On The Cover Pictured on the cover is GR CH VALCOPY JAMEL SIR CRYSTALTON. Buddha was a singleton puppy who would sit in the corner of his little pen just like a Buddha. He came to Crystalton Kennels at the age of 8 months as his breeders Dana Plonkey and Judy Paris thought he should come to Canada to be shown and then later return to the US to be shown. At the time his sire CAN AM CH Crystalton’s Peanut was the number 1 Pomeranian in Canada and had been for a couple of years. Buddha made his debut in the show ring in August when, on his second day in the show ring, he beat his Dad and went on to a Grp 2nd and Best Puppy in Show. The writing was on the wall so his father had to step aside and retire that day. Buddha went on to winning several groups and numerous Best Puppy in Shows that year to become the number 1 Pomeranian in the country. The following year he continued his winning ways again being the number 1 Pomeranian and one of the top ten Toys in the country. Today Buddha is still running on top - now a multi Best in Show winner and currently in the top ten of all breeds. He is owned by Carol Graham, Andrea Hansen, Dana Plonkey and Janice Pardue. Buddha would like to congratulate his three kids on their recent championships. CH Crystalton Pom Reader, CH Crystalton Just for Wonderland and CH Crystalton Fortune Teller
President’s Message As summer is now approaching us and there are more shows hopefully everyone is busy with their Poms enjoying the showing. We had a lovely card from Vikki, president of the American Pomeranian Club thanking us for our generous donation. Let’s hope it will help a little towards a solution to our health issue. By now everyone should have sent in their ballot for the new standard changes. We all look forward to seeing what the results will be. I was able to attend the Pomeranian Specialty in B.C. in April. I believe a great time was had by all who attended, I would like to say thank you to all that were involved for all the hard work that went into putting this event on especially the beautiful trophies etc. There doesn’t seem to be anything more to report on this issue so happy showing and do send in your info to your area director or to our editor. Remember this publication can only be as good as what you make it.
Your president,
Carol Graham 1
Secretary’s Report Greetings Fellow Pom Fanciers, I would like to start off by giving a big thanks to our retired magazine editor, Bev Carter. She has dedicated so much of her time, effort and creativity over the past number of years to publishing our PCOC magazine and as you know, the publications were superb. On behalf of all of our members, thank you, Bev! I hope you are as excited as I am as we venture into the bold new world of digital magazines. Yes, we will probably all miss having the hard copy to carry around from room to room however if you are like me, my IPAD (which I carry around from room to room) now gives me access to the world wide web and therefore my email and the digital copy of the newsletter anytime I want! Although I am writing this report prior to seeing the finished product, I am thrilled that Top Dog Weekly is our publisher. They are experienced website and magazine designers within the dog world and have been nothing but helpful and gracious as we launch our inaugural digital magazine. It is also very exciting that judges will now get to know our club and its members a bit better. Poms continue to do well in the show rings from coast to coast. Hopefully you have sent your results and other activities to your area
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director. You may also share them on our Facebook page. Memberships for our next fiscal year are due this month of July. You will receive more information from our Treasurer shortly. Please send your renewal to Renee Repka as soon as you can. Remember to refer your new puppy buyers to our website (www.pcoc.net) and encourage them to become members. Our club is only as strong as its members. Have a wonderful summer.Keep cool and have fun. Best regards, ~ Sue ‘What a beautiful world it would be if people had hearts like dogs.’ Results of recent ballot regarding changes to our Breed Standard 45 ballots Here are the results: All colours should be accepted Agree 31 Disagree 14 The Standard should include a movement paragraph Agree 43 Disagree 2 Merles should be disqualified Agree 21 Disagree 23 (one box not filled out)
Club Executives President Carol Graham cgraham@nucleus.com (403) 226-2949 Past President Christine Heartz chriscendo@bellaliant.com (902) 673-2446 Vice President Pam Dodsworth foxworth@nbnet.nb.ca (506) 832-2161 Secretary Sue Betts pcocsecretary@hotmail.ca (905) 263-8816 Treasurer Renee Repka ren9666@shaw.ca (604) 472-9666 Webmaster Bev Carter drpomeranians@gmail.com
Regional Directors Eastern Canada Michelle McDonald hobbitpoms@ns.sympatico.ca (902) 443-8536 Central Ontario Catherine Bolahood pinecrest@rogers.ca (905) 697-8897 Prairies Janet Stoner minpom@sasktel.net (306) 862-4704 Western Canada Gerda Hill thehills@telus.net (604) 794-7345 Magazine publisher Top Dog Weekly www.topdogweekly.com Pomeranian Club of Canada website: www.pcoc.net
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PCOC Magazine Advertising Rates All advertisements will be in colour
Club Members Non Club Members
Front Cover (includes half page inside magazine)
$100.00
$140.00
Back Cover
$60.00
$85.00
Inside Front or Back cover
$50.00
$70.00
Full page
$40.00
$55.00
Requesting a specific page
+ $5.00
+$5.00
Breeders Directory (business card for year)
$25.00
$35.00
Paying for your advertisement Members will be invoiced for their advertisement after publication. Payment should be sent immediately upon receipt. Non members should send payment to Renee Repka( 111-1655 Grant Ave., Port Coquitlam, B.C. V3B 7V1. Email: ren9666@shaw.ca) once advertisement has been submitted. Please make cheque payable to the Pomeranian Club of Canada There will be a $25.00 service charge for NSF cheques. All submissions are to be sent to Sue Betts, secretary at pcocsecretary@hotmail.ca Articles and information should be in ‘word’ document format. Pictures that accompany an article need to be 300 DPI. Send text copy with pictures. Ad will be professionally designed. Free service to members: Announcements – New Champions, Obedience and Agility Titles, New Litters. Send your information to secretary. Opinions expressed in articles and promotional material within the PCOC magazine, are those of the authors/advertisers and not necessarily those of the Pomeranian Club of Canada. All material published in Pomeranians in Canada is the copyrighted property of the PCOC. No reproduction or distribution permitted without the permission of the PCOC.
