginning to move the herd in the desired direction. Fetches and drives are terms describing the direction the herd is being moved including towards or away from the handler. Additional tasks vary from level to level but they may include moving animals into and out of a chute, moving stock over a bridge, sorting stock, moving stock in a figure eight, working stock at gates, trailering stock, moving the animals through a footbath, negotiating an alleyway with stock, and preventing stock from reaching a feeding trough that the handler places a small amount of food in. Although there are no tests in herding trials that mimic the need for the dog to protect stock from predators, both two and four-footed, this too was an essential part of the Bouviers job on the farm. As with most working dogs, a strong bond with the handler and a responsiveness to commands are essential to doing the job well. Not surprisingly, Bouviers do well at obedience and schutzhund as well as herding tests and trials. They are also used for police work and as guide and service working dogs for the disabled. Although they are still very capable of being a great all around farm dog, the modern Bouvier has evolved to fill many other roles. c
40 Canadian Dog Fancier
BREEDERS Forum
The bouvier Bonnie L. Bailey Sharoden Perm Reg. Yarker, Ontario Tell us about yourself, i.e. when you started, names of some of your successful dogs, your involvement with any clubs/associations, is this your original breed? I purchased my first Bouvier in the late 1970s – showing at that time only in obedience. I caught the “conformation bug” in the early 1980s. Upon the advice of my obedience instructor (who showed Rough Collies in conformation as well), I went to watch a show before entering my dog. I believe this was her way of telling me my dog was not show quality. So came lesson number one – registration papers doesn’t mean your dog is show quality. Sadly I neutered him and struck out to search for my first show dog. I did my research and found a breeder who had an upcoming litter with an outstanding pedigree. My foundation bitch was “Brassy” (Ragtag Brass n’ Sassy). She was a combination of Glenmiller and
improve my heads, type and coat. I imported my first stud dog from Holland in 1988 Àstor Evita v.d Cerberushof. Over the next two decades I imported just over 20 dogs from Europe and leased an additional five stud dogs.
Quiche bloodlines. I loved showing dogs! I enjoyed the
Showing dogs was a part time hobby for me. I had a
interaction with other breeders, people were so friendly
career – a fulltime Monday to Friday job, and a young
and knowledgable. Along with that came lesson number
family. With limited showing we achieved the following:
two. If you want to show a coated breed – you need to learn how to grow coat and how to groom! The years went on and I started to breed – as you can imagine – there were many more lessons along the way. In the late 1980s I found myself in the same position as numerous other breeders. Many of our dogs were closely related leaving fewer options when choosing a stud dog. I started travelling to Europe annually with my good friend Sonja van Maanen who had family in Holland. We attended the Dutch National Specialty annually which generally had upwards of 300 entries. I met many breeders, visited their kennels and formed lasting relationships. In an effort to
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• 1988 – World Champion – Lima, Peru • 1990 - #6 Herding Dog in Canada • 1992 - #5 Herding Dog in Canada • BISS – winning the Michigan Bouvier Specialty from the open dog class – 1991 • BISS – winning the German National Specialty (in Germany) from the open dog class – 1992 • BISS – winning the Alberta Bouvier Club Specialty from the open dog class – 1995
BREEDERS Forum
• Best of Winners at the American National Bouvier Specialty – 1991 • Winners Dog and Award of Merit at the Canadian National Bouvier Specialty – 1994 • Multiple Canadian Best in Shows • Multiple Canadian Best Puppy in Shows • Multiple Group Wins • My kennel was also chosen for the Pedigree dog food commercials • Most recently I was given a “Breeders Award” from the Bouvier des Flandres Club of Canada in recognition of the number of champions my kennel produced. I was an active member of the Bouvier Club of Canada for many years promoting the breed and assisting Bouvier owners across the county. I particularly liked assisting new puppy owners and coaching owners learning to groom. I hung up my show leads in 2002 when I was offered an incredible promotion at work. My last Bouvier living with me died in 2006 at the age of 13. In 2010 I once again acquired “the show bug” and purchased a pup from the U.S. I would have loved to buy one from Europe, but just couldn’t get past the undocked tails. I am excited to be showing again in conformation, agility, and doing some canine scent work! Since your involvement in this breed, have you seen many changes within the breed? The greatest change I have seen is in the health testing. When I was breeding it was common to only Xray hips. Conscientious breeders are now Xraying hips and elbows, plus testing the eyes and heart. I also wonder about longevity … my dogs lived long and healthy lives 12 to 13 years of age. Some lines now seem to have a life span of six to eight years. When I first started breeding the Bouviers were much smaller, they had less bone, not as much angulation as they do now and certainly a lot less coat! Do you believe the quality of the breed has improved or declined since your involvement? If you can, list the improvements, as well as what has declined.
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BREEDERS Forum
like angulation and flashy movement – but could this type of dog herd livestock all day ? I think not! Who do you believe to be the greatest dog in your breed that you have ever seen? I have had the opportunity to travel across three continents seeing a number of great dogs from all around the world … choosing just one is very difficult. However, my choice would be Cdn / Am/ Dutch Ch Tino Faisca v d Vanenblikhoeve. He is in the pedigrees of most of the top-winning Bouviers in North America and Europe. He was one outstanding dog! If you were able to incorporate just one dog into your breeding program, who would it be? (This can be from the past or present.) If I was still breeding it would depend on where I was currently at with type and what my bitch needed most … but I will imagine it would be a dog from the It can be difficult to interpret the quality without actually putting your hands on a dog as perfected grooming can hide faults. Head type has certainly improved – the onethird to two-third ratio in the skull can be seen along with
Vanenblikhoeve bloodlines in Europe. What do you feel has been your greatest contribution to this breed?
a better width of skull. Coats, toplines, and tail sets have
I put an immense effort (time and money) into importing
all improved as well.
quality stud dogs from Europe. I’d like to believe that this
On the declining side … are there more health issues?
offered North American breeders new bloodlines aiding
Is that why more breeders are doing additional tests or
in strengthening the quality of the breed.
were we just naive years ago?
Do you believe that the judges judging your breed today
I see an inconsistency in type across the country. Longer
have a firm understanding of your breed?
hocks and sickle hocks. The standard says the hocks are to
Some yes – some no. Unfortunately many new judges
be close to the ground – when viewed from behind they
have had little or no opportunity to judge a Bouvier.
will be straight and parallel in the stand position. I’m seeing
Judging schedule after judging schedule … zero Bouviers
longer backs versus length of leg, some extremely short
entered. I look back on the years when I placed in the
legged dogs as well. The standard says the body is to be
top 10 herding dogs … two to four Bouviers were in
“powerful, cobby and short. The length at the point of the
the top 10 herding dogs year after year. The breed was
shoulder to the ischium should be equal to the height at
strong! When I decided to buy a show dog again in 2010
the withers” (meaning the dog should be square). Some
my pup earned his championship from the junior puppy
dogs appear to have a lack of undercoat. The standard calls
class with group placements because points at breed
for a harsh topcoat and dense undercoat. Many dogs tend
level didn’t exist. If judges don’t have an opportunity
to have too much angulation. I have to say I am guilty … I
to see the breed – how are they to learn ? I like CKC’s
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BREEDERS Forum
new concept of seminars with breed presentations, unfortunately everyone can’t attend and there are so many different breeds. Judges have a lot to remember when judging all the different breeds. Perhaps focusing on key points would be helpful. Coat – harsh topcoat, dense undercoat; head – massive and well proportioned to the body, skull to muzzle three to two ratio; body – cobby and short (square), moderate angulation. The Bouvier as a whole must be harmoniously proportioned to permit a gait free, proud and bold. In as few words as possible, describe the essence of your breed. People don’t own Bouviers – Bouviers own their people! They want to be with you all the time! What advice could you provide to judges as being the most important and least important characteristics of this breed? Soundness is number one for me, but I like the whole package of a nice head, short back, good topline and moderate angulation. Colour would be the least important in my books – unless we are talking about white. Is the depth in quality stronger in dogs or bitches? With the declining entries you are hard pressed to find a Bouvier at a show in Canada. Recently at the national specialty I had the opportunity to see some very lovely bitches. However, people tend to show males more frequently giving the impression that the quality is
Personally I have always found the dogs from Europe to be overall better dogs in soundness, type, and character – perhaps it’s just because there are more breeders there. Who have been your greatest mentors? When I started to show in the early 1980s I met a professional groomer who also showed and bred Lakeland Terriers. She took me under her wing and taught me to strip a coat – her name was Gail Hutchinson. Three Bouvier breeders were also great mentors Paul and Pauline DeRyke from Bolshoy Kennels, Jane and Abby Geng from Abbishire Kennels, Joop and Annie Pater from
stronger in the males.
Overstort Kennels in Holland.
Are there any heredity or health concerns one should be
Final thoughts?
aware of when purchasing a dog in this breed?
I’d like to thank you for the opportunity to take this trip
Definitely! Hip and elbow dysplasia, glaucoma and
down memory lane and reminiscence for awhile. My days
thyroid, to name a few.
of breeding are long over – but my love for the breed will
How do the dogs in Canada compare to other countries?
be with me always. As I start to focus on retirement – I doubt another Bouvier is in my future, but I look forward
The number of Bouvier breeders in Canada is slowly
to playing in the show ring with the one I have
dwindling away with only a handful of breeders left
(Ch Obvious Total Rush AG.N- AG.J - CGN) over the next
making it tough to compete with other countries.
few years.
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BREEDERS Forum
Serge Bilodeau Boyero Perm Reg’d PRSF, Québec Tell us about yourself, i.e. when you started, names of some of your successful dogs, your involvement with any clubs/associations, is this your original breed? Our Bouvier adventure started in 1995 when we purchased our first Bouvier. Sophie wanted a dog, but with her equestrian education and my livestock conformation background, we got a “show girl”. Then, three years later, we had our first litter. As owners/breeders/handlers, we showed our first Boyero in 1998, A/C Ch Boyero Amazing View CD, ROM a/s AMY. That girl brought us to a competitive level. We were not expecting to get there so fast! Before she turned seven months, she had achieved her CH and the only Award of Merit at the Ontario Specialty. We also showed
won Best Male in Futurity, this special boy won #3 Top
her at the American National. Even though we did not
Bouvier in Canada (2011) and multiple best in show. A
come back with a big ribbon, we had a lot of excellent
few breeders tried to convince us not to show him as
comments from a well-known breeder. The following year,
a special as it is a fawn ... but we like challenge and he
in California, she was Best in Futurity and Award of Merit
did it brilliantly! The same year his son A Ch/ C GCh
at the American Bouvier des Flandres Club.
Boyero Magnificent Gladiator won Best of Winners at the
We follow a family breeding program, and we have only one litter a year, and sometimes none. Our challenge is quality, which is more valuable for us than quantity. When we plan a litter the purpose is to try and get that something special. Out of the 76 puppies we bred, 38
American National and A/C Ch Boyero Make it Real (full sister), got Best Bitch in Futurity. Our best year was 2012 when A GCh/ C GChEx Boyero Keep on Lovin’Me won the National and her niece C Ch Boyero Once Upon a Time won Best Puppy.
achieved a CH, and since the CKC has the new Grand
I got involved very fast with the breed club, first with the
Champion title, nine of our puppies satisfied the
provincial club, then with the national club, as secretary
requirements. Before starting, we knew that it would
in the beginning and as president for the last two years. I
be difficult for a new owner/breeder/handler to be
am on the CKC Genetic Committee, and more recently on
successful in the show world. But with perseverance, and
the ABdFC Health Committee. I was also involved in the
excellent dogs, we did it!
judging breed seminar and I gave a few conferences on
When we can afford it, we try and bring our best dog
the genetic and breeding program.
at the American National. In 2006 GChEx Boyero Good
Since your involvement in this breed, have you seen may
Vibration ROM, got Res. Winner dog. In 2009 his son
changes within the breed ?
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BREEDERS Forum
With regards to the Canadian Bouvier des Flandres situation, even though there have been some improvements from some conscientious breeders, it must be recognized that some breeders are content to carry on a general average quality of less than standard features, now known as the generic show dog. With Internet and artificial insemination, we might have expected an improvement in the quality of the breed. Unfortunately, we got both. Too many breeders don’t breed for the future, they just breed for the present and for the ribbon! As most pet
des Flandres exhibiting a style, characteristic of other
people want the “Golden Retriever” attitude, we lost the
breeds, such as high held head like the poodles, a gait
Bouvier temperament. “The Bouvier is even-tempered,
like the GSD or a coat not dissimilar to the OES. These
never shy, and not overly aggressive. He is calm, rational,
features do not correspond to our breed, but for sure
and prudently bold, never ‘pretty’ in attitude or behavior.
they give these dogs flash!
With those he knows well he is outgoing and almost boisterous.” Do you believe the quality of the breed has improved or declined since your involvement? If you can, list the improvements, as well as what has declined ?
We had a few stud dogs who improved the head (Leevy and Trust), but it was difficult to keep this feature generation after generation. The head should fit the body. Poor movement … a restricted movement, small or short stride which corresponds to straight angulation. Or
It’s very difficult to make an adequately assessment
more often, the unbalanced dog where the reach is
to the breed evolution during those years. Either for
restricted and the drive is excessive, which corresponds
economic reason, priority or Internet marketing, we have
to a straight shoulder (no neck) with an over angulated
a significant participation decline of our breeding stock
rear (GSD type). So how can a Bouvier des Flandres have
at the show.
a good breed type with this type of movement when
It’s sad to say but at this moment there is not much improvement in the type of our breed. We lost our breed
we are looking for a well balanced dog with moderate angulation?
type versus the show type. Unfortunately this is not only
But in the same time, a few breeders keep the Bouvier
in our breed. It’s not uncommon to see some Bouviers
movement: the front feet should reach towards the nose
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BREEDERS Forum
This question is a little difficult for me to answer, but I will bring C GChEx Boyero Daydream Believer. What do you feel has been your greatest contribution to this breed? I have kept all of the statistics for the breed since 1998 (top dog, top puppy, top stud, top bitch, top breeder). Together with some other breeders, I work as an education judge for the Canadian club, I have also made a grooming DVD. I am always willing to share my knowledge with people who want to know more about our breed. Do you believe that the judges judging your breed today have a firm understanding of your breed? with rear driving the equal distance. When moving, the normal head carriage for the Bouvier is that of a head extended forward, not carried up high. The head will
Some judges understand our breed type and function, but unfortunately, some others do not evaluate a Bouvier as a breeding dog but as a show dog.
appear to be an extension of the level topline. There
In as few words as possible, describe the essence of
should NOT be any “lift” or “kick” to the gait.
your breed?
