“Author Archive”
On July 14, 2015, the National Animal Interest Alliance released a Survey of Shelter Dog Composition: Mutts vs. Purebreds. The survey was produced as a part of the Shelter Dog project which is designed to “provide information about shelter issues to interested parties.” The description of the Shelter project found on the NAIA website goes on to say, “Without accurate data, we will never understand pet population trends well enough to define and solve the problems we face.” It is an oft-quoted truism that an accurate diagnosis is 90% of the cure. Our society’s struggle with pet population and euthanasia reduction is both fluid and complicated. The acquisition of objective information must be a priority for all stakeholders.
August 14th, 2015 | Posted in Current Articles,Editorial,Featured | Read More »
It has been a difficult time for people from Belgians and other breeds recently. Early in May, an exhibitor was reported by her landlord, and when law enforcement entered the property a number of dogs were found dead by starvation with a couple of others emaciated, but clinging to life. Rescues stepped in and breeders took dogs back, but tragic and irreversible damage had been done. Sadly, this happens with remarkable frequency, leaving responsible owners and breeders to ponder the motivation and circumstances that contribute to these horrific situations.
August 13th, 2015 | Posted in Current Articles,Editorial,Featured | Read More »
In the world of dogs one of the secrets to success is knowing which skills are needed. History teaches us that those with special skills tend to make improvements faster than others. Handlers, owners, breeders and judges all use identifiable sets of skills. They have learned what they are and how to use them. An introspective look at breeders who fail to produce what they want to produce suggests that they lack an understanding of the importance of skills needed to solve their problems. Thus it is not surprising that they do not have a good grasp of the eight breeder skills.
August 12th, 2015 | Posted in Current Articles,Editorial,Featured | Read More »
Before I launch into this editorial, I must disclose that I have very little knowledge about international politics. I don’t have an understanding of the politics regarding the governance of registered dogs in foreign countries either. I do have dog loving friends around the world, and their opinions are the only input I receive when it comes to the various clubs that rule the sport around the globe.
August 11th, 2015 | Posted in Current Articles,Editorial,Featured | Read More »
Nik is a dog that brings so much joy to those who meet him with his sweet and exuberant personality.
August 10th, 2015 | Posted in Current Articles,Editorial,Featured | Read More »
As if we didn’t have enough to worry about, the media has now alerted us to a newly identified strain of dog flu, which they consistently characterize as deadly. This isn’t the same dog flu that sparked waves of alarmist reports back in 2005. The prelude to the current drama was ultimately labeled as an offshoot of equine influenza A, subtype H3N8. First documented over 40 years ago, the canine version of the virus first emerged in racing Greyhounds in 2004.
July 23rd, 2015 | Posted in Current Articles,Editorial,Featured | Read More »
While flying to an event in Dallas, I read an article in the Delta Sky magazine about Mr. James Corden. I hardly ever read anything in a ‘Sky’-type magazine but I love James Corden so I dove right into the article. It talked about his explosive start on late night TV and how he didn’t re-invent the genre as much as created an atmosphere. He allowed his guests to trust him. I started thinking and realized that this would make a great topic for an article in The Canine Chronicle.
July 22nd, 2015 | Posted in Current Articles,Editorial,Featured | Read More »
In a breed where fanciers may go an entire year without seeing any dogs, there is a special sense of anticipation leading up to our national specialty reminiscent of those feelings we had as children the day before school started. Excited, eager, and with a touch of nervous hopefulness, English Toy Spaniel fanciers made their way to Kalamazoo, Michigan for the third year in a row.
July 21st, 2015 | Posted in Current Articles,Editorial,Featured | Read More »
It’s impossible to overlook AKC’s recent determination to spruce up the Miscellaneous segment. They reinstated breed competition complete with class placements, Breed and Opposite awards, and Certificate of Merit titles. They also eased up eligibility requirements for both Miscellaneous and FSS breeds in companion and performance events. Their success has put them at the forefront in obedience, agility, rally, and tracking. Nothing confirms this growing momentum better than the AENC where these breeds consistently comprise a major portion of the entries. All these developments stem from major AKC policy changes following the introduction of the Foundation Stock Service in 1995.
July 20th, 2015 | Posted in Current Articles,Editorial,Featured | Read More »
Shanaea VanderPol is a 17 year-old upcoming senior at Kelly Walsh High School in Casper, Wyoming. She competes in AKC conformation and junior showmanship with her golden retriever, River Golden Cream Soda. Jennifer Necker is a 16 year-old upcoming junior at Los Alamos High School in Los Alamos, New Mexico. She competes with her English setter, GCh. Iobelra Flow’N Owen RN NA NAJ in conformation, showmanship, and agility. Annika Dechert is a 17 year-old upcoming freshman at Occidental College in Los Angeles, California. She competes in conformation and showmanship with her smooth fox terrier, GCh. High Mtn’s Lightning Thief. These three girls have taken advantage of training techniques they learned as AKC competitors to tap into their dogs’ extraordinary capabilities in order to provide potentially life-saving services. Each of these show dogs has become more than just a “pretty face”: these show dogs are also service dogs. Here are their stories.
July 18th, 2015 | Posted in Current Articles,Editorial,Featured | Read More »
