GSPCA Journal March/April 2022

SHORTHAIR JOURNAL

Official Publication Of The German Shorthaired Pointer Club Of America, Inc.
MARCH / APRIL 2022

Want more GSP?

Catch up onfotlhloewlaintegsutsnoenwssoacniadlcmuerrdeian!t events by

@GSPCA1
@_gspca_

www.gspca.org

W GSP’
OV ! Happy 11th Birthday Babies aka “The Unit”!
C Very proud of everything you have accomplished!

Sire: CH Shooter’s Manny’s Rising Son, MH, CD, NAVHDA
UT PZ II

Dam: GCH Jandal’s It Had To Be You, VCD2, BN, RE, SH, NA,
NAJ, AXP, AJP, NF, OFP, THDD, CGCU, TKN, ATT, GSPCA VCA,

GSPCA RD, NAVHDA NA PZ III

Cruise – CH. Windkist’s CRUZ CNTRL, CDX, PCDX, BN, GN,
GO, RAE, MH13, MHA, JHR, NA, NAJ, AXP, AJP, NF, XFP, CA,

CGC, ATT, NAVHDA NA PZ II, NAVHDA UT PZ I (204),
GSPCA VCX, GSPCA RD

Owned & loved by Odette Fetzner

Photo Credit: Judy Zeigler Kendyl – CH. Windkist’s QTPA2T, VCD2, PCDX, BN, RAE,
MH, XFP, CGCA, CGCU, TKI, ATT, NAVHDA NA PZ III, GSPCA

VCX, GSPCA NRD

She was bred once to GCHG Stelor’s Royalty Remembered
“Roy” and is the dam of “The Eagles” litter:

2021 GSPCA National Specialty Show Best of Opposite
Sex Winner –GCHB Windkist’s Take it to the Limit, CD, PCD,
BN, GN, RE, SH, CGC, ATT, NAVHDA NA PZ I, NAVHDA UT PZ I

(204), GSPCA RD, GSPCA VC “Talon”

GCH. Windkist’s Heart of the Matter, VCD1, PCD, BN, RI, SH,
NF, SWA, CGCA, TKA, ATT, NAVHDA NA PZ I, NACSW1, GSPCA

VCA, GSPCA RD “Henley”
CH. Windkist’s Witchy Woman, BN, RI, TD, JH, CGC, TKN,

GSPCA VC “Zelda”
CH. Windkist’s Peaceful, Easy Feeling,“Samson”, JH
Windkist’s Life in the Fast Lane, JH, MX, AXJ, OF, T2B,“Lila”
Windkist’s I Can’t Tell You Why “Otto” (Both Majors)

And Cooper, Luna, Gracie & Rand….
who are also in wonderful homes...

Sonny – GCH. Windkist’s WNGMSTR, VCD1, BN, RE, SH,
OA, XF, NFP, CGCA, CGCU, TKI, ATT, NAVHDA NA PZ I,

GSPCA VCA, GSPCA RDX
(Limited Frozen Semen Available)
We are excited about our newest Sonny Baby: Breezy
Valley-Windkist This Side of Paradise “FITZ”
Kendyl & Sonny are owned & loved by the Krause Family!

Windkist GSP’s | Diane Krause | [email protected]

SHORTHAIR JOURNAL
Contributors

Field Stats Ryan Carson [email protected]
Obed/Rally Stats Belinda Venner [email protected]
Jeri Fishack [email protected]
Agility Stats Karen Nauer [email protected]
Health & Welfare Bunita Eichelberger, VMD [email protected]
Tiffany Harvey Cessna [email protected]
WatpchupinpgiesGSP Conformation Stats Sharon Fitzpatrick [email protected]
President Maxine Moinier [email protected]
Barbara Schwartz [email protected]
Judges Education Valerie Nunes-Atkinson [email protected]
AKC Delegate & Becky Feigh [email protected]
Lynn Pettinato [email protected]
Junior Showmanship & Becky Feigh [email protected]
Liz Jennings [email protected]
Juniors Deb Broad [email protected]
Patte Titus [email protected]
Legislation Fred Lowry [email protected]
Mike Aldririch [email protected]
Yearbook Deborah Longtin [email protected]
Char Rutar [email protected]
Breed Education/ Historian Ellen Ritter [email protected]
☺“yMouydhoutnsi’mbtaer.ne”adllsyaiwda,ste Dave Nauer [email protected]
HOF-People Doris Schoenfelder [email protected]
HOF-Field Dogs
HOF-Show Dogs Valerie Casperite
Renee Lara
Conformation Denise Avery
Karen Josephsen
General Articles Teresa McCreight
Tiffany Harvey Cessna
Versatility awards Loralei Dewe

GSPCA Calendar & Lynn Pettinato

CwuitdhdloinnegoGorFnSumPtlsohfrielelNcmoofeuewmcnhytMRCeeogmoisrbtbdrOeaiyrnbcsokaeRfdtioMesierspenuforocerierstt [email protected]
[email protected]
New Titles Report [email protected]
[email protected]
Field Trial Articles [email protected]
[email protected]
Juniors, NOH, & misc [email protected]

New Puppy Buyer Chair/

Workingaonncemstyryfamily’s Membership [email protected]
Election
SHORTHAIR JOURNAL
PAGE

4

VOLUME 22 ISSUE 02 SHORTHAIR JOURNAL
MARCH / APRIL 2022
Bonnie Hill
CONTENTS Shorthair Journal
PO Box 2084 | Tarpon Springs, FL 34688
Thank you to all of our advertisers for Mobile: 215.378.0203 [email protected]
supporting the Journal
Advertisement Deadlines
in this very special Stud Dog Edition & Publishing Schedule
See page 19 for a list of advertised dogs.
Ad Deadline Journal Issue
7 NEW POSITION HOLDERS IN THE CLUB Jan. 10 January/February - Field National
Mar. 10 March/April - Stud Dogs
8 ELECTION NOMINATIONS May. 10 May/June - National Amateur Gun
Dog & Water Work / Veterans & Duals
11 GERMAN SHORTHAIRED POINTERS July. 10 July/August - National Specialty
AND CAER BREEDER OPTIONS Show
Sep. 10 Sept/Oct. - Juniors (all venues) &
47 DISPELLING THE MYTHS OF CROPPED Companions
EARS, DOCKED TAILS, DEWCLAWS, AND Nov. 10 Nov/Dec. - Breeders Showcase

“DEBARKING” Advertisement Rates
THE QUEST FOR YOUR
49 FOUNDATION BITCH Front Cover $450.00* Color (includes inside bio)
Back Cover $400.00* Color
52 REGISTRY OF MERIT PROGRAM inside Covers $300.00* (Front or Back Color)
Center Spread $500.00* Color (2 pages)
55 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES Full Page $250.00* Color
Full Page $100.00* Black/White
58 IN MEMORY Half Page $65.00* Black/White
Ad payments are due with ad submission. All
59 NEW GSPCA MEMBERS advertisementart, photos, text must be submitted by
the deadline. Payment can be made by check, money
61 THE BLACK GSP - ORIGIN AND order, or paid with credit card using Paypal at www.
GSPCa.org. *subject to change. Please contact me
HISTORY via phone or email if you want to reserve as payment
must be received upon reservation of ad space.
64 MARKING IN DOGS Commercial Ad rates are available for members and
non-mambers.
66 THE RESCUE STORY OF
BUBBA GUMP POSTMASTER

67 NEW TITLE HOLDERS Send address changes to:
Loralei Dewe
72 TOP 10 LISTS - 5916 Sunnybrook Lane
AGILITY|FIELD|OBEDIENCE Dixon, Ca 95620
[email protected]
80 GSPCA MEMBER CLUBS
& SECRETARIES Requests for additional copies, back issues
Direct to Doris Schoenfelder
84 CLASSIFIEDS [email protected]
480-772-1961

