Found this on the internet & good read. part 1
Hip scores are important in this breed and should be held by the breeder on the Kennel Club Registration Certificates of the parent dogs. This shows that the scores have been assessed by the the British Veterinary Association. (check that it states the correct name of each parent dog on each document). Scores should be low, i.e. each back leg is scored and added together for a total; under 10 is fine, 10-20 acceptable as a total of both legs. (max. 106 for both legs!!). Hip scoring can cost the breeder £120+ . It is possible that parent dogs have been x-rayed but because the x-rays looked as if the score would be high, the x-rays have not been passed on for BVA assessment which would lead to a Kennel Club certificate and the publication of the hip score in the Kennel Club Gazette. It also affects the breed average score because if they were registered the average would be higher!!! BUYER BEWARE! H(ip)D(dysplasia) average 21 (preferably under 10) - not enough dogs have been x-rayed to give a good representational average Parents should be eye tested; hip scored (make sure you see orginal test certificates) Torsion; Umbilical herniae; skin problems; entropion; ectropion Malcolm Willis (Geneticist) says elbow dysplasia particularly luxation of the radius at upper end of bone may well be inherited at a relatively high level. 1,395 dogs by 2004 hip scored; average = 19.68; advises not to breed above 30; since 1995 there has been a decline in submissions leaving the breed open to risk as it ranks high on hip dysplasia. Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) usual onset about 4yrs old believed to be inherited as simple recessive. Eyes: Second type cataract later in onset but no earlier than 9 months, inheritance unknown. Multiple ocular defects which may include cataracts, persistent pupillary membranes, retinal defects and small eyes - mostly seen from birth, genetics currently unknown. Blood - can suffer from haemophilia B (Christmas disease) - sex linked but rarer than haemophilia A - affects factor IX not VIII (as in Haemophilia A). Almost always affects males. Immune-mediated thrombocytopaenia fairly common and leads to immune system attacking blood platelets. Inheritance unclear. Haemolytic anaemia can affect middle-aged dogs and some younger, causes mild to severe anaemia though some respond to treatment - inheritace unclear. Cancers - sweat gland tumours and higher than normal brain tumours usually in older dogs (9+). Nasal cavity carcinomas often older dogs - inheritance unknown. Other conditions:- dilated cardiomyopathy where heart has larger chamber size, a thinner heart wall and reduced heartbeat power - may be genetic but not so in all cases. Testicular descent (cryptorchidism) and also dental problems possibly related to complex genetic basis. Hypothyroidism. Sebaceous Adenitis (SA) is a 'new' canine skin disease sometimes affecting Old English Sheepdogs. SA is a genetic, apparently autoimmune-based skin disease appearing in young adult dogs. It appears to be a primary inflammatory disorder directed against the sebaceous glands which produce fatty oils (sebum). The sebaceous glands become inflamed and are eventually destroyed and hair is progressively lost. Skin biopsies showing a total absence of sebaceous glands are diagnostic for SA. At the onset an SA-affected dog will show varying degrees of hair loss and/or thinning. Patches of dry skin may appear on the muzzle, near pinna or near the tail. mdr1=gene VERY IMPORTANT - SOME OES MAY BE CARRIERS OF THE MDR-1 GENE AND SHOULD HAVE GENETIC TESTING (ASK YOUR VET OR GOOGLE FOR NEAREST LABS - SALIVA SWAB). THIS GENE IS CARRIED BY SEVERAL SHEPHERD BREEDS. CARRIERS OF THIS GENE CAN BE SERIOUSLY AFFECTED BY CERTAIN DRUGS INCLUDING THOSE USED FOR FLEA AND TICK TREATMENT. SEE LIST FURTHER ON PCD - All Breeding dogs should be tested for this. As PCD is inherited in simple Mendelian manner; by careful exclusion of carriers from the breeding programme this potentially lethal gene could be completly eliminated from the OES gene pool. PCD is a respiratory disease affecting Old English Sheepdog (OES) puppies called primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD). Thanks to the help of several breeders it has been possible to identify the responsible mutation of PCD in OES but also to develop a genetic test determining the genetic status of the dog (healthy, carrier or affected). Testing started on blood samples from OES from January 2010. The price 50 Euros. Here is the address to use for blood samples from the dogs on which you wish to know the status (healthy, carrier or affected). LUPA Project - PCD Unité de génomique Animale Avenue de l'hôpital, 1 B34 4000 Liège Belgique Each sample should be sent together with the completed certificate and a copy of the pedigree. The results and the bill will be sent to you by regular post. Please be aware that the test will only be done once there are sufficient number of samples to treat. Consequently it may take a few months between sending samples and the receipy of the results. For further information, please do not hesitate to contact the Veterinary Surgeon responsible for this project:> Dr Billen : - +32(0)43664200 fbillen@ulg.ac.be ** = Guide to Hereditary and Congenital Diseases in Dogs - The Assoc. of Veterinarians for Animal Rights - California **Addison’s Disease; Cataract; Demodicosis; Distichiasis; Entropion; Factor X deficiency; Folliculitis; Granulomatous sebaceous Adenitis; Haemolytic Anaemia; Haemophilia B; Hip Dysplasia; Hypoadrenocorticism; Hypopigmentation lip and nose; Hypothyroidism; Intestinal Malabsorbtiuon; Lymphocytic thyroiditis; Osteochondritis dissecans; Osteochondrosis; Pododermatitis; Progressive retinal atrophy; Retinal detachment; Retinal dysplasia; Sebaceous adenitis; Spondyiolisthesis (Wobbler’s Syndrome); Thrombocytopenia; Thyroiditis; Vitiligo; Von Willebrand’s Disease T A I L S TAILS o communicate with you and other dogs and to tell you when they're out of sorts. The tail has supra-caudal scent glands. voids "fly strike" mproves fæces formation and texture. When docked, (the OESD in particular) the tail is amputated so close to the body that it can affect the anal muscle thus preventing proper fæces formation. Puppies can die when docked through blood loss and trauma ooks as Nature intended it to