Some will say that the coat volume improved, but the
As there are no disqualifications in our breed standard,
problem it is that at the level we reach now, it is a
and in order to preserve our breed characteristics, every
major fault. A too dense coat with too much undercoat
breeder should pay special attention to the points which
may give the impression of substance and power.
can be summarized in four words: balance, moderate,
Nevertheless, if you feel the dog’s body with your hands,
square and powerful.
you will realize that this over abundance of coat cannot
What advice could you provide to judges as being the
make up for the correct bone structure and substance
most important and least important characteristics of
of the true Bouvier. Again quality versus quantity. As a
this breed?
result of this, less breeders and judges now know what the real Bouvier coat is. Who do you believe to be the greatest dog in your breed that you have ever seen? For their time. A/C/Du/Int Ch Leevy Astra le Petite Colline IPO 1. If you were able to incorporate just one dog into your
Important points: Movement: The front and rear legs create equal triangles meeting in the middle of the body. Legs extending equally front and rear doing the same amount of work, displaying strength and power without clumsiness, heaviness or stiffness.
breeding program, who would it be ? (This can be from
The front feet should reach towards the nose with rear
the past or present.)
driving the equal distance.
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BREEDERS Forum
When moving, the normal head carriage for the Bouvier is that of a head extended forward, not carried up high. The head will appear to be an extension of the level topline. There should not be any “lift” or “kick” to the gait. Breed type: Overall outline –squareness and balance. Dog of power! A Bouvier should feel solid and dense under your hands. Moderate angulations front and rear. Head: The head should fit the body. The skull slightly less wide than long, with a muzzle well filled out. The ratio: Skull to muzzle three parts to two parts. Temperament: Bouvier is even-tempered, never shy, and not overly aggressive.
more straighter (front and rear). The Dutch type have
He had to be stable in a wide variety of situations –
need to pay attention to the rear quarter. Other countries
considering his decisions and acting appropriately.
as Russia, Australia, New Zealand are currently in
Less important points: colour. Is the depth in quality stronger in dogs or bitches ? Most often, you will find the quality in the bitches. Finding the perfect stud dog for your bitch is a full-time job!
changed a lot in the past year, very powerfull dog but
evolution, their type is very close to their imported. Who have been your greatest mentors ? We have been fortunate to meet several reputable breeders who shared their knowledge with us. Some of them showed only for few years, but others continue to do
Are there any heredity of health concerns one should be
so. Our first mentor was our excellent friend Dr. Marie Noel
aware of when purchasing a dog in this breed?
and the Quiche family where we got our first dog. When
Hip dysplasia (OFA/OVC), elbow dysplasia (OFA/OVC), subaortic stenosis (OFA cardiac), hypothyroidism (OFA), cataracts (CERF), glaucoma (gonio). All breeding stock should have the CHIC breed requirements: hips and elbows certification by the OFA, hearts cleared by a board certified cardiologist (OFA), and eyes cleared yearly by a board certified ophthalmologist (CERF). How do the dogs in Canada compare to other countries ?
things changed, I could count on the help of Judy Kasper (au Dela des Mers), Patricia Holmes (Mapleridge), Patricia L. Murray (I’m Special), Sheila Hoffman (Vanleighof), and more recently (eight to 10 years) of Yvonne Savard (Barbu), Ray Waterman (Jenarae), and William Miller (Glennmiller). Final thoughts? If we want to keep the qualities and characteristics of our breed, we constantly need to ask ourselves what are the functions and the characteristics of a Bouvier (what made
The North America Bouvier type is very similar. The
a Bouvier a Bouvier). At the same time, we can’t preserve
Franco-Belgian type, is smaller in stature/structure and
our breed alone.
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BREEDERS Forum
Sophie Galland Élevage Galheights St-Colomban, Québec Tell us about yourself, i.e., when you started, names of some of your successful dogs, your involvement with any clubs/associations, is it your original breed? I was 18 years old when I first saw a Bouvier. I remember thinking they looked like bears, I spoke with the woman with her two large dogs and she told me about what a wonderful breed they are. I fell in love with the breed and I promissed myself that one day I will own a Bouvier. At the age of 25, I bought a house and couldn’t wait to have get a Bouvier. I did not know anything about selecting a good breeder or health tests ... this was my first dog. I waited for one year to have my registration papers and a lot of phone calls to the breeder. One of my successful dogs is AM CH. & CAN. OTCH. GCHEX Mouton Rothschild du Francnord, RE, HT, CGN / AM. CDX – this dog is one in a life time. He received all of these titles before he reached 30 months. He got an AGNS two years ago. In 2009, he was top Bouvier in Canada. He has been Best in Show twice and two Best in Show reserves and MBISS. This dog is king when it comes to work, and he enjoys every minutes of it. I’m a co-founder of the Club de Bouvier des Flandres du Québec. We celebrated 15 years last September. I am also a director at the national club, and a member of the CKC for over 20 years. I have been teaching obedience at home for the past eight. In my free time, I am also a groomer for all breed.
Do you believe that quality of the breed has improved
Since your involvement in this breed, have you seen
or delined since your involvement?
many changes within the breed?
The quality of the breed has improved due to more
I think there are a few changes within the breed. The
breeders doing health tests resulting in healthier
grooming is different, the Bouviers are sometimes
Bouviers.
over groomed. A Bouvier should be a rustic dog, but breeders often have no choice but to follow the
What has declined – I would like to see a more
evolution.
balanced dog. Most of the Bouviers have a lot of
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BREEDERS Forum
extention in the rear, but not in the front, so I would say that is a problem. The Bouvier needs to have good movement for herding, etc., they will get tired faster if the proper balance is not kept. Who do you believe to be the greatest dog in your breed that you have ever seen? As a breeder, a complete dog for me is not only the appearance and what is goes with that, but the most important should be a dog that is versatile. The greatest dog already lives with me! :) If you were able to incorporate just one dog in your breeding program, who would it be? I bred the half sister of my male AM. & CAN. CH. Galheights Lafite du Francnord, RA, CGN with AM. & CAN. GCH. Boyero Magnificient Gladiator and it was almost a perfect litter. A total of nine puppies and seven of them are champions and working on their obedience titles. What do you feel has been your greatest contribution to this breed? I have been the president of Club de Bouvier des Flandres of QuÊbec for many years and we publish a paper four times a year to inform and support owners of the Bouvier – so I think that is a way to contribute to the breed. In as few words as possible, describe the essence of the breed. To have stable, well-built and healthy dogs. What advice could you provide to judges as being the most important and least important characteristics of this breed? Well built and balance with nice angulation (not too much)with a nice temperament. Is the depth in quality stronger in dogs or bicthes? If I understand the question correctly, I will say that I can accept fault on a bitch, but not much on a male.
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BREEDERS Forum
Are there any heredity or health concerns one should be aware of when purchasing a dog in this breed? If you are looking to buy a Bouvier, hips, elbows, heart, eyes all can be of a health concern. Make sure that your dog has been test at the breeder level and should be certified by OFA. How do the dogs in Canada compare to other countries? On many occasions I have been to the U.S. and the last specialty of the America Bouvier des Flandres Club. It was a Québec breeder that won and there were a lot of Canadian dogs who won also. I have no problems showing my dog in the U.S. Who have been your greatest mentors? At first, many years ago, Elaine Paquette from Quiche’s Kennel helped me with the grooming because my first bitch was from her kennel. After owning a Bouvier for 20 years I decined to breed my bitch and Normand Poirier from Francnord Kennel and Serge Bilodeau from Boyero Kennel helped me to set up a breeder program and tips for taking good care of my first litter. Thank you to both of them. Final thoughts? Breeders should work together, even if their opinions are not always the same, for the love of the breed. If health tests are done by all of them, we will produce health ier dogs. People who are looking to buy a Bouvier – find a breeder who is going to provide and guide you to own a good companion for life!
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BREEDERS Forum
Jane Geng Abbishire Kennel Edmonton, Alberta
classes. Sometimes I find confidence is lacking, which I do not like and I attribute that to lack of socialization. This breed needs to be well-socialized starting as puppies. Toplines and movement would be my two areas I perceive in general needing improvement. I see improvement in
Tell us about yourself? We got our first Bouvier in 1978 and she was my
heads and bites. Who do you believe to be the greatest dog in your breed?
engagement ring. I asked for a Bouvier instead of a
I cannot answer this question objectively as there have
diamond. We started to go to dog shows and study the
been so many great Bouviers who have contributed to
CKC breed standard. It was then that we realized my
great breeding programs and have been very successful in
beautiful engagement ring was a diamond in the rough and
the show and obedience ring.
truly pet quality. We still loved her to bits and she lived with us until old age. We began to connect with breeders and dog fanciers and thus started on our path of being highly reputable breeders with a passion for conformation and obedience. Over the years we have bred many wonderful Canadian and American championships and BISS. Our pride and joy was Beau Geste. In 1982, at the young age of two we decided to campaign him. Gary MacDonald took Beau to Top Working Dog and #2 All Breed. In 1983 he was #1 All Breed, quite an accomplishment for a three year old. In the ‘80s Group 7 was in Group 3 so for any exhibitor competing in this very large group a win or placement was coveted. I could go on and on about our many great dogs and their
What has been your greatest contribution to the breed? Great temperments, movement and correct topline. Do judges today have a firm understanding our breed? Overall I do believe the judges have a firm understanding of the breed. Who has been your greatest mentor? Gary MacDonald. He taught us so much about the breed, the breed standard and how to study genetics. Being new to the breed and conformation Gary’s first lesson to us was to order the breed standard for all working dogs and then sit at ringside with the standard in our hands and observe all the breeds in the working group.
wins, but a special lady was Am Cdn Ch Abbisire’s Bizzy
It seems we spent forever doing this but I it was one of the
Lizzy, a Beau Geste daughter. She held the title of Canada’s
best words of wisdom we could ever have received.
Top Winning Bouvier bitch for many years, and was shown
In a few words describe the essence of the breed.
by Will Alexander. We have always loved great females and feel they play a critical role in the breeding program. On
Smart, strong, and bold with beautiful expression and a
a personal note I love to see a beautiful bitch give the big
fondness for children. They are calm, gentle, and loyal, but
boys a run for their money!
their natural protective instinct requires them to be well
Over the years have you seen many changes within the
socialized.
breed?
Final thoughts.
I have seen many changes in the breed. Although I am
My breed today is OES but I will always hold the Bouvier
now involved in OES I always watch Bouviers at the
close to my heart. Our Bouviers were very special to Abbey
shows. Occasionally, I have concerns about temperament
and I . Over and above their successes in the show and
as Bouviers are a breed that require a lot of healthy
obedience ring they introduced us to so many wonderful
socialization beyond going to the dog park or handling
dog fanciers, many of whom are still dear friends.
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BREEDERS Forum
William Miller Glenmiller Milverton, ON Tell us about yourself, i.e. when you started, your association with any clubs, is this your original breed? What city do you live in? To begin with I think it is important for the person reading this article to understand what my background is. I was raised on a purebred dairy farm that started in 1946. Through those experiences taught by my parents who started with an average quality herd in both type and milk production built it to one of the highest in milk production and type under the prefix Glenmiller. This was the foundation that allowed me to begin breeding purebred Bouviers. My work took me to Essex County (near Windsor, Ontario). What lead me to own, show, and breed a Bouvier began with a neighbour down the road. I missed having a dog around. On the farm at home I had grown up with mainly Collies or Collie cross breeds. Driving by Carlo Vander Muren place and seeing him bicycle with his dog led me to stop and ask him about his dog and if he ever had litters. We became good friends, he shared with me the information about the breed and his dog Evil’s Hollandia of Adele was a lot of fun. From their Carlo convinced me to buy a male Adele’s Alexander. Together we then purchased a female (we both did not have a lot of money at that time), Euros Lisa. She produced a litter who I took as my foundation bitch (Angel). The background of these dogs goes mainly back into Belgium (De La Thudine), along with France (De La Vallee Du Lay), and Holland. Over the years have you seen many changes within the breed? One of the things that you notice in these older pedigrees is that a lot of the dogs have working titles that they gained on the European continent. Does that mean there has to be a division between working and showing? Not in my opinion. The key thing is finding those puppies that have a temperament and confirmation that can be developed along the lines that the dog owner wants. When you are evaluating puppies together in a litter you will notice a cast
54 Canadian Dog Fancier
system is developed early within that litter. My 25-plus years hiatus from the breeding and showing of Bouviers was due to a growing family and farm business. When I became involved again in showing brought a smile and appreciation of the narrowing of type not only in confirmation but also in the working Bouvier. Well done to those breeders who kept pursuing breeding towards the standards. What are the most important things in pursuing breeding? They are several. First is this what you really want to do? Can you sustain it for a minimum of 15 years? Then find the mentors within the breed. I was lucky in getting support and information from many long-time breeders and judges. The most important thing in my opinion is your foundation dam. This is the cornerstone of your breeding program. What are her strengths and weaknesses, also her parents, grandparents? Then evaluate the sire you’re going to use along with the dogs behind the sire and what the dog has brought to the breeding in both line breeding and outcrossing. Be prepared for not having successes at the start. What where the most outstanding dogs. Well there was several consistent breeding lines. Far too many to remember, from the De la Thudine line, several males. Adele line two exceptional males. One that produced two top dogs all breeds, from the Quiche line several males and an exceptional female. From Barbu several exceptional females Boyero Kennels is producing consistent type. There are countless other breeders, too many to mention, who are bringing their development of the breed closer to the standards. The future, to me, is communication not only with the countries of origin but other countries that have a National standard. We have people in North America who can articulate what we are doing in breeding programs along with our successes. Ideally travelling anywhere in the world we should see similarity in type and temperament. Where is the breed headed? I believe the 2012 ABdFC specialty judge from England nailed it with his comments that the breed is strong in North America and could compete successfully in other parts of the world.
