31 replies to this topic

[brownsmom]

At the very least they could add a "C" like they do "Z". I also assume they will do the very least. Money, after all, makes the world go 'round. The AKC makes a lot of money from those registrations. And the AKC has lost money lately, from what I've read.

and as they lose money...they try to get people to breed more...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: October 4, 2010

Contact: AKC Communications

Phone: 212-696-8343

Email: communications@akc.org

AKC LAUNCHES NEW BREEDER OF MERIT PROGRAM

-- Recognition Program Celebrates & Rewards Dedicated Breeders --

New York, NY - The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) announced today the launch of the Breeder of Merit program, a new initiative designed to recognize AKC's core breeders.

[Arda]

Be still my heart! What mountain will we have to climb next to get on top of the problems of too many animals in the world?

[Bumpette]

to AKC.

[Kimmi]

IMO...with this test there is always still a chance that "clear" dogs still have a chance of getting Cardio. Along with VetGen Vwd testing (which we all know is not foolproof)...how do I trust the test for "clear" Cardio! I pay $90 for Vwd testing (and that is at a "group" discount)...Paying $60 for something that would change the longevity in my Dobes and breeding program is VERY reasonable. BUT, do I trust it too? I have never believed in Holtering...no offense to anyone doing this...but, when you do holtering for a 24 hr period on a Stud dog and the next week he drops dead a week later of Cardio...I have a problem with the procedure of holter montering.

OK...I'm off my soapbox


The website address for more information and to order tests is
http://www.vetmed.ws...erman/test.aspx




The tests are available NOW. They are $60 per dog, or if you
have 5+ dogs then $51 per dog.

So. The gene is an Autosomal Dominant gene, with incomplete penetrance.
Just as I thought. What does that mean?

1. They found the gene by discovering that dogs who have Cardio are missing
a large chunk of a particular DNA strand which makes a protein that produces
energy to fuel the heart muscle.

2. If they have one copy of this mutated gene, they will not produce enough
of that particular protein to keep their heart functioning forever, and
eventually MAY develop the disease. If they have two copies of the mutated
gene, they produce even less of this protein, and MAY/USUALLY develop the
disease, usually earlier, and more severe.

3. If they test negative, they have no mutated gene, and are consider
'clear'. They may still develop cardio at some point in their lives, but it
is unlikely and would likely be a different disease, or caused by an
additional disease. Advise: Breed to these dogs.

4. If they test positive for one copy of the mutated gene, they are
considered 'positive heterozygus'', or Carriers. This means they MAY develop
Cardio at some point in their lives usually later, and will pass on an
affected gene to 50% of their offspring. Advise: Breed these dogs only to
'clears'. Try to obtain clears from the following generation to breed
instead.

5. If they test positive for two copies of the mutated gene, they are
considered 'positive homozygus', or Affected. This means they very likely
WILL develop Cardio, and usually early in life in it's most severe form.
They will pass on a mutated copy of the gene to 100% of their offspring.
Advise: Do not breed these dogs.

So, because this gene has incomplete penetrance, they feel that there is a
chance that environment/diet/supplements etc, may play a role in if the
disease ever manifests in that dog. Further study required on that. They
may NEVER get it, even if they have the mutated gene. But, at least by
testing we have a direction to go in

[Kimmi]

I don't look at this Merit Program as you do. Many breeders work many years to improve there lines and get nothing in return. They make NO money, they work in another job to pay for there hobby because they love their breed. There are hardworking responsible breeders out there...trust me. Below is the whole Merit program:


Kim


Our Breeders of Merit are committed to both improving their breed through health testing and selective breeding programs, and proving their breed through achievements in the show ring. They are special and will be emulated by new breeders entering the sport. Being a successful breeder in the Fancy does not come easy. Years of hard work, vision, and a willingness to do the right thing are required to be successful. Our Breeders of Merit have these qualities and deserve to be recognized."

To achieve the Breeder of Merit designation, breeders should:

· Certify that applicable health screens are performed on the sire and dam as recommended by the Parent Club.

· Hold membership in an AKC club.

· Have a history of at least 5 years involvement with AKC events.

· Earn Conformation, Companion and/or Performance titles on at least 4 dogs they have bred/co-bred.

· Demonstrate their commitment to ensuring 100% of the puppies they produce are AKC registered.

As part of the Breeder of Merit program, breeders will receive:

· Complimentary access to $20.00 value per month for free online reports in the AKC online store.

· Access to the AKC Direct toll free number.