look - they're less "windy"!! ubstitutes for a rudder when swimming, as a balancing aid when cornering and in old age additional aid to back legs. The film 101 Dalmatians had two tailed OESD on set. mdr- gene Description IMPORTANT - SOME OES MAY BE CARRIERS OF THE MDR-1 GENE AND SHOULD HAVE GENETIC TESTING (ASK YOUR VET OR GOOGLE FOR NEAREST LABS - SALIVA SWAB). THIS GENE IS CARRIED BY SEVERAL SHEPHERD BREEDS. CARRIERS OF THIS GENE CAN BE SERIOUSLY AFFECTED BY CERTAIN DRUGS INCLUDING THOSE USED FOR FLEA AND TICK TREATMENT. SEE LIST FURTHER ON Country of Origin: England. Aptitude: Sheepdog and family pet. Character: Intelligent, considerable adaptability, amiable, social, not particularly alert, boisterous, uncomplicated nature, and likes to be part of the family. Size: The shoulder height is a minimum of 61 cms. (24 ins.) for dogs and 56 cms. (22 ins) for bitches. Training: This breed needs gentle and consistent handling during training; they can be defiant! They want to please you and rarely display dominant behaviour but it is something for which one has to watch. I would not consider it a reasonably suitable breed for people with only a little experience of the upbringing of dogs unless they have a lot of time, devotion and commitment. As grooming forms so important a part of the general care for this breed, it is imperative to brush it regularly and from as young as possible. This prevents grooming degenerating into a wrestling match when it is much larger and stronger. Social Behaviour: The Old English Sheepdog gets on exceptionally well with other animals, dogs and children (with the odd exception of some breeds sometimes! I find black Labradors are usually a "no-no" as they are rather "macho" dogs). Visitors too will be greeted warmly, so make sure your dog is clean and acceptable! Exercise: This breed needs a fair amount of exercise but it will not misbehave if you miss a day through a bad weather. Most of the breed are crazy about playing with a ball and are well represented as competitors in various sports. Coat: The coat is luxuriant, rough, tough and long, with a waterproof under-layer. Permitted colours are blue or different shades of grey. The head, neck, front quarters and belly are white, with or without markings. White patches in the blue on the back are not permissible. Care required: These dogs require regular grooming; brush them thoroughly at least once a week and less thoroughly daily, not over-looking the places where tangles form. During moulting it is quite possible to collect half or even a whole rubbish bag full of hair that you have brushed off it. Keep the inside of the ears clean and remove both dirt and hair. The claws must be kept short so clip them regularly (see page 5). Excessive hair between the pads of the feet should also be trimmed. For successful showing, the rear of the dog must be higher than the shoulder and this is sometimes accentuated for the show ring. Sometimes they are trimmed, which, however unpopular with some enthusiasts, is better than a mass of tangled hair. It begs the question though, as to why anyone should acquire a long-haired dog and then have it clipped! Breed Standards BREED STANDARDS - JUDGING THE OLD ENGLISH SHEEPDOG see this Kennel Club linkhttp://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/item/143 History and Care The Old English Sheepdog probably evolved from the breeding of various working dogs in the southern part of England, possibly culminating in the dog known as "The Sussex Sheepdog". The Russian Sheepdog (TAILED!) is so like the Old English that there must be some connection too. The breed cannot be traced back much further than 145 years. At that time is was kept as a working dog by shepherds and drovers who were not interested in its appearance, but only in its ability and hardiness as a working dog. The "breed" was first shown at a show in Birmingham in 1873 was with three dogs and first appeared in the stud book in 1875 when two dogs were entered as Short tailed English Sheepdogs. Until 1888 few were exhibited until The Old English Sheepdog Club was started to promote the showing and breeding of the breed. Mrs. Fare-Fosse was well known in 1899 for breeding a famous bitch called Champion Fairweather. At 9 months old, she was shown and won four firsts and the C.C. 3 weeks later she won a 2nd CC. and at Bristol just over a year later was made champion. She won 19 CCs in all and was the first breed record holder. She won 5 CCs at Crufts, a record that still stands. She can be seen preserved at the Tring Natural History Museum, Herts. From the turn of the century until 1914 about 180 dogs were registered with The Kennel Club and some 14 breed championship shows were held each year. A famous stud dog at this time was Ch. Tip Top Weather who was sold to the USA in 1916 for $4,000. His stock formed many of the post war dogs. Between 1918 and 1939 there were 3 well known kennels "Pickhurst", "Pastorale" and "Hillgarth". After World War II the numbers of dogs had decreased considerably and it is understood that in Scotland Beardies were also used to widen the pool of breeding dogs. In 1947 CCs were first awarded at 6 shows. 274 dogs were registered that year and this gradually increased to 400 over the next 25 years. Then came about the paint commercials and the breed became sought after. In the 70's, registrations were over 5,500 and this caused many rescue problems. Championship shows giving CCs increased. A breed record holder is Ch. Lameda-Zottel Flamboyant and his dam Ch. Zottel Miss Marple of Lameda holds the bitch CC record of 51 CCs. She has had 21 champion puppies. This is not a breed for everyone, despite its appeal; the coat can take 2-3 hours grooming weekly for a pet and much much more for a show dog. The rear end must be attended to and in inclement weather the compulsory daily walk will finish with a muddy and wet dog needing attention. A fastidious house owner should not consider this breed. OES are not suitable for flats if there is no garden access, plenty of nearby walks and space to exercise, nor should they be in a house without a garden or with owners who are out at work as these dogs need companionship and attention as the loneliness leads to boredom which in turn could lead to destruction of their surroundings. Several short walks a day are just as good as one long one and they are quite