From the time when dog shows first began, breeders have striven to produce examples of excellence in their given breed, given the historical purpose of the breed and the written blueprint of perfection in that breed, namely the Breed Standard. Whilst breeds were being developed, the main priorities would have been functional construction, correct and sound movement for the breed, the specific coat type and right sort of temperament.
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Legislative Action
Anti-breeder and animal rights groups are making a year-end push on Capitol Hill to advance arbitrary and harmful federal breeder regulations (H.R. 2840 /S. 1385) called the “Puppy Protection Act”.
This bill would mandate arbitrary new requirements for certain hobby and professional dog breeders, and continues to gain support Congress. We urge all responsible dog owners, breeders and enthusiasts to contact their members of Congress and the U.S. to ask them to oppose the bills.
The “Puppy Protection Act” was introduced in 2021 and has carried over to this year. As such it continues to gain support from lawmakers who do not understand the problematic consequence of the measure. While certain aspects of this feel-good measure codify general good practices, other parts establish arbitrary, one-size-fits all mandates that are not in the best interests of all dogs and undermine individual flexibility that allows for best practices and optimal outcomes.
More than 200 lawmakers have signed on as co-sponsors, increasing the likelihood that the measures could advance rapidly as part of a must pass omnibus measure at the end of the year, unless lawmakers hear your opposition.
We urge all responsible dog owners, breeders and enthusiasts to take a moment to contact your members of Congress to ask them not to support this “feel-good” measure and the one-size fits all mandates that can harm responsible hobby breeders and specialized breeding practices. Ask them instead to support additional resources for the USDA so they can protect animals better by enforcing existing animal welfare requirements.
How This Impacts You:
These measures would apply to anyone who is subject to USDA breeder/dealer licensing. Breeders are subject to USDA licensing if they maintain more than 4 “breeding females” (a term that is undefined but is generally considered to mean an intact female) and sell or transfer even one of the offspring “sight unseen”. “Breeding females” include any combination of cats, dogs, or other small pet mammals such as hamsters, guinea pigs, etc. (Learn more).
Scroll down to learn more about these bills and how to contact your members of Congress.
Arbitrary requirements include but are not limited to:
- Mandated indoor space sufficient to allow the tallest dog in an enclosure to stand on his or her hind legs without touching the roof of the enclosure.
- Mandated unfettered access from dogs’ primary enclosures to an outdoor exercise area large enough that it “allows dogs to extend to full stride”. This creates a potentially dangerous environment for dogs. For hobby breeders who keep dogs as pets in their residences, the dog’s primary enclosure could be considered their crate.
- Mandated annual dental exams.
- Completely solid flooring, despite scientific recognition that multiple types of high-quality flooring, including engineered slatted flooring, is beneficial in certain types of kennels and with certain breeds.
- Mandated pre-breeding screenings. No specific details are provided for what the screening would involve or who would make such decisions.
- Prohibition on the keeping of dogs in enclosures above 85 degrees or below 45 degrees F, regardless of breed or acclimation needs for dogs that hunt, sled, detect explosives, or do other work and thrive in cooler temperatures, or must be acclimated to cooler or warmer temperatures for their safety.
Further, it prohibits the breeding of a female dog:
- Unless pre-screened by a veterinarian
- If it would produce more than two litters in an 18-month period.
- Based arbitrarily on the age and size of the dog.
What you Can Do:
Most members of Congress want to do the right thing for dogs, but they are not experts in this area. It’s likely they do not understand the nuances or consequences of arbitrary legislation that may “sound good” to a non-expert. They also hear a lot from animal rights/ animal protection groups, and they also rely on hearing from constituents. Unless we help educate our lawmakers, we will be subject to bad laws.
Your member of Congress needs to hear from you today. Please contact your member of Congress and your U.S. Senators today.
Talking points:
- H.R. 2840/S.1385 mandate arbitrary one-size-fits-all requirements for temperatures, kennel engineering standards, and breeding bans that are not appropriate for all types or breeds of dogs and could harm some dogs.
- Explain you are a constituent. Respectfully share your experience and concerns as a dog owner/breeder/expert and based on the talking points above. Breeders: Relying on your experience, explain in practical terms how the new mandates would adversely impact your breeding program.
- Ask them to not support advancing the bills out of committee.
