The Alpenhorn Fall 2023 by Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America

FALL 2023

HEALTH / BREEDING

THE ALPENHORN THE OFFICIAL PUBLIC ATION OF THE BE RNE SE MOUNTAIN DOG CLUB OF AME RIC A

Ferguson BG# 154054

MBIS RBIS NBOSS MBISS GCHG BernerGarden's Look to the Stars CD NDD THD BN RE CGCA CGCU TKN BMDCA Versatility Dog BMDCA Active Dog Award

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WELCOME

NEW BMDCA MEMBERS

Editor-in-Chief

By Andrea Bracikowski, Membership Applications Chair

Advertising Sales and Design

NEW MEMBERS APPROVED

Lara Usilton

Beth Schmoyer

Production and Subscription Manager Kim Caronia

Editorial Assistants

Andrea Bracikowski Tina Brooks Adrienne Lee Melissa Olson

Beth Brookhouse Robin Hamme Joye Neff Suzy Weibel

Business Manager Joye Neff

Content Team

Dee McDuffee, Content Manager Stephanie Biksacky Mary-Ann Bowman, Ph.D. Jennifer Brightbill Robin Hamme Debra Jones Renee Meriaux Kim McIntyre Ruth Nielsen Georgeann Reeve Stacy Slade Susan Van Ocker Helen Davenport-Willis

Contributing Photographers

Andrea Stefanac Julie Bacon Annie McDannold/ Laura Holck Clicking to Capture Laura Strasser Balázs Horváth Lisa Johnson Beth Schmoyer Lisa Kaufman Bex Munson Maurizio Mauro Bob Gabriel Mike Bann Cristina Filippin Nancy Melone Dino Candelaria Point Photography Dustin Schaefer Rich Knecht Emily English Sheri Wright Gene Hamme Simone Luca Joann Tuan Steve Loscheider Jovita Piskunoviene

Magazine Design Michael Pineda

Printer

Barbara Kloss Bellingham, WA Melanie D. McDaniel New Albany, IN

Jaclyn Lewis Bozeman, MT Kyra DeHart Battle Ground, WA

Tracy Jordan Blue Mound, KS

Kim J. Spann Williams, OR

Joanna Walker Anchorage, AK

Deborah A. Davis Moville, IA

Debi and David McBee Gilbert, AZ

Kathleen E. Perry Hershey, PA

Ann Marie Walser Schmid Ridgeville, SC

Kris Cassar Interlaken, NY

Taylor Frommeyer Maineville, OH

Correction to HIT Rally Results from the Summer Issue Please note that we printed an error in the obedience trial results in the summer issue. Kalamity’s Terresistible (Terrie) was the high scoring BMD for both Rally trial #1 and trial #2 and she earned high combined BMD award. Terrie was also the youngest BMD in trial both days. She is owned by Diane Jones. The second highest scoring BMD in trial #1 was Buster, owned by Bill Baran. We apologize for the error.

Modern Litho, Jefferson City, MO All content herein reflects the views of the authors or committees who prepared it and does not necessarily represent the official position of the BMDCA, the Editors, or staff. Publication of advertising does not imply endorsement by the BMDCA or the Editors. Neither the BMDCA nor its committees nor the individual authors make any warranties, expressed or implied, nor representations of correctness of any content including, but not limited to, methods of diagnosis or recommendations of treatment. None of the articles or information provided is in any way a substitute for appropriate professional veterinary medical care and treatment for your dog. The Editors reserve the right to edit or refuse material. The Alpenhorn publishing decisions are subject to the discretion of The Alpenhorn staff and BMDCA Board. We do not accept anonymous editorial or advertising submissions. No portion of the magazine may be reprinted without prior written permission of the Editors and proper credit to The Alpenhorn.

BG# 178671. Photo by Clicking to Capture.

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This issue’s editorial column features a guest editorial by past editor and BMDCA lifetime member, Robin Hamme.

Mirror, Mirror, On The Wall… BY ROBIN HAMME

The problem is simple. The demand for Bernese Mountain Dogs is greater than the supply. This gap further widens when seeking carefully bred dogs by responsible, knowledgeable breeders. The ever-growing popularity of the breed exacerbates the situation. The wonderful qualities of the Bernese Mountain Dog could, in fact, threaten its well-being. We need to look squarely in the mirror and ask, “What can we do better or differently to protect and advance the welfare of this wonderful breed?” I believe that we deserve high marks for breed information and education. Through the BMDCA and the Berner-Garde Foundation, our commitment to and leadership in “all things health” are outstanding. Showcasing and celebrating the breed’s heritage has contributed significantly to its preservation. Rescue, with all of its heart and soul, works tirelessly to save and improve lives. The BMDCA understands the strategic significance of new member cultivation given the implications of our aging membership and challenges facing the breed. Member communication and education are skillfully and timely addressed through The Alpenhorn, BMDCA Bulletin and Ecomm. Our tools for the public – the BMDCA website, Berner University, Breed Ambassador Program, the BMDCA info series, links with regional clubs – are geared towards supporting the fancy and those interested in the breed. Two areas I believe need bolstering are breeder education and the online breeder directory — easy for me to say but challenging to do. So what is missing? What must we do better?

Looking in the mirror, we need to reflect on the time we decided this was the breed for us and the challenges, frustrations and disappointments we may have encountered in getting our first puppy. We need to remember the humbling experiences we had as newbies and our trepidations when trying to break into, and feeling welcomed by, the Berner community. We need to recall how little we knew then versus what we’ve learned over time. It’s important to remember the kindnesses that were extended to us and grasp how much they might have propelled us forward. Likewise, it’s critical to remember the hurts we felt and how they affected our journey. I’ve spent well over two decades immersed in breed education and public relations support to those interested in the breed and seeking puppies. Help requests also come from new dog/puppy owners, those who want to be breeders, and those trying to find breed connections and resources closer to home. Frankly, I’m seeing some disturbing trends when trying to help these people who have taken the time to contact the BMDCA, utilize its resources and be responsible buyers and owners. When these folks are trying to network, often one of two things happen. Either they don’t get any response (the silence is deafening) or sometimes the response they get is extremely off-putting or even hurtful (in essence “prove to me that you’re worthy of my time and being considered for a puppy”). I get

Two areas I believe need bolstering are breeder education and the online breeder directory.

Our spring issue is always about one of our favorite subjects—puppies! We’d love to have your

CALL FOR best goofy Berner puppy pic to feature in the magazine. Please forward your image along with the name and Berner-Garde number and photo credit to TheAlpenhornEIC@outlook.com or CONTENT! dog’s littleberner@me.com. Be sure to provide the names of any bi-peds which may also appear in the image!

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If we don’t interact with puppy buyers and those seeking assistance in a more positive and helpful manner, I believe there are huge, negative ramifications. it — we’re all busy. But a kind reply (perhaps just a form response with customization only as necessary) would mean so much to the recipient. These comments apply to breeders — who I know are overwhelmed with inquiries — and to others who are resources in the networking, learning and trying to belong process. If we don’t interact with puppy buyers and those seeking assistance in a more positive and helpful manner, I believe there are huge, negative ramifications. One puppy buyer I was helping as a breed ambassador became so discouraged, disillusioned and rebuffed that this individual almost concluded that the only two options left were to (1) buy a purebred puppy from a questionable source, or (2) buy a more expensive “Bernedoodle” so at least part of the dream of owning a Berner could come true. That broke and sickened my heart, but the dilemma was real. In this case, the story had a happy ending. After searching for almost a year, this person now has a beautiful, well-bred Berner who is the center of this puppy buyer’s universe. Additionally, introductions were made, and this new owner was connected with and welcomed by a nearby, experienced BMDCA member who has become a mentor and friend. The BMDCA member shared with me that it’s all about paying it forward as thanks for the kindnesses extended to her. The final piece to this story is the new owner is now a member of the BMDCA! So, mirror, mirror, on the wall, who are the fairest of them all? The fairest are those who have

empathy, take time to connect, offer help and encouragement, become mentors and demonstrate regard and compassion for others. They remember all of the goodness and kindness that were extended to them and walk the talk of paying it forward. The eyes of our beloved Berners are the best mirrors of all. Let our behaviors reflect the good nature, love and camaraderie of the Bernese Mountain Dog. About the author: Robin has had Berners since 1993 and joined the BMDCA in 1994. She is a lifetime member, having received the BMDCA Outstanding Service Award in 2014. Robin has held various positions in the BMDCA over the decades, some of which include Vice President, creator and editor/writer of the BMDCA Info Series, Editor-in-Chief of The Alpenhorn, and long-time breed ambassador. Education, health and helping newcomers become a welcomed and knowledgeable part of the fancy are her passions. Robin and her husband, Gene, live in Flat Rock, North Carolilna where much of their lives revolve around Spirit, a Bernese Mountain Dog, and KitKat, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Robin, Spirit (BG# 155331) and KitKat. Photo by Gene Hamme.

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FALL 2023 | VOL 15 | NUMBER 4 | ISSN 1946-2255

IN THIS ISSUE

BG# 78779. Photo by Lisa Kaufman.

FEATURES 16 2023 Stud Dog Showcase

22 2023 Performance Dog Showcase 26 Maintaining Canine Oral Health

By Laura Sasser, DMV, DAVDC

28 BMDCA Info Series

30 Normal Puppy Development Weeks 1-6 Reference Chart

32 Thinking Outside the (Whelping) Box: Learning from Successes and Failures By Nancy Melone, PH.D.

37 Lessons Learned By Other Breeders Who are Willing to Share 38 Tube Feeding Directions

Reprinted with permission of Dr. Marty Greer, Veterinary Village LLC.

39 Canine Herpes Virus: The Now-You-See-It-Now-You-Don't Killer of Neonatal Puppies By Nancy Melone, PH.D.

46 Prevention-Detection-Treatment: An Update on the Fight Against Histiocytic Sarcoma

By The Berner-Garde Foundation

48 Perspectives on Health Testing and the HS Genetic Risk Test Offered by Antagene

By Lisa Kaufman

50 Parker The Snow Dog: Mayor of Georgetown, Colorado By Dustin Schaefer

53 Training Multi-Sport Dogs

By Renee Meriaux, Julie Bacon and Maggie Dalzell

60 The 2023 Canine Health Foundation National Parent Club Canine Health Conference Summary By Pat Long and Joye Neff

64 The First 48 Hours

Sheri Wright and Roary (BG# 149598). Photo by Bob Gabriel.

By Georgeann Reeve, Brightwater/ Blackwater BMD

ESSENTIALS 3 New Members

4 Editor's Corner

10 Junior Spotlight: Getting to Know Raini Johnson

70 BMDCA Regional Club Spotlight: Watchung Bernese Mountain Dog Club

By Dottie Tyson

72 International Spotlight: FCI European Dog Show 2023 By Dee McDuffee

74 Breeding Word Search

76 The Book Berners: The Year of the Puppy By Lori Friedli, MSLIS

80 From the Archives: Why Isn't My Female Pregnant? What Can I Do About It? By Marty Greer DVM, JD

84 HealthBeat: Cancer – May You Never Need the Information By Lisa Kaufman, on behalf of the BMDCA Health Committee

87 New Titles

Compiled by Nicole Stonitsch

95 BMDCA Events Calendar

Compiled by Vicky Hall

96 The Alpenhorn Contributors, Advertisers and Subscribers 97 BMDCA Directory

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98 Advertiser Index

ON THE COVER

Ferguson BG# 154054

MBIS RBIS NBOSS MBISS GCHG BernerGarden's Look to the Stars CD NDD THD BN RE CGCA CGCU TKN BMDCA Versatility Dog, BMDCA Active Dog Ferguson’s friends describe him as handsome, sweet, versatile, happy, loving, smart, gentle and amazing. Coleen Carroll, his breeder and co-owner, says that he is a dream come true. Christina Olson, his handler, says Ferguson’s movement is poetry in motion. To Tricia Munter, his co-owner and “mom,” he is simply the best dog she has ever known. Ferguson is loved by everyone he meets and especially by Tricia, Coleen and Christina.

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Spring 2023

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Junior Spotlight Getting to Know Raini Johnson

Raini with newborn. Photo by Lisa Johnson.

