mita

Tibbie does Zen & impresses stone lion. click:

No, I didn't, LG. Shall go look at the Facebook page. Thanks for the heads-up.

Now that's a seriously cute puppy!

The Europeans & UK stakeholders have bluntly outlined the problem.... where exaggerated features in bracchy dogs have gone too far & caused significant health problems. But there is not any move from the significant stakeholders (including the RSPCA in the UK) to ban such breeds. Why? Because not all bracchy dogs have the problems, it's when the features are exaggerated to an extent health problems are caused. So all those stakeholders have honed in on identifying those features, working on tools that will allow a science-based assessment of which dogs to breed from....& in the case of Kennel Clubs like the NKK & its breed clubs, educating & bringing on board both breeders & judges under a summary slogan. 'Health is beauty!' The purebred world has features which lend themselves to such a plan & work. The registering of pedigrees is a researcher's dream allowing breadth & depth of tracking dogs, the organisational structure enables common standards to be tweaked, judging brings objective scrutiny to individual dogs & the administering bodies can cooperate with other stakeholders. And there's the enormous value of being an international scene. The Conference this thread is about, appears lacking in an attempt to channel, discuss and disseminate such a proactive, cooperative approach. Which is the best antidote to mindless reactivity, like banning breeds.

Where was that survey published? And did it constitute self-reporting of problems? Any further information on this? You've reached a conclusion, from your survey, that up to 'around' 80% of dogs in a 'couple' of bracchy breeds were suffering AND had been bred by registered breeders. While those from non-registered breeders registered 'less'' effect (% not specified). It's not 'the' stats'.... it's stats you've gathered in your particular survey. So a reader looking for evidence needs to know: which breeds, what was your survey method, how was the data gathered about the nature & extent of 'suffering', how were participants recruited, how many were there? If you publicly give your conclusions, the survey context also needs to be made available.

That Australian Conference should just get with the program, instead of fluffing around creating divisions. The organisers have voices ... they should try talking to interest groups . Or, here's a thought, inviting local interest groups and also some of that international work by Kennel Clubs via teleconferencing: August, 2016. The (UK) Kennel Club is leading on a multi-stakeholder working group to look at practical, evidence-based solutions to health concerns inbrachycephalic breeds. The first meeting of the working group, held in June at Clarges Street, was very positive and included the Kennel Club press and health teams, veterinary organisations (BVA), members of the veterinary community, researchers (Cambridge University and the RVC), dog welfare organisations (Dogs Trust & the RSPCA) and Breed Health Co-ordinators. It was encouraging to have support for a collaborative approach towards improving the health of brachycephalic breeds, which will further the work already being carried out by the Kennel Club, breed communities, and veterinary researchers in this area. It is crucial that the improvement in the health of brachycephalic breeds is based on evidence to ensure maximum impact, and the research presented was very useful and will undoubtedly help all parties involved to move forward. It is hoped that the creation of a working group, along with continued research in this area, will accelerate the development of practical tools and sensible resources to guide responsible breeding and produce dogs with a reduced risk of developing brachycephalic related conditions such as Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome. Following the success of this meeting, a multi-stakeholder working group has been organised for late July.

This is what the 'Help' button pulls up: "I call on the Australian National Kennel Council to acknowledge the suffering of pedigree dogs with exaggerated features. I ask that you commit to working with breeders, vets and animal welfare groups to prioritise good health and welfare above physical appearance in these breeds." Why would they consider they have to ask the ANKC to acknowledge that 'exaggerated features' cause problems that result in suffering for dogs, when it's done, without reservation, by Clubs in Europe & the UK? It seems confrontation & division are being whipped up here in Australia. Suggesting among other things that it's commonplace for Australian registered breeders not to put good health & welfare first place. There's no reference to the fact that such Kennel Clubs have/are developing assessments which don't rely simply on a subjective judgment of what constitutes 'exaggerated features' to a degree of risk to a dog's health.... but which will have validity. This 'petition' seems to suggest that purebred dog breeding in Australia has no connection with the international scene. Even from my brachy breed's position, I see a great deal of interchange between European, UK & Australian clubs & registered breeders. As I said before, I hope that Conference picks up on the sterling work being done in the world of purebred dog breeding to address what can be major problems. Instead of just driving divisions.

