Why earn titles? What do all those letters even mean?

As a breeder we often have people ask us “What do all those letters even mean?” and “What is the importance of titling a dog, I just want a pet?” Let us take some time to answer those two VERY GOOD questions!

“What do all those letters even mean?”

The titles that come before a dog’s registered name (ex. CH, GCH, RACH, PACH, CT, etc) are indications that a dog has achieved a CHAMPIONSHIP title, that is an award of high degree showing proficiency in a particular sport. Champion and Grand Champion are titles of conformation and are used to show worthiness of breeding stock. RACH/PACH/CT/etc are sporting championships and show extreme ability to perform a sport to the highest level, these are even harder titles to earn.

The titles that come behind a dog’s registered name are any of a variety of other obedience, sporting, temperament, working or other accomplishments. Having a variety of these titles can show versatility in a particular dog which can be correlated with a dog with great potential in workability or performance sports or just great versatility of the dog. We aim to obtain a minimum of obedience/rally and temperament titles to show basic responsiveness and good temperament of our stock prior to breeding. Some dogs have quite a variety of titles and this really showcases the versatility of the breed.

“What is the importance of titling a dog, I just want a pet?”

Titling a dog is valuable in showing a stable temperament, a quality dog for breeding, and versatility of a dog to be in any environment. This should be especially important for future puppy families because we all want to see good well adjusted dogs who can adapt and perform at any level with their new families. I don’t believe anyone gets a Corso with the intent for a fearful, nervous dog or a dog with a bite risk. By showing stability and versatility in temperament and workability, we can show on paper just what stable and excellent parents we choose to use in our program. We really do take seriously the temperaments we produce and that translates into having really good family dogs as well.

A seemingly insignificant photo of Myst (mother) and Grizz (son) next to their new title ribbons is more than just appreciation for the hard work that has gone into earning these ribbons, but rather, it is also a show of how genetics and stable temperament is passed down through generations of good tempered, versatile dogs that also make excellent family companions. Titling a dog is so much more than just a few letters before or behind their name.

Updated OFA CHIC Requirements

In early 2023, the Cane Corso Association of America (CCAA) updated the requirements for Corsos to become CHIC (Canine Health Information Center) Certified. Previously, the required tests for CHIC certification were OFA hips/PennHips + OFA Elbows + OFA Cardiac exams. The new requirements added OFA Patellas + NCL genetic testing + DSRA genetic testing.

So what is CHIC exactly??? CHIC is an open database to show genetic and orthopedic evaluations done on dogs, particularly those used within breeding programs. While health scores are not always a guarantee of healthy puppies, it is the best educated choices we can make for the best possibility for future families. Genetic evaluations can be a near guarantee, however, orthopedic and other soft tissue evaluations are to some extent partially genetic and partially environmental. By taking the time to meet the requirements of CHIC and have their dog’s information readily available for public viewing, breeders are certainly doing their best to provide the most information for improving the health of the breed.

With all dogs retained in our home as part of our program, we strive to achieve full CHIC requirements to be fully transparent with our program. For dogs who do not live with us but are a part of our extended program, we work with their families to get as many of these tests as possible with PennHIps, OFA Elbows, and all genetic testing as a minimum.

For more information on the full OFA program, please visit the OFA Website to learn more about the breed specific requirements for the Cane Corso.

CHIC Requirements for the Cane Corso Summarized:

  • OFA Hips OR PennHIP

  • OFA Elbows

  • OFA Cardiac (we do Echos)

  • OFA Patellas

  • DSRA DNA test (Embark)

  • NCL DNA test (Embark)

Dental-Skeletal-Retinal Anomaly (DSRA)

In 2021, some researchers in Switzerland worked with a number of Corso breeders to identify the cause of a genetic disease that has been cropping up unexpectedly for the last couple decades in various litters. What was later identified as Dental-Skeletal-Retinal Anomaly (DSRA) was presenting as small, sickly puppies who would grow up and have fragile, glass-like teeth that later shattered causing terrible pain and suffering to these dogs. They also appeared to have dwarf-like growth of bones and progressive blindness. All these issues combined to create a very sickly dog that rarely lives past the age of 2. As a result of the hard work of a few breeders around the world, the specific gene was identified that causes DSRA and LABOGEN was the first laboratory to offer worldwide testing.

