Brewer's took a little longer to arrive to DDC as he is on the west coast, but the wait was worth it :)
Brewer was tested for Fluff, Pink and DM. Worst case scenario he could only be a carrier of any of them, but these are his results:
Fluff: Carrier
Extension (Pink): Clear (E/E)
DM: CLEAR!! N/N (Normal)
Now we just have to do hips/elbows when he turns 2 in just over a week and wait for the results. I'm hoping to find the money somewhere to also do Ava, Ballantyne and Bolin at the same time.
I have had so many inquiries for using Brewer that I've been a bit humbled by it all. He is in no way perfect but am so shocked and happy that others see his virtues and merit for asking to use him for stud.
Showing posts with label testing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label testing. Show all posts
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Upcoming Events
2012 will be a year of continued progress in the realm of health testing, as well as hopefully moving forward with my breeding program, and my involvement with the CWCCA (our parent club).
In February Ell will be due with puppies. This will be her 2nd litter and I'm cautiously optimistic about this breeding. Pups will be brindles or possibly blacks.
In March when Brewer, Ballantyne and Bolin turn two, I will have their hips/elbows done. Ava will also be done as when she turned two she was in standing heat. Four dogs to have tested at the same time?! $$$ I am going to be paying for that for awhile! But it is very important to me and for the health of my dogs. Im not anxious to breed any of them yet, as I will hopefully have an Ell pup to grow on, as well as a pup out of Minnie that should be coming this way if all goes well sometime this summer.
In April the Cardigan National is going to be happening in Ohio. Since I missed last years in Texas (the first I've missed since I started going in 2008) I told myself I'd never miss another one. Its the chance once a year I get to see some of my Cardi friends! Aside from email or facebook, it is the only face to face opportunity I would get to see my friends!
In May I will be frantically finalizing the CWCCA Supported Entry at the FMKC shows June 1, 2 and 3 in Fargo, ND. I am member in charge but have delegated much to others so I am not running around the show site trying to help the FMKC AND the Supported Entry at the same time. Margot the Briard will also be showing there with her half sister and full sister hopefully so that should be fun to catch up with the Briarders.
I will not be going to the Western Reserve this year as Jon Kimes, one of my mentors will be judging one day. Since he and Barb and I co-bred a litter I am unable to show under him, which is totally fine. He's hard on my dogs without showing under him ;) ha ha ha!!
The rest of the year is up in the air. I'm not sure which shows i will be able to show at or go to. Will depend on my work schedule and the judges I guess, and where the majors may or may not be.
In February Ell will be due with puppies. This will be her 2nd litter and I'm cautiously optimistic about this breeding. Pups will be brindles or possibly blacks.
In March when Brewer, Ballantyne and Bolin turn two, I will have their hips/elbows done. Ava will also be done as when she turned two she was in standing heat. Four dogs to have tested at the same time?! $$$ I am going to be paying for that for awhile! But it is very important to me and for the health of my dogs. Im not anxious to breed any of them yet, as I will hopefully have an Ell pup to grow on, as well as a pup out of Minnie that should be coming this way if all goes well sometime this summer.
In April the Cardigan National is going to be happening in Ohio. Since I missed last years in Texas (the first I've missed since I started going in 2008) I told myself I'd never miss another one. Its the chance once a year I get to see some of my Cardi friends! Aside from email or facebook, it is the only face to face opportunity I would get to see my friends!
In May I will be frantically finalizing the CWCCA Supported Entry at the FMKC shows June 1, 2 and 3 in Fargo, ND. I am member in charge but have delegated much to others so I am not running around the show site trying to help the FMKC AND the Supported Entry at the same time. Margot the Briard will also be showing there with her half sister and full sister hopefully so that should be fun to catch up with the Briarders.
I will not be going to the Western Reserve this year as Jon Kimes, one of my mentors will be judging one day. Since he and Barb and I co-bred a litter I am unable to show under him, which is totally fine. He's hard on my dogs without showing under him ;) ha ha ha!!
The rest of the year is up in the air. I'm not sure which shows i will be able to show at or go to. Will depend on my work schedule and the judges I guess, and where the majors may or may not be.
Friday, January 20, 2012
Why I breed
I was going to post something similar to this but Cindy McDonald beat me to the punch :)
I think its always important to check your own goals, long term and short term. And why we do it anyway.
While I agree with Cindy that I do not breed to: fill a market, for other people to have show dogs, or pets, it is important to understand that while I do breed for myself, and for the improvement of the breed I cannot keep an entire litter for their entire life. I do need to have homes for these pups that I personally cannot see myself moving forward with in the breed. That doesn't mean someone else wouldn't mind using them in their breeding program, and it doesn't make any of them less lovable. And if I had the same first three litters again now, I may have kept something different based on what else I have in my house currently. So my 'show pick' isn't necessarily someone else's pick, or would it be mine in the future.