happy to run in a park or go to the shops but they do need company and to socialise with people and other dogs. A well cared and presentable OES is always a pleasure to meet and they will give you total undying loyalty for 10-12 + years. Do choose the breeder of your pup with care. You must go to see the breeder and the parent dogs. The parent dogs should have been x-rayed for hip dysplasia and tested regularly for congenital eye cataracts. A Kennel Club registration certificate should be available showing this but information should be able to be obtained from the Kennel Club if dog registration details are available. Dogs kept in the house are usually indicative of a more socialised dog less likely to have temperament problems than those who only know kennels. A caring breeder should be happy to answer all your questions and question you too! They should give you the pedigree registration papers together with a diet sheet and 24 hours of food and also be prepared to give advice at all times. Always keep in contact with your breeder even if only with a Christmas card and a photograph. Your puppy will grow into a large strong dog so you need to do training and obedience with them from an early age. They are usually very intelligent and love to please their owner and with time you will find your efforts pay off but you need to establish that you are the leader of the pack tempting as it may be to let them think that they can dictate the terms on which you play. Because of the commercial publicity in films and advertising many people want to own one not appreciating the work necessary to keep them in the condition they should always be kept. If you do not have the time or think you can short cut with their care, then they are not the breed for you. If you cannot take a dog on for its life don't even consider having one. It is certainly not fair on the dog or those who have to take over your irresponsibility by having to re-home them. There are so many heart rending stories. Think long and hard first; talk to people whom you see out with OES or go to a show and ask questions. A dog is for life ALWAY S REMEMBER THAT PURCHASING A PUPPY IS A LIFETIME'S COMMITMENT enabling them to have a LONG & HAPPY LIFE. Before buying always consider first, your time, you r future and theirs . Because of the commercial publicity in films and advertising many people want to own one not appreciating the work necessary to keep them in the condition they should always be kept. If you do not have the time or think you can short cut with their care, then they are not the breed for you. If you cannot take a dog on for its life don't even consider having one. It is certainly not fair on the dog or those who have to take over your irresponsibility by having to re-home them. There are so many heart rending stories. Think long and hard first; talk to people whom you see out with OES or go to a show and ask questions. Docking Legislation UK legislation As from April 2007 dogs can only be docked for therapeutic reasons in Scotland and it will be illegal to cross borders to have dogs docked. Only certain exempted truly working dogs that are listed under regulation in the Animal Welfare Act 2006 ( N.Ireland 2011)will be permitted to be docked in England, Wales from April 2007 (N. Ireland 2011). This does not include OES Dogs docked after April 2007 will not be able to be shown at fee paying shows in England and Wales but can be in Scotland if legally docked. There will be fines up to £20,000 and/or imprisonment for anyone contravening the law. See the Animal Welfare Act Children under 16 will not be permitted to buy dogs http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/welfare/bill/index.htm Breed Clubs breed Clubs - There are 12 Area Breed Clubs who are also available to run shows and give advice. An alternative to a breed club is a local training club where you can socialise with other breeds and learn the different breed traits. I am sure that once you have fallen for and loved an OES for its life you will find it difficult to consider sharing your home with any other breed (or human!) Breed Clubs - worth becoming a member to learn the rules of showing and have your first attempts. Breed Club Secretaries Welsh OES Club Mr. Richard Morris tel S.E. OES Club Mr. Brian Anderson 01903 892247 East Anglian OES Club Tel 01502 580587 Greater London OES Club Mrs. J. Wilkinson Tel. 01727 822440 N.E. OES Club Tel 0191 4109733 Lancastrian OES Club Tel. 01204 696085 N.W. OES Club Tel. 01302-785021 Midland OES Club Mrs. Chapman Tel. 01788 567002 Scottish OES Club Mrs. McWilliam Tel. 01236 874129 N. Ireland OES Club Heather Pennie Tel. 012667-58674 Old English Sheepdog Club founded 1888 Mrs. Pauline BaRnes (Macopa) Tel 01793 741002 South Western OES Club Shows SHOWS - Schedules can be obtained through advertisements found in “Our Dogs” & “Dog World” or Breed Clubs (above). The newspapers usually have to be ordered from newsagents. If you have a Kennel Club registered dog with a full, well kept coat have a go at showing but note all the rules (e.g. no chalking, no trimming etc. and the dog has to be groomed to perfection!). Also you might like to try Obedience and Agility as long as you dog has good joints for agility. Health Cataracts. Again it is recommended that there should be a Kennel Club certificate excluding cataracts as these are appearing in puppies and young dogs of the breed. Cataracts can appear in old age as they do in humans but should be considered in a puppy or young dog as a genetic problem. Eye testing can cost the breeder in the region of £80 over several years. Dew claws - can sometimes be a problem in the older dog when a nail gets thicker and if it starts to curl around on itself. (You should check with the breeder whether these are to be removed and state your preference requesting local anaesthetic). Sometimes when scratching, the dog just might get the nail caught. A watchful owner however, will spot any impending problem and regularly clip the nails. Always endeavour not to cut back to the quick as this is very painful to the dog and causes a lot of bloodshed and needs staunching. If in any doubt take to the Vet. to do. Deafness - check how the puppy reacts to sounds but remember even a deaf puppy can be very astute by observation and sensitivity and therefore deafness may be difficult to detect. You