In the US, we can now find tests through OFA, Embark, University of Missouri, and soon Pawprint Genetics as well. Some labs offer testing via buccal (cheek) swabs while others offer whole blood analysis. We immediately tested all of our foundation dogs and have cleared our entire program of carrying this disease. Despite knowing then that the offspring are clear, we are currently continuing to test the remainder of our program until they are all definitively identified as being clear of this disease. Additionally, now that Embark has picked up the test, we will naturally test all future pups before they go home so our puppy families can be certain they will not have an affected dog in the future!

Full openly published scientific study can be found HERE if you would like to read the full research.

Embark Color Genetics

While we know some basics about genetic coat colors and what gene’s are located where, we don’t actually know where all the genes are just yet. For instance, when you run an Embark test, a brindle dog and a black dog will often come back with the same color result as they haven’t been able to identify where the brindle color modifier/gene is. We know through inheritance patterns that brindle is less dominant than solid back but more dominant than fawn so we can predict that certain pairings will have certain colored offspring.

When we started our Embark journey, we thought we would be able to tell just what color our dogs carried as a masked gene. What I have learned is that Kenai, Myst, Grizz, and Sunny all came back at the K-locus as KBky. Myst is black while the other 3 are brindle. We know from his lineage that Kenai carries a fawn gene secondarily but we don't know what Myst carries. As a result, we actually do not know what Sunny or Grizz carries either. Only time shall tell us what the likely result is with Sunny’s planned upcoming litter if our guess is accurate.

For more info about the Embark specific color traits read this: https://embarkvet.com/resources/dog-breeders/science-corner-coat-color-genetics-101/

Harnesses: how they can affect movement!

If you use a harness, take a minute and genuinely watch this video. Do you see the difference in natural gait on this dog as the various harnesses affect shoulder movement? I’m not “against” harnesses, but you should understand/be aware that many commercial harnesses can and will affect their joints/movement/muscle mass etc.

Now consider how using a harness can affect growth and development on a young dog. Front lead harnesses are ever growing more popular bc of the pressure (correction?) they apply over the chest/shoulder. That same pressure is going to directly affect joint health, gait, and subsequent muscle tone.

I have used harnesses for appropriate tethering for organized exercise (biking with my dogs) but great care was spent selecting an appropriate harness that evenly distributed pressure across the chest and didn’t restrict movement and was used with a loose lead. Additionally, such activities were limited to mature, adult dogs.

See the effects of various harnesses here: https://www.facebook.com/419753771785101/posts/605720159855127/?vh=e&d=n

For example, here is Myst on a biking excursion:

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New sense found in dogs: Thermal detection!

Dogs’ noses just got a bit more amazing. Not only are they up to 100 million times more sensitive than ours, they can sense weak thermal radiation—the body heat of mammalian prey, a new study reveals. The find helps explain how canines with impaired sight, hearing, or smell can still hunt successfully. Read the full article below:

https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2020/02/new-sense-discovered-dog-noses-ability-detect-heat

Embark Canine DNA Testing

Many people are familiar with DNA testing a mixed breed dog to determine which breeds likely contributed to a previously unknown parentage of their dogs BUT did you know that we can use DNA testing to improve breeding choices and selection too???

Earlier this year we tested our first Corso (Sunny) against the 181 current genetic variants known to date (they are continually adding more) and made our results public on our website. When you visit our dogs individual webpages you may notice the link to FULL EMBARK TESTING RESULTS, this will take your to the public view of their results.

In addition to confirming heritage, Embark also checks for Canine Multifocal Retinopathy which is known to affect Corsos as well quite a few other diseases that at this time are not specifically linked to Corsos. They also test for various color and coat patterns, muscling, size, MHC complexes, coefficients of inbreeding (COIs) and some other very neat and interesting things. Lastly, by submitting their DNA we are contributing to future research for the breed and hopeful identification of currently unknown traits and/or diseases. They have us fill out a questionnaire and send us periodic emails asking for updates so they can attempt to monitor and learn new things.