I am honored that most of my pet homes that contact me are looking for something quite specific. Usually health wise. I believe in using health tested dogs for all tests possible. Some say I test too much. I feel that no matter what, I want to give these new puppy buyers the most information about the pups' parents and lineage as I can. I've had numerous people want dogs that will never be at risk for DM as they've lost dogs to DM. I've had people inquire about pups that would hopefully be free of hip dysplasia. I cannot guarantee that, but if we continue to breed passing hips together the rate at which HD pups would come out of those passing parents would diminish. Why do people ask about this stuff? Because they've seen it in their own dogs that have died or had to been put down. They don't want to have to deal with it again.
There are things that we cannot control, but we (at least ME), tries to use every test as a tool to better my dogs. And while perhaps in 10 years when more tests are available I will have to prioritize my testing and that is all I can do, my best.
So if puppy buyers and prospective owners contact me in regards to health, or herding instinct, or whatever it may be, I am honored that they find me, and happy to share a pup with them that will not have the same conditions as one of their past loved ones. Its something simple. And something that I can live with.
And so even though I breed for myself, and for the betterment of the breed.....by doing just that, I am able to have pet homes have their dogs around longer because I made it a priority of mine to health test. And in the end we all win. I have my show pup to to love and forward my breeding goals with, and they have their companion dog to love forever, as healthy as I could make them.
I think its always important to check your own goals, long term and short term. And why we do it anyway.
While I agree with Cindy that I do not breed to: fill a market, for other people to have show dogs, or pets, it is important to understand that while I do breed for myself, and for the improvement of the breed I cannot keep an entire litter for their entire life. I do need to have homes for these pups that I personally cannot see myself moving forward with in the breed. That doesn't mean someone else wouldn't mind using them in their breeding program, and it doesn't make any of them less lovable. And if I had the same first three litters again now, I may have kept something different based on what else I have in my house currently. So my 'show pick' isn't necessarily someone else's pick, or would it be mine in the future.
I am honored that most of my pet homes that contact me are looking for something quite specific. Usually health wise. I believe in using health tested dogs for all tests possible. Some say I test too much. I feel that no matter what, I want to give these new puppy buyers the most information about the pups' parents and lineage as I can. I've had numerous people want dogs that will never be at risk for DM as they've lost dogs to DM. I've had people inquire about pups that would hopefully be free of hip dysplasia. I cannot guarantee that, but if we continue to breed passing hips together the rate at which HD pups would come out of those passing parents would diminish. Why do people ask about this stuff? Because they've seen it in their own dogs that have died or had to been put down. They don't want to have to deal with it again.
There are things that we cannot control, but we (at least ME), tries to use every test as a tool to better my dogs. And while perhaps in 10 years when more tests are available I will have to prioritize my testing and that is all I can do, my best.
So if puppy buyers and prospective owners contact me in regards to health, or herding instinct, or whatever it may be, I am honored that they find me, and happy to share a pup with them that will not have the same conditions as one of their past loved ones. Its something simple. And something that I can live with.
And so even though I breed for myself, and for the betterment of the breed.....by doing just that, I am able to have pet homes have their dogs around longer because I made it a priority of mine to health test. And in the end we all win. I have my show pup to to love and forward my breeding goals with, and they have their companion dog to love forever, as healthy as I could make them.
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Dealing with What we have
In all the species of livestock I have worked with, judged, bred and shown (including dogs), I have found some huge stereotypes based on life experiences, more than on assumption. Can it be safe to say that ALL people with the SAME issue are going to respond and react the same way? Absolutely not, but in the same breathe, I dare say that for the most part, people do fit these scenarios.
Let's play a few out. Again, this may or may be true of every breeder but it seems that more times than not, these people are exactly as described below. Please take no offense. For this blog entry I will keep it pertaining to dogs as that is who mostly reads this blog anyway.
Size. Different 'lines' in Cardigans tend to grow at different speeds, mature at different ages and tend to 'finish out' at different weights. I have found that Ava, my blue bitch grew quite fast and was as large as her mother by 8 months of age (28 pounds). She grew quickly and topped out at 34 pounds, which is what our standard states as being the largest a bitch should weigh. She just turned two in November and I can say she has weighed the same for about 12 months, with maybe a pound lost here or gained there.
All the other bitches in my home are 24-26 pounds soaking wet. Our standard states 25 pounds to be the least a bitch should way. Could these girls stand to gain a pound? Certainly. But what I find also with these lines is that they take 3-4 years to mature, grow slowly and either get recognized in the ring as pups, or not until they are older.Do I have concern of this that my bitches are so different yes. So what's the big deal?
