Total Dog Magazine

Author: Dog News

  • London Dog Owners Reminded to Keep Pets Away From Caterpillars

    Dog owners and dog walkers in parts of London and Surrey are being reminded not to let their pets approach caterpillars of the oak processionary moth (OPM), which are now active in and around oak trees in these areas.

    Parents are also being advised to keep children away from the caterpillars and their nests, because the caterpillars’ hairs can cause itching skin rashes and other health problems. The public is also urged to report any sightings here.

    Affected areas include boroughs in West and South-West London; Bromley and Croydon and southern parts of Lewisham in South London; and Elmbridge and Spelthorne in Surrey. The greatest risk period is May to July, although nests should not be approached at any time.

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    OPM caterpillars are a tree pest which was accidentally introduced to Britain. They feed on oak leaves, and in large numbers they can severely defoliate trees and leave them vulnerable to other pests and diseases.

    Their tiny hairs contain a protein which can cause itchy skin rashes and, less frequently, eye and throat irritations and breathing difficulties in people and animals. The hairs can be blown on the wind, and left in their nests in and under oak trees. This, as well as the fact that the caterpillars sometimes crawl in nose-to-tail processions
    across the ground between oak trees, makes curious dogs particularly at risk of getting hairs in their mouths and noses.

    Dr Deborah Turbitt, Deputy Regional Director for Health Protection, London, endorsed the ‘don’t touch’ advice issued by The Forestry Commission saying, “See a pharmacist for relief from milder skin or eye irritations following possible OPM contact, or consult a GP or NHS111 for more-serious reactions. Contact a vet if animals are affected.

    She continued, “We have issued advice to local GPs and health professionals to help them identify when patients have been affected by the caterpillars and to advise them on appropriate treatment.”

  • An Open letter to Bill Lambert at The Kennel Club

    Dear Mr Lambert,

    Re: Open Letter

    You may be surprised to hear that I don’t disagree with everything you said when we were both interviewed for BBC Radio 4’s You & Yours programme on 23rd April to talk about the health crisis affecting Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.

    I appeared in the studio to argue the case for mandatory testing for the two most serious and widespread hereditary conditions: mitral valve disease and chiari-like malformation/syringomyelia (CM/SM). The Kennel Club opposes this, arguing it is a quick fix.

    However, I am in agreement with you that Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) would play an important part in the fight to tackle these horrendous hereditary health problems. Tools such as EBVs, which help breeders make decisions based on indicators of genetic risk of inherited disease, can only help the dire situation facing these little dogs.

    There is a question I wasn’t given the opportunity to ask on the radio programme: how does the Kennel Club propose to obtain the data (health test results) required to create EBVs for Cavaliers?

    There is no official heart testing scheming for the breed, despite one being promised in 2008, and fewer than 200 scans have been submitted to the CM/SM scheme since its launch in early 2012. While the £30,000 recently put forward by the Kennel Club to allow older scans to be graded and submitted is a welcome step, at best this would only add 300 scans.

    The Kennel Club’s own website says of EBVs: “An EBV can only be calculated for a breed if enough individual dogs across the breed have been scored.” The majority of Cavalier breeders have proved their unwillingness to have health tests officially recorded so it seems logical that making testing mandatory is the only way the Kennel Club can possibly obtain the data it so badly needs.

    Offering EBVs as a solution to the plague of Cavalier health problems when the Kennel Club has no means of actually creating them makes me doubt the sincerity of the statement you made on air that the Kennel Club is “trying to improve the health of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel”. In case you need reminding of what you said during the interview, here is the link to the podcast.

    I very much look forward to receiving an answer to my question.

    Yours sincerely,

    Charlotte Mackaness

     

    On 29th April 2014 Bill Lambert responded to Charlotte’s open letter. 

     

    Dear Charlotte

    Thank you for your letter.

    The Kennel Club does not argue, as you claim in your letter, that mandatory testing for CM/SM and MVD in Cavaliers is a quick fix – quite the opposite.  Making testing mandatory for registration would not fix anything in terms of improving breed health, and could serve to drive away responsible breeders and owners from the Kennel Club’s umbrella of influence, information and education, which could have a negative effect on the breed.

    A recent paper by the RVC’s Vet Compass project supported by the Kennel Club Charitable Trust, estimated there is a prevalence rate for Syringomyelia of around 1.7 percent in the breed. We know that much more information needs to be collected for a fuller picture to emerge and we are leading the charge in saying that this must not make us complacent, because of the seriousness of this terrible condition, but we need to consider the evidence about prevalence, alongside the costs of testing and the fact that the test requires people to put their dogs under general anaesthetic, in order to understand why there is some resistance to testing.  Making testing mandatory for those who register with the Kennel Club would not have any impact on the thousands of Cavaliers outside of our fold and would likely drive those who might be potential friends into forces of resistance.

    You say in your letter, quite rightly, that the number of results submitted for dogs screened for CM/SM under the KC/BVA CM/SM Scheme (currently 253) is not sufficient to develop Estimated Breeding Values – however, we are not far off.  The £30,000 pledged by the Kennel Club Charitable Trust and the British Veterinary Association to have old scans assessed by the BVA/KC CM/SM Scheme may ‘at best’ add 300 scans, but an additional 300 scans on top of the existing number could be enough to calculate initial EBVs, which would give us a good start at enabling inherited risk factors to be generated for the breed – and as more results get submitted, the more precise in risk assessment the EBV becomes.