may be able to give a deaf dog a caring and loving home but make sure that you really are in a position to be able to ensure its special needs are catered for. (Traffic and roads could be a major problem). A genetically deaf dog should never be bred from as this will only spread the problem and there will not be enough suitable homes to care for them. It is better to collect puppies from a breeder between 8-10 weeks (and this is at an important time when they need to learn to socialise). Any doubts as to the health of the puppy (including sight and hearing) should be resolved as soon as possible with a Veterinary Surgeon who will also tell you the current vaccination régime and when the puppy can begin to mix with other dogs. The breeder should provide a feeding guide and all the information you should need to know and be willing to give advice at any time. Check what wormer the puppy has been given and how many treatments. Pups The breeder should provide a feeding guide (+48 hours of food)and all the information you should need to know and be willing to give advice at any time. Check what wormer the puppy has been given and how many treatments Puppies - of good pedigree, hip and eye tested will not be cheap. As you will see from the cost of the tests and stud fees and any Veterinary care that may be required by a discerning breeder all these will, in effect, add to the cost of the litter (especially if the outcome is say, only 3 puppies). However it should cost less for an undocked puppy as the breeder has not had to pay for this to be done or run the risk of losing a puppy as a result of docking. A family pet bred with the above criteria may be in the region of £850+ from a breeder of special merit. PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOU ARE NOT BUYING FROM A “PUPPY FARM” as this only increases problems in the breed. As always when buying from anybody BUYER BEWARE . A good breeder will also want to know full details of the home and people that their puppies are being sold to, so if you aim to be a good, responsible owner, be prepared for any inquisition from a breeder - if you don't get an inquisition, ask yourself why. MAKE SURE YOU GET A "PUPPY PACK" 24-48 hours of food, welfare care and instructions and m that the breeder breeds to the Club's code of ethics. PLAN YOUR PUPPY PURCHASE WELL IN ADVANCE (NOT FROM OFF THE SHELF, SO TO SPEAK). Find out who is planning a litter. This will give you time to get all the information about the breeder's dogs, to put your request in for an undocked puppy, and to do all the necessary planning for the newcomer in your household. Please memorise the breed standard to be able to check the authenticity of the parents' heredity and genetic influence. Puppy farmers usually over-breed from several breeds of dog, register at the Kennel Club/Dog Lovers' Club and sometimes also run stud farms, will offer to deliver or meet you at a motorway service station. Their farms are usually hidden far away from the public eye and they will often sell to pet shops. If you are doubtful about any breeder, do not buy a pup in sympathy but alert the Local Authority in which the breeder lives or the RSPCA. Puppies are like young babies and should not be left unattended for long periods as they may chew electrical wires or other dangerous materials lying around. Avoid “tugging” games as this can make a puppy aggressive. Don’t ever hit a puppy (or adult dog) - or smack with newspaper - especially for fouling indoors. Their body organs have to have time to develop and I have never known a puppy that does not, in time, become house trained with guidance. Never wipe your puppy’s nose in urine or faeces; this is one of the most sensitive organs of its body. Just ask yourself if you were at fault for not meeting your pet’s requirements and remember how long it takes for a human baby to become house trained! It is vital that after food your puppy should be placed outside, as especially when young, the bladder and bowel work almost immediately after food has been imbibed. Worm them regularly or have a faeces culture checked for worms. Make sure you use set words in training and don’t confuse by changing your command vocabulary, i.e. “sit”, “stand”, and most importantly “stay” e and “no”. Even an older dog needs the companionship of its owner with exercise for the major part of the day and extending your set phrase vocabulary helps build up the communication between you and your dog. They are probably more clever in the way they learn from you than you are at learning from them! Your puppy needs to know that the human family is“pack leader” from the early stages, so they musn’t become “boss” themselves. When they have matured, concessions can be made because they have usually absorbed the principle by then and are happy for you to be their mainstay! You will notice a difference in their attitude when they are no longer "looking over their shoulder", wild eyed, and looking disobedient! They will suddenly start watching your every move and have a feeling of "bonding". Do not over exercise your puppy. It will have bursts of energy and then bouts of sleep. An over walked dog can get very sore and inflamed pads especially a puppy. If pads look reddened bathe in salted water/Savlon and rest on carpet. Good breeders will want to hear from their puppy purchasers at least once a year, so please make the effort to do so even if it is only a Christmas card with a photo! If anyone has asthma/allergies/sensitivities they should not risk taking on an Old English Sheepdog unless they know for sure that the breed does not affect them. Hints Hints. I would recommend pet insurance cover, or that you open a dedicated “bank” account for your dog in which you can put regular monthly deposits to cover future Veterinary care etc. always check exclusion clauses in any policy, e.g. age etc). All dogs by law have to have third party liability cover. Keep a medical history of your puppy for reference including immunisation dates, worming programme etc. Enter into your will a clause about your dog's future should he/she outlive you. It is still a legal requirement for dog collars with identity discs to be worn by dogs at all times. Care Check Regularly:- anal area - for cleanliness as it is important that flies do not get to this area and lay eggs (this is where a tail helps protect but does