Jazz has her ATCH!

Congratulations to Kathy Murphy and "Jazz" Stonepine Red Hot Jazz (Sire: Ch. Crazyhearts Talk To Me x Ch. Stonepine Shiraz) on earning a well-deserved ASCA Agility Trial Championship (ATCH). Very proud of this great team!

Strategies on DNA Tests

Created by The Scientific Commission of NKU (Nordic Kennel Union) and fully supported by The FCI Breeding Commission

The Scientific Commission of NKU (Nordic Kennel Union) has worked out a strategy on

DNA-tests in dog breeding, approved by the commission meeting in Iceland November

2014.

The availability of genetic tests for different diseases in dogs has increased dramatically in

recent years. For breeders and dog owners, the utility and accuracy of these tests are

often difficult to assess. Even though DNA tests offer new opportunities as a tool for

breeding, they also imply new questions and challenges. The fact that a genetic test is

available for a disease in a breed does not automatically mean that the test is accurate or

appropriate to use as basis for breeding decisions. The Scientific Committee of the Nordic

Kennel Union (NKU/VK) would like to stress that genetic testing in dogs should be used

with common sense and caution. The points described in the document should serve as

guidelines for breeders and dog owners regarding the use of genetic tests.

Astrid Indrebø gave a presentation of the document, which was sent out with the agenda.

FCI Breeding Commission – Minutes from the meeting in Dortmund, February 13th 2015 6

BC discussion:

BC was happy with the presentation; the information given in the document is of great

value.

Updating from the delegates:

Belgium informed that the Flemish government have mandatory DNA-testing of a list of

breeds.

Netherlands informed that they are not allowed to breed with unhealthy dogs, an animal

rights group have said that French bulldog is not healthy – court case? The outcome of

this case is very important, for if this goes through, other breeds will follow.

Switzerland: The government has made a decision not to ban any breeds. All breeders of

dogs, which includes both pedigree dogs and mixed breeds, is responsible for their

breeding. They have to be able to document their dogs and their offspring, and prove that

they do what they can to avoid and reduce problems.

The kennel clubs all agreed that we only should breed healthy dogs, however it is our

responsibility to marked that one should focus on unhealthy dogs, not unhealthy breeds.

The national kennel clubs must take action.

An international statement should be made, which the national kennel clubs can show to

the Governments and others that we are working on an international basis.

We have different breeds for different functions “Dogs fit for original function” –

functional in modern society.

It should be focused on all dogs, not only pedigree dogs.

FCI Breeding Commission – Minutes from the meeting in Dortmund, February 13th 2015 7

BC decision:

The president will make a proposal for a statement, based on the NKU-document. The

statement will be sent to the delegates after the meeting. The delegates are asked to use

these statements in their own kennel club/breed clubs regarding the use of genetic tests in

dog breeding. The statements should also be available on the FCI web-site.

Statement (made by the president after the meeting and sent to the delegates for

approval. The statements were approved):

The FCI Breeding Commission fully support the document made by the NKU Scientific

Commission (NKU/VK) regarding the use of genetic tests in dog breeding.

We want to highlight the following statements from the NKU/VK-document, and

encourage the kennel clubs and breed clubs to make it available to all dog owners:

1. The genetic testing in dogs should be used with common sense and caution.

2. A dog showing clinical symptoms of a serious disease should not be used for breeding

– regardless of genetic test results.

3. There is a need for further efforts from the international dog community to support

dog breeders and owners with respect to validation and guidance on the use of

genetic tests.

4. The FCI Breeding Commission advice against the use of genetic tests for conditions

where the inheritance is unclear.

Tests for diseases that are influenced by many genes should be applied only in cases

where evidence based on scientific publications has established that the mutation(s)

cause a significant and defined risk of disease, and provided that the disease is of

clinical relevance in the breed concerned.

5. The FCI Breeding Commission are reluctant to promote the use of multi-tests and

combination test packages currently available.

This position is based on shortcomings in validation and/or relevance for some of the

mutations in the package as well as the potential negative consequences on the

overall breeding goal that uncritical use of genetic tests are likely to cause.

Instead, it should be recommended to the breeders and dog owners to test for the

specific mutation(s) that are relevant in the current breed, provided that these tests

are validated.

6. The FCI Breeding Commission would like to emphasize the importance of breeders

and/or dog owners carefully evaluating the usefulness and accuracy of a genetic test

before it is performed. Only use the tests that are properly evaluated and for

conditions of clinical relevance in the breed.

No dog, or any other living creatures, are completely free of disease mutations.

Uncritical use of DNA tests may in the worst case result in negative effects on the

breed’s health and gene pool.