    You ask how we plan to get more people to submit results.  Our belief is that with education and with increased and improved communications we can increase the number of people who are voluntarily submitting results, for the good of the breed. Anyone with a Cavalier can screen their dog and submit the results – not just breeders – so dog owners who wish to help improve the health of the breed can do so by having their pet health tested.  We would gladly work with others to help us mobilise those who care about the breed.  Some 10,000 people have signed the Cavalier petition – presumably many are Cavalier owners and breeders – so can we mobilise them to health test their dogs?  Surely they would want to contribute towards the solution to the breed’s health issues by having their dogs tested?

    We are confident that with a collaborative approach we will get there.  As we’ve seen for Hip Dysplasia and Elbow dysplasia we can encourage breeders and owners to screen through education, motivating people to screen, getting breed club support, encouraging vets to recommend this screening for breeding animals in particular (not forgetting of course that data from any animal can contribute to EBVs, whether they are used for breeding or not).

    Regarding heart testing, a major study into the prevalence of all health concerns in Cavaliers, funded by the Kennel Club Charitable Trust, has been recently undertaken and confirmed that heart murmurs do seem to be a particular concern for the breed.  It is commonly accepted amongst cardiologists that the Cavalier form of mitral valve disease is complex and behaves differently than other dogs’ manifestations of the disease.

    The Kennel Club has been working collaboratively with the Cavalier breed clubs, British Veterinary Association and Veterinary Cardiology Society to develop heart schemes for a number of breeds, and as with many complex inherited diseases the development of a scheme is not a quick, simple process.  We need to understand the disease, determine heritability, come to a consensus on the best technology for assessing the heart, when the optimum time(s) for heart testing throughout a dog’s life are, understand the progress of the disease, determine a system of assessment that is clinically and scientifically robust, plus provide breeding advice and recommendations.  There needs to be a protocol and assessment accepted and agreed by experts before the Kennel Club can make a scheme mandatory for Kennel Club Assured Breeders.  Until that time we make tests, such as heart testing for Cavaliers, recommendations under the Assured Breeder Scheme, and work with owners and breeders to encourage them to health test their dogs and submit results in order that the Kennel Club and breed clubs can build a fuller picture of how conditions are likely to be inherited.

    I can assure you that the Kennel Club is dedicated to improving the health of dogs and does far more than any other organisation to achieve this, and we will continue to do so.

    We would very much welcome the opportunity to meet with you to discuss how you see the future of the breed being protected as we are open to ongoing dialogue on this issue.

    Yours sincerely

     

    Bill Lambert

    Kennel Club Health and Breeder Services Manager

  • New Research Claims British Dog Owners Could Be Killing Pets With Kindness

    New research published by Direct Line Pet Insurance reveals even our dogs now gorge on junk food, giving rise to fears of a pet obesity epidemic.

    The research shows that millions of dogs are scoffing human treats on a regular basis, with a third (33 per cent) of pet owners admitting to feeding their four-legged friend snacks like crisps and chocolate, most of which are unhealthy and some potentially toxic.

    Over 1.3 million dogs (15 per cent) have been fed crisps and almost as many (1.1 million) have enjoyed pizza. Dogs are even being fed takeaways, with over a third of a million animals tucking into deep fried chicken from KFC (4 per cent) and the same number being fed food from McDonald’s. In fact, over 2.3 million (27 per cent) owners feed their dog human food instead of pet food.

    Edward Barclay, head of pet insurance at Direct Line, commented: “Fast food takeaways can be extremely dangerous for dogs, who love to rummage through leftover containers in search of a tasty morsel. Direct Line’s own veterinary nurses have seen cases of dogs that have needed urgent medical attention after digesting fried chicken bones, or even whole corn on the cobs, which have resulted in severe digestive problems.”

    Disturbingly the research also shows six per cent of dog owners have given their pet alcohol. Pet owners are gambling with the health of their animals, as ingesting even small amounts can result in life-threatening toxicity for dogs.

    According to the study, half (50 per cent) of pet owners that smoke do so in the same room as their dog and a quarter (25 per cent) expose their pet to the second hand fumes of more than six cigarettes a day. Pet owners that smoke are allowing their dogs to inhale worrying doses of harmful chemicals, with 13 per cent consuming over 16 cigarettes a day with their pet shut in the same enclosed environment.

    Edward Barclay continued: “Unfortunately, some dog owners are literally killing their pets with kindness. What is a tasty treat for humans can cause fatal reactions in dogs, or contribute to long term health problems. While Timmy in the Famous Five might have licked the plates clean, vets recommend against feeding leftovers such as pizza slices and chips.

    “The anatomy of dogs means they are extremely sensitive to smoke and there is the additional risk of nicotine poisoning if they chew butts or cigarette packets left lying around. Likewise, owners should be careful leaving electronic cigarettes on tables or in the plug, charging. We always want to be around our furry companions but if you’re smoking, it’s better to step outside. Responsible pet owners should recognise the importance of providing a healthy diet and environment for their animals as well as having sufficient pet insurance cover, or funds available, in case their dog needs treatment.”

  • Woman Breastfeeds Endangered Puppy

    After deciding the newborn had less than an hour to live after refusing to feed from a bottle, the unnamed woman started BREASTFEEDING the orphaned pup.

    The dog was part of a litter that the Colorado resident had taken in after their mother died.