Shorthair Journal (ISSN NO. 15415384) published 6 times
per year by the German Shorhaired Pointer Club of America,
Inc. located at 45 Flintstone Court, Barboursville, VA 22923.
Periodicals Postage Paid at Charlottesville, VA 22901 and
at additional mailing offices. 1,800 Copies of the Shorthair
Journal Mailed

86 BREEDER LISTINGS

PAGE SHORTHAIR JOURNAL

5

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

The year started with escalating Covid cases life and people’s actual jobs have slowed
and massive flight cancellations due to progress, but we hope to be voting on their
weather, illness, and other issues. The GSPCA recommendations this summer as well. The
Board of Directors responded by moving the Committee will be bringing a recommendation
meeting to Zoom versus the planned in-person to remove the disqualification for the color
meeting that was to be held on January 28th and Black for a vote, among other considerations.
29th. The meeting minutes will soon be posted in
the Member’s Only section of the website for your Christy Featherston, our VP, chairs the
review. We plan to have an in-person meeting Standard Review Committee and Melissa
in June with at least two new board members Campbell will act as Secretary for the group.
attending. Voting members are Denise Avery, Maxine
Moinier, Jane Handshumaker, and Renee
Our Annual Election is in process. Please be sure Cooper. Thanks to them for taking on this task.
to vote for the candidate of your choice. Thanks
to Lynn Pettinato, our Corresponding Secretary, Our bylaws have not been updated since August
for pulling all the materials and getting them to 2011, and our Standard has not changed since
the printer on time; This is a huge and complex 1992. As a reminder, it takes a 2/3’s majority
task. Lynn was assisted with aspects by Melissa to change either one of these documents.
Campbell, our Recording Secretary, and Loralei
Dewe, our Membership Chair – many thanks to If you have any questions or comments,
them for their role in assisting Lynn. please don’t hesitate to reach out to me.
I am always glad to speak with members
I have to apologize to the membership. I realized and talk about our GSPs and the GSPCA!
there are a few things on which I owe you an
update. Please forgive me; it was not intentional. We have two National events coming up shortly,
We strive to be open and transparent as a board, and I hope I see you at one or both of them —
but sometimes life flies by fast, and things get the National Amateur Gun Dog Championship in
missed. Pinckneyville, IL, April 22nd to conclusion; and
The National Specialty Show and surrounding
As you know, in June 2019, we created a Bylaw events in Estes Park, CO May 10th to the 14th.
Review Committee. The original purpose of
making this Committee was to add the ability to Thanks for your support and being a member!
meet utilizing video conferencing and to add the Sharon Fitzpatrick
ability to use electronic balloting to the bylaws. GSPCA President
Since they were last updated in August 2011, the
Committee was tasked with reviewing the bylaws
in their entirety utilizing the updated AKC Parent
Club Sample Constitution and Bylaws. There were
several conversations with the AKC and lots and
lots of discussions with the Board. The Committee
also received suggestions from one of our member
clubs which was considered part of their work.
There was a last-minute change in process by the
AKC, which slowed things again. I am glad to say
that a licensed Missouri attorney is now reviewing
the Bylaws, and the plan is for them to go to the
membership for approval this summer.

I want to thank Ed Brock, Joe Boteler, and Barbara
Schwartz for all of their time and hard work on
this monumental project. I greatly appreciate
their willingness to see this through to the end.

We announced that we were reactivating a
Standard Review Committee last year. Again,

SHORTHAIR JOURNAL PAGE

6

NEW POSITION HOLDERS IN THE CLUB

WELCOME to Mike Kindler our new North Central Director.
Mike is filling the remaining term of Ed Brock who has resigned for
personal health reasons. We thank Ed for his contributions to the
Board. He has agreed to continue his work on the monumental task
of updating the By Laws.

My wife Cathy and I got our first GSP puppy about 34 years ago. Cathy
was working as a vet tech and one of the veterinarians there (Dr. Jim
Rieser) talked to her about the NAVHDA organization and the GSP
Club of Wisconsin. We joined both organizations and began running
our dog in the testing programs.

One dog soon led to another and we soon had three. Jim Rieser being
a long time breeder of the breed guided us in the breeding end of it and
before long we owned eight dogs. Grouse hunting became all about
different tones on beeper collars.

After a few years in the GSP Club of Wisconsin. I became President of the club. At about the same time the NAVH-
DA club was experiencing heavy growth so I was one of the original members to start the Kettle Moraine Chapter
of NAVHDA and I was the first President of the chapter.

I started judging the AKC hunt tests and soon after field trials. I have titled numerous dogs in the AKC hunt test
program and have achieved VC titles on a handful of dogs in the NAVHDA program. I have trained a number of
dogs to FC titles. I only run in field trials now as it bring two passions together (dogs and horses).

I am presently a member of the Four Lakes GSP club and I have served as President for the last three years.

Mike Kindler

Welcome Ellen Ritter, our new Shorthair Journal Chairperson.

Greetings everyone,

My name is Ellen Ritter, and I am taking over the Shorthair Journal Mag-
azine Chair position for those folks I have not yet met.

I was raised with Kuvaszok, a large Hungarian working breed, but I found
I wanted less fur and more drive as I embarked on my own canine adven-
tures. I stumbled upon the GSP after many years of living with Golden Re-
trievers and various herding breeds. Their intelligence, speed, and sense
of humor fit perfectly with my performance goals, but I also wanted to try
showing as well. I was blessed to find a mentor willing to take a chance
on me and give me my first GSP, GCH Country Wind Always Thankful RE
JH CA OA AXJ XF SIN SCN DJ DS DM CGCA TKA GSPCA VCA “Flir.” Since
then, I have bred my first litter under my kennel name: Honor. I have also added two more Shorthairs to my
pack: Honor’s That Was A Crazy Game of Poker RE JH CA DSA DMA CGC TKA GSPCA NRD “Poker” and RBISOH
AKC GCH/INT CH Edelmarke & Honor’s Gravity on Trial RA SH CA SIN SEN CGC TKN GSPCA VC “Synesthesia.”

I am passionate about the versatility of our breed and supporting all of the different adventures these dogs take
us on. I have experience in professional writing and design, and I look forward to the opportunity to serve our
membership through the Shorthair Journal and continue the work of my predecessor.

Ellen Ritter

PAGE SHORTHAIR JOURNAL

7

ELECTION NOMINATIONS

VICE PRESIDENT CANDIDATES

Karen Rooks Nauer RN MBA Teresa McCreight Karen Niffenegger

See her bio on the next page

RECORDING SECRETARY SOUTH CENTRAL SECTION DIRECTOR

CANDIDATE CANDIDATES

Melissa Campbell Vanessa Carmean David Vogelsang

EAST CENTRAL SECTION NORTHWEST DIRECTOR SOUTHEAST DIRECTOR
DIRECTOR - CANDIDATE CANDIDATE CANDIDATE

Becky Feigh Malina Tzartzanis Helen Joyce

SHORTHAIR JOURNAL PAGE

8

Karen Niffenegger- Vice President Candidate

Hi, you should all be receiving a ballot in the mail for the elections of the German Shorthaired Pointer
Club of America. Please take the time to read through my bio. The job of Vice President can be nebu-
lous, you get what you put into it. Whether it is coordinating with the Secretaries or being the Presi-
dent’s right hand man, I look forward to the challenge. Each individual needs to make it their own
while following the constitution and by-laws.

I know a large precentage of members know me, but for those
who do not I would like to take this opportunity to introduce
myself to the membership. My involvement with GSP’s started
in 1987 when I wanted a dog for my active outdoor lifestyle and
to hunt upland birds. I found the perfect dog in the German
Shorthaired Pointer. I purchased my first shorthair and joined
the GSPCA that year. I discovered the local club a year later and
joined the GSPC of Oregon. Soon after I was elected Secretary of
the GSPC of Oregon and served for 12 years. As a member of the
club I have been Hunt Test Chairman and Secretary, Specialty
Show Chairman and Field Trial Secretary. I am also a member
of the GSPC of Washington and have served on their Specialty
Show and Field Trial committees and now as their Vice Presi-
dent and an Honorary Life Time member. I was also recently
honored as an Honorary Life Time of the GSPCA. Some of my
biggest accomplishments include:

• Secretary of the AKC Gun Dog Championships with record entries in 1999.
• Chairman of the 2002 AKC Gun Dog Championships.
• GSPCA 2000 National Specialty Show Chairman.
• Served on the GSPCA NSS Executive Committee for 9 years
• Elected to the GSPCA Board of Directors for 6 years as NW Director.
• Served as NFT catalog coordinator and production editor for the last 13 years.
• Chairman of the GSPC Wa Specialty Show preceding the 2018 NSS.
• Served as Secretary for 16 years for various local breed clubs.