I find more and more dogs (males especially) in the breed ring that at 12 or 16 months of age are 38-40+ pounds. Adults are 45+ (males). But most every single person I've talked to about this says that that is their only dog that got that big. And they breed it. I would like to gander a guess that large begets large,and my bitches who are moderate in size will produce moderate size offspring.
Am i way off base? People who have the large dogs defend them, and those with smaller dogs defend them as well? i get tired of other Cardigan breeders and friends tell me that "well she is too small" or "she needs more bone", when I think that my bitches have adequate bone for their size and their size is within standard limits. For some reason Americans think "bigger is better' with everything. The servings of food we eat, the vehicles we drive (well until gas spiked the last few years in price) and bigger dogs.
If size only happened as an anomaly (you can bet that Ava won't be bred to a large dog!!), then I wouldn't think twice about it. but several breeders who's dogs I've seen ever year since I got in to Cardigans still have large dogs. And they are producing large offspring. And they are defending their large dogs just like I am defending my moderate size dogs. Do i want to have larger bitches? I would think 28 or 29 pounds would be ideal, but my girls seem to be none the worse for wear when in the all breed rings.
HIP DYSPLASIA. I"ll probably get angry comments to this but everyone believes what they believe with OFA, PennHIP, OVC or not testing at all. But why? Do you think that there are those like me, who had trusted OFA and found out my 9 month old imported dog (with no guarantees, health or otherwise, not even a contract) would come back with MILD HD? I had to make a decision. Believe OFA and come to terms with an HD dog, or shrug it off, retest him and hope for better results the next time or stop testing all together say I don't believe in testing hips.
Some breeders will have long drawn out discussions with me about why they don't believe Cardigans have HD, why they don't test their dogs and why I shouldn't be either. Others will say they test but they will use a dog that doesn't pass if they have a bitch that passes or vice versa. OFA is a tool and they will use the results with caution. Others yet will only use dogs that pass their hips and stick firmly to the belief that OFA and Pennhip are doing all they can. Some yet will test Pennhip or OFA and if they don't like the result with try the other for a passing result. Why?
And isn't it funny that those that typically do NOT pass hips are the ones that usually stop testing or don't believe in OFA results any longer?
DEGENERATIVE MYELOPATHY- This is a newer health concern we have a test for. And again, many who have N/N dogs will say that everyone should test and we can get rid of this disease. Those with A/A dogs seem to say that the test is not conclusive because we haven't found the trigger to the disease and refuse to share results or test any further dogs. Since I've only had N/N or N/A dogs I'm in the middle of the road. I would use an A/A dog if my bitch was N/N and my carrier bitches i would ultimately want N/N dogs to breed to them. But why is this?
TURN OUT - some will argue we need to have dogs turn out at 10 and 2 (if looking at a clock) while others say the standard does not indicate any turn out is needed or necessary. Those with dogs with turn out seem to be of the camp that yes 10 and 2 are mandatory. Why? Why can't someone like me say....yes my dog "XYZ" has too much turn out and next breeding will try and rectify this. Or maybe some people do and just aren't public about it.
Why do we tend to stand behind and believe so strongly these things that affect our dogs? I realize that this is making huge assumptions about everyone, myself included and there are ALWAYS exceptions to the rule. I know there is a new group of breeders who share all results, good, bad or ugly and hopefully, others can learn from our pains, experiences and heartbreak.
I'm not sure the purpose of this post only to write down my thoughts I've had in my mind for years, long before dogs. Why do we as humans do this? Is this the reason for so many debates and friendships ruined (or gained) by having similar experiences?
I just wish that everyone could be upfront and regardless of their dogs tests, their size, their temperament or whatever it could be, we could all stand united and move forward all learning from each as we go. If we wouldn't come down on a fellow person because of their dogs size, and perhaps offer a moderate bitch to be leased so their dogs didn't continue to get larger? Or maybe help to educate new people about the importance of health testing and regardless of the results to no chastise each other's dogs for being A/A, or having HD or whatever the situation.
It really is about the betterment of the breed, not our own ego, agenda or livelihood. Its about the dogs and we are to be good stewards of the breed for them.
Let's play a few out. Again, this may or may be true of every breeder but it seems that more times than not, these people are exactly as described below. Please take no offense. For this blog entry I will keep it pertaining to dogs as that is who mostly reads this blog anyway.
Size. Different 'lines' in Cardigans tend to grow at different speeds, mature at different ages and tend to 'finish out' at different weights. I have found that Ava, my blue bitch grew quite fast and was as large as her mother by 8 months of age (28 pounds). She grew quickly and topped out at 34 pounds, which is what our standard states as being the largest a bitch should weigh. She just turned two in November and I can say she has weighed the same for about 12 months, with maybe a pound lost here or gained there.