    She said of her decision to breastfeed the nipper: “He wasn’t moving and I just did it.

    “I didn’t know what else to do, I was desperate and I just couldn’t bear sitting there watching it die.”

    Admitting to finding the whole experience “weird”, the woman nevertheless posted a picture of the dog at her breast and posted it on Facebook.

  • Pet Owners Worry As Dog Thefts Rise

    The rise in dog thefts over the past 12 months has left Britain’s pet owners concerned that even in the comfort of their own gardens, their dogs are not safe, according to research from Churchill Pet Insurance.

    An alarming 41 per cent of dog owners claimed that they are worried their dogs are not safe outside. While some owners felt fencing and gates eased their concern slightly, nearly a third (31 per cent) said they still feared the worst.

    Pete Bishenden, head of Churchill Pet Insurance, comments: “It is such a shame that even though we have had one of the best weather spells in years, our research revealed that 38 per cent of dog owners have been limiting the time their dogs spend outside. Of the 1,167 pet owners questioned, 66 per cent admitted that they felt their dog’s breed made them more covetable by potential thieves. We know from our own claims experience that certain breeds are more popular to sell on, such as smaller, more docile dogs. We have also seen Lurchers and other breeds taken for dog baiting. Over half also claimed that they felt their dog’s age, from a puppy up to three years old, made them more susceptible.”

    One dog owner, who took part in the survey, shared her own story: “I owned a very small, elderly Cavalier King Charles Spaniel who was snatched from our front garden. We think the people who stole him thought he was a puppy, given his small size. After closer inspection, the thieves realised his true age and the dog was dumped by the side of the road in the next village. A kind member of the public found him, took him to the police and we managed to get him back the next day.”

    Another dog owner commented she had witnessed a dog napping, but only realised when it was too late. She urges people not to leave their dogs tied up outside shops as a result.

    K9 Magazine editor, Ryan O’Meara, offered his thoughts on the findings: “For many, our dogs are very much a key part of our family unit and so it’s not surprising that many worry about their pet’s safety. It is, however, very sad that dog napping is on the rise. Many years ago it was something you heard about every now and again. Now, the fact that almost everyone we spoke to when carrying out the research has heard of dogs being stolen shows that this is a real threat that dog owners must take seriously.”

    Churchill Insurance and K9 Magazine’s dog security tips

    • Be careful not to leave gates open
    • Make sure that your fence and gate is high and secure enough
    • Fit a bell to your gate so you’re alerted when it’s opened
    • Make sure there are no broken or unsafe panels to your fence which could easily be broken or removed
    • Ensure your dogs are visible to you in the garden at all times
    • Have your dog microchipped with your details registered, and keep the details up to date
    • Never leave your dog unattended outside a shop or in your vehicle

  • Charity Hammers Kennel Club Over Suffering Dogs

    The Kennel Club and dog breeding world still needs to take urgent action to improve the health and welfare of pedigree dogs, five years after a revealing BBC documentary highlighted the shocking levels of suffering many animals endure, according to the RSPCA.

    Programme maker Jemima Harrison, who produced and directed Pedigree Dogs Exposed, has backed the RSPCA’s call for urgent action.

    She said: “Five years on from Pedigree Dogs Exposed, the Kennel Club is still in denial about the extent of the problems.

    “It is unethical to continue to breed dogs like Pugs and Bulldogs which have such flat faces that they cannot breathe – and yet the Kennel Club registers these breeds in their growing thousands and these dogs continue to be celebrated at Kennel Club shows.

    “”The Kennel Club has done too little to tackle the suffering these and many other breeds endure, despite an increasing amount of science which both articulates the issues and offers solutions.

    “The dogs continue to pay a huge price.”

    The RSPCA have acknowledged the progress made by the Kennel Club and dog breeders, including the development of DNA and health screening tests for hereditary diseases and the introduction of veterinary checks on ‘high profile’ breeds.

    However, the nation’s biggest animal welfare charity believes much more should have been done in the five years since Pedigree Dogs Exposed was first broadcast on BBC One in 2008.

    RSPCA chief vet James Yeates said: “Although some progress has been made by the dog world to address the issues raised in Pedigree Dogs Exposed, it has not been nearly enough. Five years on the problems are still far from being solved.

    “We are concerned that many pedigree dogs are still suffering because they’re bred and judged primarily for how they look rather than with health, welfare and temperament in mind.

    “We believe that meaningful action is urgently needed in order to make a real improvement to the welfare of pedigree dogs.”

    This is a view supported by the EFRA Committee’s Dog Control and Welfare report which said that too many dogs continue to suffer ill-health due to inbreeding and breeding for exaggerated characteristics.

    Three major reports were published on dog breeding in the UK in the 18 months that followed Pedigree Dogs Exposed. All three reports concluded that the welfare issues associated with pedigree dog breeding are very serious, and included a series of recommendations for possible ways forward.

    Many of the recommendations are solely within the Kennel Club’s control, and have not been acted upon.