Where was that survey published? And did it constitute self-reporting of problems?

Norwegian Kennel Club cites the work of the Norwegian Bulldog Club in improving the health for the Bulldog, and has, in its breed specific strategy, begun work to develop an endurance test. This test is a tool to measure whether the dog has problems breathing and/or regulating temperature during activity, so that the healthiest individuals may be selected for breeding. The goal is that this test will provide an objective and scientific measurement of health, and therefore suitability for breeding. Hopefully, this will become one of several tools in the ongoing work to reduce the problems and suffering for brachycephalic breeds through selective breeding. The NKK is aware that the short-nosed breeds also have other significant health issues as a result of anatomy, particularly with eyes and teeth. NKK chief executive officer Trine Hage said: “There is no doubt that several short snout breeds have major challenges when it comes to health. The development of certain breeds should not have gone so far. Nevertheless, this very unfortunate development has occurred, and measures must therefore now be reinforced. It goes without saying that NKK should lead the way in this effort, and we have great expectations that our work will give good results.” The NKK is blunt that there's significant numbers of dogs with major problems. And it's up to their Kennel Club working with the Breed Clubs to develop better measures for selective breeding.

Yes, best advice ever was given to me by the emergency doctor. Nip struggling to breathe & coughing in the bud.... because that further inflames your lungs setting up a worsening cycle. I learned if asthma symptoms break thro' my preventative measures (flixotide), then I have to hit them immediately with ventolin to stop that cycling. Fortunately, the preventive measures have pretty much covered me, but I know what to do if there's a break thro'.

Just out of interest: The Nordic Kennel Union is a cooperative organisation for the Kennel Clubs of Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland and Iceland. Below we list efforts made to address exaggerations in breeds through the NKU country's BSI. There are six basic criteria defining if a breed should be listed as a high profile breed. Breeds which fulfill these and are thus listed are particularly paid attention to at dog show judging by the judge.

Seriously looking at the position of brachy breeds, with intention to gather evidence, review breed standards and set up monitoring processes, is not necessarily anti-brachy breeds. Nor a step towards eliminating breeds in opposition to national kennel clubs. I have a lot of respect for the Norwegian Kennel Club who have a fine track-record and on-going program re improving the situation for brachy breeds (see the link). Sweden, next door, also accepts the veterinary recommendations that better management is needed. I see a lot about these Nordic kennel clubs because my breed of interest, tibetan spaniel (a brachy breed), is among the most popular breeds there & so there are numerous breeders from those countries on our international list. My own imported tibbie was registered with the Swedish Kennel Club & has Norwegian & Finnish dogs also in her pedigree. http://www.dogworld.co.uk/product.php/156341/1/norwegian_kc_vows_to_intensify_work_to_help_brachycephalic_breeds In this article, a spokesperson for the UK's Kennel Club praises the Norwegian work as positive & says, approvingly, they're leading the way. I would hope this Australian Conference picks up on this sterling work.

Yes, the brochure I was given at the hospital emergency showed smaller spacers, too. Far more convenient for out-and-about use.

sars, you may not be alone. Toowoomba Chronicle article about a Caloundra lady who says she didn't get asthma until after having open-heart surgery. http://www.thechronicle.com.au/news/asthma-spikes-in-wild-weather/1787528/ You're right about some doctors tending to go straight in after pets. But maybe testing for triggers can either verify or rule out. Interesting, too, how the article hones in on weather. My trigger is when it's cold & wet. No problem with our pets!

I wasn't. I thought they were just for kids. Wasn't until I used one at the Drs office that I realised how good they were. No Dr had told me to get one! I was lucky that the hospital emergency doctor specified a spacer and gave me the brochure which explains why it's good & how to use. Otherwise, I'd have thought just a puffer was the norm for adults, too.