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Index of Advertisers
Chikai Pomeranians Winterhaven Pomeranians Crystalton Pomeranians TinybearPomeranians Chriscendo Pomeranians Poms d’Api Pomeranians Foxworth Pomeranians Pinecrest Pomeranians
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Table of contents Pomeranian Club of Canada Membership Information
17
Prairie Director’s Report
18
Atlantic Director’s Report
20
Central Ontario Director’s Report
21
Western Canada Director’s Report
23
New Championship Titles
24
New Litter Announcements
26
The Pomeranian Wolf Sable Pattern
27
Pomeranian Alopecia X Survey
29
Membership Renewal
34
The Pomeranian Club of Canada Regional Specialty Report
35
Tail Sets A Closer Look
36
Top Pomeranians
38
Business Cards
39
This publication is produced by TopDogWeekly.com
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Pomeranian Club of Canada Membership Information Membership in the Pomeranian Club of Canada offers many benefits to Pomeranian breeders and fanciers. First and foremost, membership in the PCOC offers an excellent mechanism for getting, and staying in touch with others who share your interest in this wonderful and delightful breed of dog. All members receive the club’s official publication, Pomeranians in Canada. Club Membership Fees Within Canada: $45.00 single, $50.00 family Within the U.S.A.: $55.00 single Outside Canada and the U.S.A.: $65.00 single Membership Application Forms available online at: www.pcoc.net or by contacting: Renee Repka, Treasurer, PCOC 111-1655 Grant Avenue Port Coquitlam, B.C. V3B 7V1 ÄĄÄ€ĂşĂžÄ˘Ĺ—ĂžÄ ĂźÄšÄƒÄ€Ä€Ä€Ĺ—ÄŠĹ—, (-" 1ħ-" 1Ä„
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Prairie Director’s Report Janet Stoner
Greetings and Salutations fellow Pom Personnel! I am writing the show report for Janet because she is too lazy to do so herself! In reality I am writing the show report for the Prairie region because I attended several shows and Janet has not attended any and no one has written in to her to tell of exciting wins, near misses, good recipes, juicy gossip or staid weather reports. Sure, she can troll Canuck Dogs and post of the wins there, but that’s all old hat. Being that it is such an awesome site all of us have already hit it up for minute by minute updates on Group and beyond. So c’mon Peeps, email Janet with your brags, thoughts, grocery list or what have you at: minpom@ sasktel.net Canadians were once again out in full force at the American Pom Nationals in Louisville, KY this year. Was a great time catching up with old friends, meeting new ones, oogling the exhibits, showing, shopping, watching, watching
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while shopping, showing while watching. You get my drift. A fun time was had no matter what we were doing. Chautauqua Kennel & Obedience Club was a 6 show weekend held in North Battleford April 12-14. I will try my best here, but my catalogue seems to be marked by a dyslexic chicken. Here goes! Gemini’s RikiTikiTimbo Nu Sar Rimbo owned by Cassandra Sproul is now a new Ch. Congrats again Cassie, was great reacquainting with you and can’t wait to do it again! Not to be outdone, Hitimes Must B Karma bred and owned by Joan Carcasole also finished that weekend helped along by her Group 4th placement. Joan also came home toting several of the big rosettes garnering several Group placements AND a Best Puppy In Show on her and Ashley Carcasole’s homebred boy Ch. Hitimes I’m Kind Of A Big Deal. Linda Johnson’s Damascusroad Catch Me If U Can went winners
male once and the other five purples were divvied up between Joan and Cassandra’s guys. Joan’s new Ch. Girl dominated the purple ribbons in girls sharing once with her kennelmate Randy’s Huckleberrie Kizz’s owned by Joan and Ashley. The other show I attended was the Regina Kennel & Obedience Club show held the May long weekend. A good showing of Poms with 7 entered all three days. Bapetikou Simple Simon owned and bred by Joyce Musselman and shown by “Team Like” aka Lisa & Mike, took Best of Winners on Saturday. Sunday saw Crystalton’s Pom Reader bred by Carol Graham and owned by Andrea Hansen beating his father for the Breed and also garnering a Group 2nd and BPIG. He took Best of Winners on Monday as well to finish his Championship. Congrats! Different strokes for different folks is the saying, and this held true for the bitches. The three girls played nicey nice and each took home the winners ribbon one day. Sat- Suilong’s Bella at Bapetikous (Breeder: Renee Beddome Owner: Linda Johnson) Sun- Reylyn’s Last Hurrah (Breeder: Janet Stoner Owners: “Team Like”) and MonSuilong Makinmischiefbapetikow
