The DBC held three interesting meetings discussing and or acting upon the following in alphabetical order:-
Breed Standard – Tail Section, Colour Restrictions, DCM, Hypothyroidism, Judges Applications,
Judges Breed Specific Seminar & Written Test, KC Accredited Breeders Scheme & Web Site
Breed Standard – Tail Section
I had noted from a KC Press Release that breed clubs are invited to submit amendments to the tail section of the breed standard. I suggested that the clubs consider this option for discussion at the next meeting on the 29th March 2008. I have heard various views for when judging such as (I will disregard the tail to lets wait and see!) We currently have the opportunity to address the natural tail set and I feel it would be fool hardy to miss this.
It was interesting to note from details supplied by Peggy Dawson the Breed Archivist on registrations for 2006 and 2007 they are;
1st Qtr 2nd Qtr 3rd Qtr 4th Qtr
2006 874 786 884 844
2007 827 694 408
For those of you who are not aware Peggy has been the unsung hero of the breed archives for more years than I care to remember, thank you Peggy.
Colour Restrictions
At the last DBC meeting I made the member clubs aware of a plethora of none standard colours for the Doberman that the KC Registration Dept had seen fit to register. I also supplied details of other breeds that had successfully applied to the KC and had none standard colours restricted.
After a lengthy discussion I was instructed to progress this matter with the KC, we are currently in correspondence and I will be giving an update at the next DBC meeting on the 29th March 2008 and decide on the next course of action.
I would appeal to everyone when registering your litter that you make sure you use the colours stated in the Breed Standard that is; Black with Rust Red Markings, Brown with Rust Red Markings & Blue or Fawn (Isabella) with Rust Red Markings, it would also be appreciated if you would request your fellow Dobermann enthusiast to adopt this practice.
DCM (Dilated Cardiomyopathy)
There is still a urgent requirement for Dobermann dogs and bitches between 5 and 9 years of age to be screened free of charge to determine whether if there is evidence of preclinical DCM.
Further and better details can be viewed on the DBC website at dobermannbreedcouncil.co.uk
Hypothyroidism
You will recall last year I referred to the possibility of funding being available for Inherited Conditions.
At our last meeting our Health Co-ordinator gave out details of a genetic marker study being carried out by Dr Lorna Kennedy at Manchester University, who will be looking at certain collection of genes in the Dobermann. Many individual blood samples are needed, the owners who have already agreed to let blood be used from the DCM trials for other researchers use. The Health Co-ordinator is currently looking into making these samples available and any other ramifications involved.
Judges Applications
The DBC approved and invited 14 Judges who accepted their invitation, the breakdown being as follows:-
A3 List: - Breed Specialist 6
B List: - Breed Specialist 2
C List: - Breed Specialist 6
Full details of the DBC and KC requirements of those wishing to judge the breed can be viewed and downloaded on the DBC website
Judges Breed Specific Seminar & Written Test
The North of England Dobermann Club held a Breed Specific Seminar and Written Test on the 2nd December 2007 with 15 candidates in attendance; I am pleased to report a 100% pass rate.
I would thank the NEDC Committee for their enthusiasm and hospitality, the club will also be hosting a Hands On and Critique Writing Assessment Test on the 16th March 2008 that I understand was oversubscribed.
The KC Accredited Breeders Scheme
At Crufts last year I visited the KC stand to enquire how they monitor the scheme with regards to ensuring that Accredited Breeders comply with the requirements of the scheme. I was advised that all registration are checked, if someone has not complied they are written to pointing out their error. I then asked what was considered serious enough to be removed from the scheme the answer was three strikes and then they are out. My next question was can they then register puppies in the normal manner the answer was yes!!
Let’s hope with all the bad publicity this scheme is receiving in the dog press makes the KC see sense and either re thinks the scheme or better still drops it all together.
Web Site
Over the past year the site as undergone major changes in format and content making it more user friendly with better access to downloadable documents such as updated judging lists, criteria, questionnaires etc.
I thank Jean Quigley for her time and effort in managing the site on our behalf.
Mike Window
