Dog Blog
Musings
AKC strongly advises that all judges should ask the exhibitor to show the bite/open the mouth when conducting oral exams.
It is a shame that our international wolfhound judges having an extreme obsession with dentition are not versed in or with AKC's The Rules, Policies, and Guidelines for Conformation Dog Show Judges. The handbook states, "Study of the approved breed standard will define the proper oral exam for that breed." Note that the current IWCA Breed standard does not denote bite......
Many of us have just returned from the Irish Wolfhound Club of America National Specialty and should be aware of this recent warning from AKC on May 25, 2017, about a Canine Influenza outbreak in Georgia and Florida. Keep in mind that there were exhibits in attendance from these areas and though I am not aware of any hounds that were ill; remember that dogs may shed the virus without displaying symptoms. So, be alert if you have returned from the National Specialty.
“We have received notice of confirmed cases of canine influenza in dogs that were at events in Georgia and Florida over the past 7-14 days. Please monitor your dogs closely. As you know, the virus has an incubation period of 2-5 days and dogs may be shedding the virus while showing no signs. Dogs with fevers, poor appetites, coughing, sneezing, runny eyes/noses should NOT be exposed to other dogs or people. If your dog is ill or exhibiting symptoms, the best option is to seek veterinary attention and refrain from bringing the dog out in public until they are medically cleared by your veterinarian. ”
For more detailed information on canine influenza, please view this article.
