April 2006
Kennel Blindness: A Closer Look
By Claudia Waller Orlandi, Ph.D.
 A
dog breeder’s knowledgeable use of genetic principles
is of paramount importance to the success of a breeding
program. But an all-too-common phenomenon known as kennel
blindness can stop some breeding programs dead in their
tracks. Most works on dog breeding devote relatively
little space to the concept of kennel blindness, although
the seriousness of this “breeder defect”
and the lasting harm it can have on breeding success
merit a closer look. Read
the full article.
 Pick-of-the-Litter
Question
What would you recommend as your
most valuable book on dog breeding? Why? Send
us your answer!
Last issue’s question: When faced with a large
litter, how do you determine when supplemental feeding
is needed? See
your answers here!
Ensuring a Good Start:
Newborn Pups Sometimes Need Nutritional Boost
By
Arliss Paddock, former managing editor of the AKC Gazette
and an English Cocker Spaniel breeder and exhibitor
 Conscientious
breeders agree: Every pup they bring into this world
deserves a good beginning. Most of the time, Mother
Nature takes care of the recipe: The canine dam provides
the warmth, attentive nurturing and diet that are nutritionally
perfect for her growing offspring -- plentiful mother's
milk.
But sometimes situations occur where newborn pups
might benefit from or require supplemental feeding.
In the case of an extremely large litter, for example,
providing some of the pups with a quality milk substitute
in addition to letting them nurse can help ensure
that all receive optimum nutrition in those first
weeks -- and it can aid the dam in keeping up with
the litter's demands. Read
the full article.
New DNA Requirement for Imported
Dogs
Intended for Breeding
Any imported dog or bitch registered with the AKC on
or after March 1, 2006, will be required to have an
AKC DNA profile prior to registering their first litter
whelped in the United States.
The policy will require any imported dogs or bitches
that sire or produce an AKC-registered or FSS-enrolled
litter to have an AKC DNA profile on file before their
litter applications will be accepted into the AKC registry.
However, there is a limited phase-in period, which began
March 1 and will run until June 1, 2006. During this
phase-in period AKC will register affected litters without
delay and notify owners of the new requirement. Read
the full article.
Does the Pedigree Make a Difference?
By Melissa D. Newman, longtime
breeder of English Setters under the Setter Ridge banner
and the 2002 Breeder of the Year Award Sporting Group
recipient
Pedigree does make a difference, but deciding whom to
breed your bitch to can be a complex matter. Genotype
(genetic constitution), phenotype (observable characteristics),
ancestors and health clearances all play a factor.
Consider how you use pedigrees to help you decide to
breed to a specific dog. In a pedigree, I look at each
dog to evaluate the good attributes as well as the bad.
Read
the full article.
Protect Yourself Against Unfair
Legislation
By Stephanie Lane, former AKC
Canine Legislation Director
Breeders who often have their hands full with a new
set of pups or a pregnant bitch may feel they are simply
too busy to get involved in canine legislation issues.
However, as many veteran breeders will attest, being
involved in the political arena is a critical component
of any responsible breeding program. That's because
each year, numerous laws are passed that seek to regulate
-- or even eliminate -- your right to breed. Without
involvement from the breeding community, elected officials
only hear one side of the issue. That can mean trouble
for even the most conscientious breeder. Read
the full article.
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We were thrilled
to have received so many responses to our new question
column “Pick of the Litter.” We have included
a sampling of the great tips you have shared with
us. Don’t forget to look for this issue’s
new question. And, again, we encourage you to send
us your responses for publication.
Not only do we encourage exchanges between readers
but also between breeders, especially in the mentoring
role of experienced breeder to novice breeder. In
this spirit, we are happy to include an article about
kennel blindness by Dr. Claudia Orlandi, Ph.D., a
wonderful teacher and knowledgeable breeder. In her
seminar, the “ABC’s of Breeding,”
which Claudia has presented at AKC/CHF Breeder Symposia,
she highlights the basics of breeding in such a manner
that both the novice and experienced breeder can benefit
and learn something new.
Other important aspects breeders should be aware of
are the local, state and federal laws regarding dogs.
Please read the article about the issues facing breeders
today and how to get started and stay involved in
the legislative process.
Finally, we offer some fascinating information about
old-fashioned studying of pedigrees, interpreting
breed standards and using AKC progeny reports.
We hope you enjoy this issue. Keep those e-mails coming!
Ronald N. Rella
Director, Breeder Services
AKCbreeder@akc.org
(212) 696-8303
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The American Kennel
Club is dedicated to upholding the integrity of its
Registry, promoting the sport of purebred dogs and
breeding for type and function. Founded in 1884, the
AKC and its affiliated organizations advocate for
the purebred dog as a family companion, advance canine
health and well-being, work to protect the rights
of all dog owners and promote responsible
dog ownership.
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Pick-of-the-Litter
Question
Pedigree does make a difference, but deciding whom to
breed your bitch to can be a complex matter. Genotype
(genetic constitution), phenotype (observable characteristics),
ancestors and health clearances all play a factor.