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Just remember to always have fun and make sure your dog is also having fun. Tell us a little about yourself. Hi, my name is Raini, and I’m 11. I live in Somerset, Wisconsin with my parents, Lisa and Jeremiah. I have a little sister, Natalie. I also do gymnastics as a sport. I handle most of the dogs I co-own who are Bernergardens Nina Pretty Ballerina, “Nina” (17 months), Bernergardens Hibiscus for Paolo, “Biscuit” (5), and Northforks Does Your Mother Know, “Oskar” (3). I also have two Berners at home who are Northforks Rock’N On and On and On, “Birki” (2) and Abbey Roads Echos the Arrival to Northfork, “Quinn” (9). How did you get started handling dogs? BMDs? I started handling in Pee Wees when I was 8, almost 9 for juniors. I showed one of my aunt’s (Karen Johnson) dogs, Lulu, who is now 5 years old. Then I just fell in love with dog shows and I loved the breed, too. So, I started doing more and more dog shows. Do you handle other breeds too? If so, which ones and why? I have shown one other breed once; it was a puppy Boxer. He was very hyper but very sweet. I got the gig to show while I was taking the girl I was showing to potty. This lady asked me if I would show her Boxer. So, I said yes; overall, showing the Boxer was such a fun experience. What do you love most about handling? I love just being with my dogs overall. This experience is a gift that I am thankful for to this very day. What is the most challenging part of handling? To me the most challenging part is staying calm when you're about to enter the ring or if you have a ring conflict like I did at the last show I was at in Duluth. Tell us about your experience in the ring. How do you feel entering the ring? Have there been any moments that really stood out to you? When I enter the ring, I feel a rush and a lot of excitement. I also get nervous, but I think to myself “Just have fun!” Then the nerves go away, and once I am in the ring, I have fun and make sure my dog has fun with me. Do you have a favorite show or event you attend each year? I love to attend the St. Croix Valley show in Lake Elmo, Minnesota, which also hosts our regional specialty for the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of the Greater Twin Cities. St. Croix is one of my favorites because it is the closest specialty to my home, and I have tons of fun seeing all the Berners at this dog show. I also love that they have

Raini and CH Northforks Does Your Mother Know, "Oskar" (BG# 187367). Photo by Steve Loscheider.

veterans because it is so much fun to see the older dogs show, including our 9-year-old. Do you plan to “go pro” or will this remain a fun hobby? I think that even if I go pro, it will still be a fun activity to do when I am older. If this will be a hobby, what would you like to do professionally? I might do it professionally but there is still a lot of time to decide if I will go pro. What are you most proud of in your junior career? When I found out I could qualify for Royal Canin I started to make it a goal this year. So, I finally got the five wins and have the letter, so I might be qualified. Another thing I am proud of is this year's national specialty—I got reserve best junior, which is a huge accomplishment for me. What advice would you give someone who wants to be a junior handler? If you do want to be a junior just remember to always have fun and make sure your dog is also having fun. What is the most important thing that dogs have taught you? They have taught me to have responsibility and to always have fun even if you fail because that can help you in the future. Anything else you’d like our membership to know about you or your experience as a junior? I would like to thank my aunt for showing me this wonderful opportunity or else I wouldn't be showing today. FALL 2023

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Stud Dog SH OWC A SE

2023 Stud Dog Showcase

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Performance Dog SH OWC A SE

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MAINTAINING CANINE

Oral Health BY LAURA SASSER, DVM, DAVDC

ALL IMAGES COURTESY OF DR. LAURA STRASSER

One of the most overlooked yet vital areas of preventative wellness care for your pet is oral health. Maintaining good oral health is one of the most important things we can do to improve the overall health and comfort of our pets. Ideally, this proactive care should begin during puppyhood and continue through all stages of life. This article will discuss common questions and concerns that are crucial to understanding our Berners’ oral health. What diseases of the mouth should Berner owners be aware of/ concerned about? Periodontal disease is one of the most common diseases affecting companion animals today. There is a significant association between periodontal disease and the overall health of our pets. Furthermore, studies have proven a link between the presence of periodontal disease and deleterious changes in the heart and other internal organs in dogs. This is the result of the release of bacteria and inflammatory mediators from inflamed periodontal tissues that circulate through the blood, causing or worsening other medical conditions. Tooth injuries are also very common, with 20-27% of dogs having some degree of fractured or broken teeth. (Figure 1a and 1b). Gum enlargements or gingival hyperplasia (Figure 2a and 2b) and oral growths can also be a frequent finding in the mouth of Bernese Mountain Dogs. Why is dental health important? Maintaining excellent oral health is by far one of the most important things owners can endeavor, as an unhealthy mouth will result in mouth pain and can lead to infections and diseases in other areas of the body. What is a good dental protocol to follow? Daily dental home care (tooth brushing), appropriate diet and chewing behaviors and annual oral evaluations are recommended to maintain oral health.

Figure 1a: The right maxillary 4th premolar has a fracture without pulp exposure. This tooth is also called a carnassial tooth and is easily fractured when chewing on hard objects.

Figure 1b: Diagnostic imaging of the tooth in figure 1a demonstrates bone loss at the root tips due to the infection of the pulp cavity. This tooth is infected and painful and requires treatment.

Figure 2a: This patient has gum enlargements or gingival hyperplasia. The enlarged gum tissues create “pseudopockets” which will lead to periodontal disease.

Aside from brushing what can be done at home to maintain good oral health? By far, daily brushing is the optimal method to aid in plaque prevention, in addition to the many dental diets available that reduce plaque and tartar accumulation. Oral rinses and dental chews can also be introduced into a daily dental hygiene routine. For a current list of proven dental products, visit the veterinary oral health council (www.VOHC.org). What happens if my vet finds a cracked or damaged tooth? Traumatic tooth injury is very common in Berners. There are four types of traumatic tooth injuries: tooth wear, fracture, discolor-

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Figure 2b: The same patient following a radiosurgical gingivectomy procedure to reduce the gum height to normal.

ation and displacement injuries. It is imperative that any damaged tooth be evaluated by a veterinarian trained to evaluate such injuries with dental x-rays. A tooth fracture with pulp exposure will become infected and should be treated either by extraction or root canal, with or without a crown (Figure 3a and b). Even a tooth fracture that does not expose the pulp cavity can become infected. A recent study revealed that 24% of pets that have a superficial fracture (without visible pulp exposure) have a bone infection and it is estimated that 10-20% of abrasively worn teeth have pathology that requires treatment. Examination of the injured tooth, with careful probing under anesthesia, and evaluation of dental x-rays is recommended to direct the best treatment plan. Altering any inappropriate chewing behaviors is also recommended to prevent additional tooth injuries. My dog must have a sedated teeth cleaning. What should I expect? An anesthetized cleaning and evaluation is the gold standard for dental care. This allows for a thorough oral examination, careful probing of the teeth for tooth injuries and periodontal pockets and pain-free scaling above and below the gumline. Additionally, full-mouth digital dental x-rays and any necessary treatments can be performed while maintaining safe anesthesia practices with a cuffed endotracheal tube to maintain the airway. Are there veterinary medical professionals who specialize in dental health? Yes, a board-certified veterinary dentist (diplomate of the AVDC, or American College of Veterinary Dentistry) is a veterinarian who has completed 3-6 years of training (a residency) in advanced oral surgery, medicine and dentistry beyond the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree. What do veterinary dentists do? Veterinary dentists perform advanced imaging (dental x-rays and cone beam CT), identify and treat periodontal diseases, treat frac tured teeth (root canal therapy or surgical extraction therapy), place metal crowns, biopsy and manage oral tumors, repair jaw fractures, correct orthodontic abnormalities and may provide dental and oral surgical services to wildlife and zoo animals.

Figure 3a: The left mandibular canine tooth is fractured with pulp exposure. This tooth is a functionally important tooth that will become infected and is best managed by root canal therapy.

Figure 3b: Diagnostic imaging following root canal therapy of the tooth in Figure 3a. The root canal is cleaned, disinfected, filled with a root canal medication, and restored with a tooth color filling.

and biopsies of growths. However, consultation with a boarded veterinary dentist would be necessary when managing oromaxillofacial traumas, orthodontic procedures, root canals, tumor resections, crown therapies and some difficult extractions. How do I find a boarded veterinary dentist in my area? Visit the American College of Veterinary Dentistry (www.avdc.org) for more information about oral health and to find a veterinary dental specialist in your area.

Periodontal disease is one of the most common diseases affecting companion animals today.

What procedures can be done by my “regular” vet and what requires a specialist? Generally, your primary care veterinarian can perform dental cleanings and evaluations of the head, teeth, muzzle, tongue and oral cavity. Dental radiographs to evaluate the periodontal health, teeth and the bones surrounding the teeth are imperative when doing a thorough oral evaluation. In addition, many family veterinarians can perform local anesthetics with extractions

About the author: Laura Sasser, DVM, DAVDC is a veterinary dental specialist at the Veterinary Dental Center in the Chicago suburb of Aurora, IL. Sh e has authored journal public ations in the Journal of Veterinary Dentistry and the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. Laura has spoken nationally on a variety of topics related to oral health. She enjoys all aspects of veterinary dentistry and strives to improve the lives of companion animals. Dr. Sasser is passionate about educating pet owners and veterinarians about the importance of oral health and its relationship to the overall health in veterinary patients. FALL 2023

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BMDCA INFO S E R I E S

Ocean (BG# 80235). Photo by Lisa Kaufman.

In 2002, at the National Specialty held in Wheeling, West Virginia, the BMDCA Info Series was unveiled. At that time, there were 15 info sheets, all of which remain in existence today. Over the next 20+ years the BMDCA Info Series has grown to include 29 info sheets, the most recent topic being BMDCA Awards Program, which follows this numerical index.

BMDCA website for breed information / education, potential puppy owners who are researching the breed and owners who are interested in exploring ideas for enriching their lives with their Berners. We hope this index will be a handy reference to the wide array of topics covered by the BMDCA Info Series. All Info Series sheets can be found at the BMDCA website.

The series is widely used by many segments of the fancy including breeders who provide selected info sheets to their puppy buyers, regional clubs that link to the

Questions or suggestions should be directed to Robin Hamme at robinhamme@aol.com.

Info Sheets #1 – About Bernese Mountain Dogs #2 – The Versatile Bernese Mountain Dog #3 – FAQs About Bernese Mountain Dogs #4 – Health Issues in Bernese Mountain Dogs #5 – A BMD Puppy’s First Year #6 – Bernese Mountain Dogs & Tracking #7 – Bernese Mountain Dogs & Obedience #8 – Bernese Mountain Dogs & Herding #9 – Bernese Mountain Dogs & Draft Work #10 – Bernese Mountain Dogs & Agility #11 – BMDCA, Regional Clubs, Resources & More #12 – Tips on Buying a Bernese Mountain Dog #13 – Bernese Mountain Dogs & Grooming / Hygiene #14 – Bernese Mountain Dogs & Geriatric Care #15 – BMD Rescue & Re-home #16 – Sources of Health Information for BMDs #17 – BMDs & Conformation, Owner-Handler, & Juniors #18 – Bernese Mountain Dogs & Therapy Work #19 – Bernese Mountain Dogs & End-of-Life Care #20 – BMDs & Responsible Breeding #21 – Learning About BMDs Through Berner-Garde #22 – Thoughts About BMD Puppy Training & Beyond #23 – Working with BMDCA & BGF for the Breed’s Welfare #24 – Bernese Mountain Dogs & Scent Work #25 – Juniors, Dog Sports, Getting Started, & Resources #26 – Bernese Mountain Dogs & Rally #27 – Bernese Mountain Dogs & AKC Trick Dog Program #28 – Bernese Mountain Dogs & Fast CAT #29 – BMDCA Awards Program 28

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Zsa Zsa (BG# 110162). Photo by Lisa Kaufman.

Kaya (BG# 79386). Photo by Lisa Kaufman.

Dechlen (BG# 84535). Photo by Lisa Kaufman.