As a devoted member of the GSPCA I have been attending the National Specialty since 1988 having
missed only a few. For the last 19 years I have been attending at least the Amateur Championship and
Futurity at the National Field Trial in Kansas. I have been consistently placing in field trials in the
Northwest and became a licensed Field Trial judge in 1996. Brian Hill, my husband and I own some
of the top field trial dogs now competing in the Northwest. Last year I guided, Jesse, FC/AFC Foxgloves
Spending a Buck to the 5th ranked Am. Limited Gun Dog. Not forgetting my show roots my co-owned
male was ranked for 3 years in the top twenty both breed and all breed points a few years back. My
varied backgrounds give me greater depth and perspective in representing all aspects of the breed.

Other projects that I have been involved with while serving the GSPCA include:
• Chairman of the basket raffle for the Health and Welfare Committee at the National specialty for 7

years.
• While on the board we initiated the Cone Degeneration genetic database for GSP’s.
• We established the qualifications for CHIC during my tenure on the board.
• I have been working with the Juniors and feel they are so important to our club’s health and future.

I am looking forward to doing more for the juniors in both show and field.

As the Vice President of the GSPCA I hope to find some special projects to work on, including expand-
ing breed education for both the show and the field community. What do you want this club to pro-
vide you as a member? Anything? To facilitate any changes everyone has to communicate and work
together.My biggest complaint is how slow any changes occur. Finally, most of you know that I work
hard in everything I do. I will work hard as an officer of the club and as a board member. I want to
thank you for your time and consideration when voting this March and April. I hope you can support

me in this election. We just need a few more votes.

Karen Niffenegger

PAGE SHORTHAIR JOURNAL

9

BE READY TO VOTE LATER THIS YEAR
ON TWO IMPORTANT ITEMS

We are in the process of our Annual Election but the Board of Directors should have two other items for
Members to vote on this summer.

BYLAWS

As you know, in June 2019 we created a Bylaw Review Committee. The original purpose of creating this
committee was to add the ability to meet utilizing video conferencing and to add the ability to utilize
electronic balloting to the bylaws. Since they were last updated in August, 2011; the Committee was
also tasked with doing a review of the bylaws in their entirety utilizing the updated AKC Parent Club
Sample Constitution and Bylaws. There were several conversations with the AKC and lots and lots of
discussion with the Board. The Committee also received suggestions from one of our member clubs
which was considered as part of their work. There was a last-minute change in process by the AKC
which slowed completion. The Bylaws are now being reviewed by a licensed Missouri attorney and the
plan is for them to go to the membership for approval this summer.

Thank you to Ed Brock, Joe Boteler and Barbara Schwartz for all of their time and hard work on this
monumental project and their willingness to see this through to the end.

Standard Review/Black DQ

We announced that we were reactivating a Standard Review Committee last year. Life and people’s real
jobs have slowed progress but we hope to be voting on their recommendations this summer as well. The
committee will be bringing a recommendation to remove the disqualification for the color Black
for vote by the members among other considerations.

The Standard Review Committee is chaired by Christy Featherston, our VP and Melissa Campbell will act
as Secretary for the group. The voting members are Denise Avery, Maxine Moinier, Jane Handshumaker
and Renee Cooper. Thanks to them for taking on this task.

We may actually have 2 versions of the black DQ change to consider if a petition that is circulating gets
enough signatures to move it forward.

SPECIAL NOTE
Our bylaws have not been updated since August of 2011 and our Standard has not changed since
1992. As a reminder it takes a 2/3’s majority of the members who actually cast a vote to change
either one of these documents. The membership has voted several times on the black DQ. While a
majority has voted to remove the DQ a “super majority” of the required 2/3s of the members voting
has not been reached.

SHORTHAIR JOURNAL PAGE

10

GERMAN SHORTHAIRED POINTERS AND CAER
BREEDER OPTIONS

SUBMITTED BY: KAREN NAUER & BUNITA EICHELBERGER

Foreword
Ocular disorders, proven or presumed to be inherited in purebred dogs, have been a topic of intense dialogue by Dip-
lomates of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO) for many years. Discussions commenced in
the latter half of the 20th century during the early days of this College’s inception, have continued into the 21st century,
and will no doubt continue for years to come. Our knowledge of the existence, nature, progression, and inheritance of
ocular disorders continues to expand as this field of veterinary science evolves. The Genetics Committee of the ACVO
was originally formed in response to requests by registries, breed groups, and veterinarians, with the intent to provide
a scientific advisory panel and guidelines regarding ocular disorders in purebred dogs. The Genetics Committee of
today remains engaged in an ongoing effort to update information on ocular disorders for this purpose.

The content of this production has originated from several sources as the ACVO recently created a Companion Animal
Eye Registry (CAER), which is a joint effort between the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) and the ACVO. The
addition of eye examination results to the OFA database makes the OFA the most complete source of canine health
screening results in the world, allowing responsible breeders to make more informed breeding decisions to reduce the
incidence of inherited disease.

The generation of statistical information is made possible by the efforts of dedicated breeders of purebred dogs who
present their dogs to Diplomates of the ACVO for an OFA Companion Animal Eye Registry examination. The research
copies of these examinations are then conscientiously submitted to OFA by the examining Veterinary Ophthalmolo-
gists. These data generate annual statistics. The statistics for each breed are then reviewed by the Genetics Commit-
tee for the most recent year and from the previous 5 years. Recommendations regarding the ocular disorders listed
for each breed and the breeding advice are compiled following guidelines detailed elsewhere in this publication. A
comprehensive review of the scientific literature since the last published edition was undertaken by all committee
members. The scientific articles and breed disorders from the statistical and literature review have been added to the
information on each breed in the production of this document. The collective educated clinical experience of the com-
mittee members is utilized to reach a consensus of opinion in areas where there remains a paucity of hard scientific
proof regarding certain identified breed problems.

The current Genetics Committee has instituted an annual scientific literature search, in addition to the previously
established yearly statistical data review. This information is compiled and submitted in an effort to maintain a bank
of current information for future editions and versions of this document. The content of all editions past, present, and
future will remain dynamic and ever changing as more precise technologies advance the study of the canine genome,
as continued scientific research expands our knowledge, and as the database grows.

It is an honor and a privilege to serve the ACVO, our fellow Diplomates, reputable dog breeders, and our most trusted
canine companions in this endeavor.

Genetics Committee 2019
Adam King, Jane Ashley Huey, Kathy Barrie, Renee Carter, Katelyn Fentiman, Hans Westermeyer,
Charlie Martin and Emily Sharpe
Genetics Committee 2020
Jane Ashley Huey, Katelyn Fentiman, Kathy Barrie, Simone Iwabe, Adam King, Charlie Martin, Emily
McCool, Freya Mowat
Gus Aguirre – Advisor 2019 & 2020
Ingrid Allgoewer – Advisor 2019
Simon Petersen-Jones – Advisor 2020
Katie Diehl – OFA Liaison 2019 & 2020

A note from Bunita Eichelberger:

The purpose of The Blue Book is to identify suspected heritable ocular disorders. The information in the book, ulti-
mately benefits the breeder by providing guidelines and breeding advice. Utilizing the information, along with other
criteria, will enable the breeder to make informed decisions in the evaluation and selection of animals to breed. Many
diseases can be detected during routine eye screening. However, there are certain ocular diseases which may not be
detected with a routine eye examination and in which additional diagnostic tests are required. Currently, there are
eleven disorders, with recommendations against breeding, assuming the disorders are inherited and not associated
with other causes including trauma, other causes of ocular inflammation, specific metabolic diseases, or nutritional de-
ficiencies. Breed specific ocular disorders are listed for individual breeds, including the German Shorthaired Pointer.
The Blue Book is comprehensive and will hopefully assist us and our German Shorthaired Pointers.