While the idea of genetic testing for use in breeding is still in its infancy, we believe you can only grow and improve with more data and knowledge being shared. For a basic primer, please read the below link on Canine Genetics 101 and/or visit our individual dog’s pages to see links to their Embark results!

https://embarkvet.com/resources/dog-breeders/science-corner-genetics-101/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social%20&utm_campaign=brd_eng_blogpost_sciencecorner_genetics101_20200219&utm_content=&utm_term=&fbclid=IwAR26-4wUswPRrWJdX19gPCQRm8M7RvkH3B2V6lJlMa8JEhCQYKtGmtwHZTo

NEW Level Recognition for NOHS competition

The AKC has approved a new level of recognition for the National Owner Handler Series to mimic that of the Grand Championship titling. While NOHS is not an actual title (prefix/suffix) it is something I greatly believe in and support as it recognizes the hard work and effort put into showing dogs by those who are not professional handlers. All our dogs here at PHCC are owner/handled (whether by myself as the breeder or by their new owners) in the conformation ring and I believe it improves the working relationship and bond between us and our dogs.

To read more about the new levels of recognition please visit the following link:

https://link.akc.org/view/5b86ea5624c17c57383f3eee5e56a48f05ef172f2d2eb3f1/0591bd17?fbclid=IwAR0qgauv8i4bYLL0XJoQticqQStGTGoYK_5_89di0ex-S2hRDFX5GD6zgpY

Littermate Syndrome

What is littermate syndrome? Why is it we don’t permit you to buy two puppies from the same litter? Why do we recommend waiting 12-18 months before bringing in a new puppy?

Littermate syndrome is behavioral change in puppies that occurs when pups bond more tightly with each other than with their owners. It might seem cute at first but it can have serious psychosocial implications down the road.

Take a minute to read this short article to learn more: https://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2015/12/28/littermate-syndrome.aspx

Dog SHOW or DOG show, that is the question!

A recent article in the canine chronicle addresses the ever changing landscape that is conformational dog shows. Decades ago, the primary point was to evaluate the actual structure of the dogs at the show, not their ability to “show” off, per se. While I was not familiar with dog shows decades ago being fairly new to the sport, I do find this concept to be an important one given the instinctual guardian nature of the Corso. We have moved into putting on a show for the sake of being placed first but really this should be a rugged, reserved breed that should be more comfortable being in charge rather than paraded around in circles.

I do think conformational shows are important, but so too is understanding the natural instincts of the dogs we are handling and treat them accordingly. Additionally, we need to not lose sight of the fact that there are other ways to measure the value and worth of a dog than just the conformational ring. Corsos are a utilitarian breed that should be able to work in a variety of settings with a willingness to work for their handler. Being conformationally correct is important, but so too is proper temperament and the physical and mental ability to work and perform in a wide range of tasks!

Link to the original article in the canine chronicle: DOG show or dog SHOW!

Canine Brucellosis On the Rise

A good article from AKC on the less well known topic of Canine Brucellosis!

“Starting at the beginning, canine brucellosis is caused by a bacteria called Brucella Canis. There are other strains of brucellosis that affect ruminants such as cattle, sheep, and goats. Most of the recent cases of brucellosis in dogs are canine in origin. But brucellosis can affect other canines, such as fox and coyotes in our wildlife population. Like Brucella abortus, the cattle version of brucellosis, which has been harbored in the wildlife populations of bison and buffalo in the Great Plains states, it may be difficult to eradicate because of this wildlife population reservoir. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be vigilant.”

Click HERE to read the entire article! 



Service Dog vs Therapy Dog vs ESA: What is the difference?

The AKC has published a nice review of the differences between service dogs and other support animals. It is important to remember, service dogs serve a very specific need and are trained to do tasks that help someone live a fairly normal life. You should never misrepresent your dog as a service dog to receive special accommodations! Click on the link below for more details!

AKC Service Dog Link

Bloat in Dogs

Bloat is a very serious health risk for many dogs, yet many dog owners know very little about it. According to the links below, it is the second leading killer of dogs, after cancer.  It is frequently reported that deep-chested dogs, such as German Shepherds, Great Danes, and Dobermans are particularly at risk.  This page provides links to information on bloat and summarizes some of the key points we found in the sites we researched.  Although we have summarized information we found about possible symptoms, causes, methods of prevention, and breeds at risk, we cannot attest to the accuracy. Please consult with your veterinarian for medical information.   

If you believe your dog is experiencing bloat, please get your dog to a veterinarian immediately!  Bloat can kill in less than an hour, so time is of the essence.  Call your vet to alert them you're on your way with a suspected bloat case.  Better to be safe than sorry!