    Some of the changes the RSPCA is calling for include:

    · An independent review of Kennel Club breed standards

    · Dog shows, such as Crufts, should judge dogs on their health, welfare and behaviour, rather than their appearance

    · Revision of registration rules to put a limit on the number of offspring that can be fathered by any one sire

    · Revision of registration rules to prevent the registration of offspring from matings between second degree relatives (e.g. grandparent-grandchild or aunt/uncle-nephew/niece matings)

    · Only registering puppies from parents that have been properly and fully health screened

    · Ban on registration of dogs born from a dam’s second caesarean

    · Veterinary checks at shows to be done by independent vets

    · Open stud books to allow more frequent introduction of new genetic material into established breeds

    The RSPCA’s Born To Suffer campaign and petition was launched more than 18 months ago, with a call to change breed standards so that they prioritise the health, welfare and temperament of a dog over its looks. It is hoped this will put an end to the avoidable suffering many dogs endure.

  • Research Highlights Biggest Threats To Pet Welfare

    Research from the Royal Veterinary College, commissioned by the RSPCA, released today has highlighted the most urgent issues that need to be rectified for the improvement of pet dog welfare in Britain. These include owners’ lack of awareness of welfare needs, poor health due to obesity, inherited disease or exaggerated physical features, intensive and unregulated puppy rearing and a lack of appropriate provision for behavioural needs.

    The research published in the journal Animal Welfare surveyed the opinions of stakeholders working in various different capacities with companion dogs in Britain and found that rather than having a ‘good quality of life,’ the majority of those surveyed considered them more likely to have only ‘a life worth living,‘ meaning that there is room for improvement.

    Over 200 stakeholders took part to find out what they perceive to be the welfare concerns that exist for companion dogs – defined as a domesticated pet, living as part of a family unit and not kept primarily for sport or work. These included veterinarians, veterinary nurses, behaviour specialists, welfare scientists, breeders, trainers, pet insurance representatives, members of government advisory bodies, welfare inspectors, dog wardens and charity staff.

    Stakeholder categories had differing views regarding the quality of life of companion dogs in Great Britain. Industry and grooming parlour staff, breeders, exhibitors and judges rated their quality of life the highest, saying that British companion dogs have ‘a good life’, while welfare officers scored it lowest.

    Although all stakeholder groups agreed on the important welfare issues, there were notable differences between these groups on their relative importance.

    Veterinarians and Veterinary Nurses viewed puppy farming as of less importance (though relatively still important) than other groups of stakeholders. In particular, Industry considered puppy farming as highly important and urgent to rectify, perceiving the impact on the individual dog as higher and (together with those working in the Charity sector) scoring its prevalence higher than Veterinary professionals.

    In contrast, Veterinary professionals perceived exaggerated physical features as relatively more important; significantly more so than Government, Industry or Charity sector stakeholders. Veterinary professionals also perceived obesity to be of higher importance than did Industry and Charity sectors.

    Stakeholder differences in perceptions of quality of life and priority welfare issues are likely to relate to differences in practical knowledge and direct experience of these particular concerns, highlighting the importance of consulting a range of stakeholders to build a comprehensive picture of significant threats to canine welfare.

    Views were not all negative. Factors perceived by stakeholders to enhance dog welfare included the quality of veterinary care, exercise, educational resources available for owners, responsible ownership and the work of rescue and welfare organisations.

    Researcher Emma Buckland from the Royal Veterinary College, said: “We have a special relationship with dogs, and the view generally held by society is that dogs should have ‘a good life’; however, on average, stakeholders suggested that companion dogs in Great Britain may have a poorer quality of life, and described over 30 welfare issues that may affect them.”

    “The study sets out future priorities. Addressing the most pressing welfare issues and maximising positive experiences can improve companion dog welfare and quality of life”.

    Recent work estimates the companion dog population to be approximately ten million in the United Kingdom. In the past, surveillance of welfare standards within the companion animal population has received relatively little scientific attention compared with farm and laboratory species.

  • 11 Dog Breeds You’ve Probably Never Heard Of

    If you were stopped on the street and asked to name as many dog breeds that you could think of, how many could you come up with?

    Worldwide we know of many popular types of dog breeds. Old favourites like the Labrador Retriever and Yorkshire Terrier. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier and the Golden Retriever. But what about those breeds which many people would simply have never heard of. The rare, hidden gems of the dog world. And world is very much the optimum word.

    There are thousands of dog breeds from all over the world and here we’ll take a look at some of the breeds which might have flown under your radar.

    The New Guinea Singing Dog breed has been around for thousands of years and seems to be one of the earliest recorded breeds known to man. Dog breeds like the Labrador Retriever or the German Shepherd have only existed for a short period of time in comparison to some breeds; with a record dating back to only the past few hundred years.

    http://i.imgur.com/X5ZZT.jpg

    Pictured above, a New Guinea Singing Dog, singing. By R.G. Daniel.

    When dogs first became domesticated many breeds of dog were bred for their functioning traits like behaviour, hunting and guarding. It was not until recently that dogs were bred for their distinctive appearance.Since we have moved into more modern times, a need for more types of dog has been met with the cross breeding of dogs to achieve a dog with certain behavioural characteristics and aesthetic looks.

    Have you thought about hunting a bear lately? If so you might need a Beauceron Dog as that is originally what this dog was bred for. There is not an exact time frame of when this breed’s origin came into play, though we do know it did come from France, and the first possible written word of this breed dates to at least 1578. Many will understand the relation when they find out that this bred was one of the several thought to be used to create the Dobermann Pinscher.

    Have you ever heard of the name Erdelyi Kopo? This dog is also known as the Transylvanian Hound! This breed has been around for what many consider a time dating as far back as the Middle Ages and is believed to have originated between Romania and Hungary. Grouped along with other scent hounds this rare breed is extremely smart and if left alone would need to be well secured to avoid this natural escape artist a way out.

