Purebred or Preservation Breeder
By Stephanie Hedgepath

Are there any dumb questions? That depends. If someone asks a question because they don’t know the answer (especially those new to the fancy and trying to learn about their chosen breed), I don’t think so. How else are you going to learn if you are unsure about something? Are there any dumb answers? Absolutely yes! We all know those certain individuals who have the answer for any question, whether the answer is truly a fact or is just pulled from their fanciful imaginations. The best way to learn is to ask someone whom you think has the knowledge to answer. Sounds easy, but as we warn the wonderful people who purchase our puppies, social media and the Internet are NOT the best places to find information, as you have no idea if the person answering has been in the breed for 50 years or are on their very first dog. We encourage them to contact us, their puppy’s breeders, and promise to serve as 24/7/365 free tech service for the life of the puppy. - Read More
Puppy Referral System Debuts

The NCA has launched the new Puppy Referral System. This program allows any NCA member to list a planned litter, puppies available or an adult needing placement.

or watch the How-To video below
Using Genetic Test: Bad Genes, Babies and Bath Water

by C.A. Sharp Everyone has heard the phrase, "Don't throw out the baby with the bath water." But do dog breeders ever stop to consider how this admonition applies to them? Certainly not the novice who righteously declares that he will never,...

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shihtzu.org
Preservation Breeders - Perspectives on Health Concerns

Click here to read the complete article 76 - June, 2016 PERSPECTIVES ON HEALTH CONCERNS AND GENETIC TESTING BY PERI NORMAN Responsible breeders have long considered health testing of potential breeding animals one of their distinguishing...

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caninechronicle.com
Diversity Study
DNA
In order to maintain the Newfoundland as a quality, robust, and distinct breed, we need to continually plan for the future. As with any plan, knowing where you are currently is essential to its success. Small, closed populations (like purebred Newfoundlands) lose genetic diversity by becoming more and more inbred over time. Since this loss of genetic diversity has the potential to result in various health problems including, in particular, the reproductive and immune systems, its’ importance to the future of our breed becomes even more apparent. It’s also important to recognize that Newfoundlands will not be the first dog breed involved in a genetic diversity study; many other breeds (eg Dobermans and Goldens) have already participated, and you can look at those results on the UC Davis Veterinary Genetics lab site by following the instructions below. This study will put us in position to optimize any attempt to store sperm (and in the future, ova) to reconstitute the breed in case of some future disaster while preserving the existing genetic diversity.

If you have not yet submitted a sample for this study and you would like to have a dog you have bred included, please contact:  If you have questions do not hesitate to call or email  Pat Randall, PhD (director—843-697-1113, newfdiversty@gmail.com),  Kathleen Hamilton, MD (571-235-6640  katnewfz@aol.com), Andrea Jung (andrearjung@yahoo.com- 704-408-2911 ), or David Kledzik (newfyleader1@gmail.com  -815-641-6981)
Continuing Education

Tips For Success With Fresh Chilled Semen Breedings, Part I: The Stud Dog

This podcast features Dr. Scarlette Gotwals, of Country Companion Animal Hospital in Morgantown Pennsylvania. Dr. Gotwals received her DVM from The Ohio State University in 1987. She has a special interest in canine reproduction and has been involved with canine reproduction and semen cryopreservation for 21 years. She is a nationally recognized authority in these areas and serves as a consultant to veterinarians through the Veterinarian Information Network. Dr. Gotwals is a consultant for the Canine Reproduction Division of Zoetis.

AKC Breeder to Breeder Symposium: Doug Johnson - The Art of Better Dogs
Breeders Of Distinction:
Remembering Betsy Wiederhold
Seawied Newfoundlands

In the mid-1980's Betsy became deeply involved in raising, showing and training Newfoundland dogs. Her puppies were sought after for pets and show, and she willingly shared her extensive knowledge and deep love for the breed with anyone. She traveled to dog shows throughout the United States and Canada garnering many wins and making many friends - both human and canine. A few Labrador Retrievers and Pembroke Welsh Corgis were also members of the Seawied "herd." Read More

Quick Quiz - Answer in the Next Issue
What order do senses develop in puppies?
Hearing, sight, smell, taste
Smell, taste, sight, hearing
Sight, hearing, taste, smell
CHIC Tests
The CHIC tests in Newfoundlands are hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, cardiology clearance and cystinuria (DNA or Parentage) Every Newfoundland that is used in a breeding program should be tested for these issues.
Recommended Reading

A comprehensive yet easy-to-understand guide covering: the nature of heredity, evolutionary and behavioral genetics, the application of genetics to specific breeds, the art of breed selection, breeding for coat color and type, improving structural traits, how to control genetic disorders, evaluating the results, current genetic research, terminology, and a catalog of known congenital and hereditary disorders by breed.

Studies Enrolling Participants

Investigating the cause of blood clotting in dogs with IMHA
12/02/2021
Only dogs who have not been treated for IMHA with immunosuppressive drugs (such as prednisone or other steroids) or anticoagulants (such as aspirin or heparin) before enrollment are eligible.