(The Blue Book was referenced for the paragraph above).

Here is the link for the Blue Book which includes the eye diseases and statistics for all breeds including GSPs.
Blue Book | Orthopedic Foundation for Animals | Columbia, MO (ofa.org)

PAGE

11 SHORTHAIR JOURNAL

Guidelines Used by the ACVO Genetics Committee in Making Breeding
Recommendations

In this book, we chose the term "BREEDING ADVICE" and intentionally avoided the words "certifiable" and
"registerable." The ACVO does not serve as a registry organization. Registry organizations operate
independently of the ACVO and set their own standards for registration. However, the OFA does follow the
guidelines set forth by the ACVO Genetics Committee in this publication. Any registry organization may use
the information in this compendium and results of examinations performed by ACVO Diplomates in the
registering of animals with regard to breeding suitability as they see fit.

It is important to recognize that the sensitivity of genetic disorder detection is greater when large numbers of
dogs are examined. The extensive number of disorders listed in this book for some breeds may reflect the
popularity of the breed and the numbers of animals evaluated. Conversely, the lack of disorders listed for
other breeds often reflects only the paucity of examinations reported for each breed. For these reasons, the
ACVO Genetics Committee strongly recommends annual evaluations of dogs of all breeds as the imperative
first step in the control of hereditary ocular disorders. We would like to acknowledge the contribution of the
Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) and Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF) for providing
statistical summaries of ophthalmic examinations from their files.

For each breed, specific ocular disorders have been listed which are known or suspected to be
inherited based on one or more of the following criteria:

1) There are published reports in the scientific literature regarding a condition in a particular breed with
evidence of inheritance.

2) The incidence of affected animals (from OFA and CERF reports) is greater than or equal to 1% of the
examined population with a minimum of five affected animals per five year period. Regardless of the
population of dogs examined, if 50 or more affected individuals are identified in a five year period, the entity
will be listed for that breed.

3) A specific request from a breed club that a condition be included for their breed may be considered at the
ACVO annual meeting of the Genetics Committee if information is received by August 1. Such requests are
reviewed critically and must include specific documentation as to the disorder in question and the numbers
seen. Further information from the breed club may be requested. The request must receive agreement by a
majority of the committee.

4) There is overwhelming opinion by a majority of the Genetics Committee members that clinical experience
by ACVO Diplomates would indicate a particular condition should be listed for a breed, in spite of the
absence of direct evidence of affected animals on OFA or CERF reports.

5) Results of genetic laboratory research and genetic testing.

The "Breeding Advice" given is determined by the significance of the condition to vision and/or very
strong evidence of heritability:

©2020 American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists

SHORTHAIR JOURNAL PAGE

12

Two categories of advice regarding breeding have been established:

NO: Substantial evidence exists to support the heritability of this entity AND/OR the entity represents
a potential compromise of vision or other ocular function.

BREEDER OPTION: Entity is suspected to be inherited but does not represent potential
compromise of vision or other ocular function.

When the breeding advice is "NO," even a minor clinical form of the entity would make this animal
unsuitable for breeding. When the advice is "BREEDER OPTION," caution is advised. In time, it may be
appropriate to modify this stand to "NO" based on accumulated evidence. If, in time, it becomes apparent
that there is insufficient evidence that an entity is inherited, it may be deleted from the list.

There are currently eleven disorders for which there is an unequivocal recommendation against
breeding in all breeds:

These are conditions which frequently result in blindness and for which there is definite evidence of
heritability in one or more breeds. However, these disorders will not be listed on the individual breed page
for a given breed, unless they also meet the criteria described above.

 Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) – Breeding is not recommended for any animal demonstrating
keratitis consistent with KCS. The prudent approach is to assume KCS to be hereditary except in
cases suspected to be non-genetic in origin. See *note.

 Glaucoma – See *note.
 Persistent Pupillary Membranes

o Iris to Lens
o Iris to Cornea
o Iris Sheets
o Endothelial Opacity/No Strands
 Cataract – Breeding is not recommended for any animal demonstrating partial or complete opacity
of the lens or its capsule unless the examiner has also checked the box for “suspect not inherited” or
unless specified otherwise for the particular breed. See *note.
 Lens luxation or subluxation – See *note.
 Persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous (PHPV)/persistent hyperplastic tunica vasculosa
lentis (PHTVL) – See *note.
 Retinal detachment – See *note.
 Retinal atrophy – generalized (PRA) - Breeding is not advised for any animal demonstrating
bilaterally symmetric retinal degeneration (considered to be PRA unless proven otherwise).
 Retinal dysplasia, geographic or detached forms – See *note.
 Optic nerve coloboma
 Optic nerve hypoplasia

*Note: The prudent approach of these disorders is to assume they are hereditary except in cases specifically known to be
associated with trauma, other causes of ocular inflammation, specific metabolic diseases, or nutritional deficiencies.

In breeds recognized with Persistent Pupillary Membrane (PPM) as an inherited problem there is an
unequivocal recommendation against breeding when there is PPM iris to lens, or PPM iris to cornea, or iris
sheets. Breeding advice is “NO.”

©2020 American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists

PAGE SHORTHAIR JOURNAL

13

The following breeds are recommended to have a preliminary examination prior to initial
pharmacological dilation to best facilitate identification of these disorders:

Dalmatian – iris hypoplasia/sphincter dysplasia
Australian Shepherd – iris coloboma
Miniature American Shepherd/Miniature Australian Shepherd – iris coloboma
Toy Australian Shepherd – iris coloboma

What can be detected during an Eye Certification Examination?

A routine eye screening examination includes indirect ophthalmoscopy and slit lamp biomicroscopy
following pharmacological dilation of the pupils. Gonioscopy, tonometry, Schirmer tear test,
electroretinography, and ultrasonography are not routinely performed; thus, dogs with goniodysgenesis,
glaucoma, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, or some early cases of progressive retinal atrophy might not be
detected without further testing.

The diagnoses obtained during an ophthalmic eye certification examination refer only to the phenotype
(clinical appearance) of an animal. Thus, it is possible for a clinically normal animal to be a carrier (abnormal
genotype) of genetic abnormalities.

An individual ACVO Diplomate may disagree with the breeding advice contained in this compendium. It is
appropriate for this examiner to contact the ACVO Genetics Committee to voice disagreement, initiate
change, or suggest additions. The members of the Genetics Committee represent the ACVO but
acknowledge that the information generated for a breed may not agree with the knowledge and clinical
experience of every individual ACVO Diplomate.

What is the role of the responsible dog breeder?

The final beneficiary of the information in this book is the dog breeder. It is up to the conscientious breeder
to use this information along with other criteria in selecting which animals to breed. To assist this
determination, current certification is recommended. Animals currently free of heritable eye disease will be
issued a certificate on receipt of the examination/application by OFA. To avoid confusion between a normal
animal (no evidence of heritable eye disorders) and one that may have a minor fault coming under the
advice of Breeder Option, the Breeder Option category will be printed on the certificate. This is intended to
stimulate conversation as to the specific nature of the Breeder Option condition found in that particular
animal, allowing breeders using a dog in a breeding program to make an informed decision.

There are many ocular conditions which are a direct result of selection for a facial conformation
considered desirable by breeders.

These include:

 Entropion
 Ectropion
 Macroblepharon
 Exposure keratopathy syndrome

Facial conformation with excessively prominent eyes, heavy facial folds, or eyelids which are either inverted
or everted predispose animals to corneal irritation, discomfort, and if left untreated, can lead to loss of
vision. A responsible breeding program should recognize and select away from these exaggerated facial
features.

