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Shock horror! my dog is inbred!

15/1/2019

We've all heard that line breeding in dogs, also called in breeding is a very bad thing! And it can be. But as the old song goes "It Aint Necessarily So" !

Is there any difference between line breeding and inbreeding?

I haven't been able to find a separate definition for each, but my own personal opinion is that line breeding occurs when a specific dog from the ancestry is "brought back in" in order to recapture and preserve its virtues in later generations. It can fairly be said that any negative traits will also be perpetuated. I'll address that later. I've also long considered that INbreeding is when two close relatives are bred together, such as parent to child, or brother to sister. But I can find nowhere that substantiates this.

What's an outcross?

I've seen an outcross referred to as crossing two different breeds together. But it is more popularly referred to by breeders as two dogs of the same breed which have none of their ancestors on a four generation pedigree which are related to one another.

Why does close breeding have such a bad name?

I think that one reason is that we humans can tend to transfer the human incest abhorrence to our animals. But the main reason is that when breeders originally played around with it some of the results were tragic and disastrous. The theory (which proved to be correct) was that doubling up on the genes in both parents would bring hidden faults out into the open. And that the puppies which didn't show those traits would not pass them on. Little notice was taken (by breeders) of the poor affected percentage of puppies which were born with cruel afflictions. But others did notice, and close breeding got a tainted reputation which lingers today.

What has changed these days?

The difference these days, is that breeders have extensive DNA testing available for literally hundreds of genetic conditions and traits. Some conditions and traits require two copies of the gene ( one from each parent) in order to reproduce themselves in offspring and others require only one. The information is within reach of breeders. So what was once a risky and dangerous practice can now be used judiciously by breeders who understand what they are doing and why they are doing it.

What could the benefits of well managed close breeding be these days?

If two related dogs excel in excellent genetic heath and other virtues inherent in the finest examples of their breed, then by doubling up on their genes, their own genetic health and breed virtues will become stronger in successive generations. Obviously, proper research and testing needs to be carried out, and not every breeder has the time nor resources to make informed decisions. But for those who do, close breeding can be a valuable tool for setting desirable outcomes within their breed.

Next step to follow a close breeding

I recommend to anyone who uses this tool in their breeding program, that for any offspring kept for breeding, the mate should be an outcross who has been tested for genetic strength in the same areas as the parents. Perhaps I am more cautious than the prestigious author of the article below, and I may become bolder. But to-date, this process has served me and my breed, well.

QUOTE FROM WILLIAM GIVEN: "There is also a popular belief that, “It is just plain good to bring in fresh blood to a line every now and then.” Nothing could be further from the truth. It is inbreeding and linebreeding that (if correctly utilized) facilitate the elimination of recessive factors that produce faults, and provide for the purification within a line or strain. It is the close-up breeding on the blood of one or more superior dogs that allow breeders to rapidly minimize the influence of the more faulty forebears and contribute to the establishment of distinct type.
Dangers of Continued Outcrossing
When superior results are obtained in the first generation of an outcross, many breeders think the breeding was an unprecedented success and all that needs be done thereafter is to continue such outcrossing to become a great breeder with an established type of their own, producing a high average of very exceptional puppies. They could not be more mistaken, since the exact opposite is surely to occur.As a general rule, the progeny of first-generation, outcross breedings are very often quite uniform in appearance. Many of the puppies being even more correct than the sire and dam. However, if not bred back into the original line, it is the puppies from succeeding generations of such outcrosses that can be particularly disappointing. This is because they carry so many genes for all of the characteristics in which their parents differed, that those puppies show great variation. This includes a sizeable portion of puppies of less than show and breeding quality."

Ref: William Given

Ref: William Given

ALLERGIES

21/12/2018

Are Cobberdogs the magic panacea to allergic dog lovers? They might be, if the allergy is to dogs. But what about the Dust Mite?