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E S E LI
ES D U
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BREEDERS Forum
Bill & Nora Niddrie Dondare Calgary, Alberta Tell us about yourself, i.e. when you started, your association with any clubs, is this your original breed? What city do you live in? My wife Nora and I have been married for 47 years and we live in Calgary, Alberta, and have been retired for just over two years. We have been breeding Bouvier des Flandres under the Dondare prefix and have bred Scotish Terriers under the same prefix. We are members of the CKC and Alberta Bouvier des Flandres Club. My mother raised Rough Collies, and in 1963 I showed my first dog – a young Collie named Teddy. That was my introduction to the world of dog shows. Shortly after Nora and I married we purchased an Airdale and a Standard Schnauzer. When our children came along we dedicated our lives to family. It was not until the ‘80s that we got back into the dog world, we purchased a Bouvier from Nebadon Kennels, and thus our love of this breed began. One of our first Bouviers BIS, BISS, Am, Can, CH. Nebadons Wee Wicket Fire Witch became our foundation bitch. Wicket was bred to the great Iron Eyes and produced a great litter, out of which we kept another great bitch Strega. Corky and Susan Vroom showed Strega for us at the U.S. nationals and she went reserve winners bitch, what a thrill that was, with so many great Bouviers present. Another great dog was BISS, Am, Can, Ch. Dondares Lethal Weapon (Rigs) he went to Susants Bouviers in California, and became one of the top producers. There have been others, but that brings us to the present – we now have a young male just over two
Since your involvment in this breed, have you seen many changes within the breed?
years of age who is showing a lot of promise, BIS, BISS Ch.
I would say the overall look has remained the same, over
Rocheuses Play Something Country at DND (Cruz). Cruz is
the past 25 years. I do believe that we are losing size and
out of Am. Ch. Rocheuses Pink Passion and Am. Can. Ch.
substance is some of our Bouviers. Remember what they
Quiches Iron Man.
were originaly bred for.
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Do you believe the quality of the breed has improved
What advice could you provide to judges as being the
or declined since your inolvment? (If you can list the
most important and least important characteristics of
improvments/what has declined.)
this breed?
That is a tough question. There have been a lot of great
Most important: movement reach and drive, temperment,
breeders who have researched there breeding programs
and fronts.
and produced some great dogs. Without those dogs we would not have the qualities in our breed we see today.
Least important: size and length of loin.
Regarding what has declined in our breed I believe
Is the depth in quality stronger in dogs or bitches?
falls on those breeders who breed only for profit or whose ego gets in the way of making decisions based on research and where they feel improvment is needed. In my opinion we have Bouviers presented that lack
Tough question – currently I believe the dogs are deeper in depth of quality. I do not believe that is good for the breed.
substance, bone, properly conditioned coats, and
Is there any heredity or health concerns one should be
temperment. As a breeder, we should always be breeding
aware of when purchasing a dog in this breed?
to improve using the standard as the guide.
Overall the Bouvier community is a diligent group of
Who do you believe to be the greatest dog in your breed
breeders who work hard to better the breed. Most
that you have ever seen?
breeders do health checks, the Bouvier is a sound
There are several that come to mind. The one that stands out and is found in most great pedigrees would be Galbraiths Iron Eyes.
breed, in the past there have been heart, glaucoma, and displacias. Due to breeder diligence this is seldom seen today.
If you were able to incorporate just one dog into your
How do Canadian dogs compare to other countries?
breeding program (past or presnt) who would that be?
Another tough question as breed standards differ.
I would like to have Nebadons Wee Wickett Fire Witch
However, Canadian Bouviers have done well in other
back. (I really miss that girl.)
countries.
What do you think has been your greatest contribution
Who have been your greatest mentors?
to the breed?
So many for so many different reasons – it is my
Honesty not being kennel blind always striving for
belief that if you pay attention you can and will learn
betterment. Most of all helping the new people in the
something from everyone who touches your life. In
breed as they are the future keepers of this breed.
my dog life to name a few that I have learned so much
Do you believe the judges judging your breed today have a firm understanding of your breed? Yes I would say so. With that said the I would like to see more attention paid to movment, top line, coat texture as the dog should be able to do what it’s intended job is. In as few words as possible, describe the essence of your breed? Intelligent, faithfull, proud, and fearless (temperment).
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from about this breed are: Cheryl Tulloch, Dianna Case, Monique Riel, Doug Belter, Edward Gilbert, Dave and Joan Galbraith, Darle Heck, and so many more. Final thoughts? In being a breeder one must always challenge one self, to be the best we can, to do the right things, to share information and to help the upcoming breeders so they can make informed decisions, as they are the future keepers of our beloved Bouviers.
BREEDERS Forum
Louise & Elaine Paquette Quiche Bouvier Kennels Maidstone, Ontario Louise, how did you come to know the Bouvier? How and when did you decide this was the breed for you? When our family moved south to Windsor, Ontario in the late ‘60s, this area seemed to be a hot bed for Bouviers. People immigrated from the Netherlands and they brought with them their love of Bouviers. We had in this area (S.W. Ontario) Frisia Kennels – Andy Prinsen, Euro Kennels of Cor Vandermuren, and his brother Adele Kennels, Carlo Vander Muren, and from the Woodstock area Hollandia Kennels of David Westra. “Flandersfield” Dr. Erik Houttuin. These people imported and bred Bouviers, some of them starting in the ‘50s and ‘60s. When our family moved south it was not unusual to see Bouviers guarding lumber yards, gas stations and farms, and in the city living with families. Of course the first Bouviers we saw were leggier and had much less coat and were coarser coated. A family I baby sat for had a Bouvier called “Booba.” She was big and black, and yes, a very tough girl, but gentle with her family of three small children. Our family loved the shaggy look of the Bouvier and their nature of protectiveness with their family. So my parents bought our first Bouvier from an ad in the newspaper. We called her Kelly – her registered name
obedience with her. We did all the mistakes novices could do, and to make a long story short, my parents bought our foundation bitch from Cor Vandermuren – Can.Ch.Euro’s Quiche Kim. She was born in October ‘76 and we brought her home in January ‘77. This time l was in college, and l was reading all l could get my hands on about the Bouvier, viewing pedigrees and pictures. I bought the Bouvier book at the time written by Claire McLean.
was Princess Lady Gina. She was born in April ‘72, and
In addition to showing, have you been involved in
she he had a CD and her hips were clear with OVC. I had
other fields with the Bouvier (i.e. obedience, ring sport,
worked her in obedience and one of her scores was 198.5
schutzhund)?
out of 200. We had bred her to Cor Vandermuren’s dogs, and he was one of the few people who actually Xrayed
We did some obedience. Two of our first Bouviers had
and cleared his dogs with OVC. He also bred German
CDs, and Kelly had two legs towards her CDX. We also
Shepherds. There was a Bouvier club – I believe it was
bred two Bouviers whose owners put SchH 1 titles on
called North American Bouvier des Flandres Club – it’s
them, as well as CDX. We have also sold Bouviers to
president was Andy Prinsen of Frisia Kennels. Very early
others who put on CDX and TD titles as well as agility, etc.
there was split in the breed – you had the old style
We imported two with IPO titles: Leevy IPO 1, and Boaz
Bouvier, and there were the “woolies.” I entered Kelly
IPO3. Boaz was taken often with our top winning Zena to
at various fun matches and we went last, and so I did
visit my aunt in her nursing home.
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BREEDERS Forum
Boaz Hurricane v. Aqualand, IPO3. He was a real outcross, and we used him selectively. We now have his great grandchildren who are Am/Can champions, with health checks clear and wonderful temperaments. One very prominent breeder said he was too extreme pedigreewise and could not use him. That was fine, as we bought him for ourselves and have over time been very selective on who we feel can benefit from using these lines. We breed more for type than breed tight. Who was your foundation bitch? Which of your Bouviers do you feel had the greatest influence on your breeding
What are the decisions you make that inspire your breeding program?
plan and in what direction did you take your program
We look at family lines, their common traits and what
from there?
you think you might be able to take from that cross and
Can Ch Euro’s Quiche Kim was our foundation bitch. I feel that over time, combinations of lines we have bred created dogs that influenced our breeding program and those of other breeders who have used our dogs. Kim’s breeding to two very different styled dogs created our beginning. Her first litter by Ch Deewal Victor (Bel, imp in utero) was all Belgian De La Thudinie breeding; her breeding to Ch Jenbedon’s Tuff Tully (Dutch lines – a Bica vd Rozenheerd grandson, etc.) produced our first working group winner Ch Quiche’s Canadian Challenge,
use to improve that particular breeding, while trying to keep what you like. Each generation has its good points and those things you want to improve. When breeding you never want to lose temperament and health, or all the things that make dogs great – meaning the Bouvier – you want these two at the top of your list. You want to keep lines where whelping is normal, lots of milk and moms are great. Some in this breed might take it for granted, but with other breeds this is becoming a rarity. I think that over the years and decades our lines have a stamp on it. We always look to breed for great fronts
the breeding to Victor produced for us. Barrier, Bambam
and balanced rears. When your standard calls for ‘well
and Blossom, and later combining a male we bought
laid back shoulders,’ to have balance you need equally
Quiche’s Buffis bred to Blossom and later linebreeding
angulated rears. We feel that fronts assembly to be most
his daughter Ch Quiche’s Extra Ruffles bred to Barrier
difficult to breed for and so this quest is always ongoing.
produced our BIS & BISS Ch Quiche’s Gabriel.
When looking at a stud dog prospect, you need to look at
How much do you rely on out crossing between lines versus line breeding or inbreeding? Looking at pedigrees you see several dogs that are repeated. Later we went for lines that had more Overstort
both the positive points and things you think your bitch might improve. What are the two or three most important lessons you have learned during your years as a breeder?
in the background. These dogs combined old Belgian
Never say never! The more years you breed the more
dogs, good angles, great bites, pigmentation, topline and
things will crop up, and it always surprises you when they
tailsets. The lines we looked for were leggier, slow to
do. Years ago I was trying to save a newborn puppy. l had
mature, very typical Bouvier type. In the late 1990s we
taken her to the vet, and she consoled me when I was
imported and surprised some people so much that my
losing the puppy. She said dogs have litters of puppies,
mother laughed when this one Dutch breeder told us,
because in nature not all the puppies will survive, only
that this ‘was only a working dog’. His name was Can Ch
the most fit will survive. So there is a reason why this
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BREEDERS Forum
puppy should go. It was a very hard lesson, but it’s part of being a breeder. We should not, at times, fight mother nature. Also look at the total dog. There is no perfect line; there are some things you can live with. It’s better to keep a dog with one major fault that is excellent in every other way, than to keep a dog/line that is mediocre, that has no major faults, but no greatness anywhere. We went to see a litter years ago sired by one of our stud dogs, and this particular breeder hated white on the chest. Well, she placed an outstanding male to a pet home due to rather large white spot on his chest. This puppy had the best front and rear, topline, tailset – the whole nine yards, but due to this ‘colour thing’ he was sold to a pet home. Know that most of the white on a dog’s chest does, over time, get smaller with age. And lastly, for me, it means nothing – l could live with that fault! His sire never carried much white, so if bred properly would not reproduce that trait if it bothered you so much. l would recommend lessons in genetics 101 and some common sense. Most diseases are not caused by a ‘dominant gene’ but are recessives – that is, you need to have carriers on both sides of the pedigree. So do NOT blame the stud dog for all your problems, and do NOT let the stud dog get all the credit for good things as there is a mom there in the mix! What criteria do you use to decide which puppies to keep? As l said earlier, each generation brings new things
Who would you say best represents the ideal Bouvier to
to the mix and traits you want to keep and/or avoid. We
you, among the dogs you have known, bred or owned?
do look for good fronts, and rears, toplines, tailsets and heads. Colour is actually on the bottom of my list, and yes I have never put down a puppy for being fawn! Some of our best stud dogs we termed them ‘fawn killers’ as they
We when we first began breeding the appearance of Ch Jenbedon’s Tuff Tully was that of powerful built dog – great front, topline and tailset. His temperament was
always produced darker colours even when bred to lines
awesome. You could ask the Lake family about him, as
with fawns. Just in the genes such as our Ch Quiche’s
they owned him when we bred our Kim to him. His first
Some Like It Hot. And of course we look for an outgoing
owner had Tully in the car, and some person had tried
happy temperament. Some of our best dogs we got back
to enter the car from the window. Tully grabbed his arm
due to their exuberance!
and would not let go! His daughter “Tuffy” aka Quiche’s
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BREEDERS Forum
Canadian Challenge gave us so much through her son Fabulous Beau and his son by Gerry Brena v. Dafzicht – Geoffrey. Tuffy was one of the few Bouviers that moved at a ‘flying trot.’ The last dog that moved suberbly like her was a son of Leevy in the Netherlands – Neth Ch Orry du Farran. The best dog we have ever owned would be “Neth Am Can Germ Ch Leevy Astra Le Petite Colline, IPO1. We have owned and bred so many great ones, but Leevy would be my all time favourite. What do you feel are the most common mistakes made by newcomers to the breed? It sometimes takes a few generations to produce the dogs you want. You cannot do everything in one breeding, it takes several steps. And most great Bouviers – especially males – take three to four years to mature…so patience is needed. And finally, what words of wisdom would you give to someone just starting a breeding program? Buy the best bitch you can afford to buy. When looking for that “great stud dog” you should think of a ‘stallion’ of a dog that is very outstanding, and a stand out – very masculine and for a Bouvier a pain-in-the-ass male – not a sissy. Do go to the larger shows, such as specialties and just sit back and look at the types from within the lines. There are many differences within each breed. Breeders who are consistent do well, and they do this not by accident but by dedication and lots of work. Breeders tend to work in groups, and although they might be likeminded there will be some differences. A good breeder will want to share their knowledge, but at the same time you need to work at this trust.