    There is also the Xoloitzcuintli (pronounced roughly as sho-lo-eets-quint-lee or sho-lo-skwink-le), or to make it easier the Mexican Hairless Dog or Xolo. This breed is native to both South and Central America and Mexico, it is known to vary in size anywhere from 10 pounds (4kg) to 50 pounds (20kb) and has been listed as both sacred dogs to the Aztecs along with now in modern times as the national dog for Mexico.

    Would you like to have a Polish sheepdog? What about the Owczarek Podhalanski, more commonly known as the Polish Tatra Sheepdog. Most will speculate that this breed was first introduced into the world during the 14th century, near Tatra which is a Mountain region on the southern portion of Poland, however as with others in this guide you will see that not all records were kept as they are now in modern times.

    The Cão Da Serra De Aires is a herding breed whose ancestors were mostly known for herding cows, pigs and even horses at times. We can estimate that the breed is close to 100 years old though many early breeders did not keep the best track record of dates. We do know from this breed that it is a type which has a high level of stamina and is able to adjust well to home life if given enough “running room”. This breed is also very clever, more than most when it comes to herding their livestock. These are working dogs, also social but the dog will become possessive of their territory if the need strikes.

    Have you never noticed the very skinny breed called the Azawakh? Many only weigh in at 35-55 pounds (15-25kb) but due to their height tend to look a little on the skinny side. A rare dog breed that came from the pariah dogs in sub-Saharan Africa, this dog has a strong instinct for guarding as well as a digging habit.

    Have you ever heard of a Taigan? This breed is a sight hound, a little larger than a medium height dog who’s colours range from black, to a black and white mix – even a brown/yellow. These hounds are great for work in rugged climates, with a thick coat and large lungs that allow it to work in higher elevations compared to other sight hounds.

    The last time you caught a painting by Rembrandt or Steen did you wonder what type of dog that was? That would most likely be the Kooikerhondje or Kooiker Hound which is still new to some areas of the world, but has been around since the 17th and 18th century originating in the Netherlands. This breed comes with a waterproof coat, and while it is small in size can quickly put weight on with a healthy appetite so be sure to give this pooch a little work out if needed.

    A lovely breed from Thailand is the Thai Bangkaew Dog, a medium sized dog who is protective of family but still friendly towards strangers. There are times the Bangkaew will show its stubborn side so patience is needed with this breed along with consistent reinforcement and training.

     

    As a small hunting breed the Korean Jindo Dog can still stand carry its weight, originating from Jindo Island in South Korea this tail-wagger. Jindo’s are wonderful hunters with their pack sensibility, outstanding courage and cunning behaviour. Packs have been known to bring down large game like deer and boar, then allowing one to come back to the master leading it to the prey while the others stand guard.

    Bonus: Rare and Ancient Dog Breeds

    Over the years, man has developed a variety of dog breeds, with each one designed for a specific purpose. Many breeds with common characteristics share common ancestors. The Molosser is an ancient dog that has contributed to a number of modern day breeds.

    The Molossian people lived in ancient Greece, and they kept a particular type of dog known for being courageous and protective. These dogs accompanied their owners on trade journeys, and also when they went into battle. Physically, the Molosser dog was solid and heavy boned, with floppy ears and a strong muscular neck and body. They have well-developed guarding instincts and were used to guard livestock and protect their owners. Even though there are differences between them, you can see the Molosser ancestry today in breeds such as the Mastiff breeds, the Fila Brasileiro, Dogue de Bordeaux and the Newfoundland.

    Not all ancient breeds have changed as much as the Molosser type of dog. The Pekingese is one such breed. These little dogs were companions to the Chinese royal family in the 8th century, and look much the same as they did in those times.

    Most dog breeds were developed very recently, over the last 200-300 years. Not all dog breeds survive. If they don’t serve their purpose, there is little incentive for them to be bred. Also, many breeds are further developed into another breed that is even more suited to their job. One example of the latter is the Bloodhound; it is thought to have originated from the St Hubert Hound, which is no longer in existence. In the UK, there are 28 breeds with less than 300 individuals registered with the Kennel Club. In the US, one fifth of the breeds that are currently registered with the AKC have less than 200 registrations. These breeds can be considered at risk of disappearing.

    Sometimes, fanciers come to the rescue and continue breeding these rare or endangered breeds, so they don’t become extinct. This can cause problems. With such a small gene pool, there is the chance of genetic disease raising its ugly head. Ideally, new genetic material needs to be introduced into the population. There are two ways of doing this. Firstly, if the breed exists in other countries, then an international breeding program can widen the gene pool. Secondly, if there are descendants of the breed that look similar, they can be crossed with individuals to add diversity to the breed’s genetic make up.

    One good example of this is the Chinook, a sled dog that was developed in the United States in the early 20th century. It’s ancestry includes Husky and Mastiff, with the addition of Belgian or German Shepherd. In 1981, only 11 Chinook of breeding age existed. Currently, Chinook are involved in a cross breeding program, where individuals are mated with breeds that are thought to have been involved in the creation of the Chinook. In 2009, the population of Chinook had increased to over 600 dogs.

  • Why The Pit Bull Ban Must Go

    I’m writing this not in my position as editor of K9 Magazine.

    Nor do I write it as a former professional dog trainer.