Today I received another inquiry from someone who has a family member who is severely allergic to dust mites. This question is getting more frequent so this was my reply
If your daughter’s allergies were to dog dander (skin particles) then a Cobberdog would be a great choice. But seeing as she is allergic to dust mites, then sadly, I don’t think the breed of dog would make much or even any difference.

Healthy dogs will roll in the dust, play in the dust etc., and when they are touched by a human, the dust mites are transferred from the dog to the human. No doubt the inside of your home is kept very clean and free of dust, but it would not be healthy for a dog, to keep him/her always inside.

Perhaps a breed with no hair at all might be the best option for you such as the Chinese Crested? Then you could wipe over the dog’s body several times a day with a cloth to remove any dust picked up outside.

I’m so sorry to disappoint you, but I would not feel comfortable sending you a puppy with a long coat

Chinese Crested

Should I get 2 puppies to grow up together?

21/12/2018

I am often asked this question and quite frankly, there is no simple yes or no answer. The positives are endearing things, like watching them playing together and interacting with each other. Plus they'll be great company for one another when we have to leave the house. Right? And especially in the case of litter siblings, there's this warm fuzzy notion about how cute it is for them to remain together from the nest for the rest of their lives - oops, at least for the rest of the life of "one of them" but I'll come back to that later.
If you are thinking of getting 2 puppies at the same time, I encourage you to continue reading. If you can handle the considerations then go ahead and enjoy your puppies!

It's important to understand that 2 puppies at once are double the fun, but they're double the work too. Imagine keeping an eye on two for potty mistakes, for starters. Then there's TRAINING.
TRAINING. Each of the two is an individual in his/her own right. So in order to allow each to become the best dog they were bred to be, training should be done separately with the other out of sight to encourage independent learning and character development.
PACK. Two puppies form their own little pack when they spend a lot of their time together as babies. When one is naughty, so is the other likely to be. But if one is in trouble and the other not, the innocent puppy will feel and unjustly be affected by your correction of the other. YOU should be pack leader to each of them as an individual. The only way to accomplish this is for you to spend quality time with each of them separately.
SEPARATION ANXIETY. Puppies who are raised as a PAIR will be more likely to stress in the future if circumstances require them to be apart for any reason.

5. RAINBOW BRIDGE. When that Day inevitably arrives for the first, one will go and will leave behind a grieving pal whose sorrow will be deeply impacted by your own sense of loss and sadness. Add to this, the fact that because they are so close in age, your own second loss will probably occur soon after.

My personal recommendations:
1. If you already have a dog, bring in your new puppy when your first is fully grown. He/she knows your expectations and will be a mentor to the puppy.
2. You may worry that your old dog will not accept a newcomer into the family. My research and feedback over many years shows that the reverse is true. Any early diffidence usually melts within the first week. And your puppy will extend the active years of your old beloved.

Baby Cobberdog Rutlands Eddy arrived in the USA December 2018. 13 year old Rutlands Mocha was quite wary of him. Here they are just one week after Eddy's arrival sharing her bed.

How to tell if your Cobberdog is too thin

21/1/2018

Beverley Rutland-Manners with Rutlands Oscar

COBBERDOGS have a luxurious coat, so it isn't easy to tell by sight what is hiding beneath it. Is it muscle, fat, or just bones? Weigh them? Well we all know that fat weighs less than muscle and that too fat isn't healthy either.
Just to complicate things more, two dogs can be the same height, weigh the same, and yet one can be too fat while the other is too thin.

The Easy Solution? Learn to tell from feel.
There are key areas on your dog which you can feel to find out if your dog is a healthy weight.

* you shouldn't be able to feel the bony knobs along the dog's backbone. But if it feels broad and chubby the dog is too fat
* pin bones are two bony points, one each side of the top of croup. You should not be able to feel them.
* Thighs should not be concave as in the picture. You should feel a bulge which is flesh cover or muscle.
* It's Okay to feel the ribs a little, but not the hollows between each one.
* You should feel firm flesh on the shoulders, and not sharp bony points.