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BREEDERS Forum
Yvonne Savard Barbu Perm Reg’d Pitt Meadows, British Columbia Tell us about yourself, i.e. when you started, names of some of your successful dogs, your involvement with any clubs/associations, is this your original breed? Breeding Bouviers under the prefix “Barbu Perm Reg’d”, I had the excitement of winning BOW at the American National Bouvier Specialty five times and being the owner of the Top Dog all Breeds in Canada in 1984. I have bred and shown multiple Best in Show winners both in Canada and the U.S. Although my main focus was Bouviers I have owned and shown Irish Setters, Doberman Pinchers, German Shepherds, and Pekingese. My first venture into a show ring (sanction match) was with German Shepherds. I knew nothing about Bouviers, never heard of them. I was young and actually had many horses. Dr. Erik and Carolyn Houttuin bought the boarding kennel down the street, they had a Shepherd cross named Freya at the time. Erik always wanted “Bouviers” as he saw them in Holland. Together we ventured into this breed first meeting Paul and Pauline DeRyke, David Westra, Andy Prinsen, and many more Bouvier breeders. Flanders Field Kennels LTD was born. First breeding Bouvier was Ch. Fina de Bolshoy. I showed at the Sportsman show in Toronto, seven day benched show as a junior with a big black Bouvier named Shane, that was in 1969. I fell in love with the breed and the
1984, Handled by Gary MacDonald, BISS Am. Can. Ch. Barbu’s Decionmaker of Amadee, was #3 Bouvier 1988, shown by myself and Susan Hillman, MBIS BISS Am Can Ch. Rocheuse’s Singular Sensation, (co-owned) a Bandit son, was #1 Bouvier and #4 Herding in 1989. I co-owned BIS Am Can Ch. Amadee’s Preferred Stock and showed him as a puppy and young adult. I showed him to BW at
Houttuin’s got horses, the rest is history. My first Am.
the 1995 American National and it was apparent this boy
Bouvier National Specialty was in 1975 showing Am. Can.
had much promise. It was decided to send him to Elaine
Ch. Bronvilles Darren, we won Best of Winners. I showed
Paquette to show and he became #1 Bouvier in Canada
many Flanders Field Bouviers to their championships
and in the Top of the Herding Group. BIS BISS Am. Can
before relocating to B.C. in 1976 and with me in B.C. I
Ch. Barbu’s Trail Boss for Amadee was a multi specialty
had several Bouviers, including Am Can Ch. Hollandia
and BIS winner in the mid to later ‘90s. One litter I had
First. I purchased a puppy from Breeder William Miller
only produced two puppies, I U.S. finished BIS Am Can Ch
of Glenmiller Kennels in early 1980, BIS BISS Am. Can. Ch.
Barbu’s Top of the Heap from the Bred By class with a Best
Glenmiller’s Bandit, Bandit became the Top Dog All Breeds
In Show and his litter sister BIS BISS Am. Can GCh. Barbu’s
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Simulation One was also a Specialty winner and a U.S. BIS winner. Recently, BIS BISS Am Can .Ch. Barbu’s Miasoltanto of Jenarae, #1 Female Bouvier Canada ‘08/09 and Top 10 in U.S. her daughter Am.GCh.Can Ch. Barbu Jenarae Ruffian was BOB Westminster 2013. BISS Am Can Ch. Bedrocks Kingfish of Barbu, three times Top 20 in the U.S. In all my years of breeding I never produced a fawn until my last cobred litter which produced my recent BIS winner Am. Can GCh. Brocade Lil Deuce Coupe BarJen. I am an AKC Breeder of Merit, I serve on the ABdFC Health Committee, am an approved breed mentor and a 25+ year member of ABdFC, as well as vice president of the Canadian BdFC. I am one of the founding members of the Bouvier des Flandres Club of B.C. I am a long service member of the CKC. I have had the pleasure of judging both the Canadian and American Bouvier National Specialties. Member of CDJA, DJAA and ADSJ. Since your involvement in this breed, have you seen many changes within the breed? Over the years I have seen changes, the Bouvier in the conformation ring are more glamorous now. The heads have changed from longer muzzles to shorter ones. The coats changed from a shorter, coarse outer coat with less undercoat to the now dense profuse body coat and leg furnishings. The structure of the front and rear assemblies has changed somewhat as well. Size has changed, first too big, now heading toward too small. As for temperaments we had dogs that were tough as nails – but also had ones that required more attention, it all depended on where they came from and how they were raised. Today I see Bouviers that are softer in temperament, not timid, but more needy and some with the “Golden Retriever” jovial nature, living together in a pack environment. This works very well for the modern family, however, this is not a true Bouvier character, yet it makes for keeping more than two Bouviers together easier. Changes occurred with the addition of health testing prior to breeding. This is a necessity, but results should be used wisely, all dogs have genetic faults, over reaction can narrow the gene pool too much.
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BREEDERS Forum
looks beautiful, however, incorrect for a Bouvier. It is (was) a working breed that was to work long days with an owner, Bouvier pulling a cart at a reasonable speed (not racing) or you would have spilled milk. They worked with cattle cutting and dodging, moving the herd with body blocks, head almost level with top-line, short bursts of speed, and of reasonable size and blocky solid build so the cow felt it was hit by a formidable source. They are a family protector, bold and a stable character. Having said that this does not mean they need to be ugly with no breed type to work, however, we spend way to much time grooming and forget about the basic structure required for this breeds origin and demands. When you see the Bouviers today can you look at them and imagine them doing a full day’s work in the field with cattle, pulling Do you believe the quality of the breed has improved or declined since your involvement? If you can, list the improvements, as well as what has declined. Bouviers have changed in many ways over the years. The change in outer look created a breed that was more competitive at the group level. When you change a
a cart, or standing their ground with that “prudently bold” look stating “OK … come on make my day”. Some absolutely … others not so much! If you were able to incorporate just one dog into your breeding program, who would it be? (This can be from the past or present.)
structure you need to compensate for these changes
I would never incorporate just one dog into my breeding
elsewhere. Shorter muzzles created bite issues which we
program, I think there were many, many good Bouviers
still see to a degree today. More coat looks beautiful but
all contributing to the gene pool. All sires and dams will
can also create a grooming nightmare for some owners.
contribute both positive and negative genetic material
The structure of fronts and rears has created a more
to the Bouvier gene pool. Any time you do a breeding
“generic” looking Bouvier, with some loss of breed origin
you are adding and subtracting with hopes of landing
in order to get the more common outline that judges are
that one puppy that has it all, which only happens in our
comfortable with. The change in head carriage due to
mind. The sire always gets more attention because it is
shorter upper arm or lack of good return of upper arm
mostly who we see, however, a good breeding program
and/or the more angulated rear assembly driving a front
begins with strong dams. The “de la Thudinie” dogs made
that compensates by lifting the head above the desired
huge impact on the breed in the ‘50s and ‘60s (Argus,
“herding dog” level in order to maintain balance and
Job), ‘70s and ‘80s, Am/Ber/Du/Can Ch Dayan Claudia
allowing forward motion. Excessive speed provides a look
v Hagenbeek (50 breedings), Am Ch Iboef Darwin v h
of ground covering action when in fact the dog is working
Grendarcohof (21 breedings), Am/Can Ch Quiche’s Nite
very hard and going nowhere. Are these changes good…
Ryder (22 breedings), Am/Can Ch Quiche’s Gabriel (23
IMHO not necessarily so, we are losing breed specific
breedings), Am/Can Ch Quiche’s Geoffrey (30 breedings),
type. Bouviers do not move like Afghans or Standard
Am Ch Galbraith’s Ironeyes (31 breedings), Am Ch
Poodles. Bouviers are a SQUARE breed of moderate
Galbraith’s Moonwalker (20 breedings), the ‘90s, Am/
angulation, the longer loin allows for flashy side gait,
Can/Int Ch Aristes Hot Shot (31 breedings), Am/Can/
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Du/Int Ch Leevy Astra le Petite Colline IPO I, AD.DTS KAMP VDH Ch JW.’90 (54 breedings), Am/Can Ch TrustDusty v d Vanenblikhoeve (24 nreedings), Am/Can Ch Quiche’s Some Like It Hot (43 nreedings), there are many, many others who made an impact on the Bouvier we see today. (Note stats are taken from Breed Stud books (U.S. and Canada) so may vary depending if litters were registered and if repeat breeding was done. All of these sires made an impact on the breed as did the dams they were bred to. For my breeding program, Am/Can/Du/Int Ch Leevy Astra le Petite Colline IPO I, AD.DTS KAMP VDH Ch JW.’90; Am/Can Ch Quiche’s Some Like It Hot; Am/ Can Ch Quiche’s Nite Ryder; Ch Barbu’s Wind Dancer and Am.Can Ch. Chewbacca’s Force Bwith Barbu, had the strong impact. Who do you believe to be the greatest dog in your breed that you have ever seen – for their time? Am Ch Iboef Darwin v h Grendarcohof.
Over the years and even currently the sharing of Bouvier stories and breeding information continues to be a learning experience. I have been fortunate to work
Am/Can Ch Quiche’s Nite Ryder.
with several good breeders over the years, my Bouvier
Who have been your greatest mentors?
Johnson (Rocheuse), Mark and Patte Klecan (Bedrock), Pat
When it came to dogs in general there were, and still are, many, Gary MacDonald and Susan Hillman, were very good dog people and I had the opportunity to spend time with both. Lorna Jackson, Eve Whitmore, Heather Logan, Jim Campbell, Virginia Lyne, Pat Laurans, Honey Glendinning, all have their own perspectives on dogs and I always learned something in our conversations together. My introduction to the Bouvier was with Erik Houttuin, I thank him for introducing me to this wonderful breed.
family, Ray Waterman (Jenarae), Doug and Michaelanne Kaartinen (Amadee), William Miller (Glennmiller), Serge Bilodeau (Boyero). There are many other breeders as well that have shared their knowledge over the years, my list is endless, in one way or another all these people have contributed to my knowledge about Bouviers. I thank all of them. I am still learning and hope I always will, you should never close the book. What do you feel has been your greatest contribution to this breed?
Over the years I have had the fortune of learning and
I do judges education for the Canadian Club, as well
working with many wonderful breeders. Some had
as a mentor for the American National club. I open my
different visions and goals for their Bouviers, however,
door to anyone that wants to learn, be it a new Bouvier
just listening and understanding their points of view
owner, judges or a long-time breeder, exchanging ideas
taught me everyone has something to share and we all
is valuable to me and to the person asking me questions.
have the same passion, we love our Bouviers. In the early
I feel being very diligent with my breeding program is
years, Paul and Pauline DeRyke, (Bolshoy) David Westra,
also a contribution to this breed. Barbu was never a large
(Hollandia), Christine Paquette, later Elaine and Louise
producing Bouvier kennel, therefore I worked with many
Paquette, (Quiche) they all gave me food for thought.
different breeders as a team, working together, I had one
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litter a year and sometimes none. I wanted good dogs
Bouvier has reach and drive for a square breed, covers
not many dogs, we did well over the years producing
ground with a purpose, is powerful, able to be a
quality not quantity. It is easier to find a good dog when
formidable force, of strong character, head carriage is
you have many puppies each year to choose from. It is a
that of a herding dog, (not as low as a Border Collie, but
much harder challenge when you need to choose a good
not carried up like a Poodle).
dog in limited number of litters. I did not have a large facility – therefore every breeding was well thought out be it at my house or with a co-breeder. Most importantly, my involvement with the Bouvier Health Foundation, without healthy dogs eventually we will have no dogs. It is an ongoing endeavor. The end result I strive for is a happy, healthy puppy that conforms as close to the ideal which is expressed in the Bouvier des Flandres Breed Standard. Overall my contributions to this breed were producing good, sound, healthy dogs, plus maintain my open door policy.
Hair hides a lot, examine Bouviers with two hands and get under the coat to feel the true structure. What advice could you provide to judges as being the most important and least important characteristics of this breed? Important points: powerfully built, short-coupled, rough coated, impression of great strength resolute and fearless character. Short squatty neck is faulty. The shoulder blade and humerus are approximately the same length, forming an angle slightly greater than 90 degrees when standing. Steep shoulders are faulty. The whole of the Bouvier des Flandres must be
Do you believe that the judges judging your breed
harmoniously proportioned to allow for a free, bold
today have a firm understanding of your breed?
and proud gait. It is the entire picture not just bits and
As with all breeds some judges understand the essence of the Bouvier, while others do not and therefore go with
pieces. Square, powerful, and moderate are used in the standard many times.
who is advertising the most. Having said that, judges can
Movement is with a purpose. Bouviers should resemble
only judge what is presented to them, some breeders
movement of a square dog not that of an Afghan. Long
are presenting dogs that are more generic in breed type
body, short legs are serious faults. Reach and drive are
(to be more competitive in group rings) and thus losing
important with follow-through on the rear assemble
some of the qualities of the breed … mainly square, short
with no waste of movement. Excessive lift of fronts or
back (more and more Bouviers are presented with longer
kick up in rear is incorrect.
loins as this affords the floating side gait as seen in other breeds which call for this type of gait, it is pretty and is awarded). However, Bouviers should move as a square breed, with a purpose, with good reach and drive, with
Least important – colour. Is the depth in quality stronger in dogs or bitches?
moderate front and rear angulation, good return of upper
At our national specialty, quality is in the bitches with a
arm, no front lift or rear kick.
few very good males. In general I think the bitches are
In as few words as possible, describe the essence of your breed. Think of a cutting horse, square, short back, moderate
stronger than the males. Are there any heredity or health concerns one should be aware of when purchasing a dog in this breed?
angulation, balanced, powerful, muscular, calm, light on
Yes we are a CHIC breed, we do testing for hip dysplasia,
feet, good neck, agile … has a purpose in movement.
elbow dysplasia, CERF (eyes) and heart for SAS.
68 Canadian Dog Fancier
BREEDERS Forum
Bouviers are in the text books as a breed predisposed
in the past a Bouvier with a professional handler was
to glaucoma. We are therefore working to find a DNA
a rarity. Today more than ever it is thought that if you
marker, however, so far no luck. We are seeing more
wish to compete beyond best of breed you need
allergy dogs (itchy dog syndrome) in certain lines, as
a professional – just remember that a professional
well as hypothyroid. Cancer is also seen in Bouviers,
handler’s biggest fear is a confident owner/handler with
lymphomas and mast cell. Deafness is also showing up
a good dog! And contrary to popular belief most judges
in Bouviers, it is very easily missed as owners view the dog as stubborn or as having selective hearing. I am hearing of more and more deafness showing up in litters sometimes not picked up until they are adults.
will find a good dog. Unfortunately sometimes average dogs with handlers may also become winners. Without proper knowledge of the breed standard this can be detrimental to the Bouviers future.
How do the dogs in Canada compare to other countries? Canadian Bouviers are very good. In Canada there are a number of very good breeders that produce exceptional dogs. At the American National, Canadian Bouviers always do very well and it is a number of different Canadian breeders right across Canada, East to West … go Canada! Final thoughts? Right now the entire purebred dog world has an uncertain future. As for the Bouvier’s future it is also in question mainly due to the fact we do not see many new faces in our breed. The show entries are decreasing for various reasons. In the last few years the number of Bouviers in the ring has decreased significantly, there are now many shows that have zero Bouviers entered. The lack of finances to support this sport is generally the biggest factor. The quest to be the best means travel, advertizing, and lots and lots of money. Unfortunately this leaves many a good dog in the back yard because they cannot afford, nor do they think they can compete, with a professional handler that goes to shows every weekend. For some people dogs and dog shows are a business, for others it’s about a relationship with their special companion. They can have these relationships doing other things with their dogs like performance events or simply just owning a family pet. Bouviers have become more of a contender in Group/BIS competition,
Canadian Dog Fancier
69
BREEDERS Forum
Sonja van Maanen Indelible reg. Sunderland, Ontario
I’m a founding member of the Bouvier des Flandres Club of Canada and North American Working Bouvier Association, I am a life member of the CKC and also a member of several other Bouviers clubs around the world.