All the other bitches in my home are 24-26 pounds soaking wet. Our standard states 25 pounds to be the least a bitch should way. Could these girls stand to gain a pound? Certainly. But what I find also with these lines is that they take 3-4 years to mature, grow slowly and either get recognized in the ring as pups, or not until they are older.Do I have concern of this that my bitches are so different yes. So what's the big deal?
I find more and more dogs (males especially) in the breed ring that at 12 or 16 months of age are 38-40+ pounds. Adults are 45+ (males). But most every single person I've talked to about this says that that is their only dog that got that big. And they breed it. I would like to gander a guess that large begets large,and my bitches who are moderate in size will produce moderate size offspring.
Am i way off base? People who have the large dogs defend them, and those with smaller dogs defend them as well? i get tired of other Cardigan breeders and friends tell me that "well she is too small" or "she needs more bone", when I think that my bitches have adequate bone for their size and their size is within standard limits. For some reason Americans think "bigger is better' with everything. The servings of food we eat, the vehicles we drive (well until gas spiked the last few years in price) and bigger dogs.
If size only happened as an anomaly (you can bet that Ava won't be bred to a large dog!!), then I wouldn't think twice about it. but several breeders who's dogs I've seen ever year since I got in to Cardigans still have large dogs. And they are producing large offspring. And they are defending their large dogs just like I am defending my moderate size dogs. Do i want to have larger bitches? I would think 28 or 29 pounds would be ideal, but my girls seem to be none the worse for wear when in the all breed rings.
HIP DYSPLASIA. I"ll probably get angry comments to this but everyone believes what they believe with OFA, PennHIP, OVC or not testing at all. But why? Do you think that there are those like me, who had trusted OFA and found out my 9 month old imported dog (with no guarantees, health or otherwise, not even a contract) would come back with MILD HD? I had to make a decision. Believe OFA and come to terms with an HD dog, or shrug it off, retest him and hope for better results the next time or stop testing all together say I don't believe in testing hips.
Some breeders will have long drawn out discussions with me about why they don't believe Cardigans have HD, why they don't test their dogs and why I shouldn't be either. Others will say they test but they will use a dog that doesn't pass if they have a bitch that passes or vice versa. OFA is a tool and they will use the results with caution. Others yet will only use dogs that pass their hips and stick firmly to the belief that OFA and Pennhip are doing all they can. Some yet will test Pennhip or OFA and if they don't like the result with try the other for a passing result. Why?
And isn't it funny that those that typically do NOT pass hips are the ones that usually stop testing or don't believe in OFA results any longer?
DEGENERATIVE MYELOPATHY- This is a newer health concern we have a test for. And again, many who have N/N dogs will say that everyone should test and we can get rid of this disease. Those with A/A dogs seem to say that the test is not conclusive because we haven't found the trigger to the disease and refuse to share results or test any further dogs. Since I've only had N/N or N/A dogs I'm in the middle of the road. I would use an A/A dog if my bitch was N/N and my carrier bitches i would ultimately want N/N dogs to breed to them. But why is this?
TURN OUT - some will argue we need to have dogs turn out at 10 and 2 (if looking at a clock) while others say the standard does not indicate any turn out is needed or necessary. Those with dogs with turn out seem to be of the camp that yes 10 and 2 are mandatory. Why? Why can't someone like me say....yes my dog "XYZ" has too much turn out and next breeding will try and rectify this. Or maybe some people do and just aren't public about it.
Why do we tend to stand behind and believe so strongly these things that affect our dogs? I realize that this is making huge assumptions about everyone, myself included and there are ALWAYS exceptions to the rule. I know there is a new group of breeders who share all results, good, bad or ugly and hopefully, others can learn from our pains, experiences and heartbreak.
I'm not sure the purpose of this post only to write down my thoughts I've had in my mind for years, long before dogs. Why do we as humans do this? Is this the reason for so many debates and friendships ruined (or gained) by having similar experiences?
I just wish that everyone could be upfront and regardless of their dogs tests, their size, their temperament or whatever it could be, we could all stand united and move forward all learning from each as we go. If we wouldn't come down on a fellow person because of their dogs size, and perhaps offer a moderate bitch to be leased so their dogs didn't continue to get larger? Or maybe help to educate new people about the importance of health testing and regardless of the results to no chastise each other's dogs for being A/A, or having HD or whatever the situation.
It really is about the betterment of the breed, not our own ego, agenda or livelihood. Its about the dogs and we are to be good stewards of the breed for them.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Bolin's results
Bolin is a fluff carrier N/A, she does NOT carry pink either (E/E) and she is clear (N/N) for DM! YAY!!
