By Lisa Peterson

Many of us decide that we must have a purebred dog as our companion and we seek breeds based on size, color, temperament and individuality.

But how do our purebreds stay the way they are? Who are the guardians of our particular breed?  Fanciers? Breeders? Owners?

I recently attended my first board meeting as the AKC delegate-elect to the Norwegian Elkhound Association of America in Long Beach, California during our National Futurity. While sometimes board meetings can leave me “bored,” I found this fascinating as to what exactly the National Parent Clubs for each American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized breed are responsible for, in particular, the health of the breed.

In addition to creating the “standard” for breeders to follow as to how their dogs should look and act, hosting national specialty dogs shows, funding rescue efforts and educating the public about their breed, one of the most important committees doing some exciting work in recent years is the health committee.

Health committees of parent breed clubs have formed in recent years to team up with the AKC Canine Health Foundation (AKCCHF). Since the mid-1990s the AKCCHF has funded research grants, specifically in the field of genetics, as their mission statement reads in part, “to develop significant resources for basic and applied health programs with emphasis on canine genetics to improve the quality of life for dogs and their owners.”

My first Norwegian elkhound was an epileptic who experienced grand mal seizures on a regular basis after he turned one year old. After trying all types of medications, by the time he was two, he had died of cardiac arrest during a “status” episode. If there had been a DNA test for his parents, the breeder could have saved us all a lot of heartache and money and the poor dog would not have had to suffer as he did.

Being able to have DNA or genetic markers identified and then develop tests for breeders to use on their stock would be one ideal breeding tool. The majority of us “show breeders” sell our puppies to homes where the animal will be the best pet in the world and never see a show ring.

As a breeder and board member of a parent club, but more importantly as a pet owner, I strongly advocate making donations to the AKCCHF. Research is expensive and while donations and funds from AKC, parents clubs and individuals have totaled more than six million dollars to date, much more is needed.

Health Surveys

Another important contribution parent clubs make are health surveys. They need to identify what health concerns exist in their breeds. During a recent parent club survey by the AKCCHF, assistance with breed-specific health surveys was a major concern to parent clubs. Parent clubs identified that health surveys are very high on their priority list.

My breed club conducted a health survey of members. Immediately everyone wanted the survey response to be anonymous. Breeders aren’t willing yet to share health information openly because they may be “branded” as having a kennel full of sub-standard breeding stock. We can only learn from sharing information and learning from our mistakes. No breeder is immune from genetic problems. Perhaps in the near future more open dialog will be the norm.

I conducted my own health survey of my kennel to every person I ever sold a puppy too. I received a 40% return and while I was happy to hear the majority of the pets were healthy, some had died of disease or conditions that research will help in the future.

If you have a purebred dog that has died and you know the cause – tell your breeder, let them know and urge them to pass along the information to the parent club health committee. If your dog has died and you don’t know why, then have an autopsy performed – and find out why. Then make a donation to the AKCCHF or through the parent club and find out if they have a donor advised grant in progress.

Parent clubs can request donor advised grants. These would be monies earmarked for a specific health problem or breed-specific problem grant.

If you would like to join the AKCCHF, your basic membership fee or additional donation is tax-deductible. There are several ways you can make a difference.

- Basic membership: For $25 you receive a newsletter on canine health issues.    

- Make a Donation: Donations of $50 or more earn a Contributing Membership with additional rewards including a lovely pin signifying support.

- Purchase products from the AKCCHF on-line store

- Gifts of stock

- Estate planning

- Parent Club programs: My Norwegian elkhound club, for example, when I made a $50 donation to the NEAA I received a Silver Patron certificate and a free copy of Future Dog, a book about canine genetics. You can also order this book on-line from AKCCHF.

- As a breeder, when a dog from my kennel or one I have sold dies I make a donation in that dog’s name and ask the owner to make a matching donation. 

You can reach the AKC Canine Health Foundation on-line at www.akcchf.org or call 330-995-0807 or write to at AKCCHF, 251 W. Garfield Road, Suite 160, Aurora, Ohio 44202-8856. You can locate your breed’s parent club on-line at www.akc.org as well. They will usually list the chairman of their health committee as a contact.

 The AKCCHF will hold its biennial National Parent Club Canine Health Conference this October in St. Louis sponsored by Ralston Purina. Parent club reps and scientists from veterinarian schools and institutions across the country who are conducting research gather to discuss the latest advances in canine health research. Let’s give them plenty to talk about and let’s fund them into action!

 

Lisa Peterson is the Public Education Coordinator for the Newtown Kennel Club, the AKC Delegate for the Norwegian Elkhound Association of America and owner of Peterson Pet Sitting. She can be reached at 270-1732 or elvemel@usa.net