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Labs are still the top dog!
A Tale of the Tail
New Kennel Club litter limits
Merry Christmas!
Labs are still the top dog!
The Kennel Club have recently released some information on registrations of different breeds of dogs in the UK. They report an increase in registrations of more unusual, foreign breeds such as the Beauceron and Mexican Hairless, as well as the smaller breeds, such as the Coton de Tulear and Smooth Coat Chihuahua, which appears to have coincided with their popularity with celebrities.
However the popularity of some breeds of dogs are in decline. For example, the Old English Sheepdog was once a popular breed in the UK, but registrations have shown a 33% decrease over the past 10 years. Other British breeds, such as the Cardigan Welsh Corgi, have also been in decline over the years but more recently, they have become more popular again. This increase in registrations of British breeds bucks the general trend as overall Kennel Club registrations so far this year are down by 5%.
From the hundreds of different breeds of dog registered with the Kennel Club in the UK each year, the Labrador Retriever is still by far the most popular, having increased by 6% over the past ten years, with registrations in 2010 reaching over 44,000. So far this year however, there has been a decline of 10%. Despite this, Labradors are still the firm favourite in the UK so we certainly love our Labs!
For more information on the changes in UK Kennel Club registrations, please visit: http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/item/4023/23/5/3
All photos courtesy of The Kennel Club Picture Library (c)
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A Tale of the Tail
Labradors can be affected by a condition called “limber tail”, “cold tail” or “water tail”. The condition is rare, but seen in working dogs such as Labrador Retrievers, Flat Coat Retrievers and English Pointers. The condition presents itself with the tail “hanging down” from the tail base or held out horizontally for up to 10cm before hanging down flaccidly. The tail may be painful if palpated. Dogs usually recover their normal tail posture and function over a period of days or weeks. The condition recurs in less than half of dogs. Often the condition is preceded by period of prolonged cage transport, a hard workout, exposure to cold or wet weather, or a period of swimming.
In a study reviewing injuries in working Labrador Retrievers in the UK in 2005/2006 and 2006/2007, three cases were reported in six hundred and sixteen dogs. The exact cause of the condition is unknown, but it is characterised by damage to the muscles of the tail. At present, the benefits of any specific treatment are unknown, but there is some suggestion that early administration of anti-inflammatory treatment may be of benefit.
Many thanks to Woodhaven Labradors for the use of their image
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New Kennel Club litter limits
If you are planning to breed from your dog, you may be interested in the new litter limits the Kennel Club are bringing into effect from 1st January 2012. From this date, the maximum number of litters the Kennel Club will register from any individual bitch is four; two litters less than the previous limit six. The new litter limit was recommended by the Kennel Club General Committee’s Dog Health Group following concerns from breeders that the current limit of six could have a negative affect on the welfare of breeding bitches. The Kennel Club will only register more than four litters from any one bitch if there is a valid reason, and applications will be assessed on case by case basis.
Also from 1st January 2012, the Kennel Club will no longer register puppies if their dam has already had two caesarean sections. The only exception to this rule would be if there were scientifically proven welfare grounds for a caesarean section, and the application is made prior to mating. Breeders are asked to inform the Kennel Club of any previous caesarean sections, and must sign a declaration when registering a litter. The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, British Veterinary Association, and British Small Animal Veterinary Association have agreed that their veterinary members should also inform the Kennel Club of any caesarean sections they perform.
For more information, please visit: http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/cgi-bin/item.cgi?id=3426&d=pg_dtl_art_news&h=242&f=0 and http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/cgi-bin/item.cgi?id=3428&d=pg_dtl_art_news&h=242&f=0
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Merry Christmas!
With the festive season upon us and changes at home such as Christmas decorations, extra visitors, food and gifts, you may wish to view our previous article on keeping your dog safe at Christmas time: http://www.dogslife.ac.uk/newsletter/view/5#xmas
Dogslife would like to wish everyone a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year!
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There will be another prize draw at the end of December so don't forget to come back to Dogslife (www.dogslife.ac.uk) and update your dog's record to be in with the best chance of winning!
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