Titles [This page was new in 2011. I am adding items in random fashion; some of them were written a few years ago. Most recently added articles are listed first.]
With A Flick of the Wrist by Chris Zink, DVM, PhD
"In the last several years, while doing sports-medicine consultations for performance dogs across Canada and the United States, I have seen many canine athletes with carpal arthritis. Interestingly, this condition is much more common in dogs that have had their front dewclaws removed."
It is common practice in North America for breeders to remove the dew claws (thumbs) of newborn puppies. I have not found a good reason to do it, for "it makes the foot look nicer" and "it might get caught on something sometime" are exceedingly poor reasons for amputating a digit. This article gives a great reason not to do it. Incidentally, the FCI Standard for the Teckel states that dew claws must not be removed.
It is common practice in North America for breeders to remove the dew claws (thumbs) of newborn puppies. I have not found a good reason to do it, for "it makes the foot look nicer" and "it might get caught on something sometime" are exceedingly poor reasons for amputating a digit. This article gives a great reason not to do it. Incidentally, the FCI Standard for the Teckel states that dew claws must not be removed.
2008 North American Teckel Club Events by Patricia Nance
"With one dog that I brought into the ring and put on the table, I offered apology that, because it was raining outside and the arena floor was dirt, the dog was dirty underneath. Andy Fichtl gave a little shrug and said 'That’s quite all right. These are hunting dogs.' Yes. Wow. What a refreshing perspective from a show judge!"
"With one dog that I brought into the ring and put on the table, I offered apology that, because it was raining outside and the arena floor was dirt, the dog was dirty underneath. Andy Fichtl gave a little shrug and said 'That’s quite all right. These are hunting dogs.' Yes. Wow. What a refreshing perspective from a show judge!"
Fieldworthy Site Banners by Patricia Nance
This is a page with banners that I made and have used on this website. Thought I'd take them out of my photo album and put them where they can still be seen.
Tick-borne Disease in Dogs by Gil Ash
"There are four major tick-borne diseases that affect dogs in the United States: ehrlichiosis, babesiosis, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and LymeDisease. They are all dangerous and most can be fatal unless diagnosed in time and treated aggressively."
New in December 2011, this website has many pages of valuable information about tick-borne disease.
New in December 2011, this website has many pages of valuable information about tick-borne disease.
Early Takeoffs in Dog Jumping by Linda Mecklenburg
"Early takeoffs in dog jumping are often misunderstood. Without extensive experience working directly with a number of dogs that display early takeoffs, even the most seasoned professionals (both dog agility trainers and veterinarians) still do not recognize early takeoffs. They often assume early takeoffs are related to mechanical jumping skills (correctable with training) or health problems. However, early takeoffs are characterized by an early takeoff."
Agility competitors, especially, will find the text and videos on this webpage most interesting.
Agility competitors, especially, will find the text and videos on this webpage most interesting.
What to do About Conformation? by Patricia Nance
"And I have to say that most breeders, shown photos of Ericka and my present-day dogs, would probably decide that Ericka evidences the most breed 'type'. But one cannot truly evaluate dachshunds from conformation assessments only. So most breeders would be wrong."
The Functional Saluki - lessons from the coursing field by Dan Belkin PhD
"Breeding to the standard will not preserve function. All it can preserve is appearance."
This is an awesome article that should be required reading for breeders and exhibitors of all working breeds!
This is an awesome article that should be required reading for breeders and exhibitors of all working breeds!
Blood-tracking Dachshund Hunts Down Wounded Deer by Jeffrey Sheban of The Columbus Dispatch
"He has his own business cards but needs someone to carry them. He shares a name with a Greek god, but — with his short legs, big nose and hairy back — is easily underestimated. He is Zeus, a 19-pound blood-tracking dachshund who lives Downtown in a condominium belonging to Columbus lawyer Patrick McCaffrey Jr."
Nice article!
Nice article!
Rethinking Spay & Neuter by Geneva Coats RN
"Ingrained in current culture is the notion of pet overpopulation and to prevent the deaths of animals in shelters all pets should be sterilized. To bolster that campaign, we are told that a sterilized pet is happier, healthier and longer-lived than one who remains intact. What are the facts?"
Pes Varus: A Compilation by Patricia Nance, with photos by Tia Eskelinen
"In 2010 I had a new and difficult experience. A good young bitch that I bred and owned - the only young bitch that I owned - developed Pes Varus..."
AKC Dachshund Standard by Dachshund Club of America
This is the Standard by which Dachshunds are judged in the United States. The first AKC Standard for dachshunds was a direct translation of the German. In overall essence, there is little difference between the two Standards all these 110 years later. Some dachshunds will fare well under both American and European judges. However, the German (FCI) Standard is today much more specific regarding Size, Proportions, Teeth, and Faults of Temperament, Tails and Color. These specifics will eliminate a number of American dachshunds from receiving the "Excellent" or "Very Good" breed ratings required for all breeding stock under Deutscher Teckelklub regulations. In my view, however, breeders in both countries are taking the dachshund further and further afield from the Standard - whichever Standard!
FCI Dachshund Standard by Deutscher Teckelklub
This is the Standard by which Dachshunds are judged in over 80 countries. The FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale) is an international federation of kennel clubs based in Thuin, Belgium. It was founded in 1911 by Germany, Austria, Belgium, France and the Netherlands. Aims of the F.C.I. are to encourage and promote breeding and use of purebred dogs whose functional health and physical features meet the standard set for each respective breed and which are capable of working and accomplishing functions in accordance with the specific characteristics of the breed. Each breed is owned by one member country. The owner country writes the standard of the breed. As the dachshund originated in Germany, Germany is the 'owner country' of the dachshund. The FCI is responsible for translation and updates of standards. The standards as well as the international regulations are available in four languages: English, Spanish, German and French.
Dorndorf Dachshunds at 2011 DCA Nationals! by Patricia Nance
An itemization of the 28 Qualifying Performances, 16 Placements - Including 14 Firsts - and 6 New Titles! Congratulations and many thanks to all the owners!