This means my only dog that carries pink is Daisy. And every dog of mine is a fluff carrier (but I can live with that!).
This means my only dog that carries pink is Daisy. And every dog of mine is a fluff carrier (but I can live with that!).
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Test Results:
Just got my test results via email for some of the dogs:
Sadie - DM carrier. I was curious to her status even though she is spayed. This makes me feel good as she will not ever be at risk for this disease.
Ell - Pink test; E/E (normal). she does not carry the pink gene 'e'. After finding that Daisy did, I wanted to make sure with Ell.
Ava - Pink test E/E (normal), DM N/A (carrier), Fluff N/A (carrier)
Ballantyne - Pink test E/E (normal), DM N/A (carrier), Fluff N/A (carrier)
Bolin's tests were sent off today as I was able to collect them from her when i visited Denise's place. Will keep you posted.
I am a little bummed about the fluff and DM status of Ava and Ballantyne. Their mothers were carriers for both, sires were clear/normal for DM and Hux was clear for fluff, so was hoping to 'improve' on their statuses. Oh well...at least they are not at risk or affected.
Sadie - DM carrier. I was curious to her status even though she is spayed. This makes me feel good as she will not ever be at risk for this disease.
Ell - Pink test; E/E (normal). she does not carry the pink gene 'e'. After finding that Daisy did, I wanted to make sure with Ell.
Ava - Pink test E/E (normal), DM N/A (carrier), Fluff N/A (carrier)
Ballantyne - Pink test E/E (normal), DM N/A (carrier), Fluff N/A (carrier)
Bolin's tests were sent off today as I was able to collect them from her when i visited Denise's place. Will keep you posted.
I am a little bummed about the fluff and DM status of Ava and Ballantyne. Their mothers were carriers for both, sires were clear/normal for DM and Hux was clear for fluff, so was hoping to 'improve' on their statuses. Oh well...at least they are not at risk or affected.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Two more CHIC Cardigans!
Zoe and Daisy officially are now CHIC members! I've been checking the online database and its official!
and the CHIC database page with ALL 22 cardigans on it
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Kinda Neat
I received this from OFA yesterday when my Certificates for the PRA Clear/Normal results for Zoe, Ell and Daisy came back. It was kind of surprised but kind of honored at the same time. now to figure out where to put it! I'm now just waiting for Zoe and Daisy's CHIC numbers to come. Ell's official hips are going to be done in a few weeks when I have the extra cash. Mitcham's will get done at the same time.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
DM result for Daisy
Daisy is N/N normal (clear) for Degenerative Myelopathy! One less thing to worry about when choosing her potential studs. All I have left to do is send in her DNA test result for PRA (she was clear/normal also) and she will be a CHIC dog. All I have left to test for is Patellas, which I don't foresee an issue with.
Oliver's DM test results should be back within the week.
Oliver's DM test results should be back within the week.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Back in the saddle
Sadie and I FINALLY got back to agility training tonight in Fargo. Yes its 90 miles. One WAY. 180 round trip in the big Expedition (the focus wagon's motor blew on me last week and i'm not replacing it. the motor costs more than the car is worth).
I was pretty anxious going into the ring as I didn'tk now if Sadie would be terrible (we were bumped up three levels from our last training level) and not remember anything or go off course or something. It was actually me we had to worry about! My trainer looked at me and finally said' Garrett, gather yourself and start over' LOL. Ok note taken!
Sadie was looking really good. We did serpentine jumps, contacts (perfect on the teeter and tire finally!) and down on the table with little coaxing. We did front crosses, rear crosses, weaves, broad jumps, panel jumps, triples, doubles, singles. You name it we did it! Sadie was SUPER happy to be back to doing something.
The silliness was right before I got into the vehicle i tripped and sprained my RIGHT ankle. Remmeber I broke my LEFT foot last September? That's why I hadn't been back to class. Well that and Zoe being pregnant. I didn't want to leave her, or bring home terrible koodies or something.
I also took the pups up for socialization and evaluations by non corgi breeders. Hey they got the structure down! They all sat happily in a Cocker xpen (the ones with the grated floor) and I just put a plastic piece and blankets over the grates. They watched us and the other dogs do agility and obedience, cuddled the people and wormed their way into several hearts. One friend even asked if I had any females left available, which I sadly said no! She would have been a perfect home and does NOT want a boy. Even after all the puppy kisses!
I'm going to take Zoe and Daisy to Detroit Lakes (only 60 miles round trip) for obedience and hopefully get their CGC/TDI hopefully if nothing else.