    I don’t even write this having seen and reported on some of the barbaric and inhumane treatment of innocent dogs condemned to die after been taken from their owners having committed no other ‘crime’ than looking like and matching the Government mandated description of ‘Pit Bull Terrier type’.

    pit-bull

    I write this, quite simply, as a human being with a compassion for animals.

    Since 1991 the United Kingdom has operated a piece of flawed legislation known as the Dangerous Dogs Act. This poorly thought out, ill judged, in-effective law sought to ban particular dogs based on nothing more than what they look like. In particular, Ken Baker (the MP who rushed through the act and has openly admitted his dislike for certain ‘types’ of dogs), targeted the Pit Bull.

    Since then a large mythology has grown up around this most misunderstood dog breed.

    It seems that if you say the words ‘Pit Bulls should NOT be banned, they should be a legal breed the same as any other’ you are immediately challenged to defend that position.

    Why?

    Because by banning the breed, Baker immediately smeared an entire group of dogs (and indeed their owners) as ‘dangerous’.

    In the cold light of day, this is laughable. But there’s absolutely nothing funny about the countless dogs who’ve been killed, by the Government, and the owners whose lives have been altered forever as a result.

    This is neither the time nor the place for me to list the many victims of breed specific legislation. I simply want to state, unequivocally, that the Pit Bull witch-hunt must end.

    Since 1991 successive Governments have conceded the folly of the Dangerous Dogs Act, which has not achieved any of its stated aims either by way of reducing dog attacks or even removing Pit Bulls from UK homes.

    Those who support the law are hard pressed to defend it when it is put under scrutiny.

    Pit Bulls are a dog like any other.

    They are large. They are powerful. Can they be dangerous? Yes! JUST LIKE ANY OTHER.

    People have been attacked and killed by many different dog breeds. If our aim, as a society, is to produce only dogs that are incapable of injuring or killing people then we had better get to work quickly on producing dogs made out of cotton wool with marshmallow teeth.

    I admit I may be preaching to the choir here, but I wanted to do it any way. So I ask this one, simple question and encourage you to contribute below…

    Do you believe that Pit Bulls are inherently more dangerous and should therefore be exterminated in the United Kingdom?

    If you do, then I’m willing to listen to your reasons why. If you do not, then please feel free to add your experience and opinion on why the UK still has a policy of operating failed, draconian, cruel breed specific legislation.

    I urge and encourage our overseas friends to add your opinions too. Pit Bull owners particularly.

    Thank you.

  • How Long Can a Dog be Left Home Alone?

    The question of how long is too long when it comes to leaving dogs home alone is one posed by many dog owners and would-be dog owners, particularly those who work a 9 to 5 full time job.

    A recent study conducted by the University of Brisol has suggested that a huge number of dogs are suffering with separation anxiety as a result of being left alone at home for long periods of time.

    We wanted to solicit the views of dog owners on this thorny issue as it often proves one of the most commonly asked questions at K9 Magazine HQ…just how long is too long to leave a dog at home alone?

    Dog Home Alone

    Leaving Dogs at Home: How Long is too Long?

    There tends to be two schools of thought on this issue

    1. Working people should be able to have dogs, but leaving the dog at home for more than a few hours at a time is cruel and proper arrangements should be made to cater for the dog’s needs i.e professional dog walker or owner returning home to take the dog out.

    2. There is a certain ‘cut off point’ at which it is simply too long to leave a dog at home on their own.

    How Long Can a Dog Be Left At Home For?

    So, the question is, where do you stand?

    Is there a magical number after which it’s not OK for a dog to be left alone and, if so, what is it?

    Should dogs EVER be left alone for periods of longer than, say, two hours?

    Are we getting worked up over nothing? Is it OK to leave a dog alone for the length of a normal working day (above 6 hours).

    And finally, what tips, experience etc do you have in helping a dog cope with potential separation anxiety issues?

    Worried About Leaving Your Dog Alone? Hire a Pet Sitter!

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    Your thoughts on this hot topic are very much appreciated. You can use the comment form below and we’ll publish your views – they might just help someone who is thinking of getting a dog but evaluating whether or not they have the time and resources to be fair to the animal.

  • Is it Safe to Let Dogs Lick Your Face?

    Rare is the dog owner who’s pet has never given them a canine kiss.

    Sloppy, wet dog kisses – it would seem – could hand in paw with the dog ownership experience. But can dogs pass on germs when they lick your face? One of the more commonly asked questions we get here at DogTips.co is whether dogs can pass on germs to humans, particularly by licking…

    http://i.imgur.com/vly2J.png

    Why Do Dogs Lick Faces?

    Dogs use their long tongues for mopping up lunch crumbs, removing mud from their feet, and cleaning their privates. And yet, when they give our faces sloppy licks, there’s something endearing about it. Apart from occasional attempts to retrieve bits of glazed doughnut from our chins, dogs lick us because they like us. It isn’t a kiss, but it’s close.

    Almost as soon as they’re born, dogs experience the soft warmth of their mothers’ tongue, which bathes them with maternal affection. The licking never really stops after that. Mothers take advantage of their puppies’ relative immobility during nursing to lick them clean. They also lick their bottoms to jump-start their impulses to relieve themselves.

    Is it OK to Let Puppies Lick Faces?