Tell us about yourself. My parents started in Bouviers in 1959 before I was born
Over the years have you seen many changes within the breed?
in Holland. They stopped breeding when we arrived in
Over the years I have seen so much change in this breed
Canada in 1974. But I continued on with those same
– from health to temperament to size.
lines (van Dafzicht and van de Ouden Dijk) just after I moved out at 17. Indelible Bouviers was registered in 1983 with the CKC.
Breeders have become more aware of health issues and have started to test for hips, elbows, heart and eyes. Using only dogs that pass these tests is a start to
Over the years only breeding a litter every other year or
producing puppies that will live pass it’s eighth or ninth
so I have kept to 100 percent Dutch lines. Which I still
birthday. Temperaments are alway a going concern
do to this day.
to any good breeder. Over the years a softer Bouvier
I’ve always kept involved with the breed in showing, obedience, schutzhund, and temperament testing.
has come to light. Though 95 percent of all Bouviers live in a family home –they should still have a Bouvier temperament. Size to me has become a problem – bigger is NOT better! Who do you believe to be the greatest dog in your breed? If I were to pick one dog that I feel has been the greatest dog in our breed I would say Dutch Ch.Spencer Jordina vd Boevers Garden IPO 111 (born March 8, 1984.) A male bred from both working and show lines. A stunning dog … and a wonderful temperment. He is in many pedigrees both in Europe and North America. If I had to incorporate just one dog into my breeding program I think it would still be Spencer. I have his lines way back but to use him now in my lines would strengthen the type that I have worked so hard to keep.
70 Canadian Dog Fancier
BREEDERS Forum
What has been your greatest contribution to the breed? As for my greatest contribution I would say that after 30-plus years I have provided many families with a member of most wonderful breed. We all love the pleasure of winning that big win, but I still enjoy seeing the faces of those who have received a puppy from me and have come back to me for their next Bouvier. Do judges today have a firm understanding our breed? On to the subject of judges – it is just sad that judges are forgetting what the Bouvier was meant to do. They are a herding dog. I see way to many dogs that are long in back and over angulated. Yes pretty and showy – but not correct. There are dogs out there that are square and are moderately angulated that can work all day and still be a show dog. Just real sad. Saying that I have noticed that Europe has also started to lose some type. The Russian kennels are master groomers and have changed the total look of the dog. One judge at the world show told me that they are looking like poodles. Greatest mentor? Thinking back about mentors – there are a few – Gary MacDonald. Though not a breeder, he told me the truth about one of my dogs 30 plus years ago and his honesty was something no one was willing to tell me. Then
Canadian Dog Fancier
71
BREEDERS Forum
there was Jane Saunders (Ursa reg.) a dear friend that got me into the world of things I can do with my Bouviers. Dr. Eric Houttuin (Flandresfield reg.), a true friend, Cor Valintijn (Lage Banken), to which I can’t thank enough. All of these mentors are long gone and there are days I would love to pick up the phone and shoot the BS! Final thoughts? Time has given me a better understanding of this wonderfull breed “Dirty Bread” as we call them … and I would not ever change that about them! c
Your Success... is our Business!
Chantal Villeneuve
P.O. Box 123 Arden, ON K0H 1K0 T 613-314-2816 | F 613-335-4387 deandennisphotography@gmail.com www.deandennisphotography.com 72 Canadian Dog Fancier
HEALTH
&
genetics
By Dr. Jamie Rothenburger
Vomiting Dogs best treated early before dangerous side effects such as severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalances develop. Seeing your family veterinarian during regular office hours will usually be less expensive and time consuming than rushing into an afterhours emergency clinic. Vomiting vs. Regurgitation It is important to distinguish between vomiting and regurgitation, as these have vastly different causes. Your Shadow presented four days before Christmas. The Border Collie had been vomiting for a day and was starting to show signs of dehydration. I checked him over head-to-toe and questioned his owners, but could find no obvious reason for the vomiting. My technician and I took Xrays of his abdomen and I noted some gas bubbles in his stomach and intestines, which is not that unusual. Luckily for Shadow, I didn’t see items that shouldn’t be there, so-called foreign bodies. After a quick blood test to check his level of dehydration, I hooked him up to intravenous fluids and administered some medication to reduce the vomiting. A one-time vomit, such as after a dog chows down on some green grass, is usually not a cause for concern. Vomiting more than once a day or if your dog won’t eat or is lethargic are all reasons your dog should see a veterinarian. Other red flags include blood in vomit (it can look like coffee grounds if partially-digested), diarrhea and bloating of the abdomen. This is an instance when “wait and see” could have serious consequences. Vomiting can be a serious sign of illness and it is
74 Canadian Dog Fancier
veterinarian will ask questions to help determine which one your animal is doing. Vomiting is an “active” process that can occur at any time. Drooling or licking prior to the episode followed by heaving, retching and abdominal contractions to expel the food, bile and fluid are characteristic. In contrast, regurgitation is a “passive” process, without heaving or drooling and is most likely to occur following a meal. The regurgitated material is typically undigested food. Take note of when, what, and how your dog vomits so you can communicate this to your veterinarian. At the Vet As mentioned above, clinical signs in addition to vomiting can include lack of appetite and energy, dehydration, and sometimes listlessness. Physical examination findings include dehydration, which is indicated by a skin elasticity test, capillary refill time and heart rate. Abdominal pain may be present and sometimes, foreign bodies can be felt. Fever may or may not be present, depending on the cause. Several tests are performed at the veterinary clinic to help
HEALTH
&
genetics
determine the cause of vomiting. Blood work can indicate the severity of dehydration, determine if there is inflammation and measure electrolytes. It is also an important method for diagnosing underlying systemic illness. Abdominal Xrays can show abnormal placement of organs (such as twisted intestines), gas, and some foreign materials (especially metal, bone and rock). Causes of Vomiting There are many reasons why dogs vomit, ranging from motion sickness to severe systemic illness. Puppies and young dogs are notorious for eating objects they shouldn’t, such as toys. These foreign materials can lodge in the stomach or intestines, which prevents food from passing along. This back-up leads to vomiting and severe electrolyte abnormalities. Depending on the size and location, these items can be removed one of two ways, both requiring anesthesia. First, an endoscope (thin, tube-line instrument with a camera and grasping tools), can be passed down the esophagus and used to removing small
Liver disease, kidney failure, and diabetes are among many systemic conditions that can lead to vomiting, which is why blood work is usually performed to help rule in or rule out these causes.
objects. The second option involves surgery. The abdomen is
Inflammation of the pancreas, termed pancreatitis, can cause
opened, the foreign material located and removed from where
dogs to vomit. Often associated with a high fat meal, the
it is lodged. If a foreign object has been in the same location for
enzymes normally secreted by the pancreas into the intestine
a long time, it can cut off the blood flow to that portion to the
to aid in digestion begin to digest the pancreas tissue instead.
gut. This can lead life-threatening complications: perforation
This is a serious, painful condition that requires treatment and
and leakage of digesta into the abdomen. Damaged segments of the intestine are often removed along with the foreign material during surgery to prevent this. If rupture has already occurred, the abdomen can be flushed to remove as much foreign material as possible and the damaged gut repaired.
long-term preventative measures. Treating Vomiting Treatment plans depend on the particular cause of vomiting in each case. In instances where the dog is healthy and only
Another common reason dogs vomit is ingestion of rotten
vomited once, food can be withheld for half a day. Bland food
or other offensive food items such as garbage. Certain types
such as boiled meat and plain rice can be offered in small
of food irritate the stomach, cause inflammation and lead to
amounts every couple hours and if the dog still doesn’t vomit,
vomiting. Treatment is generally supportive and resolution
then normal dog food can be given in small amounts. In more
usually quick.
severe cases, intravenous fluids, antibiotics, antiemetics
Several infectious diseases can lead to vomiting including worms and canine distemper virus. Parvovirus infection in unvaccinated or improperly vaccinated puppies and dogs can
(medications that reduces vomiting and nausea) or special food may be prescribed. Systemic illnesses need to be treated if identified.
lead to both vomiting and diarrhea. This disease is serious and
As for Shadow, he perked up on intravenous fluids and did not
can rapidly kill dogs without treatment.
vomit after the first day in the clinic. After two days, he was
Dogs even get their own version of inflammatory bowl disease, which leads to chronic vomiting. Systemic Causes of Vomiting
eating small amounts of bland food and drinking on his own. He went home to celebrate the holidays with his family. Although I never did learn the exact cause of his illness, I suspect he helped himself to a few too many Christmas goodies. c Canadian Dog Fancier
75
BOH PRO Profile
Emily BURDON Why did you choose handling as a career? I consider handling dogs to be my passion! I am naturally very competitive and a bit of a perfectionist in ways! I find it very rewarding taking a dog, perhaps I don’t know at all or perhaps is a little uncomfortable with the whole thing, and making a connection with him or her in the ring. I want to bring out the best in the dogs I take into the ring. I also enjoy the grooming aspect of it all! It’s amazing to take a dog and literally transform it into the dog I think the judges want to see! Some people grasp the art of grooming and presentation and some don’t! I truly believe grooming is all about the appearance of balance, on the stack and moving! A good knowledge of structure and type can help on that aspect. Do you have a favourite breed or group? I have many different breeds that I enjoy showing or working with, and it’s funny but usually I can’t say the breeds I love to show the most are the ones I’d want to live with! The herding dogs have a strong place in my heart. My How long have you been a professional handler?
mother has always had German Shepherds growing up. I love the herding dogs drive and intelligence, as well as
I’ve been involved in dog shows my whole life! Ever since
their strength and agility! Some of my favourite breeds to
I could crawl around I’ve had an immediate connection
show are Australian Shepherds, GSDs, Belgians, and also
to animals! My father, Graeme, being a professional
a lot of the sporting and working breeds. The elegance of
handler himself introduced me into this world at a very
the Setters – the playfulness of Golden Retrievers! The
young age. I started out in junior handling and was quite
regalness of Dobermans and Boxers – every breed and
successful! I represented my home province of Quebec
every individual dog has their own personalities that I love!
four times at the national competition. Bringing home a fourth, third, reserve and a first. This allowed me to
Did you grow up “in dogs”?
represent Canada at Crufts at the international junior
Yes I did. Like I said I have always been involved in dogs. I
handling competition, from which I proudly brought
started in peewee as a junior handler and haven’t missed
home second place! I only technically started showing
a beat yet! Eventually I’d like to start breeding. Perhaps
“professionally” once I aged out of juniors at 18. So that
Australian Shepherds as they’ve always held a soft spot in
would be seven years!
my heart!
76 Canadian Dog Fancier
BOH PRO Profile
What is your favourite bait? Before every show I always cook up beef liver, pork sirloin, steak, and sometimes sausages and chicken! Sometimes I have picky baiters. I need to carry around a smorgasbord in my pocket! Do you have any superstitions or rituals? I’m quite superstitious. I try to wear the same elastics if they’re “lucky”. If a number isn’t winning I rip it up and get a new one! I don’t like knots in my leashes! Usually I basically follow the same routine every day. I like to be the one grooming and prepping my dogs before the shows, it feels like it’s out of my hand if I don’t do it myself (the perfectionist in me)! If you could not be a professional handler, what would you like to do? Hmmm… I would love to be involved in horses! I’m not sure exactly what, but something in the field! I could also get into dog show photography! I’m quite artistic … although I know there’s not much career in that, unless I went into graphic arts or something! Are you a breeder – and do you have dogs of your own? No, I’ve yet to own a dog of my own!! What was your worst/best day ever in the ring? Worst moments – well I’m always rolling my ankles – so whenever that happens it’s usually a bad day! One of the best moments I’ve had in the ring was winning the American Flatcoat National many years ago. I sat and watched the Swedish breeder judge over the past few days and could totally follow and respect what he was putting up! To be awarded BISS with an entry over 600 was very special to me. I really had a lot of fun showing that dog AM/CAN CH. Lightfoot’s Sugar on Snow “Ethan”! Also winning my first BIS in the U.S. with a German Shepherd under Michelle Billings was pretty cool! What is your favorite book or movie? I don’t really read much … I should more. I have a short attention span and usually don’t end up finishing what I start! I enjoy a lot of different movies.
78 Canadian Dog Fancier
BOH PRO Feature Profile
What is your favourite food? That’s one of the perks to eating out at dog shows! I’ve had the opportunity to try many different types of cuisine I probably wouldn’t even know about if I wasn’t travelling so much! I love sushi, Indian, Mexican, and Italian – pretty much everything! Love spicy food! Do you prefer indoor or outdoor shows? No question – outdoor shows! For the space, the footing, usually I’m showing big dogs which love to move outdoors! They feel more comfortable, I don’t even mind when it rains! Makes it interesting! Do you prefer camping or hotels? I usually always stay in hotels. I like when somebody else makes my bed, and of course long hot showers! But it is nice to have the comfort of a motorhome or trailer right there at the show! What is your client pet peeve? Clients that don’t believe in their dogs, or that aren’t confident in their handlers. What would you like to see change at dog shows? Less shows! This would encourage more people to attend. I think they should allow post entries (like in ASCA shows. If someone shows up at the show with a dog they can enter in the morning. The clubs could charge more than a regular entry. I know I was frustrated many times wishing I had a specific dog entered that weekend or day! I think this could encourage revenue! Also I think it’s crazy that you need to be there one hour before the start of the show to move up or change an entry – 30 minutes is sufficient like at AKC shows! What is your favourite show? I will always love the SD&G shows in Long Sault, Ontario, a beautiful space! I attended the Alberta KC shows this year at Spruce Meadows and that has to be one of the best. So much opportunity. My favourite indoor show would have to be Club Canin Chomedy in Quebec, it’s in a huge soccer plex covered in turf, it’s wide open, easily accessible and huge rings! One of the best shows in Quebec, and all of Canada! If you won the lottery tomorrow, would you still handle dogs? I would. I would maybe travel and handle dogs all over the world. I love it!
c
Canadian Dog Fancier
79
BOH Profile
Cathy Cinnamon cinnakees Is this your original breed? Yes, Keeshond is the breed we started out with; we added a Belgian Sheepdog and also bred Pomeranians. Now I am down to four Keeshond and one Pom. Why is this the breed for you? I love the temperament of the dogs. They are loyal and very smart. Where does your kennel name come from? My kennel name is my last name and the breed. Do you have a mentor? Definitely yes, I feel it is very important, it helped me learn and grow as a breeder and exhibitor. I had a few of mentors. I think this is one of the problems with a lot of the people I see in dogs today, they don’t have someone that has been in their breed for a long period of time helping them. When I think back, we were fortunate to have the Wally Jacobs and Jim Kilganons to mentor us. The new people in dogs don’t have that opportunity. How do you choose your “stars”? I sit on the floor and watch the puppies from the time they are born until it is time for them to go to their new homes. I have a puppy party to see if others see the same things as I do. I think you also have to have an eye for a dog and know what a good one in your breed looks like at different stages. Did you grow up in “dogs”? No, I did not grow up in dogs – I always wanted one. I got a dog when I was in junior high school – a mixed breed. Do you have any rituals or superstitions?