I brought Daisy in for her OFA certifcation for her Thyroid. She was SO good in the clinic, giving hand and face licks to all the techs and happily standing amongst us while we waited for the blood to clot so they could spin it down and send it out. Now we just wait for the results!
a busy dog day. If i didn't have dogs, I wouldn't have a life :)
I was pretty anxious going into the ring as I didn'tk now if Sadie would be terrible (we were bumped up three levels from our last training level) and not remember anything or go off course or something. It was actually me we had to worry about! My trainer looked at me and finally said' Garrett, gather yourself and start over' LOL. Ok note taken!
Sadie was looking really good. We did serpentine jumps, contacts (perfect on the teeter and tire finally!) and down on the table with little coaxing. We did front crosses, rear crosses, weaves, broad jumps, panel jumps, triples, doubles, singles. You name it we did it! Sadie was SUPER happy to be back to doing something.
The silliness was right before I got into the vehicle i tripped and sprained my RIGHT ankle. Remmeber I broke my LEFT foot last September? That's why I hadn't been back to class. Well that and Zoe being pregnant. I didn't want to leave her, or bring home terrible koodies or something.
I also took the pups up for socialization and evaluations by non corgi breeders. Hey they got the structure down! They all sat happily in a Cocker xpen (the ones with the grated floor) and I just put a plastic piece and blankets over the grates. They watched us and the other dogs do agility and obedience, cuddled the people and wormed their way into several hearts. One friend even asked if I had any females left available, which I sadly said no! She would have been a perfect home and does NOT want a boy. Even after all the puppy kisses!
I'm going to take Zoe and Daisy to Detroit Lakes (only 60 miles round trip) for obedience and hopefully get their CGC/TDI hopefully if nothing else.
I brought Daisy in for her OFA certifcation for her Thyroid. She was SO good in the clinic, giving hand and face licks to all the techs and happily standing amongst us while we waited for the blood to clot so they could spin it down and send it out. Now we just wait for the results!
a busy dog day. If i didn't have dogs, I wouldn't have a life :)
Monday, January 11, 2010
Happy Dance!
After having to wait an additional 8 months or so due to financial reasons, I finally had Daisy's hips and elbows xrayed right around the first part of December.
I nearly had a heart attack when I got the envelope today and the GREEN certificate (for elbows) was in the window box of the envelope. In the past the blue certificate (for hips) was always shown in the window box if they passed. I swore and then, shaking, went to open the envelope. Hidden behind the green one was the blue one!! WOHOO!! :) :)
So Daisy, officially known as Merrymoon Pluperfect Panache (Merrymoon Firestorm x Pluperfect-Merrymoon Popover) is OFA Fair, Elbows Normal, Cardiac Normal, CERF Normal, PRA Line clear. (so far!! More testing to ensue) For those who wish to see the REAL certificates I've enclosed those in this entry as well :)
I nearly had a heart attack when I got the envelope today and the GREEN certificate (for elbows) was in the window box of the envelope. In the past the blue certificate (for hips) was always shown in the window box if they passed. I swore and then, shaking, went to open the envelope. Hidden behind the green one was the blue one!! WOHOO!! :) :)
So Daisy, officially known as Merrymoon Pluperfect Panache (Merrymoon Firestorm x Pluperfect-Merrymoon Popover) is OFA Fair, Elbows Normal, Cardiac Normal, CERF Normal, PRA Line clear. (so far!! More testing to ensue) For those who wish to see the REAL certificates I've enclosed those in this entry as well :)
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Daisy
Daisy had her Cardiac and CERF done at the FMKC a few weekends ago. I'm happy to report she passed both :) She is in season so we will wait to do her hips in a few months.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
4 Generations of healthy, happy dogs and testing
I read somewhere recently that there is someone claiming to have generations of tested dogs in their pedigree of an animal they own. Upon looking at the pedigree there is ONE dog in each of the generations that was tested for hips. The vertical pedigree (including siblings, half siblings, aunts, uncles etc) has very few animals that have been tested for anything, let alone hips.
Its been said before by several people that although you may test your own stock, the proof is in the pedigree. Meaning that its fine and dandy you test your own stock for things, but what about the litter mates, parents etc of the dogs? Its true I have dogs that are tested for all known Cardigan issues. I do however realize that most of their relatives in the pedigree are not tested for much of anything. I also do not rant and rave about having a perfectly healthy dog, nor do I know what the relatives are for any of these tests. I'd hate to be false advertising my dogs that might kick me in the butt later! And as a general rule, CWC breeders and owners typically take the course of "no testing" for various reasons....1. because they don't believe in it. 2. they don't believe in the current tests that are available, 3. they cannot afford it, 4. they test and then get bad results so therefore don't publicly show the results and then decide they don't believe in the test anymore.