Bred by Renee Beddome, Owned by Joyce Musselman and presented by Team Like. Ch. Valcopy Jamel Sir Crystalton better known as “Buddah” currently #1 Pom and #3 All Breed bred by Dana Plonkey and Judy Paris and owned by Carol Graham, Dana Plonkey and J. Pardue won a Group First on Saturday and Third on Monday. Last but certainly not least was the Veteran class. Winning Best Veteran in Group to celebrate being one day shy of his 9th birthday, complete with a full set of teeth and fully coated was the wonderfully presented Am/Can Ch. Diogenoir Top Trill Thrill owned and loved by Rosie Finch. (Yes, you read that right… ALL of his teeth! That’s all I got guys. To prevent this long winded borefest, for next issue please send bits and brags to Janet! Wishing you a sensational show season and hope to see you all soon! ~Lisa Stasiuk Diogenoir Poms and Singapura
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Atlantic Director’s Report Michelle McDonald
Although we are few in numbers down here, some of the Atlantic members have been busy. Christine Heartz has been showing her orange male Chriscendo Common Sense (Colby) (Can.Am.Ch. Silhouettes’ Sixth Sense x Can.Am.Ch. Chriscendo Call Forward),who finished with a Gr 1st and followed with two more Gr 1st the next weekend. Chriscendo Can’t Resist (Reese) (Am.Ch. CR’s Simply Irresistable x Chriscendo Caught In Time) also finished with a Gr 1st and Gr 2nd on the following weekend. Can. Ch. Chriscendo Cinema Star (Am.Thai Ch. Powerpom High Performance x Can.Am.Ch. Chriscendo Call Forward) finished in the US recently for her owner Alex Chua. As the summer progresses Chris is looking forward to showing three promising youngstersChriscendo Conspicuous, and litermates Chriscendo Catch The Wave and Chriscendo Command Performance. Congratulations to Oriental Star’s Miss Violet
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(daughter of Can.Am.Russian Ch. Chriscendo Call Waiting) who recently won a BIS in Russia, and to Kim Condy and Chriscendo Catch Phrase on his recent group placements. He is close to completing his Canadian championship. Pam Dodsworth and Larry Fox have been having good success stateside-BISS Can.Am.GCh. Foxworth Fast Forward (Sidney) earned his American Grand Championship and won the Bay Colony Pomeranian Club Specialty in Massachusetts. Foxworth Fine Tuned Instrument (Viola) won RWB at the American Pomeranian Club Specialty for a 3 pt major. Her sister Foxworth First Lady Of Song garnered a Gr 4th at the Oromocto shows here in Canada. Jen Hryniuk has just started her youngster Jenuwane Totally Mesmerizing (Karma) , going WB at two shows for her first 2 points. ~Michelle McDonald
Central Ontario Director’s Report Catherine Bolahood To begin I would like to send best wishes to long time PCOC member, Wendy Darlow of Dru Kennels. Wendy is the past Secretary of the Pom Club of Canada, who also served as a Director of the Pom Club of Ontario, and is coping with serious health problems at this time. Wendy is unable to continue with her Pomeranians they are now at Winterhaven Kennels. I also heard sad news that long time Pom breeder and past member of the Pomeranian Club of Ontario, Donna Jean Hancock is being forced to downsize her kennel due to poor health. As fellow Pomeranian fanciers, we wish her and her husband well. In skimming show results from January to now, members’ notable wins and congratulations go to: Tinybears January 31 with Fairystones Wolf A Daisy - Group 4 May 18-19 with Tinybears Wild Child - two BPIG
Pomywoods February 24 with Pomywoods Pretty Boy Floyd - Group 4 Crystalton March 29 with Crystalton Just For Wonderland - Group 3 & BPIG March 30 Group 2 & BPIG Winterhaven/Dru May 20 with Dru’s Wait N C At Winterhaven - Group 3 & BPIG Poms d’Api May 25 with Pomsdapi A Star is Born – Group 3. June 9 with Pomsdapi The Show Must Go On – Group 4 From Sandra Beisel of Winterhaven: Having a tough winter, we decided to start off the New Year in February by having fun learning the ropes of travelling for the first time with our fifth wheel trailer. My sister in law, our 15 1/2 year old farm dog and a young male Pom. The days disappeared far too fast visiting a number of people in Florida.