80 Canadian Dog Fancier
BOH Feature Profile
I keep all the armbands that my dogs have won Best in Shows or High in Trials within my tack box. The same number has come up a few times. What is your favourite bait? Chris has favourite, it is called food. He loves Superstore chicken hot dogs. Do you have a judge pet peeve? A judge not paying attention to the dogs in the ring, or when they send them around and then don’t watch them. Worst day/best day ever in the ring? Our kennel has had many exciting days, to pick one is hard. A favourite was at a Pomeranian Canadian National, our dogs won Best of Breed, Award of Merit, Best Puppy, Best of Opposite and Winners Female. We had three dogs entered. I gave my class female and puppy special to juniors to show. Our first homebred Best In Show winner, he was from our first litter. Can’t think of a worst day, but there have been disappointments. What is your favourite dog show? As a spectator that would be Westminster, not great for dogs, but electric to watch. Do you prefer indoor shows or outdoor? I love the outdoors if the weather is good. The dogs have better traction, more room to move in the rings. The coats always look better under natural light. The social aspect of the shows is more fun at outdoor shows. More people hang around to watch. Do you prefer camping or hotels? I love camping. c Canadian Dog Fancier
81
Are Docking and Cropping Bans
Really for Animal Welfare?
T
he majority of ethical, responsible breeders in
injuries. The investigated group consisted of 44 litters, 299
Canada strongly oppose the actions that have been
individual dogs. In the autumn of 1991 when the dogs were
pushed along under the banner of animal welfare,
two to two and half years old, 35 percent of the dogs had
and are at a loss as to why Canadian Veterinarian
suffered from tail injuries.”
Association leaders feel justified selecting certain routine procedures out of the many preventative procedures that veterinarians perform and try to deem them as unethical. Cropping ears, docking tails and removing troublesome dew claws from certain breeds are no more inhumane than
Research also shows that ear cropping, rather than jeopardizing the welfare of the breed, actually prevents future ear problems as well as giving the dog the added ability to do its intended job more proficiently.
spay/neuter, removing warts and cysts, cherry eye surgery,
“An un-cropped ear is easily wounded, and ear wounds will
debarking, declawing and many other accepted surgeries that
bleed heavily. If a working dog ends up being dragged down
veterinarians do.
by his own ears, and/or blinded by its own blood from an ear
With so much information coming forward about the damage done to a dog when spay or castration is performed it truly bemuses me that there is still so much push by veterinary
wound, that dog is put at a serious disadvantage, its ability to perform may be compromised, and the dog itself may be endangered.”
associations to alter dogs before puberty while at the same
Most docked and cropped breeds are working or performance
time pushing the idea that docking, cropping or dew claw
animals. They have the right to exist and flourish and owners
removal is an act of cruelty unless it is done after damage has
have the right to expect professional veterinary care for them.
occurred. I have seen posters full of misinformation in vet
Refusing to provide care for their unique veterinary needs goes
waiting rooms and posted by veterinarian associations online.
against what animal welfare is.
What is the hidden agenda that is pushing for these bans by using misinformation and propaganda? We vaccinate to prevent disease, we neuter to prevent unwanted pregnancy, we de-claw to prevent furniture damage: but to dock, crop or remove dew claws to prevent injury that has empirical evidence that injury will occur to many of these breeds
Many countries that have banned their veterinarians from performing these procedures followed by law changes to make these procedures illegal are now looking at reversing these laws. Governments are waking up, realizing that disallowing these procedures is not in the interest of the animals that they thought they were ‘protecting’.
becomes something that is touted as an act of cruelty and needs to be stopped in the name of animal welfare? Where is
“In Belgium the congress of the European Parliament organized
the logic?
a petition/request calling for a legally annul all the countries
Refusing access to good veterinary care for breeds that require
kupirovka on terms that will be a professional doctor with general
these routine procedures will inevitably bring harm and pain
anesthesia and without causing pain to an animal, meaning
to many of their futures. European studies in countries that
legally annul the law for the sake of aesthetics and beauty.”
have had the bans in place long enough to gather information have shown that certain breeds of dogs like the GSP need to be docked to spare them the pain and suffering of constant tail injury and amputation at a later age.
of the European Union ban on kupirovku tails and ears of dogs
Some countries have exempted service dogs and working breeds clearly demonstrating that these procedures truly do both protect the dog and allow it to do its intended job more proficiently. Since these bans have gone into effect gene pools
“In the autumn of 1990 when the dogs were one to one and
have shrunk and many breeders have simply quit breeding
a half years old, 27 percent of the dogs had suffered from tail
rather than produce a puppy that is very likely to sustain
82 Canadian Dog Fancier
damage due to the bylaws of their veterinary associations or
breeds. The three most popular breeds in the working group
laws of their country. Some traditionally docked/cropped
have suffered the greatest losses: Boxer’s down 43 percent,
breeds face the threat of extinction in some countries that
Doberman’s down 45 percent and the Rottweiler is down 64
have adopted the activist’s opinion of these once-routine
percent”.
procedures.
These breeds didn’t naturally become less popular. This change
“In the United Kingdom between 2007 and 2012 registrations
was forced upon breeders and has caused some breeds that
decreased drastically, a total loss of 10,767. A staggering 83
were once very popular to slide right down to the bottom of
percent of the total losses were traditionally docked or cropped
registration lists, some to the brink of extinction. How does Canadian Dog Fancier
83
animal welfare include wiping out a complete sub-species? CVMA has finally posted some reference material for their position statement condemning these procedures as
these procedures before we find ourselves in the same boat as those in European countries; with fewer healthy puppies for pet owners from health tested lines. Docking
cruel and purely cosmetic. With 13 references listed, one
and cropping bans are not a case for animal welfare, but an
would think they have really researched this. I took the
opinion put forward by animal activists.
time to read all that could be found and am amazed that professional people can believe that these references are enough to push Canadians to support these bans. Is the CVMA expecting or hoping that no one will actually take
Sincerely Joanne Scott
the time to read these? All references are listed at the
Vice President of RRCD – a volunteer organization made
bottom of this article.
up of breed clubs, breeders, pet owners and veterinarians
1) All references pertain to the docking of tails, none address cropping of ears. 2) One reference is outdated and is only relevant to 2007.
dedicated to retaining rights of breeders and the preservation of purebred dogs. References: http://www.cdb.org/countries/sweden.htm
3) Incredibly, the ‘professional’ who wrote this paper seems to inaccurately compare the nervous systems of a neonatal puppy, whose nervous system is not fully developed at birth to a piglet or lamb that is born with all nervous systems intact. He also readily states that there are no studies to back up his opinions. 4) Two are merely Breed Standard pages from the Australian Kennel Council and England’s Kennel Club. 5) The study that is stated as reference (Risk factors for tail injuries in dogs in Great Britain) even states “The present study suggests that dogs that are docked are less likely to sustain a tail injury. This supports the findings of the study conducted by Houlton (2008).” 6) Another is a study of ‘dog communication’ using a robot dog to make their case. I am pretty sure that most dogs can readily tell the difference between a robot and a real dog and there are so many other factors that go into dog communication that this study is not something that should be cited in support of any canine decision let alone one that is so important to docked dogs. 7) Many of the stated references cannot be read by nonveterinarians or are not available at all. Breeders and owners of docked and cropped breeds in Canada do not want to wait 10 or more years witnessing the decimation of gene pools, loss of good healthy lines, and loss of great ethical and responsible breeders due to activist driven views for our country to wake up. Canadians need to wake up now and stop being naïve about the realities of the real agenda that is pushing for these bans. Do some research and rethink your stand on
84 Canadian Dog Fancier
https://www.lapetition.be/list_signs.php?petid=5389&page=1 http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/dulux-dog-put-on-endangeredlist-1404279 http://www.abouttimecanecorso.com/CropDock.html CVMA references: 1. CVMA (2004). Veterinarians Oath. Availableat:www. canadianveterinarians.net/about-veterinary-medicine/oath.aspx <http://www.canadianveterinarians.net/about-veterinary-medicine/ oath.aspx> Last accessed April 03, 2013. 2. CVMA (2007). Tail Alteration of Horses - Position Statement. Available at: www. canadianveterinarians.net/documents/tail-alteration-of-horses <http://www.canadianveterinarians.net/documents/tail-alterationof-horses> Last accessed April 03 2013. 3. CVMA (2010). Tail Docking in Dairy Cattle - Position Statement. Available at: www. canadianveterinarians.net/documents/tail-docking-of-dairy-cattle <http://www.canadianveterinarians.net/documents/tail-dockingof-dairy-cattle> Last accessed April 03, 2013. 4. Crook, A. 2001. Cosmetic Surgery in North America and Latin America. Proceedings of World Small Animal Veterinary Association: 54-55. 5. Lefebvre, D., Lipps, D. Giffroy, J.M. The European Convention for the Protection of Pet Animals and tail docking in dogs. www.health.belgium.be/ internet2Prd/groups/public/@public/@dg4/@animalsplants/ documents/ie2divers/17880716.pdf <http://www.health.belgium. be/internet2Prd/groups/public/@public/@dg4/@animalsplants/ documents/ie2divers/17880716.pdf> Last accessed March 25, 2013.6.www.ankc.org.au/breed_details.aspx?=137 <http:// www.ankc.org.au/breed_details.aspx?=137> Last accessed March25,2013.7. www.thekennelclub.org.uk/breedstandards <http:// www.thekennelclub.org.uk/breedstandards> Last accessed March 25, 2013. 8. Diesel,G, Pfeiffer,D, Cripsin, S., Brodbent,D. Risk factors for tail injuries in dogs in Great Britain, Veterinary Record (2010) 166(26):812-817.9. Bennett,P.C, and Perini,E (2003), Tail docking in dogs: a review of the issues. Australian Veterinary Journal 81:208-218. 10. Wansbrough, R.K. (1996) Cosmetic tail docking of dogs. Australian Veterinary Journal; 74:59-63. 11. Gross, T. L., Carr, S.H. (1990) Amputation neuroma of docked tails in dogs. Veterinary Pathology; 27:61-62. 12. Noonan, G. J., Rand, J. S., Blackshaw, J.K. , Priest, J. (1996) Behavioural observations of puppies undergoing tail docking. Applied Animal Behaviour Science; 49:335-342. 13. Leaver, S.D.A. and T.E.Reimchen. 2007. Behavioural Responses of Canis familiaris to different tail lengths by a remotely-controlled life-sized dog replica. Behaviour (145): 377-390. c
No polish, but plenty of spray-paint by Lee Connor
I
t’s a subject guaranteed to provoke a storm of response,
a shocking thing. Residents have found dog mess (which is
so it’s no great surprise to see the perennial problem of
very harmful to children) in playgrounds.”
“dog turd” once again raising its ugly head in the media. Recently, Rochford Council announced that it was
Now I’m quite sure that the ‘experts’ involved in thinking up these schemes will have reams of facts and figures
going to tackle the problem by giving the poo deposited
that prove their effectiveness but basing a campaign on
on its streets ‘the Essex spray tan treatment’ by spraying
‘shocking owners’ is hardly going to have an effect on the
it a tangerine shade of bright orange. It is hoped that
riff-raff who allow their dogs to foul our streets and parks.
the bizarre project will shock owners who fail to pick up
They just aren’t going to feel the levels of remorse and
after their pets into changing their bad habits. The press
shame these councils expect them to feel. Most of them
proclaimed it as a ‘novel experiment’ but, of course, dog
couldn’t care less and, given the prevalence of graffiti in
owners know different.
this country, I’m sure quite a few would feel proud that
A town near to where I live attempted a similar stunt back in 2010 but their colour of choice was a dark Phthalo green (which I thought was a rather strange choice for faeces
their irresponsible actions had been further enlivened and brought to the attention of others with touches of vivid pink, orange or blue.
deposited on parkland) and they also had high hopes that
If a sign warning of a £1,000 fine isn’t going to stop dog
the ‘shock value’ would persuade errant dog owners to
fouling, do you really think a splash of paint will? What we
‘pick up’.
really need to do is to stop wasting taxpayers’ money on
On a recent trip to the town it was clearly evident that the headline-grabbing gimmick hadn’t worked as one had to assume moves that would make any ballet star envious simply to avoid stepping in the many doggy deposits. Shocking owners However, obvious past failures haven’t stopped councils up and down the country from adopting this novel stance and spray-painting dog poo. For example, West Dunbartonshire and Mansfield councils are spraying their dog excrement a ‘shocking pink’ and Dorset has chosen a shade of bright blue – maybe to coincide with the Cinema release of the latest Smurfs movie? Over in Eastbourne they are even sticking little ‘poo alert’ flags into their dog mess. Bristol Council recently provoked controversy by displaying a poster that depicted a child eating ‘dog mess’ next to the words, ‘children will put anything in their mouths’. A spokeswoman said: “The idea behind the poster is to shock because dog owners not cleaning up after their animals is
86 Canadian Dog Fancier
futile gestures (whose only guarantee seems to be getting the name of the council using them onto the pages of the Daily Mail) and actually pay someone a decent wage to survey these areas where dog fouling is prevalent and then hit the offender with an on-the-spot fine – just as is done with those people who park illegally or those who speed. A few high-profile cases appearing in the media would have far more effect than paying people to wander around spray-painting dog poo a garish array of colours.