©2020 American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists

SHORTHAIR JOURNAL PAGE

14

THE ROLE OF GENETIC TESTING IN THE DETECTION OF OCULAR DISEASE

Genetic testing plays a very important role in the diagnosis of disease. However, it is important to be
aware of the limitations of genetic testing and understand its role in the detection and control of
genetically inherited diseases.

Genetically inherited diseases are caused by a deleterious sequence change (mutation) in the DNA
that results in an abnormal protein (protein can be absent, have insufficient function, or have an
abnormal function) that results in disease.

Genetic tests are developed by comparing the DNA sequence of a normal animal to that of an animal
with disease. This allows the identification of a particular DNA sequence that can be causally
associated with the disease. This is an extremely powerful tool that, in some cases, allows for
identification of disease even before it is evident clinically.

However, a particular test is only capable of detecting the DNA sequence it was designed to detect.
That is, the DNA test only tests for a specific change in the DNA that can cause disease. For example,
a DNA test specific for the PDE6B gene mutation (responsible for the rcd1 form of PRA in the Irish
Setter) will not detect any abnormalities in other breeds or mixed breeds that have other mutations in
the same gene. Thus the specificity of a DNA test is also its limitation, and in the case of PRA in Irish
Setters it is specific for the Irish Setter defect and not for any other defects.

In polygenic disorders, a genetic test cannot evaluate the integrity of all the proteins that make up a
particular cellular process. Thus, it is possible for a DNA test that has been associated with a disease
to be normal and yet the disease can still be present. The disease could be caused by an abnormality
in one of the other genes that are involved with that particular cellular process. The defect in the other
protein still results in an abnormal cellular process, which still results in disease. A perfect example
of this is observed in oculo-skeletal dysplasia in Labrador Retrievers and Samoyed dogs. In both
breeds the diseases are clinically identical, yet caused by mutations in different genes involved in
fibril formation of a specific kind of collagen molecule.

Thus, obtaining a DNA test that is normal does not guarantee absence of disease. It only guarantees
that the particular change the DNA test was designed to detect is not present, and that disease from
that particular change will not occur. This is why genetic testing should be combined with ophthalmic
examination for maximum efficacy. An ophthalmic exam evaluates the sum total or “result” of all the
cellular processes required to maintain ocular health and result in vision, and is an essential part of
the ocular wellness exam to ensure that other important clinically recognizable diseases are not
present.

©2020 American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists

PAGE SHORTHAIR JOURNAL

15

OCULAR DISORDERS REPORT
GERMAN SHORTHAIRED POINTER

TOTAL DOGS EXAMINED 1991-2015 2016-2020
6,095 2,028
Diagnostic Name
#% #%

GLOBE 1 0.0% 0
10.000 glaucoma
0
EYELIDS 1 0.0% 6 0.3%
20.160 macropalpebral fissure 10 0.2% 1 0.0%
21.000 entropion, unspecified 106 5.2%
22.000 ectropion, unspecified 4 0.1%
25.110 distichiasis 221 3.6% 0

NASOLACRIMAL 1 0.0% 0
40.910 keratoconjunctivitis sicca 1 0.0%

NICTITANS 3 0.0% 0
51.100 third eyelid cartilage anomaly 1 0.0% 1 0.0%
52.110 prolapsed gland of the third eyelid 0

CORNEA 1 0.0% 1 0.0%
70.210 corneal pannus 20 0.3% 0
70.700 corneal dystrophy 0
70.730 corneal endothelial degeneration 1 0.0% 133 6.6%
2 0.1%
UVEA iris hypoplasia 1 0.0% 4 0.2%
93.110 corneal endothelial pigment without PPM 1 0.0% 1 0.0%
93.140 iris coloboma 2 0.0% 29 1.4%
93.150 persistent pupillary membranes, iris to iris 412 6.8% 1 0.0%
93.710 persistent pupillary membranes, iris to lens 17 0.3%
93.720 persistent pupillary membranes, iris to cornea 5 0.1% 0
93.730 persistent pupillary membranes, iris sheets 1 0.0% 4 0.2%
93.740 persistent pupillary membranes, lens pigment foci/no strands 16 0.3% 1 0.0%
93.750 persistent pupillary membranes, endothelial opacity/no 3 0.0%
93.760 strands 0
uveal melanoma 1 0.0% 75 3.7%
93.810 uveal cysts 6 0.1%
93.999 chorioretinal coloboma, congenital 0 6 0.3%
97.150 10 0.5%

LENS cataract, unspecified 9 0.1% 2 0.1%
100.200 cataract. suspect not inherited/significance unknown 313 5.1% 1 0.0%
100.210 punctate cataract, anterior cortex 6 0.3%
100.301 punctate cataract, posterior cortex 25 0.4% 3 0.1%
100.302 punctate cataract, equatorial cortex 48 0.8% 6 0.3%
100.303 punctate cataract, anterior sutures 12 0.2% 3 0.1%
100.304 punctate cataract, posterior sutures 16 0.8%
100.305 punctate cataract, nucleus 2 0.0% 1 0.0%
100.306 punctate cataract, capsular 11 0.2% 0
100.307 incipient cataract, anterior cortex 15 0.2% 3 0.1%
100.311 incipient cataract, posterior cortex
100.312 incipient cataract, equatorial cortex 9 0.1%
100.313 incipient cataract, anterior sutures 18 0.3%
100.314 incipient cataract, posterior sutures 91 1.5%
100.315 20 0.3%

2 0.0%
16 0.3%

©2020 American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists SHORTHAIR JOURNAL PAGE
GERMAN SHORTHAIRED POINTER - 4
16

LENS CONTINUED 1991-2015 2016-2020

100.316 incipient cataract, nucleus 18 0.3% 5 0.2%
100.317 incipient cataract, capsular 12 0.2% 6 0.3%
100.321 incomplete cataract, anterior cortex 1 0.0%
100.322 incomplete cataract, posterior cortex 1 0.0% 1 0.0%
100.325 incomplete cataract, posterior sutures 6 0.1% 0
100.326 incomplete cataract, nucleus 1 0.0% 1 0.0%
100.328 y-suture tip opacities 1 0.0% 8 0.4%
100.330 generalized/complete cataract 1 0.0% 1 0.0%
100.340 resorbing/hypermature cataract 14 0.2% 0
100.345 significant cataracts (summary) 1 0.0% 80 3.9%
100.375 subluxation/luxation, unspecified 333 5.5% 0
2 0.0%

VITREOUS 8 0.1% 21 1.0%
110.120 persistent hyaloid artery/remnant 13 0.2% 3 0.1%
110.135 PHPV/PTVL 0
110.200 vitreous degeneration-anterior chamber 1 0.0% 9 0.4%
110.320 vitreal degeneration 22 0.4%

FUNDUS 1 0.0% 0
97.110 choroidal hypoplasia

RETINA retinal dysplasia, folds 129 2.1% 19 0.9%
120.170 retinal dysplasia, geographic 24 0.4% 3 0.1%
120.180 generalized progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) 9 0.1% 0
120.310 retinal detachment with dialysis 2 0.0% 1 0.0%
120.920 retinopathy 4 0.1% 4 0.2%
120.960

OPTIC NERVE 3 0.0% 0
130.110 micropapilla 4 0.1% 1 0.0%
130.120 optic nerve hypoplasia 1 0.0% 0
130.150 optic disc coloboma

OTHER other, unspecified 99 1.6% 0
900.000 other, not inherited 134 2.2% 5 0.2%
900.100 other. suspect not inherited/significance unknown 87 4.3%
900.110 67 1.1%

NORMAL 4,949 81.2% 1,535 75.7%
0.000 normal globe

PAGE SHORTHAIR JOURNAL ©2020 American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists
GERMAN SHORTHAIRED POINTER - 5
17

Questions for a prospective stud dog owner

• What health testing have you done and are the results on OFA?
• What titles are on your dog?
• Can you tell me about the health of your dog? Does he take/need

any medications, supplements, special food?
• What food do you feed your dog?
• Can you tell me about the longevity of the preceding generations

and any known health issues with past generations?
• How many litters has he produced so far, and how has their health

been?
• Has any health testing been done on offspring, and if so, what

were the results?
• What are his best natural talents?
• How is his natural hunting ability and his drive? Has he been on any

birds?
• How is his stamina to work? How long is the longest he’s worked?
• How is his work in extreme environments, like very hot vs. very

cold?
• How is he in day to day life?
• How is he with other dogs?
• How did his training in <insert whatever venue he has participated

in> go? Was he quick to pick it up?
• If you could change one thing about him, what would it be?
• How would you define his energy level in the house and out of the

house?
• How is his affinity to water?
• Is he environmentally sound, and how does he react when in public/

loud areas?
• How does he work in high stress environments?
• How much involvement do you want to have in the litter?
• What is your stud fee, or are you more interested in a puppy?
• What areas/characteristics do you feel that your dog is most pre-

potent in?
• Can you please share the pedigree?