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NORMAL PUPPY DEVELOPMENT

Weeks 1-6

REFERENCE CHART

Puppy development chart courtesy of Dr. Marty Greer, JD. Dr. Marty Greer received her Bachelor of Science in 1978, her DVM in 1981 from Iowa State University and her JD in 2010 from Marquette Law School. From the start of her veterinary career in Wisconsin she has loved working with breeders. She loves what she has learned from them and the joy of bringing new life into the world. She is the board chair for National Animal Interest Alliance and is or has served on the boards of the Society for Theriogenology, The American Veterinary Medical Law Association, The Society for Veterinary Medical Ethics, the Wisconsin Veterinary Examining Board and the AVMA and WVMA committees. She has published two books, “Canine Reproduction and Neonatology” for veterinarians, veterinary staff and breeders, and “Your Pandemic Puppy” to help new pet owners keep their puppies for a lifetime.

What is normal?

Week 1

Temperature, rectal

96 - 98 o F

Ambient Temperature

75 to 80o F

Heart Rate & Blood Pressure

200 to 240 beats per min; systolic blood pressure 61 mm Hg

Blood Volume

75 ml/kg

Respiratory Rate

15 to 35 per min

Mucus Membranes Color/ CRT Urine Color

Pink to hyperemic if recently nursed

Very pale yellow, <1.020 May lose up to 10% in the first 3 days.

Weight

Birth weight: Toys 100-200 gms; Large 400-500 gms; Giant 700 gms Sleeps & eats 90% of time, twitch while

Activity

sleeping. Movement is a crawl.

Attitude

Quiet, cry infrequently.

Body Tone & Reflexes

Vision and Hearing

Teeth

Flexor dominance for 1st 4 days, then extensor. Righting, rooting, weak withdrawal. No vision but blink with bright light. Limited hearing. None Assure pups are nursing, supplement if

Breeder’s Interaction

necessary. Once to twice daily take and record temp, weight, urine & stool character. Start Early Neurologic Stimulation day 3-16 Assess & treat if not thriving, taildocks

Veterinary Care

and dewclaws prior to 5th day if appropriate for breed.

Nursing only

Food and Water

If supplementing, 60 ml/lb/24 hours divided by 12, fed every 2 hours.

BG# 190014. Photo by Beth Schmoyer.

Week 2

Weeks 3-4

Weeks 5-6

96-99o F

100o F

100 - 101o F

70 to 80o F

70 to 75o F

65 to 75o F

200 to 240 beats per min, sinus rhythm

160 to 200 beats per min, sinus rhythm; systolic blood pressure: 139 mm Hg

Varies with breed

15 to 35 per min

15 to 25 per min

Pink/1 second

Very pale yellow, <1.020

Pale yellow

Pale to moderate yellow

Gaining 5 to 10% daily, many double birth

weight by day 10. Calculate weight gain of 2 -4 gm/day/kg anticipated adult weight Sleeps & eats 90% of time, twitch while

sleeping. Begin to support themselves on their forelegs.

Calculate weight gain of 2 -4 gm/day/kg anticipated adult weight.

Beginning to stand and walk by day 21. Start to play when eyes open. Can sit.

Quiet

Quiet, more active

Extensor dominance, righting, rooting,

Approaching normal for adult. Suckling

None to limited vision and hearing,

Vision blurry, Pupillary light reflex present

hearing, waxy discharge.

respond to sound. Startle reflex develops.

crossed extensor. Withdrawal developing.

menace present but slow initially. Limited

None Assure pups are nursing, supplement if necessary. Daily temp take and record,

weight, urine & stool character. Continue Early Neurologic Stimulation day 3-16

reflex & crossed extensor disappears.

begin to explore environment, mouthing. Normal postural reflexes.

Start to develop “personalities”

Normal adult

Deciduous premolars erupt

Continue to assure pups are thriving,

of toys, surfaces.

human interaction for socialization

begin to enrich environment by variation

birth.

divided by 8, fed every 3 hours.

Walking, climbing, playing, may bark,

Deciduous incisors & canine erupt

birth.

If supplementing, 70 ml/lb/24 hours

breed at faster rate than small breeds.

Approaching full vision and hearing

Assess & treat if not thriving. Dispense

Nursing only

anticipated adult weight. Giant and large

within 24 hours of eyelids opening,

Assess & treat if not thriving. Dispense

pyrantel pamoate to use on day 14 after

Calculate weight gain of 1 -4 gm/day/kg

pyrantel pamoate to use on day 28 after

continue to enrich environment. Lots of

Veterinary wellness visit – assess pups for

any abnormalities to allow breeder to sell

pup with full disclosure. First vaccinations

(DAPPv) end of 7th week. Dispense pyrantel pamoate to use on day 42 after birth.

Offer water, then gruel to start weaning. If

Teething. Many pups weaned, on full

by 6, fed every 4 hours.

interaction.

supplementing, 90 ml/lb/24 hours divided

food and water, some still nurse for social

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BG litter number 61359. Photo credit Nancy Melone.

THINKING OUTSIDE THE (WHELPING) BOX: Learning from Successes and Failures BY NANCY MELONE, PH.D.

THORNCREEK BMDS, AKC REG’D. EENDENKOI KOOIKERS

Recently, a young breeder asked me to identify the most important lessons I had learned in my breeding career. I thought for a moment and then several things came to mind. For me, like many young breeders starting out, the experience of breeding dogs introduced me to both the wonder and the fragility of life. It gave me real-life examples of risk, uncertainty and the challenges in managing both—practically and emotionally. Unlike most young breeders, I taught these decision science subjects at the university level, but the experience of breeding dogs gave me a steady stream of real-life examples and an opportunity to both put in practice and translate the theoretical concepts that I had learned and taught into practical decision-making advice for breeders. Strategies for Making Hard Decisions In breeding dogs, we confront things we may not want to confront about life and death, often earlier than we want to confront them. These were the kinds of decisions that as a young person I had never made. Yes, as a child, I had lost my old dogs, but they had all had good, long lives. In contrast, I had no experience making life and death decisions at the beginning of a puppy’s life. My first intro32

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duction was a male puppy born with a cleft palate. I have had only one cleft palate neonate in my life as a breeder, but I knew even as a novice breeder it might happen, and I needed to have a decision strategy in place for various contingencies that might confront me. As such I had decided a priori that I would not resuscitate a puppy with a full cleft palate but that I would consider resuscitating a pup with a minor cleft lip. According to my decision rule, I did not resuscitate the one cleft palate puppy that I had. Situations involving these life and death decisions probably have no right or wrong answer. Different people will likely make different decisions. My point here is that one should decide how to handle such difficult decisions BEFORE being faced with them to ensure that the decision is based on a rational thought process and not the emotion of a tragic moment. Your vet will thank you, and while you will still feel pain, you will feel more confident about the soundness of your decision. Scary or Tragic Moments are Opportunities to Learn: Make the Most of Them Every tragedy can be an opportunity for learning. Learning from tragedy and writing about it helps me personally work through my own emotions and grief.

From this cleft palate experience I learned through my reading that giving folic acid prior to breeding a bitch and during the pregnancy may reduce the incidence of these midline facial defects. My breeding bitches all get folic acid now, and while I cannot attribute never having had another cleft palate puppy to only the folic acid, it may have contributed to it.

naturally at home by my grand champion Bente. Stella was the last pup to arrive — after I incorrectly thought the last pup had already been delivered based on the fetal X-ray count. (Another lesson is fetal X-rays can and often do under-count the total number of pups to expect, so watch your bitch after you think she has delivered her last pup.)

Looking backward, I can think of two categories of lessons that were most significant for me in my journey to become a better breeder:

It was 3 a.m. (everything happens then). We were all tired. I had taken Bente out for a duty walk before we crashed. She barely came inside before out popped Stella — blue-gray and lifeless. I know now that she was a 0 on the Neonatal Viability Scoring System, a system I knew nothing about at the time. We went through the normal ritual of clearing the mouth and nose, rubbing vigorously with a warm dry towel, suctioning the nose and mouth, rubbing vigorously again, suctioning again, etc. Nothing was working and my friends looked at me to make the final pronouncement.

Lessons about techniques that I found most useful (i.e., how to tube feed neonates and the Renz Hong or Jen Chung acupuncture-point stimulation technique for neonate resuscitation); and Experiences that caused me to appreciate life, death and my own knowledge or lack of it (i.e., experiencing the loss of a litter to canine herpes virus).

Often emergencies force us out of necessity to learn things we did not know how to do. When I had a large

Then I remembered a breeder seminar taught by Dr. Greer I had attended at my first BMDCA National Specialty in (I think) 2000 in which everyone received a

One should decide how to handle such difficult decisions BEFORE being faced with them to ensure that the decision is based on a rational thought process and not the emotion of a tragic moment. c-sectioned litter and mom had no milk for several days, I taught myself how to tube feed in the wee hours of the morning. I had a notebook labeled “important stuff” in which I had put a handout by Marty Greer D.V.M., J.D., a stranger to me then, but now a good friend, on how to tube feed. Fortunately, my reproduction veterinarian in Ohio, who was also a Shar-pei breeder, had sent me home to Pennsylvania with a feeding tube and supplies after she had given colostrum to my litter. I have been given permission by Dr. Greer to reproduce these instructions here. They might save your pups like they saved mine. The second important lesson was learning an acupuncture technique that saved what turned out to be two of my best bitches when as neonates they refused to breathe. ThornCreeks Arwen Evenstar (Stella) was a pup from my first ThornCreek litter (Lord of the Rings). She was part of a larger litter that was delivered

25-gauge needle and a few words on a new acupuncture technique for resuscitation of cyanotic neonates. I had not bred anything other than Siamese cats at that time (nor was I thinking of breeding) and so when I got home, I tossed my needle in my kitchen junk drawer. I forgot about it . . . until 2011. I told my friends that before we gave up I wanted to try one more thing. I ran to the kitchen, dug through the drawer and found the needle, and ran back to the bedroom. I grabbed the blue neonate, placed the needle into her nasal philtrum and rotated it clockwise once the needle contacted the underlying maxillary bone. The pup took her first breath and began to pink up.

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A breeder can sometimes know more about breeding-related illnesses than a general practice or ER vet. During this CHV experience I learned that a breeder can sometimes know more about breeding-related illnesses than a general practice or ER vet. The young ER vet who saw me (several times as I brought one puppy after another in for euthanasia) dismissed my diagnosis of CHV and instead insisted the pups had parvo. I told her that was not likely given the data. She persisted in saying I was wrong and insisted that she was right. Emotionally and physically exhausted, I gave up. Finally, after the euthanasia of puppies #6 and #7, I insisted on necropsies of the last two neonates at a well-respected vet school. (It should be mentioned that most general practice vets could probably confirm this diagnosis through a local necropsy as there are obvious tell-tale signs on the liver.) Breeding is expensive. Consider the cost before you make the decision to whelp a litter. (BG litter number 61359). Photo by Nancy Melone.