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We did get to see our good friends race their five Quarter Horses and see our other Standard bred horse friends. With only three weeks we found no time for dog shows or to see much more of the many sights that Florida has to offer, We did get to enjoy a visit with Catherine Bolahood and her lovely Poms in their beautiful home. I must admit, as a nonswimmer my heart was in my mouth as my little guy “Mister” took a stroll around her pool, but Catherine put a life jacket on him which gave us all a laugh. It’s May, with snow and cold winds still making us wear coats, I think we came home too soon. This year has continued to be busy having new puppies and starting some senior puppies in the show ring. We are pleased to present some of Wendy’s dogs in the ring and give Wendy some wonderful memories. We hope that she will be able to get to a show or two to enjoy seeing the results of her hard work and to visit with friends. Hope to see lots of you at ringside!
Chriscendo Sequin and enjoyed a (too short) visit from Sandra & Ross Beisel in February. However we had so much family company that I did not get to the shows that we usually go to. I have my male pup “Brinks” entered in some upcoming shows in PEI this summer that I hope I can actually get to. I hand-raised Brinks from birth and he is very spoiled. In the meantime, I am suffering from SWS (show withdrawal syndrome) but am having fun with my Poms all the same. They all enjoy bike riding with me & yes wear life-jackets around the pool until I am sure they are respectful of the water and can swim if need be. A 3 or 4 lb. Pom becomes very heavy when soaked & they are not good swimmers! Hope to see you at shows & best of luck to everyone in the ring!
From Pinecrest: We spent a quiet winter in Florida, growing out a couple of puppies from CH.Pinecrest
As always, ANY news from members is interesting & welcome. Please remember to send it in to be included in my next report.
Late show results from Pinecrest June 15 with Pinecrest Back From The Brink a Group June 16 with Pinecrest Back From The Brink a Group 4th
Western Canada Director’s Report Gerda Hill
Hello everyone,
But financially, this should
Who would have thought that we would have come so far when
be very beneficial. Also, it may broaden our reader base. Well, here
we joined this club? We used a Gestetner I believe it was called. Our first copier was the size of Elisabeth’s kitchen table and then we went to colour with Teddy Bear and Les. Then to the last magazine, and now we are on the information highway. We have come a long way, Baby. I wonder what will be next. I really do miss the phone chats though and I will miss getting the newsletter in the mail and sitting with a cup of tea curled up on the couch and having a quiet read. I will miss the re-reading and looking at pictures too. But perhaps I will copy it for myself. I wonder how many judges will open the file and read it? I hope they do.
is to the future. I did go to the Naniamo Shows on Vancouver Island, unfortunately I did not mark a catalogue so all I can say is, “Congratulations and thank you for the wonderful Island hospitality”. The weather, the Judges and the Pomeranians were lovely. I look forward to seeing all the ads from this show. Mine will be late as I do not have it at this time. So for now, so long and have very safe and happy summer and good luck at your shows. ~Gerda Hill
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New Championship Titles Ch. HiTimes Must B Karma - Karma HiTimes Pomeranians, Joan Carcasole Ch. HiTimes Must B Karma
Ch. Tokie The Legend Continues, Am/Cdn Ch. CR Classic Creation
Ch. HiTimes Tainted Love - Taboo HiTimes Pomeranians, Joan Carcasole Ch. HiTimes Tainted Love
Am/Cdn MBISS Ch. Silhouette’s Sixth Sense ROM Am Ch. Finch’s Black Satin Dreams
BPIS Ch. HiTimes I’m Kind Of A Big Deal- Bubba HiTimes Pomeranians, Joan Carcasole Ch. Mythical Rydin’ To HiTimes Ch. HiTimes I’m Kind Of A Big Deal Ch. Randy’s Huckleberrie Kizz’s Am. and Cdn. Ch. HiTimes Forbidden Fruit - Apple HiTimes Pomeranians, Joan Carcasole Am/Cdn MBISS Ch. Silhouette’s Sixth Sense ROM Am/Cdn. Ch. HiTimes Forbidden Fruit Am/Cdn Ch. CR Classic Creation Am. and Cdn Ch. Mythical Rydin’ To HiTimes - Ryder HiTimes Pomeranians, Joan Carcasole Am Ch. Bravo’s Traveling In Style Am/Cdn. Ch. Mythical Rydin’ To HiTimes Ch. Mythical Princess Of Ogres Ch. Randy’s Huckleberrie Kizz’s - Kizzy HiTimes Pomeranians, Joan Carcasole Ch. Walk’n In A Winner Wonderland WOW Ch. Randy’s Huckleberrie Kizz’s Randy’s Paper Money
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New Championship Titles Ph. Championship HiTimes Fireworks- Cracker HiTimes Pomeranians, Joan Carcasole Ph. Ch. HiTimes Fireworks
Am/Cdn Ch. Pomhaven Edg Of a Dream Ch. HiTimes Must B Karma