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If you can, let the AKC GR team (doglaw@akc.org) know you contacted your lawmakers and if you received any response.
Thank you for your action to protect the future of our breeds and the integrity of responsible, expert breeders.
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Diversity Study Update from H&L |
The sample solicitation phase of the Genetic Diversity Study is winding down. We are currently trying to tie-up "loose ends": sending reminders to those who have received payment codes to request swabs from UC Davis, or return the swabs they have already received.
We have found that some owners we have sent reminders have replied that they have returned the swabs and received confirmation of receipt from UC Davis, but the UC Davis spreadsheets do not reflect this. PLEASE - if you receive an email from Kathy Hamilton or Andrea Jung - please check the status of your swabs (check for confirmation email from my.vgl.ucdavis, or go to that address and check your account for "test results", and forward the receipt date / sample ID number to Kathy or Andrea).
Preliminary work on the initial samples submitted is wrapping up and many who shared samples have received their individual report from UC Davis. H&L will be working in collaboration with the University to provide information for breeders and owners on interpreting this data.
Anyone wishing to enter the study this week can contact Kathy Hamilton for instructions and payment code.
Kathy Hamilton
Health & Longevity Committee
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Quick Quiz - Answer in the Next Issue |
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Which genetic disorder tests have evidence from available research for use in Newfs?
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Cystinuria and Degenerative Myelopathy
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Cystinuria, Degenerative Myelopathy and Thrombopathia
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Cystinuria, Degenerative Myelopathy, Thrombopathia and Postoperative Hemorrhage
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Continuing Education:
Battaglia Seminar Series:
- Breeding Better Dogs
- Developing Puppies
- Structure, Movement & Pedigree Analysis
Location: Gwinnett County Fairgrounds, 2405 Sugarloaf Parkway, Lawrenceville, GA 30046
Contact Person: Judy Wilson, (404) 797-9962, shoeless95@aol.com
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The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) CHIC program is a comprehensive health database for purebred dogs, including Newfoundland dogs. The program was established to help breeders make informed decisions about their breeding stock and to improve the overall health of the breed.
To participate in the OFA CHIC program, Newfoundland dogs must have specific health screenings and genetic testing. This includes hip and elbow dysplasia x-ray evaluations, a cardiac evaluation, and a Cystinuria DNA test or be cleared by parentage. The results of these screenings are then entered into the OFA database, where they are available for breeders and owners to access. To receive a CHIC # you must agree to publish health clearances regardless of results. You do not have to pass individual tests to get a CHIC # . All information, good or bad, helps breeders and puppy buyers make informed decisions.
The OFA CHIC program is voluntary, but many responsible breeders choose to participate because it helps to ensure transparency in their breeding program. By using the OFA database, breeders can make informed decisions about which dogs to breed together, helping to reduce the incidence of inherited health problems in the breed.
In addition to helping breeders make informed breeding decisions, the OFA CHIC program also helps pet owners by providing them with information about the health of their dog. By accessing the OFA database, owners can learn about potential health issues their dog may be at risk for and take steps to prevent or manage those issues.
Overall, the OFA CHIC program is a valuable resource for both breeders and pet owners of Newfoundland dogs. By promoting responsible breeding and providing information about the health of individual dogs, the program helps to improve the overall health and well-being of the breed.
In 2022 there were 57 new CHIC Newfoundlands!
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Recommended Reading
Dr. Lopate is a diplomate of the American College of Theriogenologists and has served on the Credentialing Examination and Residency Planning committees and actively mentors candidates for the credentialing examination. She is also a member of the Society For Theriogenology and has served on the board of directors and several planning committees. She practices at Reproductive Revolutions/Wilsonville Veterinary Clinic in Wilsonville, Ore.
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Studies Enrolling Participants
Genotypic Dissection of Non-Contact Cruciate Rupture in Dogs
University of Wisconsin
(local dogs only)
Follow-up to study developing genetic testing for cranial cruciate ligament rupture in Labradors, initially recruiting local candidates, under review by CTMB for expanded support. This project is still in need of control dogs - dogs over 5 years of age who have not torn a cruciate. Stifle xrayts and DNA samples will be required
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Puppy Referral System
The NCA has a Puppy Referral System. This program allows any NCA member to list a planned litter, puppies available or an adult needing placement. Listings are now available to all NCA members. If you have questions or suggestions about the program, please let us know.
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