Submitted by Tiffany Card For
the German Shorthaired Pointer Club of America

gspca.org

2022

ANNUAL
STUD DOG ISSUE

Page Page

26 Chrishelle's I Love Rock 'N Roll 23 Perfection's Huckleberry

38 Chrishelle's Phantom 45 RR Billy's Revelation

32 Country Creek's Legendary Huntsman 33 Riverland's Prince of Tides

25 Crystal's Oakley Hanz Zircon 44 Rugerheim's Katie Boz Prince Lucca

22 De Lombardie Alpha du Centaure 21 Shortales & Coronet With or Without You

39 Depaw's Play to Win 27 Siegervale's Slightly Notorious

20 Ehrardt N Coronet W Shortales True Colours 34 WAAP's Thirteen Hours 'Till I Land

BC Ehrenvogel Gunning For My Heart 36 Westpointe's Tight End Diadem

28 Falcon Hill's Silver Lining 30 Whirlwind's Go For Broke

42 High Caliber's Under the Influence of Abbelane 31 Whirlwind's Here to Stay

29 High Cal's Heart of the Image 24 White River Howlin' at the Stars

40 High Cal's Levi Von Strauss of Abbe Lane 24 White River Stars Align at Sunrise

45 J&K'S Jake Von Greif 24 White River's Ziggy Stardust

35 NEWPoint Thunderstorm 41 Windchime's Shiny Copper Bullet

43 NMK's Make Mine Music FC Windkist's WNGMSTR

Thank you to the advertisers who showcased their dogs in our annual Stud Dog Issue.
Your support of the Journal and the GSPCA is appreciated.





BISS Am CH/Can GCH De Lombardie
Alpha du Centaure NAI 112 pts

2019 GSPCA NSS WD
American Championship done exclusively
with Specialty majors, at the Garden Specialties

and the NSS 2019
BISS GSPCC Regional Specialty, Toronto
6th consecutive generation being awarded

Best in Specialty Show
Hips excellent – Elbows normal
Clear for heart, eyes, DM, LD, CD VW, Dilute

BISS Am CH/Can GCH De Lombardie Spirit of
the Forest FDJ x Am/Can CH De Lombardie

La Dolce Vita FDJ

GSPs

www.delombardiegsp.com

Breeder, Owner and Handler:
Lise Céré, De Lombardie GSPs



Home of a few good men......

Ziggy’s Grandson- ‘Ozzy’ MBISS Am/Can Ch. White River’s Ziggy Stardust, JH
MBISS GChG TRF White River Howlin’ At The Stars, GSPCA HOF & ROMX- Sire of 40 Champions

CD BN RA JH DS CGC, Owned by Rick & Becky Feigh
GSPCA VC & ROMX- Sire of 53 Champions

Bred by Becky Feigh/ Sam & Kipp Whelan

Ziggy Grandson/ Ozzy Grandson- ‘Gizmo’ CH Ruann’s Buckshot V Kingswood
MBISS GCH TRF White River Stars Align At Sunrise CH Shadywood‘s Howlin’ Mad
CD BN RE JH FDC CAA DCAT SWME SHDM TKI,
CH Shadywood‘s Lady V Kingswood
GSPCA VCA NRD GCHG TRF White River Howlin’At The Stars

Bred By Becky Feigh, Kipp Whelan, Lorie Crain & Sam Honaker A/C CH White River‘s Ziggy Stardust, HOF
CH Pengle TRF Starstruck

CH HH Ruann’s Glitter-N-Glitz
Olde Ridge Diamond In The Sky

CH Olde Ridge Been There Done That
CH Olde Ridge Shaboom Shaboom

CH White River Walking In Sunshine
CH Olde Ridge Silhouette In The Moonlight

CH Olde Ridge Pride ‘N Joy
CH Cheza’s Annie Be Bood

Cheza’s Webpage V Pridegun

* Inquire for all health clearnaces and availablity for Ziggy, Ozzy & Gizmo





Parkergchs gch siegervale's slightly notorious

2021 # 11 gsp • 2021 # 15 all breed

own ed by d olo res an d j i m m or r i s • d mor r i s @si eg e rval e .com
be au tiful ly p r ese nte d by je an gauc hat-h ar gi s an d jos h h ar gi s



































J&K Ranch Kennels

FC RR BILLY'S REVELATION DNA: V119139
OFA: GSP-8116E51M
BUD
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
2003 NGSPA OPEN ALL AGE CHAMPION
2003 Gulf Coast GSP Club OAA 1st 2003

Bluebonnet Brittany AAA 2nd
2002 GWP Club E Neb OLAA 2nd

2001 Sunflower GSP OGD 1st

Sire: FC Rockin Rollin Billy Health Certifications, Pedigree, Genetics,
Dam: Spike's UB Bertha Von Greif Accomplishments would be our

consideration with potential offspring
going to Field Trial and Competitive
Buyers.

CH J&K'S JAKE VON GREIF DNA: V100
OFA: OFA43E
Jake FC & AFC Field Pointed

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
2008 GWPC of E Neb AGD 2nd
2008 GSPC of MN ALGD 2nd
2005 Sunflower GSPC OGD 3rd
2004 Gulf Coast GSPC OGD 1st

Linebred Greif Studs for Your
Consideration with Frozen Semen

Breeding Contract*

Sire: FC RR Billy's Revelation Frozen Semen ONLY
Dam: Spike's UB Bertha Von Greif Visit our Website for Pedigrees

jandkranch-kennels.com

*Please contact the OFS by email with your indication of interest with a Pedigree of the female to be bred & a Certificate of Registration attached.
The Frozen Semen Contract Terms include your interests and responsibilities and the interests and responsibilities of the OFS. The OFS
reserves the right to decline. Private Treaty for three straws.

MK Kelley Smith | [email protected] | jandkranch-kennels.com | 832.428.6253

The GSPCA encourages our members New Puppy Buyer Program
to participate in the CHIC program.
The Canine Health Information Cent- Are you planning to have puppies? Then
er, also known as CHIC, is a central- this may be a program you would like to
ized canine health database jointly
sponsored by the AKC/Canine Health participate in!
Foundation (AKC/CHF) and the Ortho- The GSPCA Board of Directors approved
pedic Foundation for Animals (OFA). a membership initiative for new puppy
buyers. GSPCA Member Breeders have
Effective May 1, 2014 the required the opportunity to provide their new puppy
tests are: buyers a complimentary year of a GSPCA

Cardiac: Exam (auscultation or echo) by a Board Certi- Membership!!
fied Cardiologist at the Minimum age of 24 months, with Here are a few guidelines, which we wanted
results posted to the OFA site. The age of 24 months is a to keep fairly minimal to keep the program
change to this requirement. In addition, the exam must
now be performed only by a board certified cardiologist. easy to administer and offer:
All Breeders must be a GSPCA member in
Hip Dysplasia: OFA Evaluation at Minimum age of 24 good standing. The new owner must not have
months or PennHIP.
been a prior member of GSPCA.
Elbow Dysplasia: OFA Evaluation at Minimum age of 24 To participate in this program, breeders
months. This is a new requirement based on the rising in- should submit the application(s) which can be
cidence of elbow dysplasia in all sporting breeds including downloaded on the website and submitted by
GSPs. Previously elbow dysplasia had been an optional
test. Elbow Dysplasia is a crippling hereditary disease. mail to the membership chair.
Applications must be submitted by mail by
Eye Exam: Eye examination by a Board Certified ACVO the breeder within six months of whelp date.
Ophthalmologist annually until Age 6. Results registered Applications must be accompanied by a
with OFA. There is no recommended age to start as long copy of the puppy’s AKC litter registration.
as the eyes are open. All breeders listed must be members of the
GSPCA to participate in this program. Program
Cone Degeneration: Optigen test results registered with
the OFA. Only one subsequent generation of two CD tested effective September 1, 2016.
dogs may be cleared by parentage. The following genera-
tion will have to be tested.