Agree, too, about the spacer delivering the meds more efficiently to your lungs. You likely use one already, sars, but just in case...

Sorry to hear of this, sars. I had some nocturnal (only at night) asthma when very young. But it disappeared. Then I also had open heart surgery & one night in the days after, I got an asthma attack. But it stopped there for a couple of years, until I got a bacterial chest infection...& then followed the asthma from hell. It was like being smothered with a pillow. for a couple of months. But again only at night. Weird thing when I'd go to the doctor's office in the day, nothing would show. Finally went to emergency at the hospital. Doctors told me, lungs get hypersensitive from coughing & irritation after a virus or infection is long gone & that triggers asthma. She said the more coughing can be controlled, the less this cycle rolls on. I was lucky, some emergency prednisone & valium beat it within 36 hours. Followed by the full morning/evening dose of flixotide. Which takes care of prevention. Have you been tried with some emergency, short-term prednisone? I found winter worse, too, because the cold air seems to irritate the lungs. Kept wishing there was a mask that would just allow breathing in warm air! Also like you, a certain time was worse...me middle of the night & you early morning. I honestly don't think my tibbies' hair is a major cause in my case. They weren't with me in hospital! If mine hadn't been controlled, the next step was a respiratory specialist. I agree with Diva, it would help tremendously to suss out your particular triggers. Best wishes, I know what it's like.

Isabel, I agree with what PK just said. I can't see one reason you should go . And bless you for rescuing a kelpie x. I've been so pleased in recent times that the tibbie rescue people open their hearts to the crosses as well as the purebreds. All dogs, as pets, are precious to their owners. And, besides, many of our p/b pets love very much a mixed-breed 'brother' or 'sister'. The great people at Chihuahua Rescue Qld have other dogs (breeds, sizes & mixes) coming thro', too....and call them Honorary Chihuahuas. One of the many reasons I support them.

I'm so, so sorry, Isabel. That is the most loving, caring tribute to your darling, Jindi. Every decision you made about her was so wise & loving even while your heart was breaking. She was a very fortunate little Westie that she found you as her 'mum'. Those photos shine with the joy she had in the life you gave her.

Thanks, Boronia. At first I thought I might've made the mistake when I posted it here! But, you're right, it's wrong on the original notice. Shall tell them.

Chihuahua Rescue Qld are great people who include many 'honorary chihuahuas' in the dogs they rescue & rehome. This event on Sat 29 October, at Pet Stock, Carindale , Brisbane is to raise much-needed funds: https://www.facebook.com/events/317494315295620/

Good decision, Remi, to give the dog back. It had nothing to do with the poor dog, but everything to do with the behaviours of the people who flip-flopped. Whatever their motivations. It was not a solid foundation for your feeling secure & 'right' in owning the dog. And good on you for moving forward & planning out your next step so thoughtfully.

They're gorgeous & look so well and happy. You've done them proud!

The facts speak for themselves. Dog advertised for sale, dog bought by purchaser, vendor hands over dog, receives money to complete the sale. Vendors then contact purchasers wanting dog back. My assessment stands. But, speaking only for myself, I wouldn't take on the burden of enlightening these people how to live with the consequences of their actions. I'm not their mother or their maid. I'd give the dog back & put my time and energy into locating a dog from another source where a completed sale was treated as a completed sale. Taking care, as Westie's pointed out, that the details surrounding the handback are kosher.

I agree with the direction Westie & CavNrott are coming from. That family needs some firm words about being responsible for the consequences of their actions. Other people who acted totally correctly in replying to their notice of sale & then completing the sale, shouldn't shoulder the consequences of their being all over the place in what they want.. There's two adults... a bloke & his partner ... who need to behave like adults, not moody teenagers. But, having said that, Remidog, you don't have to take up the burden of trying to enlighten these people how to behave. So I understand those who advise, as much as it distresses, to consider just giving the poor dog back to avoid the stress of their shilly shallying. And I agree with Westie's cautions about how to proceed with any giveback.