Please contact your breed club or kennel club for more information if you are doubtful.

7. General statement

The FCI breeding commission fully supports the following statements from the

Scientific Commission of the Nordic Kennel Union, concerning the general policy

regarding the application of genetic tests in dog breeding.

a. Genetic testing are excellent tool in breeding for improved health provided that

the tests are reliable, relevant and used wisely.

FCI Breeding Commission – Minutes from the meeting in Dortmund, February 13th 2015 8

b. Breeders and dog owners should carefully evaluate the benefits and

consequences of a genetic test before it is applied.

c. A one-side or exaggerated focus on DNA test results may result in an increase

risk that other important conditions or characteristics are overlooked.

d. We would like to emphasize that the breeding program should be based on the

prevalence and severity of various health issues rather than on the availability

of genetic tests.

e. If a disease does not constitute a clinical problem in the breed and/or the

genetic test is not validated or accurate, it is better to refrain from the testing

of the dog.

Otherwise, there is a risk of excluding potential breeding animals and

decreasing the genetic variation, based on uncertain or false grounds.

f. Keep in mind that dog breeding is about more than specific diseases and

genetic tests that even though they are many they do not give the entire

picture

 

Apollo!

Is well loved by Bev and Earl!

Senior Dogs

Ten Ways to Help Ensure That Your Dog’s “Golden years” are Comfortable and Healthy

Trimming Toenails

Why Monthly Heartworm Protection Might Not Be Necessary

Dogs Naturally Magazine 

Consider TESTING for heartworm if you live in an area whose weather does not support the growth of the heartworm parasite (fore mosquitos to carry heartworm: you need sustained five days of 80 degrees weather AND nightime temps cannot go below 59 degrees!)

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Early Spay Neuter

Many of you who know me or have purchased puppies from me know that I am NOT a fan of early spay neuter any longer. The research is out there and more and more studies are affirming the early studies. It is not good for the long-term health of your dog.

As pet owners we have been brainwashed that your pet MUST be neutered or you will produce unwanted puppies. This is not true. This real issue is the difference between responsible pet ownership and irresponsible owners. In many places in Europe spaying/neutering an animal EVER is considered animal abuse and is banned. So the immediate question is, what do they do with all of their unwanted offspring? ....they do not have a pet overpopulation problem in Europe and this is due almost entirely to responsible pet ownership.

Many of you as pet owners will receive a lot of pressure from your neighbors, trainers, boarding facilities, doggy day care to spay/neuter your animal immediately. Many of you will receive pressure from your veterinarian.

Please be an advocate for your dog's health. Take the time to do the research on the peer-reviewed studies (2013-2014). And be willing to say "no!"

I receive calls all the time from pet owners telling me about their dog's ill health. Further into the conversation I can tell you that every one of the dogs who has poor health coincidentally was spayed/neutered early, was given combination vaccines prior to eight weeks of age and received annual combination vaccines. Many of these dogs are eventually euthanized due to their health issues. The veterinary care costs for these animals is staggering.

For the sake of your animal's long-term health please do your homework. Responsible pet ownership in 2015 means protecting your animal's health.

Team Allmark is on "Fire!"

Fire's first dog show in England...a success!

Photo courtesy of Amanda Hutchinson Photography.

Pet Vaccination: Risks and Benefits

Information to help you decide on vaccinations

United States Australian Shepherd Foundation

Plan ahead...when making out your will do not forget to support your breed!

Giving Back to the Breed

Apple Cider Vinegar

My dogs get  this daily... check it out!

How Apple Cider Vinegar Can Help Your Dog

Postcard from Apollo

Environmental Seizures: Part Two

Environmental Seizures: Part Two

This is part two of the three-part article currently being published in the Australian Shepherd Journal.

Environmental Seizures: Part One

Environmental Seizures: Part One

This is part one of a three-part article currently being published in the Australian Shepherd Journal.

Quinn at 7 Months!

Stonepine Quintessential at EdenOak "Quinn" (Ch. Heatherhill No Stone Unturned "Turner"  x  Ch. Stonepine Sheer Silk "Sash")

"Quinn loves to swim and retrieve! She is doing great in classes and we took her on her first trip to a hotel - she stayed in a soft crate! Without issues. She will be going to Ferndale and Ventura at the end of the month. Faith's husband Kevin just loves her; he took care of her while we were in Pomona and he says she is easy...just likes to swim in their pool and he sometimes had a hard time keeping her out of it on the trip to the pasture to run!" LeeAnn

Week Two: Stevie-Deacon Litter

Yes! A second litter! I normally bred one or two litters a year. This is one of the two girls I was going to breed this year. Rather than having a winter litter I decided to do both a the same time. Please check in on my on a regular basis to make sure I am still alive by Week 8! Puppies are gorgeous, healthy and just starting to get mobile. Their eyes and ears should open this week and by next week they will be experimenting with food (puppy formula green tripe).