    Puppies do their share of licking too. They lick older dogs’ chins and faces to greet them and show respect. And when they’re hungry – and puppies are perpetually in search of something to eat – licking their mother will sometimes stimulate her to regurgitate a meal, which the puppies regard as an appetizing lunch.

    As dogs get older, they lick each other less often, but they never quit entirely. At the very least, in the absence of hands and hairbrushes, they do each other’s hair with their tongues.

    A Show Of Respect

    Dogs don’t lick people because they’re hoping for a hot meal. They lick because we’re their parents, or at least the head folks in the house. Even when dogs are old, gray, and grizzled, they see themselves in some ways as being our children, and a lick shows how much they respect us.

    You can tell a little bit about your dog’s personality by how much licking she does. Dogs who are very bold or independent are restrained with their licking because they don’t feel as though there is anyone they have to win over. Outgoing, sociable dogs, on the other hand, lick everyone all the time.

    We play a role in all this licking too. It doesn’t take dogs very long to learn that laying a wet one on the cheek is a great way to get cooed over and rubbed the right way. So in a way, the instinct to lick is both ancient and immediate; dogs do it naturally, and we en- courage them to do it more.

    How To React to Dog Face Licking?

    People are never sure how to react to licks. The first emotion is generally “Aw, that’s cute,” closely followed by “Yuck.” Imagine where that tongue has been! But it’s not as unhygienic as it seems. At worst, dog licks are like wiping your face with a slightly dirty washcloth. Not exactly cleansing, but hardly worth worrying about. In fact, there’s some evidence that it may be good for you.

    So whilst a dog lick on the face might not be to everyone’s taste, judging by the millions and millions of dog owners who’ve received a dog lick to the chops, it’s not going to kill you (or your children!).

  • Tallest Dog in the World Revealed (& He Really is a GIANT)

    Meet the world's tallest living dog, and boy is he a big un'!

    Measuring a whopping 2.2 metres on his hind legs, Zeus the Great Dane has been officially awarded the title of world's tallest dog by the Guinness Book of Records.

    http://i.imgur.com/m9aVE.png

    He stands 1.12 metres from paw to withers.

    Owner Denise explains:

    "The most common thing people ask is: 'Is that a dog or a horse?"

    Weighing in at 70.3kg (over 11 stones), the giant canine eats his way through a 14kg bag of dog food each DAY!

    "We had to get a van to be able to transport him, oh, and if he steps on your foot he leaves bruises!" says Denise.

  • Up To 4 Million Healthy Dogs Killed in USA Each Year

    A staggering three to four million healthy, adoptable pets are euthanized every year at shelters across the country. Still others wander the streets, sick and hungry, given up by the families that once loved them. What are the reasons behind the alarming number of animals who are abandoned, unwanted, and euthanized each year, and how can we better ensure they find their way to warm, loving homes?

    To help provide answers, American Humane Association’s Animal Welfare Research Institute today released the results of the first phase of a three-part study to better understand pet ownership and retention and discover the most effective strategies to ensure animals find their forever homes. Phase I of the “Keeping Pets (Dogs and Cats) in Homes Retention Study,” funded through a generous grant from PetSmart Charities®, examines why so many American households don’t have a furry friend at home.

    Research indicates that of the 117.5 million households in the U.S., only 46.3 million have a dog in their family and only 38.9 million own a cat. Understanding the reasons why people choose whether or not to own a pet is the first step towards developing effective strategies to increase pet ownership and reduce the alarming number of homeless pets and resulting euthanasia rates.

    In the first phase, ” Reasons for Not Owning a Dog or Cat,” American Humane Association interviewed 1,500 previous pet owners and non-pet owners to determine the reasons behind their pet ownership decisions. Respondents who had owned a cat or dog in the past provided insights about their previous experience with pets; how they obtained them and what happened to those companions. Phase II, which is also being funded by PetSmart Charities, will research how many dogs and cats acquired from a sampling of shelters and animal control agencies still remain in their new homes six months following adoption, and what happened to pets who are no longer in those homes. Phase III will test practical interventional strategies for improving retention rates following the acquisition of a new pet.

    Phase I Findings: Promising Trends, Daunting Challenges

    The study found that there are multiple major barriers – some suspected, some surprising – to pet ownership including the associated costs, perceived lack of time to care for an animal, outright dislike of companion animals, especially cats (more than a third of non-pet-owners said they dislike cats), and, in a poignant, double-edged twist highlighting the emotional intricacies of the human-animal bond, lasting grief over the loss of a previous pet, which was cited as a significant obstacle to procuring a new pet by one in five (20%) of previous dog owners and one in six (17%) of previous cat owners. Overall, almost half (49%) of respondents who have never owned a pet as an adult had a dog or cat as a child.

    Some of the data was disheartening but pointed the way to future improvements and interventions. Despite massive public education campaigns encouraging people to adopt from shelters, fewer than one quarter of previous dog owners (22%) and one fifth of cat owners (18%) obtained their prior pet from a shelter or rescue organization. Fortunately, 64 percent of prospective owners who previously owned dogs indicated that they would adopt a dog from a shelter or rescue organization, and 56 percent of prospective owners who previously owned a cat indicated they would adopt a cat from a shelter or rescue organization. And in spite of the widely discussed physical and emotional benefits of pet ownership for older people, seniors citizens were among the least likely to consider a pet. Among those 65 or older nearly six in 10 previous dog owners would not consider getting another dog, and 66 percent of previous cat owners would not consider another cat. Among those who had never owned an animal, the figures were even bleaker: An overwhelming 90 percent of seniors said they would not consider getting a dog. Ninety-four percent are not open to owning a cat. The study also details numerous demographic, societal and economic issues affecting pet ownership in the United States.