A similar tactic could also be applied to those whose actions make me apoplectic with rage. I’m talking of those idiots who pick up after their dog, go through the motions of neatly wrapping it in a plastic bag and then feel its perfectly acceptable to leave the bag on the pavement or even worse – tied to a branch! What kind of demented fool would do such a thing? Obviously these people’s mindless actions have also irked some councils as ‘innovative’ ways have been dreamt up to tackle this modern day menace. Tied to trees In Todmorden, British Waterways decorated a tree with dozens of poo-filled plastic bags to highlight the problem of the strange folk who pick up after their pet and then think it’s perfectly acceptable to throw the bag into or tie
There is no denying the health risk posed by dog faeces, but it is interesting that the cat and the fox (and their deposits) do not come in for anywhere near the level of hysteria apportioned to the dog.
them onto bushes and trees. I recently visited a church on
All too often when such stories appear in the tabloids it is
Exmoor where the trustees had written a message asking
viewed as the dog owner versus the non dog owner. This
people not “to bag it and leave it” but to either bag it and
isn’t correct because the vast majority of dog owners view
take it with them or to leave it unbagged for “nature to take
dog fouled streets and parks with the same repulsion as
its course”. What a strange world we live in that people
any non dog owner. As in so many dog-related problems,
need to be told such things!
it’s the ignorant minority that threaten to deprive the
But, surely once again, the answer – especially in particular hotspots – is to set up surveillance, catch these people and then hit them hard with a hefty fine and, once you’ve done so, loudly publicise the fact. It does make me wonder why (given the level of public anger to dog fouling) nothing more concrete is ever done to address the problem. Most of them seem to just skirt
majority of the multitude of benefits that owning a dog can bring. If we are to avoid losing the use of public space for exercising our dogs, then it is in all our interests that these wilful dog fouling offenders are caught and punished. However, I would also like to see the same level of justice meted out to all of those who litter and pollute our cities, towns and countryside with their fast food packaging, bottles, dirty nappies and other carelessly discarded
around the issue allowing it to get worse and then, when
rubbish.
public anger boils over, bring in blanket bans. Contrary to
It always amazes me (I live in a very popular south coast
what others say, I believe that there most definitely is a conspiracy against dogs and dog ownership in this country and dog fouling is the very reason used as an excuse to ban them from beaches, parks and open spaces. I recently learned that to get a coveted ‘blue flag’ award for a resort’s beaches, dogs need to be banned from them during the holiday season.
resort) the level of vitriol and outrage that a single ‘dog turd’ discovered on the beach provokes (with letters of disgust filling the local paper), yet the mountains of discarded rubbish left behind on the beach by day trippers passes by with almost no comment. Did anyone hear in the national press about the half-tonne of litter collected from a World Heritage site over the course of two weekends in
With each dog poo story in the press comes the inevitable
early August?
clamour for ‘no dog zones’. I read one comment (that
If we are going to get serious about cleaning up our dirty
was very highly rated) that said he wanted “dogs banned from public parks, footpaths, sports fields and anywhere children are likely to be”. “This,” he claimed, “was the only
country, then let’s target ‘litter’ as a whole and not just single out the lazy dog owner for attack.
way to reduce the prevalence of disease passed on from
- See more at: http://www.dogworld.co.uk/product.
dog urine and faeces”.
php/100250#sthash.bppdvfcN.dpuf c
Canadian Dog Fancier
87
Dog Breeder: The New Mental Disorder By Susi Szeremy
W
hen I had a traditional 9-5 job, I found it tough
be water-cooler material because it’s important. Really
to keep up with all but the most significant of
important. It should chill the blood of every American with
current events. I worked all day, battled traffic
a pulse, but because dog fanciers have been the proverbial
to get home at night, threw together something
canaries in the coal mine for years, I suspect we should take
to eat, then fell into bed watching just enough TV to dull my brain so I could fall asleep. The next day, I did it all over again. Every day, I trusted the world not to blow itself up, and that
special notice. In a nutshell, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
was the extent of my political involvement: Trust.
(CMS) wants to require health care providers to include “social
These days, times are tough and people seem more tired to me
them to a patient’s records to public health departments.
than ever before. Those who are engaged in current events are
According to a solicitation posted by the Department of
getting numb from the seemingly daily deluge of revelations
Health and Human Services headed by Katherine Sebelius,
about government leaks, scandals or impasses, so I “get” why
the National Academy of Sciences has been commissioned to
the headline below didn’t garner more attention. It should have. In my view, the story behind the headline should
and behavioral” data in Electronic Health Records and link
study how best to add these factors to electronic health record reporting. The CMS, by the way, covers 100 million people through Medicare, Medicaid and the Children’s Hospital Insurance Program and is tasked with running the Affordable Care Act, euphemistically called “Obamacare.” The article falls in line with a New York Post article reporting that in addition to questions about behavior, health care providers are instructed to inquire about a patient’s sexual activity. Doctors and hospitals that don’t comply with the government’s electronic-health-records requirements forgo incentive payments, but starting in 2015, they’ll face financial penalties from Medicare and Medicaid if they don’t comply.
88 Canadian Dog Fancier
The agency believes that, “adding social and behavioral data to
seen by animal shelters. In 2012, a Center for Consumer
patients’ online records will improve health care.”
Freedom polls conducted by Opinion Research Corporation
Let’s put aside the obvious intrusion into our privacy. Put aside, too, that these requirements force a doctor to violate his or her Hippocratic oath to keep their patients’ records confidential.
found that 71 percent of Americans believe that HSUS is a pet-shelter umbrella group while 68 percent believe that HSUS gives most of its money to pet shelters – both incorrect. Only 3 of the 28 ads that HSUS ran on television contained
Focus, instead, on the scores of things you do in a week
a disclaimer that HSUS is independent from local humane
that could be reported as a “behavior.” We know it can’t be
societies, and ads that did have a disclaimer didn’t air very
ownership of a firearm. Section 2716 of the Affordable Care Act
often: Less than 100 airings, compared to more than 20,000
law bars the federal government from compelling doctors and
airings of ads with no disclaimer;
hospitals to ask if you own a gun because the NRA saw to this. Everything else is fair game: Knitting, rock climbing, collecting buttons, showing your dog….. And once “behaviors” have been identified, what determines if they’re normal or aberrant? If “normal” is defined by behavior of the majority of the population, dog fanciers are already in trouble just by doing the
PETA’s website: “Dogs across the country are dying because people choose to purchase animals from pet shops or breeders instead of adopting from animal shelters.” Note that they don’t distinguish substandard breeders from ethical, caring and responsible ones;
math since what proportion of the population, do you suppose,
From the Dog Breeders are Evil Facebook page: “Every breeder
defines itself as a “dog fancier,” let alone “dog breeder?”
is condemning a shelter dog to death for each puppy or kitten
What if it’s an individual or committee that determines
that you produce. Adopt, don’t Shop!”
“normal?” What if they determine that your chosen hobby or
In addition to messaging that ranges from the subliminal to the
sport is “abnormal?” Would insurance cost you more? Would
outright, legislative laws with “teeth” are attempting to put a
you be singled out for home visits by social services? Could you
bite into breeding whether the breeder has integrity or not. In
be denied health care?
2009, the author of A Bitter Cynoanarchist wrote, “There are a disturbing number of laws putting limits on the numbers of
Would it be a stretch to imagine the day when breeding a dog is
intact dogs a breeder can own, wending their way through state
deemed a mental condition?
legislatures right now. They are billed as ‘puppy mill’ laws, but
While it’s true that I have a vivid imagination, I don’t see purple wombats climbing the walls. The voices in my head tell me I
what they really are is ‘make dog breeding so expensive and troublesome that no one will do it’ laws.”
don’t. Still, the distance between being regarded merely cruel
She had it right. Three years later – the United States
and immoral for having multiple dogs or breeding them, and
Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection
being regarded as emotionally disturbed for the same thing is
Service (USDA/APHIS) released the finalized version of new
shrinking, thanks to animal rights groups and the shrillest of
federal regulations. Intended to bring internet-based breeders
shelter and rescue advocates.
and sellers under the regulation of the Animal Welfare Act, the
As John Yates of the American Sporting Dog Alliance pointed out, “…when we call ourselves ‘responsible breeders,’ responsible to whom? Who defines ‘responsible’ and ‘irresponsible?’ Some bureaucrat? A politician? Animal rights cretins who say there is no such thing as a responsible breeder? If we say we are not breeders, it makes us ‘pet hoarders.’ We are tarred as mentally ill people in need of psychotherapy.” The drip drip drip of persuading the hearts and minds to conclude as much has been steady: Nightly, gut wrenching images of sad-eyed cats and dogs flash on television screens as the Humane Society of the United States begs for donations to save them from certain death. It works. Over $130,000,000 has been donated to the HSUS but less than one percent is actually
rule expands the USDA’s oversight of pet breeders to include people who have more than four “breeding females” and sell even one pet “sight unseen.” This last part is problematic to caring, responsible breeders who want to sell a puppy to a loving home which has had the breeder’s dogs in the past but live out of town. Despite thousands of letters, e-mails and phone calls expressing concern over flaws with the rule, APHIS largely ignored them by adopting the rule in much the same form it was originally proposed. In the war with dog breeders, the Department of Agriculture won a significant battle, and the animal rights faction helped. How?
Canadian Dog Fancier
89
According to its own tax returns, HSUS spent $17.3 million
electorate? What animal rights advocate wouldn’t love to have
to lobby candidates, legislators and governments between
the power to declare dog breeding a mental illness?
2005 and 2009. As if that wasn’t enough, it helps to have friends in high places. Former HSUS litigation attorney, Sarah Conant, is now employed by the Department of Agriculture,
What if the person in charge of assessing behavior for the Affordable Care Act is an animal rights advocate?
while Deborah Dubow Press, a known animal rights activist,
What if you got a letter one day informing you that because of
was hired by USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack as an enforcement
your dog activities, you’ve been determined to be unstable?
specialist (and parenthetically, Mr.Vilsack has a very different spin on the importance of agriculture which should frighten
What if the month after that, everyone who purchased a pack
the bejeebers out of farmers and ranchers). Let me put it more
of cigarettes got the same letter?
plainly: Known animal rights members were hired to work for the same department that crafted the language and now enforces a regulation that impacts every responsible breeder in the country. It’s a little like a vegan planning the menu for a cattlemen’s banquet. It doesn’t end there.
And what if the month after that, every Facebook subscriber who has ever expressed dissent with the government or a politician gets the same letter? If you’re a dog fancier, you already know what it’s like out there. If you’re not, give it time. At some point, you will probably and unwittingly break a law
According to her biography, Lois Lerner, the embattled official
or regulation you never knew existed. At some point, a benign
of the Internal Revenue Service who apologized for improperly
activity that you like to do right now will be deemed immoral,
scrutinizing conservative groups, is also an active member of
indecent, insane or illegal by powerful people you don’t know
the Humane Society of the United States.
because they disagree with you. It is elitism at its worst. Where
By wondering out loud what other government agency has
does it end?
among its employees active members of radical animal rights
I have no answers on how we come back from this point, but
groups, I come full circle. What political animal wouldn’t
I am certain of this: “Trust” is no longer an adequate means of
salivate over having social and behavioral data about an
engagement with current events. c
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90 Canadian Dog Fancier
Wool Dogs
An Early Breed
By Cheryl S. Smith
N
o one doubts that in Europe dogs have been selectively bred for hundreds of years to create and maintain breeds with specific desired characteristics.
But abundant evidence shows that some of the indigenous peoples of North America’s Pacific Northwest also practiced selective breeding to create what is known as the Salish wool dog. Native Americans have had a long association with domesticated dogs. In some legends, dogs have existed alongside the gods since time immemorial. In some warrior societies it was a great honor to be acknowledged as one of the Dog Men. Real,
as sheep are in England, and so compact were their fleeces that
down-to-earth dogs served as camp guards, helped in the hunt,
large portions could be lifted up by a corner without causing
became pack animals when the camp was on the move, and
any separation. They were composed of a mixture of a coarse
even helped keep the campsite clean by scavenging.
kind of wool, with very fine long hair, capable of being spun
These camp dogs generally fit the description of feral dogs throughout the world – various shades of brown, medium size, and longish legs similar to a coyote. Anthropologists generally agree that the domesticated dog arrived alongside humans who crossed the Bering Land Bridge from Asia about 14,000 years
into yarn. This gave me reason to believe that their woolen clothing might in part be composed of this material mixed with a finer kind of wool from some other animal, as their garments were all too fine to be manufactured from the coarse coat of the dog alone.”
ago. Early dog bones found at British Columbia sites show many
In a paper presented at the 9th International Council for
common traits with the Asian wolf.
Archaeozoology Conference in 2002. R. Barsh and associates
But among the Salish in the northwest corner of the United States in what is now Washington state, and along the Fraser River in Canada, another type of dog existed. This was the Salish wool dog, described by Captain George Vancouver in his ship’s record in 1792 as “The dogs belonging to this tribe were
reported that examination of bones and ethnographic reports both indicate that the wool dogs closely resembled a Finnish Spitz or old-style Japaneses Shiba Inu in appearance. Subsequent genetic analysis shows a close genetic relationship to the Shiba Inu and the American Eskimo.
numerous and much resembled those of Pomerania though in
An observation attributed to Manuel Quimper in 1790 says
general somewhat larger. They were all shorn close to the skin
“the natives of Tatooch show much ingenuity in manufacturing
92 Canadian Dog Fancier
blankets from the hair of their dogs. On a little island a few miles
as a symbol of status. The Jamestown S’Klallam write of trading
from the coast they have a great number of white dogs which
for both wool dog and mountain goat wool with tribes in
they feed regularly every day. From the wool of their dogs and
Canada.
the fibers of the cedar they make a very strong blanket.”