Adult Boxer in perfect condition

This Chinese Crested is in perfect condition

Boxer puppy with nicely covered shoulders

Emaciated

Early signs of too thin

The belly is not an indicator. This dog's belly is round and fat (could indicate worms).

But notice the bony knobs along his spine, and his prominent pin bones. Thighs are also flat with no fleshy or muscle cover. These areas can be felt with your hands even if not seen underneath a long or thick coat.

What Vets Say About a Raw Diet

The Dreaded I.C. (Improper Coat Gene) in Australian Cobberdogs: by Beverley Rutland-Manners

8/10/2017

2017 has seen a wave of panic racing through ( mainly new) Australian Cobberdog breeders across the world regarding the improper coat gene. So what exactly is it?

"Rutlands Truly"

Dearly beloved companion to Audrey and Jack Meltzer in Melbourne Australia

Before I became aware of the I.C. gene, I used to call the occasional 'affected' puppy a Flatcoat genetic mutation.

Firstly what it is NOT. Improper Coat is not a health issue. Neither has it been linked to any health issue.
The Australian Cobberdog Breed Standard calls for a profuse coat that doesn't shed and I applaud breeders who are committed to remaining true to the Standard. But like so many other areas in life, it's a good idea to read the fine print! This article is intended to be a brief overview of the fine print, and it is my earnest desire that breeders will pause and think before they remove I.C. carriers from their breeding programs.

I have been breeding "coated" dogs for 50 + years, and improperly coated long coated breeds have been around for as long as I can remember. It is thought that there are several genes involved in the various kinds of imperfect coat, but this one is responsible for the majority of them according to current research into the Portugese Water Dog, ( the breed in which the gene was first identified) by Dr Gordon Larkin and Research Scientist Kevin Chase at the University of Utah.

FACT: I.C. 'carriers' can look exactly the same as correctly coated Cobberdogs. A DNA test was developed in 2010 to identify its presence

FACT: I.C. 'affected' dogs look very different to correctly coated Cobberdogs, BUT the many non-coat-related desirable characteristics in the breed are every bit as strong. In fact many Portugese Water Dog breeders say that their IC puppies have the best conformation of all and the most endearing natures - and these people have been dealing with the issue for a lot longer than we have.

FACT: I have never had a problem finding appreciative loving homes for any I.C. 'affected' puppies I have bred - possibly because I myself am not ashamed of them! Invariably a close up photo showing their incredibly intuitive and gorgeous eyes will 'speak' to someone. Not everyone needs a non shed coat, in fact many people love the idea of such an amazing dog but without the coat care! They do shed in varying degrees, but still no where as much as a Labrador.
However I would not send one to a family which has dog-related allergies or asthma.

Rutlands Creme Brulee "Ollie"

THE SIXTY FOUR DOLLAR QUESTION-

"Why shouldn't breeders eliminate I.C. carriers from their breeding progams?

As always, I defer to others who know a lot more about certain things than I do.

Ref: Dr Gordon Lark
Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Biology at University of Utah

"Be aware that along with the good news, and of critical importance, is a warning to breeders: Identifying the IC gene in breeding stock is all well and good. Breeding a carrier (or even an IC dog) to a normal is fine and sensible to avoid producing improperly coated dogs.
But, and it’s a big “but,” not using IC carriers in breeding programs is NOT fine. There is lots more research that needs to be done to fully understand how this gene works. We’ve thrown the baby out with the bath water in many previous breeding decisions, let’s learn from those mistakes, not repeat them."

Ref: Research scientist Kevin Chase – University Of Utah:

“This is an important regulatory gene. There are also some 30 other genes in close proximity to it. Removing this variant of the gene from the breeding population would remove a tremendous amount of genetic diversity in the breed. This would be very dangerous”.

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