Can Ch. Chriscendo Common Sense- Colby Bred and owned by Christine Heartz - Chriscendo Am. Ch. CR’s Tuff Guy Of Isabella Can. Am. Silhouettes Sixth Sense Sunterra Sweet Surrender Can. Ch. Chriscendo Common Sense Can. Am. Ch. Chriscendo Call To Arms Can. Am. Ch. Chriscendo Call Forward Ch. Finch’s Serendipity Can Ch. Chriscendo Can’t Resist Bred and owned by Christine Heartz - Chriscendo Am. Ch. Bachman’s All You Need is Love Can. Am. CR’s Simply Irresistible CR Tuff Country Girl Can. Ch. Chriscendo Can’t Resist Can. Ch. Tokie’s Time Will Tell Chriscendo Caught In Time Ch. Damascusroad Chriscendo Calla MBISS Am/Cdn Ch. Silhouette’s Sixth Sense ROM -Cole HiTimes Pomeranians, Joan Carcasole Am/Cdn Ch. CR Tuff Guy Of Isabella New ROM Am.Cdn. Ch. Silhouette’s Sixth Sense Ch. Sunterra Sweet Surrender Can Ch Pomsdapi A Star Is Born – Junior Breeder : Johanne Couture, Owners : Hélène Dubreuil, Johanne Couture Ch Freelance’sWell Excuse Me Flufalove Sweet Memories Fluffalove’s Camarra Ch Pomsdapi A Star Is Born (Junior) Ch Starlight’s Dream Come True Ch Pipertown’s Dreamweaver Bavanew’s Dream Of Pipertown’s
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New Litter Announcements Winterhaven Perm Reg’d, Sandra Beisel Sire: Ch. Pinecrst Man From Winterhaven Dam: Ch. Dru’s Dream Sensation 1 B&T Female, 2 Orange Sable Females Born May 9, 2013
Winterhaven Perm Reg’d, Sandra Beisel Sire: Ch. Pinecrest Man From Winterhaven Dam: Winterhaven R Sensational Kiss 1 Orange Sable Male Born June 1, 2013
Winterhaven Perm Reg’d, Sandra Beisel Sire: Dru’s Whiskey For My Men Dam: Daystar Ksuda Exuberance I Light Orange Female, 2 Orange Males Born June 2, 2013
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The Pomeranian Wolf Sable Pattern A rare and sometimes coveted pattern in Pomeranian coats is known as ‘Wolf Sable’. Dogs dominant at the Agouti locus for the (aw) allele will express a wolf sable phenotype. This pattern is perhaps the oldest among animals. It is still present today in wolves and coyotes in the wild and several breeds of dogs as well as some rabbits and other rodents. A recent study (1) found that the allele is present in more than 18 breeds of dogs including: Eurasier, Border Collie, German Shepherd Dog, Dachshund, Golden Retriever, Vizsla, German Shorthaired Pointer, German Wirehaired Pointer, Brittany Spaniel,
presence of (aw). So those breeds can carry the (aw) allele, but don’t express it. The remaining breeds, however, can express the wolf sable phenotype when the (aw) allele is present. This list of breeds is not all inclusive. There are likely more breeds out there that were not included in this study. Due to testing availability at Canadian and American labs, the Pomeranian has more recently proven to carry the (aw) allele. It should be noted that terms used vary between the breeds. Pomeranians with an (aw) dominant genotype, are known as ‘wolf sables,’ whereas the Dachshund is ‘wild boar’. Standard
Akita, Shar Pei, Keeshond, Alaskan Malamute, Norwegian Elkhound, Siberian Husky, Swedish Vallhund, Standard Schnauzer, and Miniature Schnauzer. Some of those breeds: Golden Retriever, Vizsla, German Shorthaired Pointer, German Wirehaired Pointer, Brittany Spaniel also have the (Kb) allele at the K locus which masks the
Schnauzers are ‘salt and pepper’ and Shar Peis are known as ‘patterned sables’. These dogs are all dominant for (aw) at Agouti but they have different names. Among the breeds that have the (aw) allele and the resultant wolf sable pattern, the colors involved can also vary. It can produce a banding pattern to the hair of “black-cream-
27
black”, such as one would expect in a Keeshond or Siberian Husky, or “black-red-black”, such is often present in German Shepherd Dogs or Dachshunds. Some speculate that other colour combinations are possible. It should be noted that the “wolf sable” pattern has more to do with the banding pattern than with a specific pigment shade. However banded hairs do occasionally show up on (ay) fawn/sable dogs as well, with some (ay) dogs appearing very similar to their (aw) counterparts. So the mere presence of a banded hair cannot guarantee an (aw) genotype. Some say that the ‘spectacle outline’ around the eyes and even the ‘grey/ silver’ colour are also visual cues but this may not be exclusive to (aw) dogs. This is the problem. Many purported ‘wolf sable’ Pomeranians have proven through genetic testing to be regular (ay) orange or cream sables. As long as breeders cannot visually identify
References: 1. Dreger D.L., Schmutz S.M., (2011) A SINE Insertion Causes the Black and-Tan and Saddle Tan Phenotypes in Domestic Dogs. Journal of Heredity 2011:102(S1):S11–S18 doi:10.1093/ jhered/esr042
the (aw) true wolf sable, we may be at risk of losing the pattern from our breed. As the (ay) red/orange/cream
2. Eckford P.D.W., (2012) The Agouti Pattern Gene. Pomeranians In
sable allele is dominant to the (aw) wolf sable allele (2), it may be selected
Canada. PCOC Publication. http:// www.tinybearpoms.com/Agouti%20
for in error thus dominating the gene pool.