not substitute for responsible ownership) anal glands - if a dog rubs its bottom on the ground, it could be that the anal glands are causing a problem or it may be due to worms. The dog should be regularly wormed (or your Vet. Surg. be asked if they will do a culture to see if worms are present) as faeces can spread the worms. Some wormers disagree with dogs and they can be violently sick so monitor carefully and do not use same wormer again if this has happened. Also inform the Company whose product they are, for statistical purposes. mammary glands - in both male and female for abnormal lumps. teeth - preferably brush daily. The gentle handling of the dog’s mouth regularly helps build a non-aggressive relationship. prostate - in the middle aged and older male dog check lumps - these may be just common cysts but get your Vet to check as they may be tumours. ears - some dogs never have a problem but with long coated breeds they should be checked weekly or even daily - a gentle warm flannel wash around the external area will help clean the skin. If the ear smells and the dog rubs its head, shakes a lot, or yawns a lot as if to clear ear canal, the ear will need to be checked by the Vet in case grass seeds, mites, dermatitis or infection have entered the ear canal. July/August/September are the worst months for barbed grasses (e.g. Foxtail) which act like arrows and often need removing surgically, They are extremely irritant and painful. Avoid walking the dog in any grassland areas where this type of grass grows. Please don't forget to check the ears. If no foreign body is present, ask your Vet if he would do a swab for analysis prior to treatment. Specific medication can then be prescribed rather than trying several on a hit or miss basis. feet - Often fur balls develop between the pads and these need regular checking as they can cause nasty sores and are obviously painful to the dog. Cut around the knots with caution because of skin proximity. Check for grass seeds (see above) skin - watch for any balding, persistent rubbing or scratching. It may be a serious and contagious skin condition which requires being seen by the Vet. and treating a.s.a.p. e.g. sarcoptic mange. When booking to see the Vet. ask the Receptionist what procedure they would like you to follow in case it is something contagious because the waiting area will be inappropriate in case it spreads to other animals. Eye Testing Eye Testing: - Countrywide, but one is often held at Haddenham, Oxon. Details from Miss King on 01844 290426 before 6.00 pm or Mr. Weller after 6.30 pm on 01494 446967 (also glaucoma and litter screening available) Stud dogs - The Kennel Club hold a list of selected stud dogs who have champion certificates to their name and should have been hip scored and eye tested. Fees for a stud dog could be anything from £280. Always check how many times a stud dog has been "officially" used. If champs probably too frequently for the good of the gene pool. Puppies - of good pedigree, hip and eye tested will not be cheap. As you will see from the cost of the tests and stud fees and any Veterinary care that may be required by a discerning breeder all these will, in effect, add to the cost of the litter (especially if the outcome is say, only 3 puppies). A family pet bred with the above criteria may be in the region of £850++ from a breeder of special merit. PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOU ARE NOT BUYING FROM A “PUPPY FARM” as this only increases problems in the breed. As always when buying from anybody BUYER BEWARE. A good breeder will also want to know full details of the home and people that their puppies are being sold to, so if you aim to be a good, responsible owner, be prepared for any inquisition from a breeder - if you don’t get an inquisition, ask yourself why. MAKE SURE YOU GET A "PUPPY PACK" 24-48 hours of food, welfare care and instructions and that the breeder breeds to the Club's code of ethics. Puppy Planning PLAN YOUR PUPPY PURCHASE WELL IN ADVANCE (NOT FROM OFF THE SHELF, SO TO SPEAK). Find out who is planning a litter. This will give you time to get all the information about the breeder's dogs, to put your request in for an undocked puppy, and to do all the necessary planning for the newcomer in your household. Please memorise the breed standard to be able to check the authenticity of the parents' heredity and genetic influence. Ethics CODE OF ETHICS AS RECOMMENDED BY THE OLD ENGLISH BREED CLUB a) The minimum age for a bitch to be mated is 21 months, but not if this is the bitches first season. bi) Bitches are not to be mated for their first litter after their 5th birthday. bii) A bitch must not be mated after their 7th birthday for their last litter. Any deviation from these ages should be by prior written veterinary approval. c) 4 litters only in a bitches lifetime. d) Bitches not to produce puppies from more than 2 consecutive seasons. e) All animals used for breeding should be sound physically, of excellent temperament, and as true to breed type as possible. f) Dogs not to be used at stud under 12 months of age. g) As a Breed Club we would advise that all animals are hip x-rayed in an attempt to prevent the spread of hereditary defects and eye checks should be undertaken. h) No O.E.S. puppies to be "knowingly" sold on to pet shops, puppy dealers, laboratories, or any person dealing in live stock for a living. Sell only to carefully vetted or recommended homes, giving detailed instructions on general management, and most important, a diet sheet which carries further information on feeding beyond the puppy stage. Prospective owners should also be made aware of the problems of owning an O.E.S. and given guidance on training and exercising and grooming. 