NORWEGIAN BUHUNDS
Having endured last week, I really hope we do not have another heat wave, it really was a case of surviving certainly down in the southeast. Since we have been having heat waves Time only likes to go out the garden when it gets dark, except for the necessities. He then goes into the porch and lies with his head on the step watching the world go by, until it is time for bed. Last Thursday when it was 37degrees outside I had managed to get the temp down to about 27 inside with fans etc. It got dark so Time asked to out. He did the necessaires he then took up his usual place in the porch, it was still 30 outside I left the door open from the porch to the kitchen because I did not think he would be out there long, probably 2mins at the most and he was in and did not ask to out again! Watching the weather forecast for the week on Sunday evening 16th it looks as if at last the temperature will drop, and we might to get some rain which will help among other things to put out the terrible wildfires.
As your Breed Health Co Ordinator I attend lecture/workshops on Health given by the RKC, on 18th March I attended one entitled ‘Nose-To- Tail’ which those of you who came to the AGM may remember I reported on. This will involve an Assessment which is designed to help breeders produce healthier dogs with less extreme conformation, making a positive difference for the dogs, it is important that everyone works together. The workshop was led by Dr Alison Skipper, Veterinary & Research Advisor at the RKC, there were 36 participants from 33 different breeds. Alison’s presentation covered the RKC’s new Breeding For Health Framework, which divides the key areas breeders should think about when breeding for health into 3 categories: genetic diversity, conformation and breed related diseases. Clearly issues with conformation affect more breeds and types than others, there is as we know increasing concern both nationally and international about these matters. ‘Nose -To -Tail’ veterinary assessment draws on scientific evidence to consider body shape with how it impacts on the welfare of the dog. The assessment will be carried out by vets who will be asked to evaluate each dog using a set of carefully designed criteria, with the proposal that each criterion will have a numerical score which at the moment it is thought will be from 0-3 with 0 being the best. The total score would then be calculated to give an overall metric of the dog’s conformation. This would allow data to be collected that can monitor a breed’s progress and change over time and allow comparisons of breed in terms of physical tendencies for exaggeration. Dr Alison said the Spitz curled tail is not considered as an exaggeration. Now the RKC is inviting exhibitors to trial the Assessment at three Ch shows. Welsh Kennel, City of Birmingham and Darlington It is non-invasive and takes approx. 15 minutes and is free of charge. It is open to all dogs with appointments available or a walk in on a first come first served basis. It is hoped that the assessment will help to create a standard for any breed. There has been significant collaboration across the veterinary and breeding communities, to date 23 vets have contributed to the development of the provisional ‘Nose-to- Tail Veterinary Assessment’ criteria, and 246 individuals representing 129 breeds have attended workshops. So, if you want to learn more and are attending Welsh Kennel visit the RKC team and find out how you can take part in the Trial. We do not have classes at City of Birmingham but as you know we are having our Ch show there on Saturday 5th September so you can also take part in the trial there if you wish. It looks as if it will only be available at Darlington on Gundog and Toy Day.
In last week’s notes I said that Sarah Stonton’s Pixie (Wheatshade Snow Dreamer) only needed one more point for her Excellent in SWUK level 7 trial, well she gained that 1 point and 9 more by winning a level 7 trial on 11th August at Thurleigh Village Hall in north Bedfordshire.
Happily, it was cooler on Saturday 15th August when Jo Guillod-Rees headed off to Huntingdon Canine Society Open Show with husband Nick and daughter Bethany’s Draccus Obsidian At Bucamereru(Ruby). The show is held on St Neots Rugby Club ground in Cambridgeshire, the Buhund judge was Louise Paterson who awarded Ruby BOB and 2nd in AV Pastoral Open. Jo was also 3rd in the Adult Handling qualifying her for the finals at Bath Ch show next year.
The following day it was The Mid Somerset Agricultural Society Open Show held on The Agricultural Showground Shepton Mallet, and in the evening I heard from Jaqui Walmsley who had travelled the long distance of 40mins to the show! She wrote, ‘Bunny aka (Trelowen Amelia At Frostisen VW) was BOB and then shortlisted in the Pastoral Group and was Best Pastoral Veteran, and 5th in a huge Veteran Stakes class winning a little treat money, the judge was Ray Macdonald who has Irish Red & White Setters. Bunny then blew us all away by winning Best Veteran In Show under John Evans, who I believe is a Gundog man. Bunny was shown by Ann-Marie who had managed to miss the entry! Such an amazing day. We have a lovely rosette, a trophy and a beautiful glass plaque that we get to keep. I am not too proud to say that I did shed a tear as the judge walked towards her. Many of you know Bunny’s history and how she nearly died some years ago, I have to say she owes me nothing and I adore her.’ Congratulations Jacqui a fabulous win to end the notes with.
Margaret Deuchar http://margaretdeuchar@gmail .com
Any views expressed in Margaret’s Breed Notes are hers and hers alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Norwegian Buhund Club of the UK