Pattern%20Gene--final.pdf
Breeders today are fortunate in that they have inexpensive DNA tools
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which can identify many patterns present in our dogs. By testing, breeders can eliminate the need for time consuming and sometimes costly test breedings and the unfortunate problem of misrepresenting a dog’s colour/pattern in the official pedigree and to buyers. A simple buccal mouth swab test at one of the commercial labs such as Healthgene (www.healthgene.com, Toronto, ON) can save the breeder time, money and the embarrassment of selling a wolf sable that isn’t truly a wolf sable. The test offered by HealthGene is a direct modification of what was used in the study (1).
Pomeranian Alopecia X Survey Alopecia X (sometimes called
to argue the seriousness of this coat
black skin disease: “BSD”) is a ‘hair
issue, for which we really have a very
loss’ condition which has been known
poor understanding. Donations to the
to affect several of the Nordic breeds,
genome mapping and/or Alopecia X
and is a prominent, apparently
research projects will aid significantly
genetic coat defect in the Pomeranian
in our understanding of the condition
(http://www.tinybearpoms.com/
and will hopefully lead to a genetic
Reprint-Alopecia%20X%20-%20
test to identify carriers and dogs that
Dr%20Eckford.pdf).
are
will become affected in the future.
a variety of theories as to cause,
All PCOC members, Pomeranian
progression and associated health
breeders and pet owners have a vested
defects related to Alopecia X and
interest in supporting the research
much
this
to aid our breed and are encouraged
condition in the breeding community.
to make a donation to support
confusion
There
surrounds
research into Alopecia X, including the genome mapping project: http:// www.americanpomeranianclub. org/health/donate.htm.
Solid
support of the research will be a clear indication of our collective commitment to combating this coat defect in the Pomeranian. The list of donors, including several PCOC However, there is little solid scientific
members, can be seen here: http://
evidence to support or disprove
www.americanpomeranianclub.
many of the theories that are being
org/health/donors.htm.
argued by those in the breed. No
The goal of the research is to
matter which of the many “sides” and
gain an understanding of the genetic
“groups” you belong to, it is difficult
defect that causes Alopecia X and a
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test to identify carrier and affected
an extensive Pomeranian Alopecia
dogs early so that appropriate
X Survey. This survey launched
breeding decisions can be made to
near the beginning of 2013. Some
avoid producing bald dogs. This goal
breeders previously entered data
should be attainable in time with
in the OFFA Pomeranian Health
a great amount of commitment on
Survey, which was a general health
the part of both the Pomeranian
survey. At last check, that survey
and scientific communities. There
suggested that the incidence of
have
in
Alopecia in Poms is around 16%,
developing genetic tests for canine
with more young males than females
diseases, as well as diseases in other
developing coat loss, but in older
species. However, in the mean time
Poms the rates appear to equalize.
we cannot simply sit by and wait
Currently this is the only satisfactory
for a test. There have been many
data available on the incidence of
observations and theories on how we
the condition and therefore it was
can identify suspect dogs without a
a very useful survey. Unfortunately
test. But despite the many theories,
it doesn’t ask a sufficient number of
there really have been no properly
detailed questions about Alopecia
controlled studies to look at coat
X specifically, and the database
characteristics or other factors
doesn’t allow some of the very useful
and relate them to later Alopecia X
analyses that we would like to do in
status. Additionally, there have been
order to learn more about this coat
a lot of statements that Alopecia
loss problem. This new survey is a
X dogs suffer severe health issues,
more comprehensive effort focused
yet
veterinary
on this one issue, and will provide a
community as a whole has reported
greater range of options to analyze
that Alopecic Poms do not suffer
the resultant data.
been
many
conversely
successes
the
health defects more than their coated counterparts.
