Simon Parsons, a living legend of the UK pedigree dog scene–and what this man doesn’t know about champion dogs, exhibitors and breeders past and present simply isn’t worth knowing–recently wrote on Facebook; “Delving into dog show history is a good way of blotting out present day reality, thank goodness!” I completely agree with him.
Click here to read the complete article 240 – April, 2025 Click here to read the complete article 240 – April, 2025
Solving problems using Citizen Science is not new. It builds on a community of people who work together on topics of mutual interest. Traditional research was always considered the purview of the university. This belief effectively ruled out other kinds of good science and the motivation of others to become involved. Today, there are many Citizen Science projects that involve monitoring the Chesapeake Bay, astronomy, environmental science, climatology, hydrology, neuroscience and genetics. In the dog world, it shifts the restrictions imposed by laboratory controls and allows breeders to participate in dog studies like the Morris Animal Foundation that has been studying Golden Retrievers, and the Dog Aging project at Texas A&M. Other on-going studies are being used to shed light on problems of a specific interest. Citizen Science efforts can also mirror a successful concept used by the American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation called the “Acorn Grant” . These are small seed grants (studies) designed to determine the viability of an approach to a specific subject or to a problem area. In this case, breeders and their clubs could use the Citizen Science approach to study how Form and Function might be interconnected with helping the growing problems of breeds that use Crop and Dock techniques.
In this article, I will talk about a few of the most basic, and common skin tumors that can occur in dogs. The skin is the largest organ in the body and this article is not meant to be a comprehensive review of all possible tumors that can occur in the skin of the dog, instead it is meant be a general overview of what to do if your dog has skin lumps or bumps. Many of the skin tumor types in dogs can look similar but have different behaviors. Your veterinarian should be consulted for any new lump or bump that appears on your dog or if there have been any changes to previously evaluated lumps.
No, they won’t. Who knew when we embarked on this journey of dog showing and breeding that it would require so much knowledge in such diverse areas? Aside from direct dog skills, we’ve all become cross country drivers, home repair experts, and increasingly, legislative lobbyists. It’s the latter that’s probably the most important dog skill of all for the long-term well-being of dogs and dog people—and the one most of us are least prepared to handle.
Let’s be honest, fashionistas. A highlight of the Westminster Experience is seeing what everyone is wearing.
Have you ever been on the steep leg of the learning curve? Of course you have; you’re human, and not one human being has popped out knowing everything about how to do everything. The learning process can be slow and frustrating, and yet it’s important to honor the process as you go through it.
Attention all sporting breed (except Lagotto Romagnolo), hound, Standard and Miniature Poodle, and Airedale owners: Now hear this! While most hunting seasons may be several months away, if a-hunting you are thinking you’d like to go with your dog–or to do some field work–and you should be, the new year means it’s time to start preparing not just the dog but yourself for this new task. This is especially true if you are as much of a rookie as the dog may be when it comes to hunting, hunt tests or field trials.
Wayne Cavanaugh’s article in January on “The Sanctity of Standards” gave me much to think about. After growing up in dogs on the West Coast, I returned to our sport in 2021 after a 25-year break living abroad and raising kids. In ways, I found our sport much changed. What was familiar, unchanged, and delightful was the passion we find in individual judges, exhibitors and breeders who are truly devoted to our sport, and to their breed or breeds. Being new to my current breed (Harriers) but not to the sport, gave me a valuable perspective around standards and breed education. As a student of my breed, I’ve watched as much judging as I can, attending seminars, and interviewed a number of people with tenure in the breed. I’ve been surprised by how many of our lifetime colleagues share history with this rare and intriguing breed. You would be surprised at how many of our well-known faces have a “Harrier story”. I owe thanks to so many of them for sharing their stories and experiences with me.
Yes, indeed. Where are we going with this? Honestly, I am not sure. Join me on the journey. Perhaps we can figure it out together? It all goes back to being at home for a few consecutive weeks. Normally, I am not. A very cold winter, with intermittent snow and ice, prevented me from doing many of the activities I enjoy when time allows. Days and weeks of ice-covered pavement offered no opportunity to get in my miles outside in the fresh air. Turning to the treadmill is a poor second. However, my treadmill has wifi. Wifi enables me use my iPad. It keeps me entertained when Mother Nature can’t. No complaints in that department.