On a side note:
I will also say that I am one of, if not the only known Upper Midwest CWC *person* (soon to be breeder) that is testing their breeding stock for ALL known health tests in the breed. And not cosmetic things like fluff or little 'e' gene. I may even start to do spine xrays to track the beginnings of IVDD that is in our breed. I can't find anyone else's dogs on the OFA website that have as many health clearances as my girls do. Justice and Mitcham and Daisy will have their tests added as their ages allow. I'd be happy to show any certificates too of them that you may desire to see. So yes, even though they may not have it to back them up in their pedigree, my dogs will be tested and will continue to be tested from here on out. Not just the show pups, but all the pups. You can call me on it down the road if I don't >:)
**
I do however own a dog that is tested clear or passing for four generations for sure, nearly completely 5 (if you aren't counting him as a generation) :) And he's not a Corgi :)
His name is Mitcham :)
The Briard people have it together.
With only a fraction of the animals that that CWC have and only 40 registered litters a year in the US, they are a tiny breed population wise. They have 209 dogs registered with CHIC numbers. Cardigans have 13. Isn't that just crazy?
With Mitcham's 4 generation pedigree, all of his ancestors were tested for at least hips, if not a host of other things, except for his Great Grandmother on his dam's side's parents. Otherwise even most of the 5th generation that I looked at was also tested for hips.
And there is nothing to hide. Look at all the half siblings, full siblings, parents etc. They have TONS of animals listed.....which is even more awesome because the breed is so small itself...MUCH smaller than the CWC here in the US at least. OFA is awesome for being a pedigree and health research tool. OFA is a great source for a vertical health pedigree. I encourage you look at Mitcham's pedigree:
All links should be active and sent to the right OFA web page.
So what's my point? I guess if I were going to brag about a dog with some health clearances...it wouldn't be my Cardigans...it would be my Briard!
There is no false advertising, no saying I have 4 generations of tested animals.....when in fact the proof is in the pedigree! Would you buy a puppy if you were concerned about testing from a dog whose pedigree looks like the one above here or from someone saying they have 1 dog in each generation with hips tested? Given that they were equal in structure and temperament? I think I know your answer :) Because if you were already looking for a healthy dog (and they were in the breed you were looking for) you would naturally choose the line which is more tested so less 'surprises' are likely to happen, than in a pedigree where nothing or nearly nothing is tested for.
So whose 4 generations of testing do you think should be bragging?
Its been said before by several people that although you may test your own stock, the proof is in the pedigree. Meaning that its fine and dandy you test your own stock for things, but what about the litter mates, parents etc of the dogs? Its true I have dogs that are tested for all known Cardigan issues. I do however realize that most of their relatives in the pedigree are not tested for much of anything. I also do not rant and rave about having a perfectly healthy dog, nor do I know what the relatives are for any of these tests. I'd hate to be false advertising my dogs that might kick me in the butt later! And as a general rule, CWC breeders and owners typically take the course of "no testing" for various reasons....1. because they don't believe in it. 2. they don't believe in the current tests that are available, 3. they cannot afford it, 4. they test and then get bad results so therefore don't publicly show the results and then decide they don't believe in the test anymore.
On a side note:
I will also say that I am one of, if not the only known Upper Midwest CWC *person* (soon to be breeder) that is testing their breeding stock for ALL known health tests in the breed. And not cosmetic things like fluff or little 'e' gene. I may even start to do spine xrays to track the beginnings of IVDD that is in our breed. I can't find anyone else's dogs on the OFA website that have as many health clearances as my girls do. Justice and Mitcham and Daisy will have their tests added as their ages allow. I'd be happy to show any certificates too of them that you may desire to see. So yes, even though they may not have it to back them up in their pedigree, my dogs will be tested and will continue to be tested from here on out. Not just the show pups, but all the pups. You can call me on it down the road if I don't >:)
**
I do however own a dog that is tested clear or passing for four generations for sure, nearly completely 5 (if you aren't counting him as a generation) :) And he's not a Corgi :)
His name is Mitcham :)
The Briard people have it together.
With only a fraction of the animals that that CWC have and only 40 registered litters a year in the US, they are a tiny breed population wise. They have 209 dogs registered with CHIC numbers. Cardigans have 13. Isn't that just crazy?
With Mitcham's 4 generation pedigree, all of his ancestors were tested for at least hips, if not a host of other things, except for his Great Grandmother on his dam's side's parents. Otherwise even most of the 5th generation that I looked at was also tested for hips.