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Anyone who owns or has owned in the past a purebred Pomeranian is
In order to shed some light on
asked to complete the survey, and do
these and other issues, the PCOC has
so separately for EACH dog that they
taken a leading roll and developed
own, have owned or produced. Pets
and show dogs are equally valid for
anonymously if that is desired, but
entry into the survey, as both groups
there are optional fields where you
suffer Alopecia X. Unaffected dogs
can choose to include your name as
are just as important as affected dogs
well as the name of the dog you are
if we are to get accurate statistics on
entering in case of the need to contact
the incidence of this coat issue. Some
you for clarification or if you want to
owners entering data in the survey
contact the survey administrator
may not know or remember every
to update the information that you
detail for every dog as some have
have previously entered. You can
owned or produced dogs over years
place your name and e-mail address
or even decades. Most questions
in the name field. The data is being
include “unsure”, “don’t know” or
collected in a database where
“don’t remember” as options. It is
the individual records will never
best to use this option rather than
be made public.
guessing if you are not sure. It is also
responses have been collected to
clear that the sheer number of dogs
give significant conclusions, the
that some in the community have
aggregate data will be released to
produced or owned over their time
the community in a manner that will
as breeders would make the survey
not identify any respondent or any
a very large time commitment. Thus
specific dog.
Once sufficient
breeders are encouraged to try to
Great effort has been made to
take a representative cross-section
produce a survey that is fair and
of the dogs over their time as a
unbiased in any way, not favouring
breeder or Pom owner, both coat-
any
loss dogs and coated dogs, so that
the ability to complete the survey
as accurate as possible data can be
anonymously if participants are
derived from the survey. And then
concerned about their data being
as owners have spare time here and
associated with them. The goal of the
there, enter additional dogs until
survey is to find out the facts about
they have completed the survey for
Alopecia X, no matter what they
each dog owned and/or produced.
ultimately tell us, and the results will
The survey can be filled out
particular
view,
including
be analyzed in a scientific, unbiased
31
Figure 1. Alopecia X survey respondent country of origin.
32
fashion. There are some controls
to the survey thus far, we hope for
that have been implemented to avoid
double that number before we will
large numbers of fraudulent entries
have a complete dataset and can
in the case that someone attempts
begin to relate many of the attributes
to skew the results in favour of any
queried in the survey to a Pom’s
one particular opinion, however it is
Alopecia X status. The survey is truly
hoped that this won’t be needed.
a global effort, as can be seen in the
This survey is a PCOC initiative
countries of origin of the participants
and it is the hope that ALL members
of the survey (as of the beginning of
will support the survey by filling it
June, 2013). While approximately
out separately for EACH dog they
22% of respondents have reported
currently own or have previously
their country as Canada, clearly the
owned or have produced. While we
majority of respondents are from the
have had close to 1000 responses
United States and other countries.
Thousands of Pomeranians have
Russian:
been registered with the CKC,
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/
including around 700 additional
PCOC_Survey_Russian
dogs each year.
Spanish:
Therefore far
more Canadian Poms are eligible
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/
to be entered in this survey than
PCOC-Alopecia-X-Spanish
the worldwide total that have been
Participants
will
need
to
registered since the survey opened.
navigate to this site separately for
We hope that you will take the
each dog they wish to enter. Please
time to complete the survey for all
share this link as widely as possible,
of your dogs (both coated and coat-
including with your pet purchasers.
loss Pomeranians) and encourage
Thank-you
in
advance
others, both breeders and pet
for your commitment to this
owners alike, to do so as well. Let’s
process. With the support of the
make Canada the country of origin
PCOC membership we have a
for the majority of the survey
real opportunity here to make a
responses and lead the worldwide
significant contribution to our
Pom community by example! With
understanding of Alopecia X. Please
sufficient responses, this survey
feel free to contact me (paul@
has the potential to greatly impact
tinybearpoms.com) if you have
our understanding of this coat
any concerns or questions about the
problem and lead to validated visual
survey.
clues to dogs that will suffer coat loss in the future, and also indicate
Thank-you for your support,
which visual characteristics do not Dr. Paul D. W. Eckford, Ph.D.
correlate with future coat loss. The survey can be accessed via
the
Pomeranian
Club
of
(Biochemistry), B.Sc. (Hons. Biochemistry) paul@tinybearpoms.com
Canada or American Pomeranian
www.tinybearpoms.com
Club websites, or directly at the
TinyBear Pomeranians Canadian Kennel
following addresses:
Club Registered Member, Canadian Kennel
English:
Club Genetics and Medical Committee
https://www,surveymonkey.com/s/
Chair, Health and Genetics Committee,
PCOC-Alopecia-X
Pomeranian Club of Canada
33
POMERANIAN CLUB OF CANADA
HELLO PCOC MEMBERS!! IT’S THAT TIME OF THE YEAR AGAIN...
MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL TIME!! THE POMERANIAN CLUB OF CANADA IS LOOKING FORWARD TO ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL YEAR OF CELEBRATING OUR BELOVED POMS, AS WELL AS FRIENDSHIPS, FUN & DOG SHOWS!! RENEW BEFORE JULY 31, 2013 TO AVOID LATE FEES PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL FOR YOUR RENEWAL FORM OR VISIT WWW.PCOC.NET IF YOU ARE NOT RENEWING YOUR MEMBERSHIP, WE ARE TRULY SORRY TO SEE YOU GO, BUT PLEASE NOTIFY RENEE REPKA, TREASURER AT REN9666@SHAW.CA
34
The Pomeranian Club of Canada Regional Specialty Report by Sue Beckingham
On Sunday, April 14, 2013, The Pomeranian Club of Canada held a regional Specialty in conjunction with The Renaissance Dog Association in Chilliwack BC. Mr. Erwin Deutscher of Austria was our judge for the afternoon. We had a very nice entry of 25 dogs. Mr. Deutscher chose Chikai Secret Weapon as Best of Breed, owned by Chi Kai Ho. Best of Opposite was AD Dynasty Dream Works owned by Sidney Freitas/Fernando Almeida. Best of Winners and Best Puppy was Chikai Secret Weapon.
Winners Male Mythical Rydin To Hi Times
Winners Female Chikai Secret Weapon
Reserve Male Firesprite’s Darkest Dream
Reserve Female Pikkinokka’s Daddy’s Diva
Select Male CAN. CH. Valcopy Jamel Sir Crystalton
Select Female Up To Date Premiera
Best Canadian Bred Chikai Secret Weapon
Best Bred by Exhibitor Pomhaven’s Rumor Has It
35
Tail Sets A Closer Look
by Christine Heartz The tail is one of the important features of the Pomeranian.
your hand, flat against the pin bones, (hip bones). A high, flat tail sits on top
The Canadian Standard states:
of the back and when viewed from the
The tail is characteristic of the breed
side, the tail is forward of the pelvis.
and should be turned over the back and carried flat, set high. It is profusely
Illustration 1: Place the
covered with long, spreading hair.
hand flat against the pin
The American Standard: His heavily
bones, the tail sits forward
plumed tail is set high and lies flat on
of the pelvis and will not
his back) Both Standards are clear
press into the flat hand.
about the type of tail a Pom should have.
On a dog with a low set tail, it
While a tail that is carried over
comes from a lower point, almost
the back is similar to many of the
directly above the anus. It does not
Nordic or Spitz breeds, the tail of the
sit directly up on the back but has to
Pom is unique to the Spitz group. The
curve out and up.
Pom’s tail is straight, flat and set high on the back. The Keeshond, who is very
Illustration 2: low tail
closely related to the Pom, has a tail
set, tail will press into
that also carried high, lies flat, but it is
the hand, tail presses into
tightly curled. The tail of a Pom should
the hand when you try
have no curl.
and place the hand flat
Checking the Tail Set: One of the
against the pin bones.
best ways to check tail set on your own
36
dog is in the bathtub when they are wet.
As you examine a dog with a low
You can easily see where the tail comes
set tail, you will be unable to place your
out from, how straight it is and how high
hand flat against the pin bones without
up on the back it is carried. over? When
the tail bone pressing against your
judging the Pom on the table, place
hand. (see illustration 2)
Illustration 3: Good tail set
Illustration 4: Low tail set whichMakes the dog appear longer that it really is. Tail Carriage: Tail carriage is also extremely important. The term
impossible for the dog to carry his tail high or flat, ruining the outline
“carried flat”, is the other part equation,
If we look at the origin of the
indicating the tail should be carried as
breed, it is important to remember
flat as possible, down the middle of the
that the Nordic breeds curled up in the
back. (as opposed to off to one side or
snow and the tail helps keep the face
up in the air.)
protected enough to be able to breathe
Not mentioned in the Standard description is the length of the tail.
the cold air. An important “form follows function” lesson.
Ideally it should be long enough to be
A Pom with a beautiful, full tail,
carried flat. Often a short tail is also
set high and carried flat, is one of the
a low tail, which then becomes a real
breed’s most important characteristics.
problem because it becomes almost
37
Top Pomeranians (from Canuck Dogs)
Rank
Last Month
Dog Name
BIS
GP1
GP2
GP3
GP4
Points
1
1
Ch Valcopy Jamel Sir Crystalton (M)
2
15
6
6
2
1769
2
2
Ch Sunterra Star Status (M)
1
10
8
0
1
560
3
3
Ch AC Dynasty Dream Works (M)
0
1
1
1
1
226
4
4
Ch Crystalton Single Sinsation (M)
0
0
2
1
0
174
5
5
Ch Chriscendo Common Sense (M)
0
3
0
1
0
98
6
6
Ch Cheyennes Wyatt Earp (M)
0
0
0
2
0
79
6
6
Ch Lilangelz Magical Image (M)
0
0
1
0
0
79
8
8
Pomsdapi A Star Is Born (M)
0
0
0
1
1
61
9
9
Chriscendo Can't Resist (M)
0
1
1
2
0
60
9
9
Ch Sunterra StarStruck (M)
0
1
0
0
1
60
Stats courtesy of www.canuckdogs.com and are current to May 20th, 2013.
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