I kept this pup, Stella, ThornCreeks Arwen Evenstar. She hated showing but produced several nice litters for me and in 2021 she crossed the rainbow bridge at almost 11 years old. My GCHS ThornCreeks Jane Austen, (Maggie May), born naturally from my GCH Bente, was also saved with the Jen Chung acupuncture point stimulation technique. Maggie is currently alive at over 11-1/2 years old. Learning from Loss and Grief: The Devastation of Canine Herpes Virus Perhaps my most memorable lesson was when I had to euthanize an entire litter of seven neonate puppies who caught canine herpes virus (CHV) from their mother, Stella, who caught it during a necessary stay for a c-section at the repro vet in another state. We discovered during her surgical insemination that Stella had a stricture (a scar from a previous c-section) in one of her uterine horns that would have prevented a natural delivery from that horn. I live two and a half hours away from my nearest repro vet and our local ER vets do not always see the urgency of an emergency c-section—you can’t wait your turn. Ironically, I had delivered another litter at home at roughly the same time that survived because that mother, Maggie May, had been exposed to CHV at Westminster, well before her breeding and pregnancy. In retrospect, Maggie May catching CHV and her subsequent acquired immunity saved my second large litter. 34

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The young vet never called me about the necropsy results, nor did she send me copies of the results. (This is professionally unacceptable according to my general practice veterinarian.) When I finally reached her several weeks later, she told me the results – positive for CHV, negative for parvo. Then she added that her pathologist vet student friend at the famous vet school told her that breeders should retire any CHV-recovered bitch or dog from any future breeding. By that time, I had read everything I could find on CHV, research studies as well as the practical veterinary and breeder literature. I had also talked with every repro vet I knew and even some I didn’t. CHV is ubiquitous. Close to 60-70% of our show dogs have likely had CHV and recovered with some immunity. A dog is never “cured” of CHV, but once the dog recovers, a healthy immune system holds it at bay. The virus is said to go dormant and, yes, there is a very, very small chance that the virus could resurface during the last three weeks of a bitch’s pregnancy and the first three weeks after parturition, but this is not likely. If the bitch is healthy, isolated from other dogs three weeks before and after parturition, and not stressed, it is even less likely. I pointed this out to the young ER vet, adding that if breeders retired all their show dogs who had recovered from CHV from further breeding, we would have virtually nothing left to breed, our inbreeding coefficients would skyrocket, fertility and life spans would go down, new diseases would likely surface, and there would be no health-tested purebred puppies for people who wanted them. To my utter amazement, she responded that

she would be “very happy” if there were no purebred dog breeders because there were “plenty of rescues to adopt.” I briefly considered mentioning the dangers of economically rewarding bad breeder behaviors. Instead, I emphasized the positive behaviors of responsible breeders saying, “Breed clubs and responsible AKC breeders try their best to follow veterinary advice, they do health testing of their breeding stock, they support economically and with data many veterinary research studies that help not just purebreds, but also mixed breeds and rescues, and they also provide veterinary school student scholarships. Puppy millers and back yard breeders do none of that, yet they keep on breeding dogs that are abandoned, abused or must be rescued. Young veterinarians should think deeply about these differences.” In describing the above encounter, it is important to remember that veterinarians deal with different types of breeders. Some are great people with all the right intentions. Others have different motivations for breeding dogs. There must be mutual respect, and both the breeder and veterinarian must work together to

Many people think only about what they believe to be a fun and glory-filled hobby that will make them famous and generate some money. They don’t save to be prepared financially in the event of an emergency. They have no plan for the puppies that they cannot sell. The current trend seems to be to run to “Go Fund Me” expecting the public to pay for their sick animals. Caring for our animals financially when they are well or ill is part of being a responsible breeder. No one wants to talk about money, but it is an important topic and can be a showstopper for any responsible person who wants to breed dogs. Owning dogs and breeding puppies is expensive. In my years as a breeder, I have considered myself fortunate when I broke even financially. I never took short cuts with my litters to make more money. My economist husband will attest that I don’t breed to fund my dog owning or dog show habit. His advice to me is always, “Nance, just don’t lose too much.” The recent economy has made breeding and keeping dogs even more expensive. Post COVID, everyone’s

There must be mutual respect, and both the breeder and veterinarian must work together to achieve positive outcomes. achieve positive outcomes. No veterinarian can be an expert in every breed. Breeders must help the veterinarian understand their breeds and need to create a true partnership. Money Matters I thought I was finished with this article until one of my breeder-AKC judge friends sent me this note after reading an earlier draft. This is a good start, but you must add something about what experience has taught you about financing the breeding and keeping of dogs. The market is flooded with purebred dogs now, and yet we still have people who continue to breed, despite being unable to place all the puppies in their last litters.

veterinary and food costs skyrocketed. In the past, it was not unusual for Berner breeders to have puppy waitlists that were three years long. For the first time, my friends in this and other breeds and I have seen responsible breeders have difficulty placing all their puppies. We also have seen breeders who breed litter after litter and who show dogs every weekend who ask others to pay for their dogs’ emergency veterinary care. Without appearing to state the obvious, if one cannot afford to pay for veterinary care and food for all their dogs, then one should own fewer dogs. If one cannot place all their puppies, then one should not continue breeding more litters whose pups they cannot place and must keep. If you must resort to “Go Fund Me” campaigns to cover veterinary and food bills, you need to rethink your breeding program.

BG Litter number 39243. Photo by Beth Schmoyer.

Without appearing to state the obvious, if one cannot afford to pay for veterinary care and food for all their dogs, then one should own fewer dogs. What did these and other experiences teach me? • Inform yourself about the topics under discussion. Read everything you can to be an informed consumer. • Try to find smart vets who also have broad experience and good judgment. If you can find someone with breeding experience, all the better. Remember, there is a top of the vet school class and a bottom. Find the ones in the “sweet spot.” • It is difficult to choose an ER vet in an emergency, but you can choose better ER clinics if you have the option. If you have a poor experience, document it in a well-reasoned way and report it to the clinic director. This might help the young vet improve, but it will certainly help the director deliver better client service. • Work with veterinarians that you can respect AND who respect you. Breeders and veterinarians have different types of knowledge, but both types are needed to better care for breeding dogs and their puppies. • Ask a lot of questions. If you don’t understand something, ask your vet to explain it in a simpler way. If they can’t or won’t, look for a new vet. • If you think your vet might have missed an alternative diagnosis or an important symptom, bring it up. Give your vet a chance to tell you why they think your information is not relevant or your diagnosis is not the most likely. • Challenge the experts when they say something without data to back it up or that does not make sense given your experience and the data you have. True scientists welcome the hard questions. They don’t run from them or seek to make the asker look stupid. • Veterinary schools and dog clubs need to do a better job of educating veterinary students on what dog clubs do for the veterinary community — veterinary education, research funding and data contribution to continue developing genetic tests and continuing their research. • While science is awesome, nature is a power worthy of your respect. • Breeding dogs is expensive. If you can’t afford it without asking others to subsidize your kennel, don’t breed. • Finally, and probably most importantly, trust your gut. If something feels wrong, it probably is.

References: Cavanagh, AA. (2017, June), Neonatal resuscitation, Part 2 of a 2-part Series. Veterinary Team Brief, 27-32. Greer, ML. (2014), Appendix C-16: Tube Feeding (In Canine reproduction and neonatology, pp. 379-380). Florence, OR: Teton New Media. Melone, NP, (2023, Fall) Canine herpes virus: the Now-you-see-it-now-you-don’t killer of neonatal Puppies, The Alpenhorn (forthcoming in this issue). Veronesi, M. (2016), Assessment of canine neonatal viability—the Apgar score. Reproduction in Domestic Animals, 51: 46-50. https://doi.org/10.1111/rda.12787 Acknowledgment: I wish to thank Lawrence Gerson V.M.D. and AKC judge-breeder, Cindy Valko, Somerset Saint Bernards, for reviewing earlier drafts of this article and offering suggestions to improve it. In addition, I wish to acknowledge the young breeders for their questions that remind me of my own early days as a breeder and grateful appreciation of my mentor, Ruth Reynolds, Pioneer Bernese. About the Author: Nancy Melone’s articles, published in several breed magazines and newsletters here and abroad, have won numerous Dog Writers Association of America (DWAA) Maxwell Medallions, a Morris Animal Foundation Advances in Canine Veterinary Medicine Award, and multiple American Kennel Club Publication Excellence Awards. She is Editor Emerita of The Alpenhorn and served on the boards of the Berner-Garde Foundation and Bernese Auction Rescue Coalition. Currently she serves on the board of the Nederlandse Kooikerhondje Club of the USA (NKCUSA) and chair s their health and genetics commit tee. Her Ph.D. is in Information and Decision Science from the Universit y of Minnesota.

BG# 190014. Photo by Beth Schmoyer.

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LESSONS LEARNED BY OTHER BREEDERS Who are Willing to Share

After a heating pad control caught on fire and a heat lamp exploded, I bought a Whelping Nest — worth every penny. Health test but be humble. Breeding two champions does not necessarily make champions. Linda Baird, Lynwood Cavalier King Charles Don’t expect that guard rails will protect pups in a large litter from getting squished — even when you are sleeping next to the whelping box. Put them in separate baskets. Cindy Loflin, Alpen Daydream Bernese

Puppy buyers need not visit. Videos and photos are sufficient. If they don’t like the pup you chose for them, they can refuse it. I allowed a buyer to visit my puppies and the entire litter got sick the week before they had been scheduled to go to new families. It delayed placement by a week which angered people who had taken vacation to welcome their puppies. Sally Wolfgang, Mountain View Farms Bernese Do your health testing, but Mother Nature is still in charge. Deborah Reams, Rock Harbor Bernese Smaller food dishes keep puppies cleaner than saucer bowls. You don’t need to bathe puppies every day. Muffins pans work well. Lecia Conroy, Devon’s Bernese

Do your health testing, but Mother Nature is still in charge. People lie. Always follow up on veterinarian references. I called to check on a PPO that stated the only dog they had just passed away. When I followed up with the vet reference, they told me about their deceased Labrador retriever and his care history. They also told me about their four Poodles, another Labrador, and a Golden that were being used for doodle breeding. Tori Pinkas Harned, Valor Bernese Be wary of self-promoters. Sheryl Skidmore, Mileslip Cavalier King Charles Get to know your buyers before you place your pups. Build a relationship with them (that lasts the lifetime of your pup). Graham O’Neill, Theobear Bernese (UK) Get a mentor. Jerrie Wolfe, Rose Croft Terriers (Cairns & Biewers) Learn to litter train your puppies. Much cleaner than using newspaper or towels. With larger litters create two pens at about 6.5 weeks – the quiet group and the rowdy ones. The differences subside at about 8 weeks, but the rowdy ones can be little sharks. Daryl Cessna Larsen, Advent Bernese FALL 2023

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DIRECTIONS u e eeding b F T REPRINTED WITH PERMISSION OF DR. MARTY GREER, VETERINARY VILLAGE LLC.

1. 2. 3. 4.

Lay the tube along the side of the pup, mark the tube even with the tip of the pup’s nose.

Fill the syringe with the calculated amount of formula or milk.

Hold the tube between your index and middle finger to prevent it from moving.

Depress the plunger on the syringe, NOT too quickly, delivering the calculated amount.

MATERIALS: 1. Goat’s milk (pasteurized) or commercial milk replacer. 2. Feeding tube - silicon or red rubber feeding tube 8 to 14 (French). 3. Permanent magic marker. 4. Syringe of appropriate size with catheter tip (10 or 60 cc). 5. Puppy scale – feed at a rate of 20 cc per 16 oz of body weight. Repeat every 3 to 6 hours, based on pup’s condition. STEPS: 1. Establish a well-lit warm location where you can hold the pup comfortably and all materials are within reach. Be attentive and do not rush. 2. Take the puppy’s temperature rectally - do NOT feed unless the rectal temperature is between 96 and 99 degrees F. If the puppy’s temperature is below 96 degrees F, warm the pup before feeding. 3. On a safe surface, hold the pup with the neck extended. Hold the tapered end of the feeding tube even with the last rib of the largest pup to be fed. Lay the tube along the side of the pup, mark the tube even with the tip of the pup’s nose. 4. Fill the syringe with the calculated amount of formula or milk (20 cc/16 oz body weight or approximately 1 cc per ounce) plus 2 cc of air. Warm the formula to body temperature in a warm water bath – avoid microwaving. 5. Attach the syringe to the feeding tube.

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With the pup fully awake, warm (over 96 degrees F rectal temp) and lying horizontally on the chest, gently pass the tube over the center of the pups tongue, applying gentle pressure to slide the tube up to the mark. If resistance is met, remove the tube and start over. 7. With your left hand if you are right handed, cup your left hand around the back of the pups head and hold the tube between your index and middle finger to prevent it from moving out of the correct position while feeding. 8. BEFORE FEEDING, firmly pinch the pup on the foot or tail. If the pup vocalizes, the tube placement is correct and you can proceed with feeding. If the tube is mistakenly in the trachea, the pup will struggle but will not be able to make any sound – STOP IMMEDIATELY, REMOVE THE TUBE AND START THE PROCESS OVER. 9. With your right hand, depress the plunger on the syringe, NOT too quickly, delivering the calculated amount, stopping sooner should milk reflux out of the pup’s mouth or nose. 10. Flex the tube on itself to prevent milk from being aspirated into the pup’s airway. Repeat for each pup. 11. Wash syringe and tube with hot soapy water and allow to air dry until next feeding. 12. Stimulate the external anal and urinary orifices to effect defecation and urination with a warm moistened cotton ball or washcloth.