    Lowering Barriers to Ownership

    The findings suggest that some of the more promising avenues warranting additional work include supporting younger future cat owners and continuing to assess negative attitudes toward cats, understanding that ongoing grief is a barrier to new pet ownership and identify methods to help people work through grief, celebrate the prior pet, and reenter the ownership pool, understanding that more future owners may be adopting pets from shelters and rescue agencies and offering support at this point of acquisition, and working with broad and diverse segments of society to reduce existing barriers to ownership, such as housing restrictions and veterinary/general expenses.

    “There are still significant hurdles to overcome in helping to keep more of these healthy, adoptable animals out of the nation’s shelters,” said Dr. Patricia Olson, chief veterinary advisor for American Humane Association and head of its Animal Welfare Research Institute. “Using the data gathered and the work to be done in future phases of this study, we hope over time to decrease pet homelessness and relinquishment.”

    “We’re proud to fund this critical research on pet ownership and retention,” said Susana Della Maddalena, executive director, PetSmart Charities, Inc. “The information uncovered in this and future studies is sure to help us achieve our goal of finding a lifelong, loving home for every pet.”

    “By understanding the reasons why so many Americans do not own a pet, and learning what we can do to increase lifelong retention of those that do,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, President and CEO of the American Humane Association, “we can take the necessary steps to change minds, change policies and change activities to help get more of these beautiful animals out of shelters and into the arms of loving families.”

    The complete study can be found at: http://www.americanhumane.org/aha-petsmart-retention-study-phase-1.pdf

    Methodology
    An online survey was created and administered to 1,500 respondents in February 2012. Surveys were created and fielded for three groups of consumers who:

    1. Never owned a dog or cat as an adult, “non-pet owners” (n=500)
    2. Previously owned a cat but not within past 12 months (n=500)
    3. Previously owned a dog but not within past 12 months (n=500)

    Age categories for previous owners combined 18-34 year olds in order to have enough of a sample to perform significance testing.

    No non-owner age categories were combined. Respondents completed each survey with a margin of error +/- 4.4 percent.

  • What Is The Best Dog Harness? K9 Magazine Has The Answer

    For dogs who pull, a harness is often one of the first recommendations made by a dog trainer as a method to get initial control of the dog’s errant walking behaviour.

    Now K9 Magazine has put together a feature profiling 5 of the best harnesses for dogs, highlighting the benefits of each with an insightful profile of this increasingly popular piece of dog training equipment.
     

    K9 Magazine says:
     

    “We’re always on the hunt for the best dog products around, and we suddenly thought – what’s the point in us knowing if we don’t tell you? Continuing our series of the Best Dog Products, we’ve been hard at work finding the best dog harnesses for Spring.”
     

    Profile in the feature are:

    • Puchi Chequered Chic Soft Dog Harness & Lead from Original Pooch
    • Ancol Car Harness from Ancol
    • Classic Buddy Belts Harness from Notforpussys.com
    • Pink Floral Soft Harness Vest & Lead from Wuff in Style
    • Company Of Animals Non-Pull Dog Harness from Paws Boutique

    On the specific issue of pulling on the lead, the magazine has this advice:

     

    “Assessing the world through the dog’s eyes is paramount to helping him walk to heel. In order to change the dogs mind from pulling, we have to communicate in a gentle language he will understand.

    The dog believing he is the leader believes it is his job to protect the pack and anything that approaches such as other dogs, joggers or cars could be perceived as a threat.

    This creates all sorts of problems as the dog in a human ruled world will react to the threat in three ways: Flight, freeze and fight.”

    Find out more about K9 Magazine’s recommendations for buying a dog harness (http://www.k9magazine.com/best-dog-harnesses/)

  • Proof: Owning a Dog Makes You More Attractive to Opposite Sex

    Having a dog could increase your chances of finding a love match, according to research conducted by Dogs Trust, the UK’s largest dog welfare charity. Of 700 respondents to a recent survey, 60% said that owning a dog can make people more attractive, while 85% think people are more approachable with a hound at their heels.

    We all know it’s tough starting a conversation with someone new, but owning a dog can ease the awkwardness. In fact nearly all of those surveyed (over 95%) said they would feel more comfortable speaking to someone they didn’t know, if they had a dog. Of those who gave a reason for this, two thirds said dog owners seem friendlier; they are also perceived as more approachable and trustworthy. So even those owners who don’t find love through their furry friend, are still likely to widen their social circle and meet new people because of them.

    Clarissa Baldwin, CEO of Dogs Trust comments:

    “The results of this research come as no surprise to Dogs Trust, as we hear stories every day of people meeting new friends or a partner through their dog. Put simply, the world is a friendlier place when you have a dog.

    “This research shows that not only are dog owners perceived as more approachable and friendly, but that having a dog can make you more attractive. With canine companions making such great ice breakers too, they really are the 21st century cupid!”

    Unsurprisingly, the best canine conversation starter is cute puppy, but over a third of respondents are also attracted by scruffy mutts. Supposedly ‘cute’ handbag dogs are actually seen by many men as a deterrent. But whether you enlist the help of Rover to find romance or not, you can always rely on him to snuggle with you on the sofa.