8-10 weeks is soon enough for the puppies to leave their dam. When selling overseas, sell only if the buyer is known or recommended. Buyers should reside in countries having similar standards of animal welfare as the United Kingdom. Encourage buyers to keep in touch through the life of the dog, encourage them to become members of a Breed Club, even if not interested in showing. Never breed or keep more dogs than can be looked after personally with individual attention either by self or a kennel assistant. The practice of placing bitches out on breeding terms in unacceptable. Be prepared to take back any dog whose home may no longer to be able to cope with it, if necessary to buy back on a reasonable basis. i) This is the conduct expected from members of The Old English Sheepdog Club. 1993. (When buying check if seller adheres to this code of practice Breed Records In 1993 there were 1721 OES KC puppy registrations In 1994 there were 1505 OES KC puppy registrations In 1995 there were 1552 OES KC puppy registrations In 1996 there were 1385 OES KC puppy registrations. In 1997 there were 1269 OES KC puppy registrations In 1998 there were 959 OES KC puppy registrations In 1999 there were 988 OES KC puppy registrations In 2000 there were 759 OES KC puppy registrations In 2001 there were 763 OES KC puppy registrations In 2002 there were 620 OES KC puppy registrations In 2003 there were 729 OES KC puppy registrations In 2004 there were 603 OES KC puppy registrations in 2005 there were 663 OES KC puppy registrations in 2006 there were 536 OES KC puppy registration in 2007 there were 692 OES KC puppy registrations in 2008 there were 529 OES KC puppy registration in 2009 there were 413 OES KC puppy registration Some litters are never registered and others elsewhere PUPY FARMERS Puppy farmers usually over-breed from several breeds of dog, register at the Kennel Club/Dog Lovers' Club and sometimes also run stud farms, will offer to deliver or meet you at a motorway service station. Their farms are usually hidden far away from the public eye and they will often sell to pet shops. Bitch Reproductive Cycle Reproductive Cycle for Bitches The first season will possibly be between 6 and 12 months. The cycle can be described as 4 phases:- 1. The "anoestrus" phase (when the bitch is out of season) is variable but more commonly the 4 phases are around 6-7 months apart. 2. The "pre-oestrus" phase last approximately 8-13 days. This is the noticeable phase where the vulva is likely to swell and the discharge can start, sometimes clear at first then becoming bloody. Dogs will be attracted at this time and the bitch is likely to "flirt" but it will cause much less hassle if the bitch is kept well away from dogs at this time as large dogs could be difficult to fend off and could cause distress to the bitch. 3. The "oestrus" phase This lasts 4-7 days. If you do not plan puppies keep your bitch well away from dogs. The vulva will be swollen but the discharge will have turned clear or straw coloured. The bitch will usually accept a dog at this time. Ovulation can take place around the 2nd day of this phase but anyone wishing to mate their bitch could ask the Vet to do a test to confirm. Male dog sperm can live for 7 days. 4. The "Metoestrus" phase lasts approximately 6-10 weeks. This is the phase in which puppies would be born if she were mated so the uterus can be active at this phase and if not mated she may have a "phantom" pregnancy (it mimics a real one). 1. Anoestrus phase = 15 weeks approx. 2. Pre-oestrus phase = 8-13 days approx. TAKE CARE 3 Oestrus phase = 4-7 days approx. TAKE GREAT CARE! Phantom Pregnancy Phantom Pregnancies If you have a bitch you may notice that she has a phantom pregnancy between seasons if she has not been mated; around the time that she would normally whelp had she been mated. She will go off her food, "nest" and be restless and her coat can deteriorate. This can last for 2-3 weeks and the best way to keep her eating is to tempt her with food she likes, a little but often. However you will probably find that in the few weeks leading up to this phase she will eat in abundance and have fat to live off. Just watch that if you are normally fairly strict with her diet in the "gluttony" phase that she does not lose too much weight during her phantom phase. See if you can check weight regularly at the Vets and keep a record yourself or ask them to keep it for you if you are a regular attender Exercise Do not over exercise your puppy. It will have bursts of energy and then bouts of sleep. An over walked dog can get very sore and inflamed pads especially a puppy. If pads look reddened bathe in salted water/Savlon and rest on carpet. Food FOOD: I find that certain tinned foods upset my dogs and I don't know what animal derivatives are in them although I have been told what they are likely to include!! I try and vary the meals I give but usually for the fully grown dog for breakfast I sometimes give sardines mixed with a little oat bran/ porridge/or 2 sausagess. The early evening meal consists of a combination of vegetables (cabbage/spinach/swede/parsnip/carrots/celery finely chopped) with cooked well rinsed cooked rice and 1 cooked sheep's heart chopped and 1 large cooked chicken thigh (without bone) shredded, 2 teaspoons tomato puree. A stainless steel 71/2" dog bowl is usually two thirds full. At bed time 2-4 large "Bonio" type biscuits depending on the size of dog/bitch. Keep a check on weight. Do not exercise your dog after its main meal for at least an hour. Latest research says do not feed from a raised bowl. Quite a few are dying from "bloat"/gastric dilatation/torsion in the night (see enclosed extract page 21).. The dog can't settle and is in great pain; needs urgent Veterinary treatment. Tomato ketchup added to dinner (1 dstsp.) can help to prevent cystitis. Bones. Avoid giving cooked or even raw bones (especially not chicken bones) as they can splinter and perforate internal organs and may even cause death; a dog's teeth can break on bones so although they help clean teeth it may be safer not to give at all. Make sure that the food is only faintly warm or cold when fed - NOT hot. Weight Ideal weights in kgs. for OES dogs27-41 bitches23-27 Emergemcies IN CASE OF EMERGENCY IN CASE OF ILLNESS - Often your Vet. will prescribe medicine to treat your pet's illness. Here is how to give them: 1. Place the palm of your hand over the bridge of your pet's nose. Your thumb and middle finger should circle the muzzle and fit behind each upper canine (long) tooth. 2. Gently press her lips against the teeth to make the jaw drop . 3. With the other hand, quickly poke the pill to the back of her tongue, then hold her mouth closed and stroke her throat until you see her swallow. When they lick their nose you know it's gone!. 4. OR ask your supermarket for leftover slices of ham and wrap the pill well into the ham or even a piece of cheese if the dog likes cheese WARNING SIGNS OF SERIOUS ILLNESS - The following may signal that your pet needs medical attention. You should seek veterinary care. 1. Anytime you find a lump on your pet's skin. 2. If your pet seems unusually short of breath. 