CANINE HERPES VIRUS:

The Now-You-SeeIt-Now-You-Don't Kill er of Neonatal Pu ppies BY NANCY MELONE, PH.D.

She sat alone in her van in the dark, empty parking lot of the emergency veterinary clinic. She cried. Two weeks ago, she celebrated the arrival of seven beautiful puppies. In the last hour, she euthanized the last of the seven. Five days without any sleep, futilely nursing sick puppies, she was emotionally spent. The well-meaning young vet did not recognize the symptoms; as a breeder she knew even without previously experiencing it…this was canine herpes virus. No one wants to consider the prospect of their muchanticipated litter of puppies “fading” painfully, one-byone, before the end of their second week. Yet studies of litter mortality indicate that between 17%-30% of puppies die before they are 8 weeks old, with threequarters of those dying before they reach 3 weeks old. As high as this mortality rate seems, even this number does not include fetuses lost in utero through early resorption and late-term abortion.

infectious deaths of newborn puppies. Herpes viruses belong to one of three groups: alpha, beta or gamma. CHV-1 is a member of the alpha-herpesvirus group, as are several other herpes viruses of interest to large- and small-animal veterinarians. These alpha-herpesviruses are mucosal pathogens; once they infect an animal, if the animal survives, they establish life-long latent infection residing within the neurological ganglia. At times, the virus becomes active only to return later to dormancy.

Oddly, little academic research has been devoted to understanding the reasons for these losses. As such, not much is known about the causes of most neonatal illnesses and deaths. Canine herpes virus type-1 (CHV1), carrying a near 100% mortality in neonates, is one of two viruses implicated in neonatal deaths.

Adult dogs often show no symptoms of the virus when infected. In contrast to the benign symptoms in adults, the outcome for infected fetuses is usually resorption or abortion, and for neonates under 3 weeks old it is most often an agonizing death. If a puppy happens to survive systemic infection, it is likely to be seriously compromised.

What Causes Canine Herpes in Dogs? Canine herpes is caused by the canine herpes virus type-I (CHV-1). (Despite the similarity in name, the virus is not related to the human herpes virus.) The virus was first identified in 1965 by each of three independent research groups who simultaneously investigated the

Where is CHV-1 Most Prevalent? CHV-1 is found worldwide. Species-specific, the virus infects only domestic and wild canids. Any dog participating in dog shows, performance events, training classes, doggie daycare, dog parks or who is FALL 2023

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CHV-1 is a common canine infection among adult dogs spread primarily by direct contact with oral and nasal secretions of a dog that is shedding virus. in contact with other dogs, has likely been exposed to CHV-1. Ironically, veterinarians whose practices do not specialize in canine reproduction may not recognize CHV-1 even though many of their non-reproducing clients are likely to have been infected with the virus. Infection in adult dogs causes either no symptoms or transient mild respiratory infection, which is easily misdiagnosed as something else (e.g. kennel cough). Moreover, infected dogs can move back and forth between dormancy and contagion, making a precise description of its prevalence even more difficult. Because latently infected animals may go back and forth from inactive dormancy to active shedding, studies designed to measure the extent of CHV-1 in the population are likely to understate the true extent of exposure and infection. Indeed, depending on the region in which the study is done, these estimates range from 20% to 98%. In breeding kennels and rescue shelters seropositive rates of 100% are not uncommon. If you are a breeder who shows dogs, it is reasonable to assume that your dogs are seropositive for CHV-1, although they may convert from time to time to seronegative (dormant) status, making it difficult for you to determine if it is because she has never been exposed to CHV-1 or if it is because her disease is currently dormant. Factors that Influence the Spread of CHV-1 Fortunately, CHV-1 does not survive well outside the canine cell or body. Exposure is primarily through dog-todog contact rather than from contaminated surfaces or clothing (i.e. fomite transfer). Moreover, the virus is easily killed by common disinfectants and temperatures above 104 degrees Fahrenheit. The half-life of the virus (i.e. the point at which half of the virus is destroyed) at 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit is less than five hours. CHV-1 persists in the natural world by residing in the dog’s ganglionic and lymphoid tissues of the oronasal and genital mucosae. Intermittent shedding of virus through an infected dog’s secretions guarantees survival of CHV-1 in the dog population and breeding kennels. Like other herpes viruses, once a dog is exposed to CHV-1 (and survives), the result is lifelong latent infection. When the latent (dormant) virus 40

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reactivates in a dog, it replicates in the cooler temperatures of mucous membranes (e.g. tonsils, nasal turbinates) and virus shedding takes place. The virus replicates best at a temperature range between 93.2 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the period when unexposed dogs can become infected. Dogs are particularly prone to shedding virus when they are stressed. Such stress can occur when dogs are traveling, pregnant, taking immunosuppressive drugs, in environments where there are many dogs (e.g., dog shows, performance trials, dog events, boarding kennels) or when new dogs have been introduced to a dog family. CHV-1 is mostly spread through direc t contac t with the oral, nasal or (more rarely) genital secretions of dogs that are currently shedding virus. There is typically a high level of viral shedding in dogs with initial systemic infection. Subsequent shedding from latently infected dogs is less and of shorter duration. Venereal transmission from infected males to previously unexposed females is not believed to be a significant mode of transmission. In contrast, genital localization of the virus in females is an important mode of virus transmission to neonatal puppies during birth. Despite the high rates of exposure, one may not see any symptoms of the disease in infected adult dogs or older puppies. Likewise, neonatal puppies exposed at birth may exhibit no clinical signs of exposure until there is generalized infection and it is too late to save the puppy. A neonate’s inability to thermo-regulate body temperature and its immature immune system put it at particular risk of the usually fatal generalized infection.

What are the Symptoms of CHV-1? Symptoms and outcomes vary widely depending on the dog’s age and gender. By far the most devastating clinical signs of CHV-1 are seen in pregnant bitches and puppies, particularly those under three weeks. Clinical Signs in Non-Pregnant Adults Infection in adults is often asymptomatic, followed by apparent dormancy. In its dormant state, the virus typically resides in the dog’s neurologic tissue from where it can reactivate to be shed later. Occasionally, the adult dog may exhibit symptoms associated with mild respiratory infection (e.g., coughing, sneezing). Some dogs develop self-limiting genital lesions. Chronic genital or eye infections (e.g., conjunctivitis, ulcerative and non-ulcerative keratitis) have been reported. These are made worse by stress. There is some speculation that some cataracts may be the result of CHV-1 exposure. Viral shedding in reactivation of previously exposed adults usually lasts one week. Clinical Signs in Pregnant Bitches The most common clinical signs of CHV-1 in previously unexposed pregnant bitches are linked to various reproductive failures. These include early fetal loss (resorption), late-term abortion, premature delivery, stillbirth, infertility and the birth of virally compromised neonates. Clinical Signs in Neonates Puppies can be exposed to CHV-1 before, during or after birth. Depending on the circumstances, not all puppies may be infected. After infection, replication of the virus occurs within 24 hours. The virus enters the bloodstream and spreads to the neonate’s body within three to four days. Neonatal pups under 3 weeks old who acquire CHV-1 but lack immunity from their dam usually die shortly after the

onset of symptoms (24-48 hours). Pups 4 to 8 weeks old are normally clinically asymptomatic after infection if body temperatures are not artificially lowered. Clinically affected puppies, if they survive, shed the virus for two to three weeks after recovery. The most apparent symptoms in infected neonates include yellow-green stool (caused by a compromised liver), loss of suckle reflex, loss of appetite, weakness, lethargy, persistent crying (“mewing”), hemorrhages (nosebleed, small bruises), respiratory difficulty and nasal discharge. Younger puppies usually die before neurologic symptoms develop, but in older puppies, there may be central nervous system abnormalities such as seizures, deafness and blindness. Temperature regulation in newborns does not develop until two to three weeks. Rectal neonate body temperature is usually 2-3 degrees Fahrenheit lower than in adults. Despite persistent crying they are unable to produce a fever to elevate body temperature. Neonatal immune systems are immature and suppressed at lower temperatures. As such neonates are not only susceptible to CHV-1 but also several other typically fatal infections (e.g., distemper, adenovirus). Acquired immunity from the dam appears to improve survival of infected puppies. Puppies who nursed from seronegative mothers develop fatal illness when infected with CHV-1, whereas puppies nursing from seropositive bitches became infected but remained asymptomatic. Maternal antibodies or immune memory cells acquired through the milk may explain why naturally infected bitches who give birth to sick puppies, with rare exception, go on to deliver subsequent healthy litters. How is CHV-1 Diagnosed in Bitches and Neonates? Definitive diagnosis in both bitches and neonates is typically done using some combination of clinical examination, serologic testing and viral isolation. Hemagglutination, ELISA and immunofluorescence antibody tests are commonly used in diagnosis. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is considered the gold standard (more on this test below). Diagnosis in the Bitch Serologic testing is the traditional test veterinarians use

The most common clinical signs of CHV-1 in previously unexposed pregnant bitches are linked to various reproductive failures. FALL 2023

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The gold standard for detecting the CHV-1 is polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Unfortunately, this test is not routinely available outside of commercial laboratories. to diagnose CHV-1. Unfortunately, the viral infection does not prompt a strong immune response. Any test that measures antibodies against CHV-1 may not accurately indicate exposure to the virus. Titers may rise and fall rapidly (i.e., 4 to 8 weeks). Research is inconsistent regarding how long CHV-1 titers last. In some cases, antibody titers do not last longer than 60 days. In other cases, they have been reported to last up to two years. In general, CHV-1 antibody titers are low. Results range from 1:2 to 1:32. From a practical perspective, this means if antibody titers are high, a breeder can be fairly confident that the bitch was exposed to CHV- 1 but may or may not be shedding. A titer greater than 1:2 with clinical signs suggestive of CHV-1 (e.g., unexplained fetal loss or late-term abortion) is considered diagnostic. A single positive antibody test indicates exposure only, but not necessarily active infection unless there are accompanying clinical signs. This puts the breeder at some disadvantage in knowing the bitch’s status. A way to get a better handle on the extent of active infection status is to do a second antibody test 10-14 days after the first antibody test. There will be a four-fold increase in antibody levels if there is an active infection. In contrast, if antibody titers are low, a breeder cannot be certain whether the bitch has never been exposed to the virus or if she has been exposed to CHV-1 but failed to mount a strong immune response. One caution is that serologic tests have not been standardized, so there may be variations in level and prevalence of positive results across different laboratories. If doing the two-test method, use the same laboratory for both tests. The gold standard for detecting the CHV-1 is polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Unfortunately, this test is not routinely available outside of commercial laboratories. Like other tests, it cannot detect if the dog

is shedding and contagious. PCR works by identifying fragments of CHV-1 virus in the animal’s bloodstream or on mucosal surfaces. When using fresh tissue and fluid samples, PCR has the advantage of being both highly sensitive (i.e., identifies all dogs with CHV- 1 but also includes some dogs who don’t have it) and specific (i.e., misses some dogs who have CHV-1, but if a dog is positive for CHV- 1, the dog most surely has CHV-1). Given its relative accuracy, PCR is likely to advance diagnosis of pregnancy loss in the future. Expedited and Definitive Diagnosis in the Puppy Confirming a CHV-1 diagnosis in a puppy is much easier than in an adult and is usually done postmortem. When done at a university or laboratory it involves standard necropsy and virus isolation from fresh lung, liver, kidney and spleen. The turnaround time for a definitive diagnosis is four to seven days. While a definitive diagnosis may be preferred, time may be of the essence to save other puppies. Although most general practice veterinarians may not be experienced at diagnosing herpes in puppies, they can do it with an informal necropsy. Typically, the puppy’s organs will present with necrotic lesions. The general practice veterinarian looks for pinhead-sized red spots on the kidneys, liver, adrenal glands and lungs. In addition, lymph nodes and spleen may be swollen. If these are observed, it is almost certain to be herpes. It is also good to get a definitive diagnosis. A confirmed diagnosis will help a breeder develop a plan for protecting future litters whelped by the bitch.