Optional Tests:
Autoimmune thyroiditis: Evaluation by an OFA ap-
proved laboratory with results posted to the OFA site. It is
recommended that the test be repeated every two years.

Von Willebrands Disease: Clearance using the vWD Type
2 genetic test from an OFA approved lab. (Genetic Test) Re-
sults to be posted to the OFA site.

A special note about Lupoid Dermatosis (LD). In June
2013 the GSPCA Board of Directors reviewed information
from a retest of dogs previously tested for LD by cheek
swab. Because some of the different results obtained from
the blood sample retest have not been explained and be-
cause the results of the LD research have not been pub-
lished in a peer-reviewed scientific journal, the Board has
taken a neutral position on this test at this time. Breeders
need to consult with PennGen at the University of Penn-
sylvania to determine the usefulness of this test for their
breeding programs. (Please see the Members Section of
the GSPCA web site for more information.)

*Note – In addition to the breed specific requirements above, a
CHIC requirement across all participating breeds is that the dog
must be permanently identified via microchip or tattoo in order to
qualify for a CHIC number.

For more information visit our website at gspca.org

SHORTHAIR JOURNAL PAGE

46

DISPELLING THE MYTHS OF CROPPED EARS,
DOCKED TAILS, DEWCLAWS, AND
“DEBARKING”

Purebred dogs are purpose-bred dogs: They come in all shapes and sizes. The characteristics
that make each of these dogs unique also help them perform the functions for which they were
bred.
The physical appearance of the dogs illustrates this, and is also an important part of each breed’s
history. For example, the thick body and heavy fur on a St. Bernard make it the perfect dog for
mountain rescue. The short legs and long, narrow body of a Dachshund (German for “badger
hunter”) allow it to burrow underground to hunt badger.
Many owners of specific breeds wish to maintain their dog’s historic practical function by having
their puppy’s ears cropped, tails docked, or dewclaws removed.
While some people unfamiliar with the breeds believe that these practices are purely aesthetic
and question their necessity, these procedures often actually enhance the dog’s ability to perform
the tasks it is meant to do, and in many cases protect the dog from serious injury later in life.
Bark softening (often inaccurately called “debarking”) is another hotly debated procedure. This is
not purely a procedure of convenience, but rather a viable option that allows a dog in certain
circumstances to remain in its loving home rather than being sent to a shelter.
Ear cropping, tail docking, dewclaw removal, and bark softening are not procedures of
convenience, but rather safe and standard animal husbandry practices designed to protect the
safety and welfare of dogs.

Understanding the Procedures

Ear cropping, tail docking, dewclaw removal, and debarking are procedures that are increasingly debated in the general public and
in public policy. To help gain insight on these issues, let’s begin by defining these terms:
Ear cropping is a procedure by which a dog’s ears are trimmed, or “cropped”, so that they can stand erect rather than flop over.
Common breeds of dogs with cropped ears include Great Danes, all three sizes of Schnauzers, and Doberman Pinschers. The
American Kennel Club (AKC) currently recognizes 20 breeds with cropped ears.
Tail docking refers to the removal of a portion of the tail. The length that is docked varies depending on the breed. Dogs with
docked tails include Cocker Spaniels, Rottweilers, and Yorkshire Terriers. Currently, 63 breeds recognized by the AKC have docked
tails. Some dogs, such as the Old English Sheepdog and Australian Shepherd, may appear to be docked, but may have actually
been born with a “bobtail”, or naturally short tail.
Dewclaw removal is a procedure by which the dewclaws, which are essentially extra claws that are located higher up the leg than
the rest of a dogs’ claws and serve little to no purpose for the majority of breeds, are removed. Most dogs are born with dewclaws.
While a few dogs, such as the Norwegian Lundehund, use them to scale rocky cliffs, the dewclaw serves virtually no purpose for
most dogs. Active dogs are prone to getting them caught and torn, causing extreme pain and significant injury. For these cases, it is
better for them to be removed shortly after birth when little or no pain is experienced, rather than to risk serious injury and infection
later in an injured mature dog.
Tail docking and dewclaw removal are performed shortly after birth, when the puppy’s nervous system is not fully developed. As a
result, the puppy feels little to no pain, has no resulting pain memory, and experiences no lasting negative health issues. Some
lawmakers have sought to require anesthesia for these procedures. However, since they are performed so soon after birth,
anesthesia should not be required, as this could be life-threatening for the young puppy. Waiting until they are old enough to handle
anesthesia would actually result in a more painful and traumatic procedure.

www.akc.org American Kennel Club Government Relations
www.akcgr.org/cropdock|[email protected] | 919-816-3720

PAGE SHORTHAIR JOURNAL

47

“Bark softening” (often inaccurately called “debarking”) is a veterinary procedure that softens a dog’s bark by altering a dog’s
vocal cords with a laser or biopsy tool. The dog may still bark, but at a softer volume. When performed correctly by a
veterinarian, the most common method is minimally invasive and takes just a couple minutes to perform.

Bark softening is a veterinary procedure that may ultimately prevent a dog from ending up in a shelter or euthanized. Both
the American Kennel Club and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) believe that this is a viable veterinary
procedure that may be an option for some owners when other efforts to correct excessive barking have failed. This safe,
viable procedure will soften the dog’s bark to a level that will not be a disturbance to the neighborhood, thereby allowing an
owner to keep a dog whose excessive barking could otherwise be considered a nuisance. The AKC and the AVMA also agree
that this procedure should only be performed by a qualified, licensed veterinarian.

Much of the opposition regarding these procedures comes from a misunderstanding of why and how they are performed.
Many believe that these procedures are painful, performed purely for convenience or cosmetic reasons, and have no value.
This is completely false. In fact, when properly performed, these practices are significantly less painful and much less
physically traumatic for the dogs than other common elective surgeries such as spaying and neutering. Each of these
procedures is a safe, humane standard practice that serves a practical purpose, and in the case of ear cropping and tail
docking, may preserve a dog’s ability to perform its historic function.

Ear Cropping and Tail Docking: A Historical and Practical Perspective

All dogs recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) are placed in one of seven groups based on the functions for which they
were developed and often continue to perform. Ear cropping and tail docking are historical procedures, performed in some breeds
for over 100 years, that can help dogs better and more safely perform the functions for which they were originally bred.

Dogs in the Working Group, for example have traditionally been used for a number of important tasks including serving as guard,
search and rescue, and seeing-eye dogs for the blind. As a working breed, the Doberman’s cropped ears help enhance its hearing,
thereby helping it perform its tasks to the best of its ability. According to the Doberman Pinscher Club of America, “An erect eared
dog can localize the source of a sound to within a 5-degree cone, whereas a drop eared dog can only localize a sound source to
within a 20-degree cone. Since Dobermans do search and detection as well as search and rescue, cropped ears are a decided
advantage.”*

Other dogs, such as the Bouvier de Flanders in the Herding Group, were traditionally used for many purposes on farms, and “tails
and ears were routinely cropped because they were easy targets for farm predators.”**

Sporting Group breeds, such as spaniels, often go into thick brush to track game. While some of these breeds (such as a Labrador
Retrievers) have thick, strong tails or tails with thick hair, other breeds have weaker tails with often wispy hair that are prone to
injury when they run through thick brush or brambles.