· Online Record support to ensure that their records are accurate, complete and easily accessible.

· A frameable certificate of distinction

and as they lose money...they try to get people to breed more...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: October 4, 2010

Contact: AKC Communications

Phone: 212-696-8343

Email: communications@akc.org

AKC LAUNCHES NEW BREEDER OF MERIT PROGRAM

-- Recognition Program Celebrates & Rewards Dedicated Breeders --

New York, NY - The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) announced today the launch of the Breeder of Merit program, a new initiative designed to recognize AKC's core breeders.

[Arda]

I believe that the bulk of these dogs come from "other than breeder" groups. But then what is PB. A breeder? We have all had them and at one time or another, her colors have shown through. I really think we are going to have to wait and see what they all do with this information. The tests are just coming into play. It is going to take some time to see the results. I hope I live long enough to see the end results. I loved my Frodo and everybody loved my Roscoe. But to loose them like that, I'd rather not.

[Nancy Robinson]

AMEN Lori and Arda...........................................

[LStevens]

My Gunnar was the stereotypical, classic case of DCM. He was 6 at onset, and only survived for about 4 months. The breeder I purchased him from was fairly well-known; had been in the business for a many years. Gunnar was of Toledobe/Checkmate lineage. All the dogs - not just from his litter - died. I think the breeder went out of business after that. This was 1986.

I think this test, for whatever it's worth, at least gives us a chance to determine what MAY be going on with the dog we are interested in purchasing. Personally, I doubt I'd ever "purchase" another dog, versus a rescue dog. Like Arda said, how do we put a stop to the virtual "excess" that exists due to the financial aspect? Breeders, after all, are not so altruistic as to not revere the "bottom line." Meanwhile, the animals suffer. Regardless of its flaws, at least there is a test -- which hopefully will be fine-tuned -- that can give us SOME insight, versus the black hole we've dealt with in the past. Just my humble opinion.


Linda

[Kimmi]

My Gunnar was the stereotypical, classic case of DCM. He was 6 at onset, and only survived for about 4 months. The breeder I purchased him from was fairly well-known; had been in the business for a many years. Gunnar was of Toledobe/Checkmate lineage. All the dogs - not just from his litter - died. I think the breeder went out of business after that. This was 1986.

I think this test, for whatever it's worth, at least gives us a chance to determine what MAY be going on with the dog we are interested in purchasing. Personally, I doubt I'd ever "purchase" another dog, versus a rescue dog. Like Arda said, how do we put a stop to the virtual "excess" that exists due to the financial aspect? Breeders, after all, are not so altruistic as to not revere the "bottom line." Meanwhile, the animals suffer. Regardless of its flaws, at least there is a test -- which hopefully will be fine-tuned -- that can give us SOME insight, versus the black hole we've dealt with in the past. Just my humble opinion.


Linda

Checkmate was William Haines and Toledobes was Judy and Pat Doniere. They bred together a lot in the 60's as memory serves me correctly. Judy/Pat/William are no longer with us. They are very missed in the Doberman world. Pat/Judy were well respected and held office for many years with the DPCA.

[LStevens]

It was not my intent to impugn the integrity of legitimate breeders. Gunnar did not come from the breeders you mentioned, Kimmi. Gunnar was way down the ladder from Checkmate and Toledobe; a generational permutation of the original sire. Besides, no one had any control over the hereditary aspect of DCM -- then OR now. It is an unfortunate disease that I truly hope we can all get a handle on for the sake of the dogs. My heart went out to the breeder, as it was a devastating blow for all involved.


Linda

[Cheri]

My Gunnar was the stereotypical, classic case of DCM. He was 6 at onset, and only survived for about 4 months. The breeder I purchased him from was fairly well-known; had been in the business for a many years. Gunnar was of Toledobe/Checkmate lineage. All the dogs - not just from his litter - died. I think the breeder went out of business after that. This was 1986.

I have to admit, Linda, that when I first read this paragraph, I thought you were saying Toledobes and/or Checkmate were the breeders whose dogs all died and went out of business. Thank you for clarifying. I just want to add that I owned a Toledobes female (Savanna) who lived to be 12 and did not die from DCM. I was acquainted with Judy Doniere of Toledobes and I believe she and her husband, Pat, were deeply committed to the well-being of the breed and made enormous contributions in their lifetime of being involved with Dobermans.

[CrocHunter]

I'm with everyone else. AKC should be pressured not to register any more dogs unless they've been tested and cleared. That will stop at least some of the mills out there. The rest should have their registrations revoked if found to carry the gene.