3. If your pet experiences a sudden change in appetite 4. If your pet starts losing weight. 5 If your pet drinks often and urinates more frequently. Pulse HOW TO CHECK YOUR PET'S PULSE Feel on the inside of the back thigh where the leg joins the body. Normal for dogs is 70-150 beats a minute. Coughing COUGHING CAN BE SERIOUS - Coughing is the most common sign of heart disease in pets. If your dog has been coughing for more than 24 hours, see your Vet. Coughing is extremely rare in cats and should always be seen by a Vet. Emergency Injury IN CASE OF INJURY - Always have a pet first-aid kit handy in case your pet is injured. Here are some Veterinarians' recommendations on what to include: 1. Your Vet.'s telephone number, plus the number of an emergency weekend or night time vet. 2. Gauze rolls or pads 3. Absorbent cotton 4. Scissors, preferably with rounded tips. 5. Hydrogen peroxide. Ahab at photoshoot 6. Hydrocortisone ointment (Greendale Farm 2002) 7. Eyewash. 8. Tweezers 9. Rectal thermometer 10. Syringe (without the needle) for giving oral medicines 11. Anti-diarrhoeal medicine (for dogs only) 12. Upset stomach medicine (for dogs only) 13. Antihistamine liquid 14. A clean white sock - to slip over an injured paw, to keep the wound and your floors clean until the bleeding has stopped. IN CASE OF EMERGENCY (contd.) WHEN BAD BREATH IS A SERIOUS CONCERN 1. A sweet, fruity scent could indicate form of diabetes (mellitus or insipidus), especially if your pet is drinking or urinating more than usual. 2. A urine like smell might mean kidney disease 3. A mouth odour that Vets simply describe as "foul" when accompanied by vomiting, loss of appetite, swelling of the abdomen or yellowing of the eyes or gums could indicate a liver disorder. 4. Have you been cleaning their teeth daily? ... Check for dental decay. Have you wormed recently? Have you checked dewlaps for redness and fungal infection HOUSEPLANTS THAT CAN HURT YOUR PET 1. Philodendron 2. Dieffenbachia 3. Jerusalem cherry 4. Yew 5. Caladium 6. Spider plant 7. Airplane plant 8. Cyclamen 9. Foxglove 10. Dragon Tree 11. Holly 12. Mistletoe 13. Azalea 14. Poinsettia 15. Rhodendron 15. Mother in law's tongue Vets recommend that you put houseplants where pets can't get them. Dehydration TESTING YOUR PET FOR DEHYDRATION Gently lift the skin along your pet's back. Normally it will snap back into place. In dehydrated pets, however, the skin loses elasticity, causing it to stay up in a ridge. If this happens, it's an emergency - see your Vet right away. HOW A CARROT COULD SAVE YOUR PET'S LIFE! When a pet has bad teeth, bacteria can get into circulation around the gums. The bacteria float around the bloodstream and eventually settle on the heart valve. To help keep your pet's teeth clean, brush or scrub daily. In addition, giving your pet raw carrots and hard rubber toys to chew will help keep the teeth clean. SYMPTOMS OF INTERNAL BLEEDING IN PETS 1. Blood in vomit 2. Blood in the urine. 3. Pale pink or white gums 4.Listlessness Perform the following test: Press a finger against your pet's gums. If they don't turn pink after a momentary whiteness, she could have lost large amounts of blood. See your Vet. immediately DRUGS MDR-1 GENE DRUGS that could seriously harm Old English Sheepdogs, Border Collies or other shepherding breeds who carry the mdr-1 gene ACEPROMAZINE - ACP (acepromazine) The following has been forwarded by an ADA member (9/05) and it may well be worth asking questions about it:- ACP (acepromazine) can have the complete opposite effect, instead of calming the dog it can send it completely "ape". If a dog has tendencies to seizures it will trigger them. Even if a Border Collie has never had a seizure but is genetically disposed, it will start them "seizing". It lowers blood pressure considerably which can have disastrous results. When my dogs have surgery (spaying/neutering etc) I make the vet sign a paper to say they will NOT use ACP either by injection, tablet or any other way of using the stuff. They have no pre-med whatsoever. At the Manchester show a few years ago an exhibitor gave her BC only half a pill and I had to help her to carry him to her vehicle. She drove straight to a vet and almost lost her dog. She hasn't been in the show ring since. She had given him half a pill (the vet said to give him 3 tablets!!!!) because he was a bit nervous of being gone over by a judge. I've seen dogs take days to recover. Also, if a dog is prone to seizures, talk to the vet about avoiding the use of phenothiazine tranquilizers (such as acepromazine) and ketamine. Also, certain breeds are thought to have problems with certain drugs, including Belgian Shepherds, Greyhounds and other Sighthounds, Brachycephalic dogs (such as Pugs), and Mastiffs, Boxers and Bull Terriers (Acepromazine), so be sure the vet is aware of this before the dog has surgery. Note that Acepromazine and possibly morphine are among the drugs that Collies and related breeds (Australian Shepherds (including miniatures), English Sheepdogs, Old English Sheepdogs, Shetland Sheepdogs, Longhaired Whippets and Silken Windhounds) may react too. IVERMECTIN for demodectic mange - http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_ivermectin.html Side effects generally do not occur with any anti-mange doses of ivermectin except in Collies, Shetland sheepdogs, Australian shepherds, and Old English Sheepdogs, though some individual animals that are not members of these sensitive breeds may also be prone to side effects. (These breeds should not be fed farmed salmon which is treated with Ivermectin - animal poo may also contain it.) Collies with Ivermectin sensitivity have been found to have a mutant gene for what is called the "P-glycoprotein There is now a test for P-glycoprotein mutation so that Ivermectin sensitive dogs can be identified. This is a DNA test for the mdr-1 gene using an oral swab. Test kits can be ordered directly from the Washington State University Veterinary School via http://www.vetmed.wsu.edu/depts-vcpl or Bristol University Bristol DNA Tests can also be done by contacting this site http://www.laboklin.co.uk/laboklin/show ... estID=8032 Dogs who test as having a mutated mdr1 gene OR dogs from