Week Three: ED-Enzo Litter

It's a big week for the pups; out of the whelping box and into the large puppy play pen. New surfaces, new toys, wide open spaces and starting to eat (puppy formula green tripe). A video is also available at: http://youtu.be/aJuyRb4JtGE

Week One: ED-Enzo Litter

The pups are one week old today. All are doing very well including E.D. who is being a fabulous mom. Healthy, happy, robust puppies who have started their path in life with Early Neurological Stimulation.

The E.D.-Enzo Litter Day One

Thrilled to announce the arrival of the spectacular E.D. (Ch. Stonepine Jaded) and Enzo (Ch. Stonepine Fuel Injected) litter. We kept it simple...basic black! Eight healthy, robust puppies (six boys and two girls).

Puppy Titer and Health Tests

Puppy titer test blood draw

Puppy Health Exam

It is that time at Stonepine Aussies...the Sash-Turner litter are almost ready to go home. But before that happens each puppy receives a blood titer test to determine their antibody levels for Parvovirus and Distemper virus.

The results of this test tell us if the puppy requires a vaccine or if the mom's maternal antibodies are still hard at work protecting the babies. This is an ongoing project to improve the immune system of our puppies with a dedication and focus on the overall health and longevity of each puppy.

The puppies were in outstanding health according to the veterinarians, probably in part due to their wonderful diet of puppy formula green tripe (www.greentripe.com); the excellent care from their mom Sash and a little help from me.

Thanks to Dr's Gwen and George for their support our  journey to breeding and raising healthy dogs!

Sash-Turner Litter Week 7

Black Tri Female: slated for great things!

Doggy Home Decorating

The reason that dog people have leather furniture!


So true about leather furniture!!!  With one dog I managed, but when I got Jazz I knew I needed to make a change.  I had Salvation Army come and pick up my old couch and it had so much dog hair on it that they didn't want to take it!  My new couch was coming that afternoon and I guessed I looked panicked enough that they gave in!  Jazz also convinced me to replace my carpets with laminate.  She has been an expensive little luxury!"
Kathy and Jazz

Merry Christmas!

"Merry Christmas from Sammy's family. I sound like a broken record but we are so in love with her and can't imagine our family without her. She's everyone's favorite family member. People stop us all the time to comment on her beauty. Truly, she is even prettier on the inside. Thank you again for her!"

Sash Turner Litter Week 6!

  

Well, the best laid plans. There are actually six puppies in the litter. I had intentions of filming video of the litter this afternoon (a day early!). I shot some fun video clips, got several nice still shots and when I went to download I evidently maxed out my memory card and NONE of the video clips survived. More tomorrow I promise!

Jazz and Kathy in Action!

Great photo! Love this technology.

Happy One Year Birthday!

"One year ago today, Pepper came home to my world. She has been a complete joy and so much fun and light ever since.

THANK YOU, Nannette and the Stonepine/Heatherhill family!

Woofs and wiggles, Jenny and Pepper"

Dylan in Oregon!

"We are EXTREMELY happy with Dylan and he seems to be happy too; he is relaxed and playful, silly. People who have been over and are familiar with Aussies, say he seems more calm than others they have experienced.

He has been very quick to learn. I haven't tried to teach him much except to sit and certain times, such as before I put his leash on and after coming in from outside so I can wipe the rain off. But there is a lot he learns everyday about the household, who gets what food where, how to safely play with the cats, etc. My thought on obedience was that if I have a choice of classes, one being all Aussies, then that would probably be the most helpful for me and hopefully the most beneficial for Dylan as well. I was happy with where I took Thorvald and the next classes there begin in January and that was a mixed breed class, so that is always on option.  

Dylan likes to ride in the car and jumps into the seat readily. I have been taking him daily to a 20 acre off-leash dog park and letting him and Thorvald run and socialize while I walk a little over 2 miles. He really enjoys that and is doing well with other dogs. He doesn't display submissive behavior but is also not aggressive so I would say has a healthy self esteem. He's doing just fine eating in the crate and being there when I do errands. Other than those times, he is following me around.

Please know that Dylan is well loved and gets a lot of care each day. He is a welcome member of the family and knows it. Thank you for such a wonderful dog - Diana"

Dylan is Available!

This is an earlier picture of Dylan who is now six months old. He is wonderfully outgoing, leash trained, crate trained and is going to be a smaller male as an adult. This picture does not do him justice. His sparkling blues eyes are surrounded by brilliant copper trim.