The dogs were sheared in a manner similar to sheep, with a
The history and culture pages of the Jamestown S’Klallam
sharp knife. The coarse guard hairs were picked out of the
tribe’s website include a section on coastal Salish weaving,
wool, leaving the fluffy undercoat. Often, the dog wool was
which points out that the Northwest Coastal Tribes in the 1700s and 1800s were a fishing/hunting/gathering society. But they practiced a form of agriculture in the keeping of their wool dogs. Accounts by both native peoples and early contact explorers describe herding and feeding the dogs.
combined with mountain goat wool (gathered in the mountains from bushes where the goats rubbed to shed their winter coats), the fluff of cattail rusks or fireweed, duck or goose or gull down, or cedar bark. The wool was placed on a mat and beaten, often with white clay mixed in to whiten the wool
Various accounts mention the wool dogs being kept on islands,
and remove some of the oil. It could be dyed with a variety
separate from the village dogs, fed on salmon, and shorn once
of natural substances. Alder bark produced red, lichens made
a year. Simon Fraser, traveling the region in 1806, wrote in his
yellow, Oregon grape produced gold.
journal, “The villagers had rugs made from the wool of the wild goat and from dog’s hair, which are as good as the wool rugs
The wool was pulled into long strips, called roving, to align the
found in Canada. We observed that the dogs were lately shorn.”
fibers. Then the Salish either spun the wool by rolling it down
No one knows how the wool dogs originated, but their careful separation from the village dogs indicates that the Salish understood at least the rudiments of selective breeding. Did the Salish select the camp dogs with the most luxurious coats and breed them together, to create the wool dogs over several generations? Perhaps. All we know for sure is that the smaller
the thigh, or used a drop spindle. The spindles were made in varying sizes, with a whorl (the bottom, weighted portion) up to 8 inches in diameter and a spindle up to 3 feet long. The whorls were often carved, and show some fine examples of Salish art. The finest spun yarn was used as the warp on the loom, and two-ply yarn made on the spindles was used for the
white dogs existed.
weft (the weaving yarn).
The artist Paul Kane traveled through the area in 1832. He
Captain Cook collected Salish weavings, and some still exist
wrote of “a particular breed of small dogs with long hair of a
in European museums. The Smithsonian Institution includes
clean white.” He included a small light-colored fluffy dog in
among its holdings a blanket catalogued as dog hair and cedar
several sketches and two paintings. In one, the dog is sitting
bark.
next to an Indian woman at work at her weaving.
Laboratory analysis some years ago classified the fibers as
Salish weavings were highly prized, and traded up and down
closely resembling coyote hair. More recent analysis revealed
the coast. Their blankets were used in ceremonies and prized
that the animal whose wool was in a blanket found at a Coast Salish burial site had consumed a 50-70 percent marine diet, ruling out mountain goat but perfectly suiting the salmon-fed wool dog. But European contact brought major changes. As Berthold Seeman, a naturalist aboard a survey vessel in 1846, wrote “Since the Hudson’s Bay Company have established themselves in this neighborhood, English blankets have been so much in request that the dog’s hair manufacture has been rather at a discount.” With a supply of blankets readily available, and the subsequent introduction of sheep, it no longer made sense to feed and maintain a pack of dogs useful only for their coats. The wool dog is believed to have gone extinct in 1858, disappearing through cross-breeding with other dogs. c Canadian Dog Fancier
93
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94 Canadian Dog Fancier
As of October 30, 2013 Every issue Canadian Dog Fancier partners with Canuckdogs.com to bring you the following standings as a historical snapshot in time for future reference. These standings are not official CKC standings and are to be used for information purposes only. E&OE Visit www.CanuckDogs.com for up to date standings and statistics.
Top 10 :: All Breeds Rank L.Mth Breed
Dog Name
BIS
GP1
GP2
GP3
GP4
Points
1
1
WHW Terrier
Ch Whitebriar Jaw Dropper
65
110
4
2
0
18331
2
2
Affenpinscher
Ch Champagne Charly V. Tani Kazari
28
77
22
6
3
7889
3
3
Yorkshire Terrier
GChEx NicNak's Second To None
15
87
19
3
1
6475
4
5
Standard Poodle
GChEx Vetset Kate Winsit
22
93
9
1
0
6378
5
4
Afghan Hound
GCh Polo's Air Force One
19
61
11
4
3
6058
6
7
Basenji
Ch Ahmahr Nahr's The Lost Angel Gabriel
16
53
36
19
11
5578
7
6
NSDT Retriever
GChEx Roaneden's Int'l Harvester
11
43
27
19
6
5389
8
8
Australian Shepherd
Ch Hearthside Riveredge Sure Is Summum
14
48
23
5
3
5115
9
9
Doberman Pinscher
GChEx Goldgrove High Intensity
10
41
28
17
11
4481
10
10
Beagle
GChEx Tashtins Lookin For Trouble
9
54
22
10
2
4384
Rank L.Mth Breed
Dog Name
BIS
GP1
GP2
GP3
GP4
Points
1
1
NSDT Retriever
GChEx Roaneden's Int'l Harvester
11
43
27
19
6
5389
2
2
Barbet
Ch Flacon d'Paris of Neigenuveaux
4
41
20
16
9
3860
3
3
Griffon (WH Pointing)
GChEx Flash du Moulin de la Ramiere
1
30
12
7
12
2398
4
6
Golden Retriever
GChEx Goldcker A Boat Turn
2
13
15
7
5
2118
5
4
Pointer
Ch Black Alder Sam Spade
3
15
7
8
8
2091
Rank L.Mth Breed
Dog Name (sex)
BIS
GP1
GP2
GP3
GP4
Points
1
1
Afghan Hound
GCh Polo's Air Force One
19
61
11
4
3
6058
2
2
Basenji
Ch Ahmahr Nahr's The Lost Angel Gabriel
16
53
36
19
11
5578
3
3
Beagle
GChEx Tashtins Lookin For Trouble
9
54
22
10
2
4384
4
4
PBGV
GChEx Auriga's Rock Star
5
41
31
12
3
2622
5
5
Whippet
GCh Lorricbrook Fascinator
5
33
25
13
6
2346
Sporting Group
Hound Group
96 Canadian Dog Fancier
Working Group Rank L.Mth Breed
Dog Name
BIS
GP1
GP2
GP3
GP4
Points
1
1
Doberman Pinscher
GChEx Goldgrove High Intensity
10
41
28
17
11
4481
2
2
Siberian Husky
GCh Highlander's Rumour Has It
5
24
25
10
6
2905
3
4
Alaskan Malamute
GChEx Mytuk's Technical Knock Out
3
28
14
9
8
2787
4
3
Great Pyrenees
GChEx Monark Abbeyroads Molly Malone
3
21
24
20
8
2721
5
7
Bullmastiff
Ch Bramstoke's Carved In Stone
6
20
11
8
5
2709
Rank L.Mth Breed
Dog Name
BIS
GP1
GP2
GP3
GP4
Points
1
1
WHW Terrier
Ch Whitebriar Jaw Dropper
65
110
4
2
0
18331
2
3
Airedale Terrier
Ch Westchester Hill Boy
4
30
23
9
3
1886
3
2
Kerry Blue Terrier
Ch Saredon Shock Waves Of Irisblu
2
8
11
5
0
1532
4
10
Skye Terrier
Ch Kishniga's HMS Maximus
2
14
5
9
5
1083
5
4
Scottish Terrier
Ch Wetteraui Jolly Joker
1
20
29
13
9
1037
Rank L.Mth Breed
Dog Name
BIS
GP1
GP2
GP3
GP4
Points
1
1
Affenpinscher
Ch Champagne Charly V. Tani Kazari
28
77
22
6
3
7889
2
2
Yorkshire Terrier
GChEx NicNak's Second To None
15
87
19
3
1
6475
3
3
Pomeranian
GCh Valcopy Jamel Sir Crystalton
3
23
17
9
4
2785
4
4
Chihuahua (Short Coat)
GCh TEGS Too Bad She's Bad
4
9
12
6
4
1581
5
5
Pekingese
GCh Diaquiris Edge Of Reason
2
16
9
8
4
1454
Rank L.Mth Breed
Dog Name (sex)
BIS
GP1
GP2
GP3
GP4
Points
1
1
Standard Poodle
GChEx Vetset Kate Winsit
22
93
9
1
0
6378
2
2
Keeshond
Ch Cinnakees Christian Louboutin
10
32
6
8
3
2665
3
3
Standard Poodle
GCh Crystalton Suspence
5
36
16
3
1
2484
4
4
Shih Tzu
Ch Symarun's Forbidden Love
6
23
23
8
4
2096
5
6
French Bulldog
GCh Foxmoor Petite Cherie Raison d'Etre
3
15
27
6
4
1779
Rank L.Mth Breed
Dog Name
BIS
GP1
GP2
GP3
GP4
Points
1
1
Australian Shepherd
Ch Hearthside Riveredge Sure Is Summum
14
48
23
5
3
5115
2
4
German Shepherd Dog
GCh Kohlein's Marchesa
4
34
8
3
4
1868
3
2
Bouvier des Flandres
GCh Boyero Magnificent Gladiator
4
30
15
5
5
1810
4
6
German Shepherd Dog
GChEx Signature's Philip Marlow V Kridler
2
15
13
8
2
1763
5
3
Bouvier des Flandres
Ch Rocheuses Play Something Country At DND
1
19
3
4
4
1684
Terrier Group
Toy Group
Non-Sporting Group
Herding Group
Canadian Dog Fancier
97
* Puppy Points are estimated, 50 Points awarded for each BPIS, 10 Points Awarded for each BPIG
As of October 30, 2013
Every issue Canadian Dog Fancier partners with Canuckdogs.com to bring you the following standings as a historical snapshot in time for future reference. These standings are not official CKC standings and are to be used for information purposes only. E&OE Visit www.CanuckDogs.com for up to date standings and statistics.
Top 10 Puppies :: All Breeds Rank L.Mth Breed
Dog Name
BPIG
BPIS
Points
1
1
Lakeland Terrier
Ch Northcote's No Doubt About It
54
19
1490
2
2
Chihuahua (Short Coat)
GCh TEGS Too Bad She's Bad
31
18
1210
3
3
Keeshond
Ch Kimar's All Bets On Me
34
17
1193
4
4
Portuguese Water Dog
GCh Drewsar Goblet Of Fire
29
12
893
5
8
Havanese
GCh MistyTrails N'Bopcha's Pandamon
24
11
790
6
5
Norwegian Elkhound
Ch Vin-Melca's Daggarwoods Delight
21
11
763
7
6
Chinese Crested
Ch Taja Spumoni
31
8
710
7
13
Dalmatian
Ch Onsengeltje N Splash Unearthed
26
9
710
9
7
Pointer (German Short-Haired)
Ch Parador High Road
16
10
660
10
9
French Bulldog
Ch Foxmoor Petite Cherie Je Ne Sais Quoi
23
8
633
Rank L.Mth Breed
Dog Name
BPIG
BPIS
Points
1
1
Pointer (German Short-Haired)
Ch Parador High Road
16
10
660
2
2
Weimaraner
Ch Target's Precision Icon
23
3
380
3
3
Pointer
Brackenmoor Mustang Sally
11
3
260
4
4
English Cocker Spaniel
Ch Nite Winds Breaking The Ice
9
3
240
4
4
Pointer
Valcopy Wynot Rich N' Rare
4
4
240
Rank L.Mth Breed
Dog Name
BPIG
BPIS
Points
1
1
Norwegian Elkhound
Ch Vin-Melca's Daggarwoods Delight
21
11
763
2
2
Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen
Ch Mirepoix Weskyuwin Champagne On Ice
20
5
450
3
3
Beagle
Ch TG An Audience of One
14
4
340
4
4
Whippet
GCh Eros N Ethos Dangerous Liaison
23
2
333
5
5
Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen
Soletrader Ronald Raven
12
4
320
Sporting Group Puppies
Hound Group Puppies
98 Canadian Dog Fancier
Working Group Puppies Rank L.Mth Breed
Dog Name
BPIG
BPIS
Points
1
1
Portuguese Water Dog
GCh Drewsar Goblet Of Fire
29
12
893
2
2
Doberman Pinscher
Ch Liberator's Hollywood Spicegirl
12
6
420
3
3
Siberian Husky
GCh Highlander's Rumour Has It
8
5
330
4
4
Akita
Ch Alder's Hugs N Kisses
16
3
310
5
5
Akita
Ch Bearfactz Rumor Has It
13
3
280
Rank L.Mth Breed
Dog Name
BPIG
BPIS
Points
1
1
Lakeland Terrier
Ch Northcote's No Doubt About It
54
19
1490
2
2
West Highland White Terrier
Ch Windacre Dashwood Shock N Awe
20
5
450
3
3
Cairn Terrier
Ch Dynamo's Epic Odessey
8
3
230
4
4
Miniature Schnauzer
Ch Ellerker's Bedrock Blockbuster
12
2
220
5
5
Manchester Terrier
Ch Kairos Skyfall at Kreuzritter
11
2
210
Rank L.Mth Breed
Dog Name
BPIG
BPIS
Points
1
1
Chihuahua (Short Coat)
GCh TEGS Too Bad She's Bad
31
18
1210
2
3
Havanese
GCh MistyTrails N'Bopcha's Pandamon
24
11
790
3
2
Chinese Crested
Ch Taja Spumoni
31
8
710
4
4
Chihuahua (Short Coat)
GCh Cogie's Burning Bordeaux
25
7
600
5
5
Pekingese
Ch Pekeden PHD For Schuyler
24
7
590
Rank L.Mth Breed
Dog Name
BPIG
BPIS
Points
1
1
Keeshond
Ch Kimar's All Bets On Me
34
17
1193
2
3
Dalmatian
Ch Onsengeltje N Splash Unearthed
26
9
710
3
2
French Bulldog
Ch Foxmoor Petite Cherie Je Ne Sais Quoi
23
8
633
4
5
Shih Tzu
Ch Symarun's Endless Love
8
6
380
5
4
Miniature Poodle
Madan's Bugatti On The Way
14
3
290
Rank L.Mth Breed
Dog Name
BPIG
BPIS
Points
1
4
Shetland Sheepdog
GCh Crinan Executive Decision
42
2
520
1
1
Bearded Collie
Ch Classical Wotarukus HBC
17
7
520
3
2
Shetland Sheepdog
Ch Laureate Loverly
18
5
430
4
3
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Ch Merthyr Wanda Be Home On The Range
22
4
420
5
18
Shetland Sheepdog
Ch Lyricisle's Without A Trace
17
2
270
Terrier Group Puppies
Toy Group Puppies
Non-Sporting Group Puppies
Herding Group Puppies
Canadian Dog Fancier
99
Contacts, Rates &
DEADLINES
Issue Date
Deadline
Group
Featured Breed
February 15, 2014
January 15
–
Top Dogs of 2013
April 1 March 1
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July 15
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June 15
Working
September 1 August 1
November 15
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Terrier & Toy Miniature Schnauzer
October 15 Non Sporting & Herding
Standard Poodle
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100 Canadian Dog Fancier
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