Upon the puppy’s death, place it in a plastic bag and refrigerate. If the placenta is available, include it. DO NOT FREEZE. As soon as possible, have the veterinarian send it to the appropriate pathology laboratory. Is There a Treatment for Infected Neonates? Overwhelmingly, the literature characterizes treatment of systemically affected puppies as “unrewarding.” In addition, experts caution that the prognosis for puppies that do survive is guarded or poor because of the likelihood of irreparable damage to the central nervous system, lymphoid organs, kidneys and liver. A breeder who elects to save puppies (i.e., go beyond palliative care) must confront the likelihood of this negative outcome in survivors. These are always very personal and agonizing decisions. If attempts are made to save puppies, action must be taken before the onset of any symptoms, acknowledging that sometimes symptoms do not appear before death. In cases in which overt efforts are made to save the litter, breeders are advised to place puppies in an incubator set at 95 degrees Fahrenheit at 50% humidity since the virus cannot replicate at higher temperatures and puppies are unable to regulate body temperature on their own yet. Once symptoms are present, elevating environmental temperature will not eliminate infection. The general recommendation is to provide supportive care (warmth, nutrition, rest and hydration) and prevent secondary infections by administering broad-spectrum antimicrobials. Amoxicillin, amoxicillin with clavalonic acid, and cephalexin administered orally or with a feeding

tube are safe for neonates. Injecting puppies with 6-12 ml of hyperimmune serum from a previously infected and recovered bitch also may be helpful, but its effectiveness has not been studied. Serum is not commercially available and will need to be prepared by a veterinarian. Similarly, antiviral drugs such as acyclovir and vidarabine have been used, but again, there are no studies demonstrating effectiveness. Antiviral treatment for dogs is extrapolated from experience learned in human contexts. Dosage for acyclovir for 1-1.5 kg (2 lb. 3 oz. to 3.5 lb.) pups is 7-10 mg administered orally every six hours until the puppy is 3.5 weeks old. The breeder is advised that antiviral therapy may save the puppy, but pups may suffer residual neurological and cardiac damage. How Do I Reduce the Risk to My Pregnant Bitches and Puppies? Practically speaking, eliminating CHV from a breeding kennel is impossible and screening for infected dogs is not practical. While CHV-1 is a devastating virus in unexposed pregnant bitches and neonates, subsequent litters from an affected bitch have very low risk of developing clinical disease. Breeders should be advised that some veterinarians and pathologists may tell them not to breed the bitch again, but that is a risk-averse recommendation motivated by theoretical possibilities of recurrence. In contrast, most theriogenologists and reproduction veterinarians, based on empirical observation, are of the opinion that bitches with litters suffering previously from CHV-1 fetal loss or neonatal deaths will likely go on to produce unaffected litters in the future. Dogs at highest risk are bitches that have not been exposed to CHV-1 and neonates, under 3 weeks, whose thermoregulation and immunity are not well developed. It is the bitch who is young, highly confined or lives an isolated life who is at highest risk of not having developed immunity and becoming infected with CHV-1 when pregnant or nursing neonates. Many co-owned breeding bitches living as single pets in families would fit that description.

Practically speaking, eliminating CHV from a breeding kennel is impossible and screening for infected dogs is not practical. FALL 2023

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While not uniformly recommended, the cautious breeder may wish to run titers on both the bitch and the stud dog prior to breeding. There is currently no vaccine to prevent the virus in adult dogs. There is a vaccine administered to pregnant bitches to minimize risk in fetal and neonatal puppies. Merial produces a vaccine — Eurican® Herpes 205 — that is available in Europe. If given to bitches at the time of breeding and again in 6-7 weeks, it has been scientifically demonstrated to offer protection to fetuses and neonates. The vaccination must be given again with each pregnancy. Bitches with latent infection may also be given the vaccination. Unfortunately, the vaccine is not available in the U.S., and according to several authors and veterinarians I have spoken with, it is not likely to become available in the future. Recommendations for Pregnant or Soon-to-be Bred Bitches and Neonates Most experts recommend that during the last three weeks of gestation and the first three weeks following birth, the pregnant bitch and neonatal puppies should have no contact with any other dogs. Transmission of the disease in adults occurs primarily by direct dog-to-dog contact (e.g., nosing, licking, sniffing, drinking from a common water bowl). Transmission to puppies occurs through contact with maternal secretions via the placenta, during delivery, nursing or licking. Make certain that the environmental temperature for newborn puppies is kept warm with heated whelping boxes, heat lamps or other devices that do not dehydrate the puppies. Practice good kennel hygiene. While not uniformly recommended, the cautious breeder may wish to run titers on both the bitch and the stud dog prior to breeding. Recall, titers test only for exposure (i.e., presence of antibodies); the test does not tell you if the dog is currently contagious. To get a handle on contagion, as discussed previously, one would run two tests separated by 10-14 days (same laboratory) on the bitch and on the stud dog to see if there are dramatic increases in the titer values for either dog. Active status is indicated by a four-fold increase in antibodies on the second test. 44

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In the past, reproduction veterinarians recommended exposing your bitch well in advance of breeding to other healthy dogs that are also exposed to other healthy dogs. In that way, exposure to CHV-1 prior to breeding would be more likely, and that exposure would give her time to produce CHV-1 antibodies that she could pass on to her puppies in the colostrum. It is recognized that CHV-1 antibody levels fluctuate considerably, but a population of memory cells theoretically allows the bitch to fight off infection if she is exposed again. Once a memory cell has been exposed to a pathogen like CHV- 1, it reacts much more rapidly if it encounters that pathogen again. This is why it is believed that most bitches lose at most one litter to canine herpes virus. Some recent research suggests that previously exposed dogs can be re-infected with CHV-1. These researchers advise vaccinating with Eurican® Herpes 205, which is unfortunately not an option for U.S. dog owners. U.S. breeders should follow recommendations for at-risk unexposed bitches and neonates. Can I Get Herpes from My Dog? The short answer is no. CHV-1 is species-specific; it infects only wild and domestic dogs. Unless you are a dog, wolf, fox or coyote, you cannot get it from your dog. If you are human and get herpes, you did not get it from your dog. Summary Points • CHV-1 is a common canine infection among adult dogs spread primarily by direct contact with oral and nasal secretions of a dog that is shedding virus. • Adult dogs often show no symptoms. A mother dog with herpes will not usually appear to be sick. In contrast, by the time neonates show symptoms, it is probably too late to save them, and any who survive are likely to be severely compromised. • Treatment for neonates is generally considered to be unrewarding. • Bitches who have lost a litter to CHV-1 typically go on to produce unaffected litters in following pregnancies.

Most experts recommend that during the last three weeks of gestation and the first three weeks following birth, the pregnant bitch and neonatal puppies should have no contact with any other dogs. • Previously exposed bitches exhibiting sufficient antibody titers are protected. Bitches without sufficient antibody levels or unexposed bitches and their neonates are at risk. • There are no vaccines to prevent the disease in adults. There is a vaccine administered to pregnant bitches that has been shown to be protective for neonates. This vaccine is not available in the U.S. Where the Merial Eurican® 205 vaccine is available, bitches should be vaccinated. • Bitches should be isolated in the last three weeks of pregnancy and both bitches and neonates should be isolated during the first three weeks following the puppies’ birth. Stress levels should be kept low prior to breeding. Breeders should practice good kennel hygiene and maintain an appropriate environmental temperature in their whelping areas. Resources: Cornell University, Baker Institute. (viewed 2016). An overview of canine herpesvirus. http:// bakerinstitute. vt.cornell. edu/animalhealth/ page.php?id=1090. Carmichael, L, (2004). Neonatal viral infection of pups: Canine herpesvirus and minute virus of canines (Canine Parovirus-1)” in Recent Advances in Canine Infectious Diseases. Carmichael, L (Ed.) International Veterinary Services. Ithaca, NY (www.ivis.org), Last updated 19-Aug, 2004. Greene, CE, (2012). Canine herpes virus infection, In Infectious Disease of the Dog and Cat, 4th Edition (Chapter 5, pp. 48-54), St. Louis, MO: Elsevier-Saunders. Greer, ML (2015). Canine reproduction and neonatology. Jackson, WY: Teton NewMedia, pp. 158-160. Johnson, SD, Kustritz, MVR, & PNS Olson (2001). Canine and feline theriogenology. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders, fl. 94, 162. Kustriz, MVR (2006). Dog Breeder’s Guide to Successful Breeding and Health Management. St. Louis, MO: Saunders. pp. 160-161.

Merck & Company (viewed 2016). Overview of canine herpesviral infection, The Merck Veterinary Manual, ht tp://www.merck vetmanual.com/mvm/generalized_conditions/canine_ herpesviral_infec tion/ overview_of_canine_herpesviral_infection.html. Ronsee, V, Verstegen, J, Onclin, K, Farnir, F, & H Poulet (2004). Risk factors and reproductive disorders associated with canine herpes virus-1 (CHV-1), Theriogenology, 61: pp. 619-636. Shell, L (2010). Herpesvirus infection, Veterinary Information Network (VIN).” Last updated October 27, 2010. Verstegen, J, Dhaliwal, & K Verstegen-Onclin (2008). Canine and feline pregnancy loss due to viral and infectious causes: A review, Theriogenology, 70: pp. 304-319. About the Author: Nancy P. Melone, Ph.D., is a graduate of the University of Minnesota in Information and Decision Sciences. For her writing and editing, she received several prestigious Dog Writers Association of America Maxwell Medallions, the Morris Animal Foundation Advances in Canine Veterinary Medicine Award, and several AKC Publication Excellence Awards. A breeder of health-tested, champion Bernese Mountain Dogs under the kennel name, ThornCreek Reg’d., Dr. Melone is a former trustee/treasurer of The BernerGarde Foundation, Inc. and Bernese Auction Rescue Coalition, Inc. and editor emerita of The Alpenhorn. She currently serves on the Board of the Nederlandse Kooikerhondje Club of the USA and chairs their Health and Genetics Committee. Credits: I wish to express sincere appreciation to Bob Seaver for his illustrations, Timothy W. McGuire, Sr., Ph.D. and Ellen Folke for their meticulous proofreading, and breeders, Sandy Dunaway (Summit Bernese), Deborah Godfrey (Nusslihuttli Bernese), Marthina Greer, DVM (Double G’s Pembroke Corgis), Cindy Valko (Somerset St. Bernards), and Priscilla Young (Powder Keg Farm’s Bernese) for their suggestions on an earlier version of this article.

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PREVENTION-DETECTION-TREATMENT An Update on the Fight Against Histiocytic Sarcoma BY THE BERNER-GARDE FOUNDATION

For those of us who have lost a beloved companion to histiocytic sarcoma, it feels as if we are not moving nearly fast enough in the fight against this horrible cancer. But with your help, and the collaborative efforts of a small but committed group of researchers, we are making important inroads against this disease that affects so many of our dogs. This collaborative approach to addressing histiocytic sarcoma in our breed has been going on for some time, but it gained significant traction in 2006 with the establishment of the Bernese Mountain Dog DNA Tissue Repository at Michigan State University. With the generous support of the BMD fancy, we were able to provide researchers with DNA samples along with detailed health histories for dogs affected with this disease and with healthy control samples. Those DNA samples have provided researchers with information that has led to progress in: • disease prevention • early disease detection • treatment options

PROGRESS IN THE FIGHT

2006

All of our collaborators have spent years working tirelessly to advance our understanding of cancer in dogs and trying to identify solutions to extend the quality and length of life for our dogs with cancer.

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2011

Histiocytic sarcoma pre-test first marketed by Antagene

2013

BMD Repository 100th blood DNA sample Established at MSU with collected for the DNA support from the BMDCA Repository

Concurrently, Dr. Matthew Breen at NCSU has been working to identify better diagnostic tools and has developed a test that can distinguish between histio and lymphoma and can predict how well different types of lymphoma will respond to standard treatments.