afflicted breeds* who have not been tested for the mutation should avoid these drugs. Drug names in bold are the generic drugs identified as problems by the scientists from the VCPL at Washington State University . Below each generic drug is a list of some of the synonyms, brand, and trade names for the generic drug provided by BusterAlert.org. More drugs are likely to be added as mdr1 research progresses . Metronidazole (anti-biotic)- has caused dizziness and vomiting in some OES Drugs PROVEN to Cause Neurotoxicity Abamectin Acanol Acarexx Ace Acepro Aceproject Acepromazine Acevet ACP Acqta Adriamycin Adriblastina Advantage DUO Anti-Diarrhoeal Atopica Atravet Avermectin Bimectin BMD/Ivomec Butorphanol Caelyx Cicloral Ciclosporin Citomid Cryoperacid Cyclosporin Cyclosporine Deroser Diahalt Diamode Diarr-Eze Diarrhoea Relief Digibind Digitalis Digoxin Dolorex Doxil Doxolem Doxorubicin Doxotec Ecomectin Equell Equimax Equimectrin Eqvalan Formula Gengraf Heartguard Hurplex Hydroxydaunomycin Hydroxydoxorubicin Hydroxyldaunorubicin Immulem Imodium Imogen Imperim Ivercare Ivercide Iverhart Ivermectin Iver-On Iversol Ivexterm Ivomec Kao-Paverin Lanoxicaps Lanoxin Lemblastine Leurocristine Lomotil Lop Loperacap Loperamide Mapluxin Mectizan Megamectin Modusik-A Myocet Neoral Nodiamex Noromectin Oncovin Optimmune Oxicina Panomec Permidal Phoenectin Pramidal Primectin Privermectin PromAce Restasis Raxamida Rediarin Rubex Sandimmune SangCya SparMectin Stadol Stromectol Supremunn Top-Dal Torbugesic Torbutrol Torphajet Tri-Heart Unimectrin Valfam Velban Velbe Vinblastine Vinblax Vincasar Vincrex Vincristine Vintec Virbamec Zimecterin Drugs SUSPECTED to Cause Neurotoxicity (research is ongoing) Abraxane Analfin Apokyn Asotax Astramorph Avinza Biquin Bris Taxol Chinidinum Cin-Quin DepoDur Doloral Domperidone Duralmor Duramorph EPEG Etopophos Etopos Etoposide Formyxan Graten Infumorph IsonaRif Kadian M-Eslon Mitoxantrone Mitroxone Morphine MOS Motilium MS Contin (MSC) MSIR Neotalem Novantrone Ondansetron Onxol Oramorph Paclisan Paclitaxel Praxel Quinact Quinaglute Quinalan Quinatime Quinidex Quinidine Quinora Rifadin Rifamate Rifampicin Rifampin Rifater Rimactane RMS Rofact Roxanol Statex Taxol Toposar Vepesid VP-Tec Zofran Toxocariasis Toxocariasis Article re-printed by kind permission of Dogs Today Magazine Over the past few years, considerable media attention has focused on toxocariasis. A lot of reporting has been inaccurate. Many people have been left with the incorrect impression that toxocariasis can only be caught from dogs. Toxocariasis is caused by round worms. Toxocara canis affect dogs and foxes and Toxocara cati are found in cats. Toxocara eggs are excreted in faeces. Recent research shows only one per cent of dogs excrete eggs compared with ten per cent of cats and 50-60 per cent of foxes. The dog has been much maligned. NO RISK In dogs, only puppies up to six months old and pregnant bitches excrete eggs. However, even if contaminated faeces are passed, the eggs take more than two weeks to become active. Therefore, scooping poop eliminates the risk of infection. Eggs need to be eaten for toxocariasis to be caught by humans. In human studies, out of 1.5 million people tested for the toxocariasis antibodies, only one person was positive and they had no symptoms. Media stories claiming that toxocariasis causes blindness in humans are untrue. No case has been documented in medical journals. What can occur, is impaired vision if a larva lodges in the eye but this is extremely rare. A far more common disease is toxoplasmosis caused by a parasite in cat droppings or in under-cooked meat. This disease can cause blindness and occassionally death in very young babies. This is the reason why ante-natal clinics warn pregnant women not to handle cat litter trays. BRACKEN FERN/BRACKEN spores are said to be carcinogenic and are apparently at their most dangerous when they spread around July time. Best to avoid this type of undergrowth at that time (humans and animals). CHOCOLATE CHOCOLATE IS REALLY TOXIC TO PETS! - Yes! Chocolate is a tasty toxin which, like caffeine, is dangerous to dogs and cats when eaten in large quantities. Baking chocolate is the most dangerous. Keep chocolate out of reach of pets (&humans!) at all times. Theobromine 200-5500mg/kg can prove fatal. Milk choc = 50 mg/oz; Dark = 150 mg/oz; bitter = 400 mg/oz GRAPES GRAPES/RAISINS CAN CAUSE RENAL FAILURE Recently been reported from Canada and USA (Animal Poison Control Centre) that grapes are toxic too and caused renal failure>death) see http://www.aspca.org LEISHMANIASIS Testing for Leishmaniasis http://pcwww.liv.ac.uk/testapet/ CATERPILLARS Procession caterpillars are deadly poisonous and have now been found in UK (2007) BLOAT/ GASTRIC DILATATION/ TORSION Gastric dilatation/torsion/ "bloat" In gastric dilatation, the stomach becomes inflated with gas. This is a veterinary emergency and may affect any breed. Gastric torsion occurs in deep chested breeds when the stomach twists, trapping gas inside. The cause of these problems is uncertain. It is possible that the "wrong " bacteria in the gut cause fermentation and inflation. Some greedy dogs swallow air with their food, and this some say, coupled with vigorous exercise after feeding, is thought to make stomach torsion more likely. Both these conditions make the stomach taut like a drum and it can then twist. The dog can't settle and is in great pain. The dog may retch and bring up white froth. If your dog has been diagnosed with gastric torsion and has had a diet of dried food, it may be worth asking your Vet to record and also inform the food company. From the stories I have heard dried diet seems to have been used in a great many cases. Suggest food should be moistened (with gravy) to make it swell before entering stomach. Better still feed fresh food. Treatment Unless treated VERY quickly, the dog may die. The Vet. can often deflate a stomach inflation by inserting a tube into the dog's stomach, but the vast majority of gastric torsions require emergency surgery (which is reported to be the best long term solution). As a preventative measure, don't feed deep-chested dogs from a raised bowl and don't exercise them for at least one hour after feeding. (this is in light of recent USA research). http://www.vet.purdue.edu/epi/update2.htm |
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