In the same way, a docked tail on a Terrier makes it stronger, which in some situations can help protect the dogs. For example, the
bottom two-thirds of the Airedale Terrier’s tail is incredibly strong and may be used to help pull this largest of the terriers to safety in
certain circumstances when they are performing a variety of activities including hunting animals in the ground or water, or serving
as a working dog. The last third, however, is very weak and fragile. When not docked, the tail is prone to breaking, splitting, or other
serious injuries.***

Public Policy Considerations

The American Kennel Club and its local dog clubs throughout the United States
are extremely concerned about animal cruelty and are dedicated to the
breeding and raising of healthy, happy dogs.

We strongly support laws that target irresponsible owners and those who
would mistreat or harm animals. Likewise, it is important that any legislation
seeking to protect dogs not arbitrarily ban these or other procedures that can
protect a dog’s safety and welfare. Standard, safe animal husbandry practices
that preserve the ability of purpose-bred dogs to excel at the functions for
which they were bred should remain legal and never be construed as cruelty.

In the same way, bark softening (“debarking”), which can preserve the home
and the life of a noisy dog when other remedies fall, should not be banned.
This decision, like other health care decisions, is one best left to the dog’s
owner in conjunction with their veterinarian, and should not be subject to
arbitrary government regulations or restrictions.

Clearly defining animal cruelty, neglect, and mistreatment in statute will
protect the safety of dogs and hold owners accountable without placing
arbitrary restrictions on safe, accepted procedures that allow dogs to excel at
the tasks they were bred to perform and ensure their welfare, health and
safety throughout their lives.

*Theresa Mullen, DPCA Public Education Committee, “Living with a Dobe”, published on https://dpca.org/publiced/living-with-a-dobe/ears/
**Kitty Korth for the ABdFC, “Beginner’s Guide to the Bouvier”, published on https://www.bouvier.org/beginner-guide-to-the-bouvier.html
***Letter from the Airedale Terrier Club of America, Inc. to the American Veterinary Medical Association, June 6, 2009.

www.akc.org American Kennel Club Government Relations
www.akcgr.org/cropdock|[email protected] | 919-816-3720

SHORTHAIR JOURNAL PAGE

48

THE QUEST FOR YOUR FOUNDATION BITCH

BY: WILLIAM GIVEN
SUBMITTED BY: CHAR RUTAR

SJ: Yes, this is the Stud Dog Issue, but they wouldn’t be stud dogs without their special ladies, now would
they? The following is borrowed with permission from the Canine Chronicle, September 2021 Issue. Unless
otherwise noted photos are from the GSPCA Facebook page.

THE QUEST FOR YOUR FOUNDATION BITCH
By William Given

I believe the vast majority of highly successful breeders would agree that the foundation of a breeding
program is a good brood matron, and that the right bitch will be the single most important purchase
that, over time, will dictate the success or failure of a breeding program. Why is this? The answer is
simple. A bitch may only produce four to six litters, eight in a very busy lifetime. Compare this to the
stud dog’s ability to sire two to four times that in a year. Her influence on her breed is softer and takes
significantly longer to evaluate than that of the stud. It is also true that she will likely never achieve the
fame and glory of a dog that can be used at stud while simultaneously carrying on with a brilliant show
career.

The perfect foundation bitch
Out of all the nice bitches and puppies that will come and go throughout your life as an owner and
breeder, your foundation bitch will be the one that gives you your winners, your best advertising, and
keeps reproducing herself year after year. She is the one that will give your line its own particular look.

Genetics aside, most breeders would agree that, on a practical level, the bitch is responsible for 60 percent
(some suggest 75%) of the resulting puppies’ conformation quality, overall soundness, temperament
and showability. Whole dynasties can be and have been built around the progeny of a single bitch. That
is why she is, quite literally, called a foundation bitch. She is the one who built your brand and will keep
it alive through even the leanest years.

There is rarely a price high enough to buy this great brood bitch from the fortunate person who
purchased her as an eight-week-old puppy from the breeder and has cared for and cherished her for
all her years. The discovery of one or two beautiful young bitches that will establish your breeding
program as a predictable and successful entity thus becomes your first practical priority.

It’s Not That Simple
Logic would seem to suggest this should not be all that difficult. You simply find a bitch that possesses
all the best attributes of her breed, buy her, and the rest is history, right? Sadly, it is rarely that
straightforward. However, the dog game is littered with failed breeders who erroneously believed that
a successful program could be built by buying up the daughters of top winners and breeding them
to the most popular stud dogs of the day. In reality, the prettiest bitches are not necessarily the best

PAGE SHORTHAIR JOURNAL

49

producers, and some exceptionally lovely bitches never produce a puppy as nice as themselves. And we
have all seen or heard of the little plain Janes who consistently produce better than themselves. Even
the full sister of a nationally ranked dog may not produce offspring of equal quality.

Some bitches have great looking puppies no matter which stud dog
they are bred to. Some do well only when bred to a specific dog or
bloodline.

Occasionally, some bitches will be written off early as poor producers
simply because they have never been bred to the right stud dog for
them. Others will simply never experience any real measure of
success in the whelping box, ever.

This does not mean that they are unworthy bitches and lack quality
or breeding. Just as the vast majority of young dogs will never mature
to be stud dog quality, not all young bitches are going to become
brood matron material. While it is always worthwhile to breed-
high quality bitches a couple of times to see if they pass on their
conformation, it is not a catastrophe if they do not. These bitches
will give their owners years of competitive success and devoted
companionship. Some will simply have far more success as serious
competitors in the show ring than they would in the whelping box
as second-rate producers.

ASSESSING FOUNDATION POTENTIAL
Every breeder will have a slightly different blueprint in mind when describing the perfect brood
bitch. Generally speaking, a good prospective foundation bitch must demonstrate the qualities that
are essential to your breed’s standard, be sound overall, of good temperament, and free from genetic
weakness. The commonly heard refrain is, “She is too crazy to stay on the table, or her allergies keep her
from showing well, so we will just breed her.” This is not a recipe for breeding successful show dogs. It
is even worse when speaking of a breed which is universally valued for their health, temperament, and
relative freedom from a genetic defect. If everything else about a bitch warrants her becoming a good
breeding prospect, the effects of living with a head that is a bit plain, or with bone that is a little light,
or a back that could be a tad more level, is not going to equal failure in the whelping box. Any one of
these weaknesses, if it is minor, will be lessened by choosing a stud dog to breed her with that is highly
favored for his correct head, substantial bone, or rock-solid topline. However, in a business already
fraught with risk, it hardly seems worth the trouble to start out with too many concessions in basic
conformation with the hope that some glorious stud dog will perform a miracle.

Is She Foundation Material?
Ideally, your foundation bitch should not only be superior with regard to conformation. She should also
be as well-bred as you can possibly afford. This absolutely
does not mean popularly bred. Fame and fads sway the
sport of purebred dogs as erringly as they do any other,
and today’s hottest stud dog could just as easily become
tomorrow’s untouchable. There is no question that certain
bloodlines within any breed are known for passing on
certain desirable traits.

Great producers frequently tend to run in families. If you
find yourself consistently drawn to certain individual
bitches, a look at her pedigree will probably uncover
either a common grand dam or, at the very least, a
common female ancestor in the fourth generation whose
breed characteristics have proven themselves to be very
prepotent. Some investigation will reveal which bitches
consistently pass on the traits you want. If you are in the
position of buying a young bitch, try to get one from a bitch
that produces the kind of offspring you would like to breed and raise yourself. Always look at the grand
dam; many breeders maintain, more often than not, their puppies resemble their grandparents more
closely than they do their parents.

SHORTHAIR JOURNAL PAGE

50