Of course, we all want to see histiocytic sarcoma prevented before it ever takes hold. We are far from being able to prevent it, but through the research efforts of Dr. Vilma Yuzbasiyan-Gurkan and Dr. Elaine Ostrander, we have made progress in identifying the gene mutations that cause this disease in BMDs. This important work will hopefully lead to better genetic testing options in the future. In addition, DNA from the tissue repository provided in 2015 aided researchers Dr. Benoit Hedan and Dr. Catherine Andre in developing the histiocytic sarcoma test now marketed by Antagene as the Histiocytic Sarcoma Genetic Risk Test. While this test is far from perfect, it remains the only genetic test to aid in the fight against histiocytic sarcoma. It is sometimes difficult to use, and it is costly. And, for a breeder, the stud choices must be in the Antagene database to be useful. The recommendation from the BMDCA remains that the Antagene test and the HSIMS (Histiocytic Sarcoma Index Mate Selection) tool

First DNA collection clinic for the BMD Repository held in 2007

against

HISTIOCYTIC SARCOMA

DISEASE PREVENTION

should be used as one of the criteria breeders use when selecting breeding mates. The Antagene test will hopefully allow breeders to select breeding pairs that minimize the risk of histiocytic sarcoma. However, disease expression remains a complex mix of genetics and environmental factors. There is ongoing research into the genetics of histiocytic sarcoma that will hopefully lead to more inroads being made in the area of genetic testing for breeders.

In 2023, the tissue repository is once again providing DNA samples to Dr. Hedan and Dr. Andre for their continued research in cancers affecting our breed. They will be receiving DNA samples from dogs with the following: 1. confirmed diagnosis of histiocytic sarcoma 2. confirmed diagnosis of lymphoma 3. confirmed diagnosis of mast cell tumor 4. over ten years of age without cancer This work will be under the direction of Dr. Vilma Yuzbasiyan-Gurkan and was funded by the Berner-Garde Foundation. EARLY DISEASE DETECTION Today when a dog is diagnosed with histiocytic sarcoma the disease is typically far advanced and the tumor burden so great that regular treatment options are useless in the fight against cancer. There are several liquid biopsy tests available now that are being used by veterinarians. The problem with these tests is specificity. They are not specific enough to detect true early cancer versus other things floating in the blood stream that might mimic early cancer. The goal is to provide a test that is specific and accurate for histiocytic sarcoma. To that end, there is new research being conducted by Dr. Vilma Yuzbasiyan-Gurkan into using liquid biopsy to detect histiocytic sarcoma. “This (liquid biopsy development)

Mouse study for Trametinib funded by the BMDCA

2015 DNA samples from the BMD Repository sent to the University of France - Rennes for validation of histiocytic sarcoma pre-test for American population of BMDs

2017

TREATMENT Research on effective treatment options is also ongoing. The BMDCA funded an initial mouse study in 2015 that used trametinib to treat cancer. The mouse study concluded in 2017. The results of that research were positive, and an early clinical trial at the University of Wisconsin-Madison was undertaken in 2021 to identify the most effective treatment protocol for our dogs. This research study laid the groundwork for a new clinical trial that will be launched shortly in partnership with the following universities: • University of Florida • Virginia Tech University • University of Wisconsin-Madison • Michigan State University The inroads that we’ve made against the fight against histiocytic sarcoma could not have been made without the support of our health research partners. But those research efforts started because of the dedicated owners and breeders who generously donated blood and tumor DNA from their beloved dogs. It is encouraging that with this groundswell of support, we are pushing forward with research efforts on three important fronts in the fight against histiocytic sarcoma. We continue to work with our partners for a better, healthier future for our beloved breed!

Phase 1 clinical trial for Trametinib funded by Morris Animal Foundation

2019

2021

HSMIS breeding tool introduced by Antagene with funding by the BMDCA

will lay the foundation to validate a comprehensive cancer detection panel. In the next phase, healthy dogs will be sequentially studied to allow for any detection of signs of cancer. This will also allow the design of clinical trials with early onset cancers where the possibility of treatment success is maximized.” The hope is this test, if positive and early detection is accurate, will lead to better treatment options for our dogs. This research is being funded by the Berner-Garde Foundation.

DNA samples from the BMD Repository provided to doctors Hedan and Andre for continued cancer research

2023

Early detection of histiocytic sarcoma through liquid biopsy to begin within funding by BGF

Phase II clinical trial for Trametinib set to begin with funding by the BMDCA & BGF

COLLABORATIVE PARTNERS IN THE FIGHT AGAINST HISTIOCYTIC SARCOMA: Bernese Mountain Dog owners and breeders from around the world Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America Dr. Vilma Yuzbasiyan-Gurkan, Michigan State University Dr. Elaine Ostrander, National Institutes of Health Dr. Benoit Hedan and Dr. Catherine Andre, University of Rennes, France Dr. Matthew Breen, North Carolina State University FALL 2023

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Perspectives on Health Testing and the HS Genetic Risk Test Offered by Antagene BY LISA KAUFMAN

The majority of health testing we do is about minimizing risks. For example, we know that when dogs that do not have dysplasia are bred to one another, this can still result in pups that end up with dysplasia. But typically, the odds that those puppies will be dysplastic is less than if the puppies came from parents with dysplasia. This example can be applied to the Antagene test. One must use the HSIMS (Histiocytic Sarcoma Index Mate Selection) tool by Antagene to incorporate the results of the test into breeding decisions. The test alone isn't enough. This is not black or white. And many may not see the value of this. But it is up to the educated breeder to use the tool, just like any other tool in their box. The Antagene test is encouraged because we hope it can reduce risk. The HSIMS breeding tool, in addition to many other things, can help breeders make decisions in their individual breeding programs. Right now, this test is what we have to hopefully help reduce the risk of histiocytic sarcoma. However, testing alone is not a guarantee. This test is only a risk indication. For breeders, it is about choosing options that can reduce risk within the goals and bloodlines of a breeding program. Many breeders may be frustrated or feel defeated. Of course, we want histiocytic sarcoma, and every other cancer that affects our dogs, gone. Will there ever be a cure for all of these issues in our breed? It's hard to say. What we do know is that health testing, following the data and research and breeders making decisions with their own unique lines, can help lessen the risk of our dogs getting these diseases. Breeders matter. Their decisions matter. Taking an educated risk keeps the gene pool from narrowing even further. Removing a dog from the breeding pool because they test as a “C” on the Antagene test is NOT recommended. What is recommended is that the tool be used to mate those “C” dogs to another dog that will result in puppies that will be “A’s” or “B’s”. For more information and an explanation on this, please go to our website: https://www. bmdca.org/antagene-histio-pre-test. We are still many years away from knowing if the Antagene test and the HSIMS breeding tool will have impact on reducing histiocytic sarcoma in our breed. The 48

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Testing is not a guarantee. This test is only a risk indication. purpose of this test is to reduce the risk by completing the test and using the HSIMS tool to help predict the risk in resulting litters. The only way this will work, the only way we can prove or disprove the predictive aspects of the Antagene test, is if people test and use the mating tool to help predict the litter outcomes. And then we must follow the litter to see if the results support the test. This all must be documented by our breeders. How many dogs from these tested litters die of histiocytic sarcoma? Understanding how accurate the Antagene test is will take many generations. Research, especially genetic research, is a slow and painstaking process. But it is worth it for those future generations of our dogs, for breeders and for puppy buyers. Is the Antagene test perfect? Probably not, but at this time, in this moment, it is what we have. There is a valid concern for genetic diversity. Again, this is where breeders come in. They must choose what their risks will be via their lines and the boys they choose. Having these tests should help. It's a roll of the dice, as it has always been. This is just a more educated roll. There is not a right answer for every situation, bitch or stud dog, but the test mating tool can help you align the goals of your breeding program. In conjunction with the above, the other helpful thing to mention is to put the age and cause of death into Berner-Garde. Full litter data — open and honest documentation — can only help. Updating the Last Known Alive date on your dog’s birthday into the Berner-Garde database is also very helpful to input (yes, that is a field in the Berner-Garde database!). As an actual cure for this disease is far off or, possibly, something that may never be achieved, we MUST focus on early detection and treatment as well. This is all

The Berner-Garde Foundation is dedicated to advancing the health of Bernese Mountain Dogs by fostering collaboration and providing resources to reduce genetic disease. ongoing, and again, moving at glacial speed, which is far too slow for most of us. Unfortunately, the majority of genetic research is painstakingly slow. To those who are not in the trenches, it can appear that nothing is being done, which can cause frustration and disappointment. Forward movement is being made, as evidenced by the article, “Prevention-Detection-Treatment” from BernerGarde in this issue. The mission, vision and values of the Berner-Garde Foundation resonate with me. I hope they do with you as well. Research is expensive. Our dogs matter. Breeders matter. The people you sell your puppies to matter. We must be in this together. For if we are not, the future may not be as bright as we hope it can be. The Antagene test, continued research, looking for earlier detection and better treatments should all go together. It's an overwhelming amount of work to do all of this and pro perly document it. Yes, at times the future can seem bleak. But my sense of optimism tells me that if we keep trying, keep exploring, we might find ways to help the health of this breed. And I think they are worth it. THE BERNER-GARDE FOUNDATION It might also be good to understand exactly what The Berner-Garde Foundation does. They do not tell you what to do or what tests are right or wrong. They encourage voluntary submissions to the database and then do accurate recording with open sharing of the information as the path to better health for the breed. Their mission statement has recently been updated: OUR MISSION The Berner-Garde Foundation is dedicated to advancing the health of Bernese Mountain Dogs by fostering collaboration and providing resources to reduce genetic disease.

OUR OBJECTIVES Support health research into genetic diseases through: • Maintaining a health and pedigree database through voluntary submissions from owners, breeders and other sources. • Open sharing of data and information with Bernese Mountain Dog owners, breeders and scientists. • Preserving DNA samples and data for future health research through our partnership with BMD DNA Tissue Repository at Michigan State University. • Collaborating with the scientific community to support health research relevant to the Bernese Mountain Dog. Keep in mind that all the above is expensive and getting more so every day, hence, the reason for fundraisers, Health Fund Auctions and the Legacy of the Heart Fund. Our members remain generous and concerned about the health of this breed. This database would not be here if it were not for us supporting it. And by supporting it, I don't just mean donations. I mean updating your records. Putting it all out there. They go hand in hand. How lucky are we that we have this tool? As that is just what Berner-Garde is because the tools are only as good as the people using them. Tools shape us and our future. “Hope lies in dreams, in imagination, and in the courage of those who dare to make dreams into reality.” – Jonas Salk About the Author: Lisa Kaufman has been in Bernese Mountain Dogs for over 20 years. She lost her beloved 'Baby G' to histio at the age of 3. This changed her life and her future in the breed. All records of her dogs are fully updated in Berner-Garde. In the fall of 2021, during the COVID pandemic, she conducted an Antagene histio test out of her home for the BMDCA.

OUR VISION That all Bernese Mountain Dogs live long and healthy lives. FALL 2023

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PARKER the Snow Dog:

MAYOR OF GEORGETOWN, COLORADO BY DUSTIN SCHAEFER ALL PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF DUSTIN SCHAEFER

Meet Parker the Snow Dog, the beloved Bernese Mountain Dog who has captured the hearts of so many. Adopted at just 11 months old, this 7-year-old furball has become an iconic figure, spreading joy wherever he goes.

children with disabilities to summer camp. Through this initiative, Parker has raised close to $75,000, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of many.

Parker's journey began when he became the mascot for Loveland Ski Area, where he took on the role of the mountain's ambassador of snow. Attending special events, helping create snow and even riding in snowcats, Parker became an integral part of the ski community.

Beyond his community involvement, Parker is an avid sports fan. He's a familiar face during nationally televised Denver Broncos games, welcoming the players into the stadium before each home game. Parker has also made appearances on the court for Denver Nuggets games and has walked on the field during Colorado Rockies games.

In 2020, Parker's influence extended beyond the slopes. He was elected as the Honorary Mayor of Georgetown,

Unbeknownst to many, Parker has a passion for ice fishing. As a member of the Scheels Pro Staff Ice Fishing Team

During the summer, Parker dedicates his time to working with kids with various disabilities, providing them with unconditional love, hugs and even escorting them to dinner and dances. Colorado, with his platform centered around hugs, love and cookies. Parker's infectious personality put Georgetown on the map, as he attended events and became a remarkable ambassador for the charming mountain town. While Parker excels in his roles on the mountain and in the town, his favorite job is undoubtedly his therapy dog work at the Easter Seals Rocky Mountain Village Camp. During the summer, Parker dedicates his time to working with kids with various disabilities, providing them with unconditional love, hugs and even escorting them to dinner and dances. Parker's annual birthday party, known as Parker Palooza, raises funds for his scholarship program, helping send financially disadvantaged 50

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and with multiple sponsors in his corner, Parker enjoys braving the cold weather and frequenting the ice fishing tent. His impressive angling skills even earned him the coveted Master Angler Award from the Colorado Division of Wildlife when he reeled in a magnificent 36" Lake Trout. During their downtime, Parker and his human companion love embarking on adventurous road trips across the country. Exploring new places, camping under the stars and reveling in the joy of companionship, they have created unforgettable memories together. With Parker as the ultimate co-pilot and the best friend one could ask for, the open road becomes an endless source of delight.