And there is nothing to hide. Look at all the half siblings, full siblings, parents etc. They have TONS of animals listed.....which is even more awesome because the breed is so small itself...MUCH smaller than the CWC here in the US at least. OFA is awesome for being a pedigree and health research tool. OFA is a great source for a vertical health pedigree. I encourage you look at Mitcham's pedigree:
All links should be active and sent to the right OFA web page.
| Sire CH Dior Elan Veni Vedi Viici OFA Good, Elbows Normal | Sire AM/CAN CH Dior Aigner Made to Order HIC CHIC OFA Excellent Elbows Normal Thyroid Normal Cardiac Normal CERF Normal CSNB clear | Sire CH Deja Vu Aigner For Pete's Sake OFA Good | Sire CH Deja Vu Woodbine Cryn Out Loud ROM OFA Excellent |
| Dam CH Deja Vu Ease On Down The Road HT ROM OFA Excellent | |||
| Dam Mon Jovis Eillie de I'Etat d'Or OFA Good CERF Normal | Sire CH Aigner Added Attraction OFA Good | ||
| Dam CH Mon Jovis Amber OFA Good | |||
| Dam CH Elan Dior Rain in Spain OFA Good Elbows Normal CERF Normal | Sire CH Dior Rainbeard On the Ball CHIC OFA Excellent Elbows Normal Cardiac Normal CERF Normal CSNB Clear | Sire CH Blackwater's Hard to be Humble CDX HIC OFA Fair | |
| Dam CH Dior Aigner My Oh My CD NA HIC CHIC OFA Excellent Elbows Normal Thyroid Normal CERF Normal CSNB Clear | |||
| Dam CH Charmant La Belle Amie HIC OFA Good CERF Normal | Sire CH Aigner Eye of the Tiger HIC OFA Fair CERF Normal | ||
| Dam CH Phydeaux Fairest of Them All HIC | |||
| Dam CH Monami Dior Uma Neta Do Pele CHIC OFA Good Elbows Normal Thyroid Normal Cardiac Normal CERF Normal CSNB Clear | Sire CH Dior Monami Simply Irresistable OFA Good | Sire CH Dior Rainbeard On the Ball CHIC OFA Excellent Elbows Normal Cardiac Normal CERF Normal CSNB Clear | Sire CH Blackwater's Hard to be Humble CDX HIC OFA Fair |
| Dam CH Dior Aigner My Oh My CD NA HIC CHIC OFA Excellent Elbows Normal Thyroid Normal CERF Normal CSNB Clear | |||
| Dam CH Mon Jovis Dior O You Beautiful Doll CD CHIC OFA Good Elbows Normal Thyroid Normal CERF NOrmal CSNB Clear | Sire CH Mon Jovis Forever Mine OFA Good | ||
| Dam CH Sentinelle DejaVu Leapinlizard PT OFA Good | |||
| Dam CH Mon Jovis Nine to Five OFA Excellent | Sire CH Mon Jovis Deja Vu Johnny B Good OFA Good | Sire CH Deja Vu Woodbine Cryn Out Loud ROM OFA Excellent | |
| Dam CH Picador Temptress OFA Good | |||
| Dam CH Picador Temptress OFA Good | Sire NUCH Fin.W-86 NORV87 NV8889 SV90 Virage Vendetta of Picador | ||
| Dam Rafiki's Cassiopeia |
So what's my point? I guess if I were going to brag about a dog with some health clearances...it wouldn't be my Cardigans...it would be my Briard!
There is no false advertising, no saying I have 4 generations of tested animals.....when in fact the proof is in the pedigree! Would you buy a puppy if you were concerned about testing from a dog whose pedigree looks like the one above here or from someone saying they have 1 dog in each generation with hips tested? Given that they were equal in structure and temperament? I think I know your answer :) Because if you were already looking for a healthy dog (and they were in the breed you were looking for) you would naturally choose the line which is more tested so less 'surprises' are likely to happen, than in a pedigree where nothing or nearly nothing is tested for.
So whose 4 generations of testing do you think should be bragging?
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Cancer in Cardigans
I found out awhile back that Sadie's mom, Petal aka Cardiridge Wildflower had breast cancer. Considering she is 8 years old now, is this a normal age to be getting cancer in CWC? Is cancer normal in this breed? Is it genetic? Can it happen to bitches that aren't used for breeding aka my Sadie Princess??
Should Cardigans be getting screened for cancers? Do you see it as a big issue in the breed? Do you think we should be talking more about it and becoming more aware of it?
I'd love to hear what you have to say
Should Cardigans be getting screened for cancers? Do you see it as a big issue in the breed? Do you think we should be talking more about it and becoming more aware of it?
I'd love to hear what you have to say
Monday, April 27, 2009
Zoe's very normal and fair day
I finally got back Zoe's results for her hips and elbows :) I broke down and spent the money right after her birthday.
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