 

The technical name for bloat is "Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus" ("GDV").  Bloating of the stomach is often related to swallowed air (although food and fluid can also be present).  It usually happens when there's an abnormal accumulation of air, fluid, and/or foam in the stomach ("gastric dilatation").    Stress can be a significant contributing factor also.  Bloat can occur with or without "volvulus" (twisting).  As the stomach swells, it may rotate 90� to 360�, twisting between its fixed attachments at the esophagus (food tube) and at the duodenum (the upper intestine).  The twisting stomach traps air, food, and water in the stomach.  The bloated stomach obstructs veins in the abdomen, leading to low blood pressure, shock, and damage to internal organs.  The combined effect can quickly kill a dog.

Be prepared!  Know in advance what you would do if your dog bloated.

If your regular vet doesn't have 24-hour emergency service, know which nearby vet you would use.  Keep the phone number handy. Always keep a product with simethicone on hand (e.g., Mylanta Gas (not regular Mylanta), Gas-X, etc.) in case your dog has gas.  If you can reduce or slow the gas, you've probably bought yourself a little more time to get to a vet if your dog is bloating.

This information is not intended to replace advice or guidance from veterinarians or other pet care professionals.  It is simply being shared as an aid to assist you with your own research on this very serious problem.

For symptoms, causes, & prevention, please visit the title link for more information! This is a serious condition everyone with dogs should familiarize themselves with!

Veterinarians Suicide Reflects Quiet Professional Crisis

Be good to your veterinarian... their profession is honestly more difficult than most.  I sincerely respect all the fantastic veterinarians I have worked with in my life.  To each of them, I say thank you for doing what you do.  I couldn’t do what I do, if I wasn’t able to rely on you.  Compassion is both a gift and a curse, no matter the profession, and especially in health care professionals. 

But I don’t need a show dog!

Why do people recommend choosing a breeder who shows and titles their dogs to folks who are just looking for a pet and have no interest in showing? Why should breeding to breed standard be important to a pet home? Does it seem excessive, or “snobby”?

Not every dog in a well-bred litter is going to be show quality- there will ALWAYS be pet-quality puppies. Well-bred, but maybe with a slight imperfection, and those are the puppies placed in pet homes. You don’t have to want a show-quality puppy to get a well-bred puppy!

Here’s the bottom line.... every day, Corso rescues are seeing more and more aggressive Corsos. Corsos in pain because they were poorly bred. Corsos requiring extensive vet care, expensive surgery. People having to remand their dogs to breed rescue because they can’t manage the dog, fear the dog, or found out the dog needs costly vet care they can’t afford.

This is not about being snobby, being elitist, thinking that one dog is “better” than another, it’s about ensuring you get a puppy that acts and looks like the breed you fell in love with. It’s about ensuring that all Newf puppies have the best start in life, and will grow into a loving family member. It’s about loving our breed enough to want to see everything that’s good about them preserved for future generations to enjoy. If you want a healthy dog, with a properly temperament, choose your breeder wisely.

An argument for ethical dog breeding

 “I rescued him.” How many times has a dog owner said these words to you? These days people feel very confident that the only way they should obtain a dog is to rescue one. A person who is concerned with maintaining the moral high ground would never buy a pup from a breeder, because the word “breeder” is synonymous with puppy mill, right? We know to adopt and never to shop.

And how many times have you heard a person explain away their dog’s behavior issues with the phrase “He was abused by a previous owner.” They often have a story at the ready about how the dog hates men because their abuser was male, or how he is afraid of, say, flip flops because his abuser wore flip flops. How often do you think that is completely speculative? Is it very likely that a person brought the dog into the shelter and said “I am surrendering this dog after abusing him while wearing flip flops”?

These are just assumptions made by people, because they fit a preferable narrative. It feels downright heroic to think you rescued a dog from abuse, whereas it’s panic inducing to think that the dog is simply untrained and it’s your responsibility to change that. But really, which of the two scenarios is more likely to be true?

While rescuing is certainly admirable and valid, I chose not to do so for the reasons listed above, and also because I have young children. I wanted to have the very best chance at predicting the dog’s health and behavior. I wanted to have a first-hand view of the dog’s early experiences and be able to address any behavior issues as they arose.