Parker (BG# 214910) sits high above Georgetown, Colorado.

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Parker's remarkable journey has not gone unnoticed. He has graced countless media outlets, including Good Morning America, People Magazine and NPR. From opening concerts at Red Rocks to being the Grand Marshal of parades, Parker's fame has spread far and wide. In fact, he even has his very own beer, the Bernese Mountain Brown Ale, crafted by Guanella Pass Brewery. With a massive following on social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Twitter (now known as X) and Threads, Parker continues to inspire and bring smiles to people's faces across the globe. He has become an iconic figure, not only in Colorado but throughout the country and beyond. In the end, Parker's story is a testament to the power of love, kindness and the incredible bond between humans and animals. His unwavering dedication to spreading joy, his charitable endeavors and his zest for life make Parker an extraordinary ambassador of happiness, leaving an indelible paw print on the world. If you’d like to keep up with the adventures of Parker, follow him on Instagram @officialsnowdog.

He even has his very own beer, the Bernese Mountain Brown Ale, crafted by Guanella Pass Brewery.

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The Alpenhorn

Top left - Parker (BG# 214910) the Snow Dog sits on a snowmobile while making snow at Loveland Ski Area in Colorado. Bottom left - Parker (BG# 214910) sitting on the basketball court before the Nuggets-Lakers game. Bottom right - Parker (BG# 214910) waking up in his hotel room from a long night of sleep.

TRAINING

Multi-Sport DOGS

BY RENEE MERIAUX, JULIE BACON, AND MAGGIE DALZELL

RENEE MERIAUX So, you get a cute puppy and think, “I want to train my puppy to do obedience,” but as you explore more things you think, “Oh, agility looks fun!” “Oh, drafting looks fun!” And so does Rally, Fast CAT®, Dock Diving, Barn Hunt, Herding and the list goes on!!! Over the years, dog sports have exploded, not only in availability but in diversity too. It used to be Obedience was the only game in town; now you can do just about anything with your dog, even surfing and dancing! How do you go about training for multiple sports? Is it really any different than training for a single sport? How do you train for a multi-day/multi-sport event? How do you condition your canine partner and yourself to compete in these events? I’m sure these and many other questions come to mind when thinking about joining the few of us crazy enough to attempt competing in multiple events. I know when I started my dog show life, I never contemplated doing anything other than conformation; of course, I was only 12 so what did I know? I also had Basenjis and didn’t believe they could be trained. Of course, I tried. I took my first Basenji and signed up for obedience classes given by the local park and recreation district. They taught the Koehler method of dog training, the gold standard back then. This method relied heavily on corrections both verbal and physical. Neither myself nor my dog were having any fun. Years later when I was exposed to positive clicker training, I was hooked and finally realized

Trip (BG# 138925). Photo by Bex Munson.

training could be fun for both of us. My first dog sport was Agility. After having success with Agility and being exposed to other sports, I realized I wanted to try different things, just because they sounded fun. I also get bored easily and training the same things over and over was kind of monotonous. Over time as I trained and competed in various activities, I learned many training techniques and grew to love multiple sports. I truly enjoyed a weekend where I could train agility in the morning, go to the park for draft practice and the next day have a herding lesson. Our first truly competitive multi-tasker was Peyton; she would try anything we exposed her to. She was also a very literal dog and so with her it became clear we needed a unique command for everything. For example, the “back” command could be used in drafting to back up the cart, in agility to go to the backside of a jump or in rally to back up in heel position. For Peyton, these needed to be three unique commands. “Back” was used in draft, “knock” for Agility (I’m not sure how we came up with that one!) and “reverse” for Rally. I created a spreadsheet for each sport and listed the unique commands for each. Then it was just a matter of teaching her (and actually remembering them). Once we know our plan for each dog is to compete in multiple sports, we start a foundation of focus and learning. Focus is the key, and though there are many programs to teach focus. I personally like “Attention is the Mother of All Behaviors” from the Puppy Culture program. I like teaching a puppy the clicker and once they learn how to learn, everything is a fun game. In fact, I do teach my puppies tricks; they are fun, and it helps build a relationship with FALL 2023

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your canine partner. It is important to remember that not all dogs love all sports and to set your goals with your partner in mind. They may also prefer a sport that is not your favorite; for example, Zuko loves Obedience and it is probably my least favorite, but we are working towards a CDX because he likes it. As far as conditioning for a multi-sport event, the only way is to enter multiple days of multiple sports or set up a training weekend for multiple sports. I still must work full time, so training time is limited. I usually train in small bits, 10 – 15 minutes after work with longer sessions on the weekend. One thing COVID taught me is that once the dog knows the exercises, drilling constantly is not necessary. In fact, I think their performances improve when they train less. For my conditioning, just being a bit crazy might help. I do not know what keeps me on track other than a very strong drive to accomplish what I set out to do. However, I do not put all that pressure on my partner — just myself. Have realistic goals. I am happy just getting a qualifying score, but if placements are important then be mindful of how to accomplish it. I set annual goals for each dog and plan how to achieve those. I check in to see how these are going and make any adjustments as needed. It’s important to adjust goals and be realistic; be willing to let something go or even add something if the opportunity presents itself.

Team Obedience, 4-6 puppy, CGC, Draft, Scent Work and Best of Breed. We didn’t qualify in everything, but in most everything. Both Mosley and Zuko earned the Triathlete award. To say we were exhausted by the end of the week is an understatement. The bottom line is have fun. Be aware of what your dog likes to do. Be willing to adjust goals. Renee Meriaux has been involved with dogs for 50 years, starting with Basenjis and adding Bernese Mountain Dogs in 1996. She started in conformation with Basenjis as a junior handler and recently expanded to conformation with her BMD, Zuko. She competes in all manner of performance events with both breeds, including earning draft titles on her Basenji, Oakley, the only Basenji to have draft titles. Renee currently serves as the BMDCA herding committee chair and has been the chair of various events for the BMDCA. JULIE BACON I make no secret about how much I enjoy our national specialty. I treasure it for all the typical reasons — seeing people I don't get to see often, falling in love with our breed all over again and the packed schedule of events. But mostly, I'm giddy for the performance events — ALL of them! Fortunately, my first Berner was game for anything — what a gift! At my first national in 2010, we entered Draft, Rally, Obedience and Agility. This year, between my three dogs, we covered Draft, Rally, Obedience, Agility, Herding, Scent Work, the veterans parade, the versatility showcase and Conformation.

For Bernese Mountain Dogs, one of the most challenging things to participate in is the Triathlete Award challenge at the National Specialty. This is the brainchild of Ruth Nielsen. She created this special award in 2009 for BMDs that Trip's (BG# 138925) ribbons. Photo by Julie Bacon. qualif y in three per formance For me, a weeklong event where I events during the week of the can play in as many rings as possible National Specialty at the titling level. It is so much is heavenly, but it does take just a smidge of organization! fun attempting to earn this award. It is the ultimate marathon of multi-sport events for our breed. It's easy for us to get overwhelmed at a national, and even easier for our dogs to be overwhelmed! Knowing We attempted it the first year it was offered with Peyton yourself and your dog and how much you can each handle and she earned qualifying scores in all events in which is paramount. If you think you will be too frazzled doing she was entered. She went on to earn the award at every multiple events in a day, then choose just one. If ring national she attended for a total of four times. Even if you conflicts unnerve you, plan accordingly. do not earn it, it’s sure fun trying. Eli tried three times, earning it on his third try at 8½; Mosley has earned it twice, (Top left) CH. Wagontale's You Better Shape Up CD RN HT FDC NJP and Zuko once. NDD ANBDD DD MBDD CGC TKA VD WD, "Zuko" To give you an example of crazy: At this year’s national I was in the ring 18 times. Zuko – 14, Mosley – 10 (Kelley VanArsdale handled some classes), Rocket – 2, Oakley – 1. We entered Herding, Agility, Obedience, Versatility, Rally,

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(BG# 161701). Photo by Joann Tuan.

(Top right) Eli (BG# 91808). Photo by Point Photography. (Bottom left) Wagontale's Even Girls Can Be Quarterbacks, RN HSAs AXP AJP BCAT DD NBDD CGC TKP JHD WDX GMDD, "Mosley" (BG# 129703) in Agility. Photo by Joann Tuan. (Bottom right) Moxie (BG# 136719). Photo by Rich Knecht.

Knowing yourself and your dog and how much you can each handle is paramount.

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Moxie (BG# 136719) and Trip (BG# 138925). Photo by Andrea Stefanac.

Prepare, edit, prepare more.

Then there's the training.

The minute the tentative schedule drops, my mind is planning. While the schedule won't provide a sense of time, it does provide the skeleton for the week. I discover if I'll need to be in two places at once and start learning about the various locations involved.

While I compete in these performance events throughout the year, they are not "equal." That is, in a typical year, I do a lot more Agility than I do Herding, for example. So leading up to a specialty, my training and trial schedule definitely changes to support the big week.

In some years, this has meant starting the week at a different hotel, one that was closer to herding or agility, for instance. Besides needing an additional reservation, this will later impact how I pack as I won't want to bring my whole set up in for one night.

I will try to hit a trial in each venue the month or two before I leave for the National. If not possible, I will get an extra lesson or go to a new site to train. But this depends on your goals and your dogs. The first time my girl Moxie ever saw sheep was at a national — I figured, why not? I had low expectations, but she surprised me in the mud with a pass! This year, I entered my boy Trip in Open Obedience, knowing he probably wasn't ready, but I wanted him to experience a trial environment. I had the right goals, so it was a good experience without something green to show for it.

The planning booklet will solidify the schedule and help me make any last decisions before entries close. Draft usually occurs on multiple days, so I mark my preferred day on my entries to minimize conflicts. All of this is supported by pen-to-paper planning. I write out each day, what I'll be doing, which dogs are entered and where I need to be. I end up taking a photo of this for reference during the week. 56

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Your goals and expectations will determine how much fun you have! Setting appropriate goals for my dogs means I'm not putting too much pressure on us to perform in a (sometimes) chaotic environment.

Oh, the outfits! To make packing easier (and yes, because I am a bit of a clothes horse), I make another paper-based schedule for my clothes. Yup, I write it all out. Most years include me changing into proper conformation clothes in a bathroom stall at some point, and this year I did my obedience run in a dress and tennis shoes - got to stay flexible! The evening events are also listed, and I can pack by days of the week, working my way down through my clothes. Packing becomes easy once my lists are made — just add copious amounts of foul-weather gear! And if there is a second hotel, those clothes are separate, as are my travel/driving clothes.

and 2022. Across her four Berners, Julie has secured 18 Triathlete awards, all while employing a baseball hat to cover her hair on fire! MAGGIE DALZELL Have you ever wanted to try something new but stopped yourself for fear of failure? I’m here to encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and refuse to be afraid of the new. If you don’t try you will never have the opportunity to succeed. If you’ve never done something, you can’t be surprised if it doesn’t go your way, but you’ll start — little by little — attaining the experience and knowing how to succeed in the new! The biggest obstacle to “doing” is you, so get your mindset in the right place and you will succeed!

Be prepared to let something go. No matter how well you prepare, a conflict might pop up that cannot be resolved. While most specialty judges are accommodating, I've also heard, "I guess you'll just have to make a choice." And in this moment, you must be honest about what you or your dog can handle and if what you're trying to accomplish is possible. Remember, you're at the national to have fun; if it's not fun, it's not worth it. For the sake of sanity, I've skipped many parades and given my dogs an unexpected day off mid-week. I make my entries knowing which classes are a priority and which ones I might scratch. Thankfully, I've always been just crazy enough to go for it!

Your goals and expectations will determine how much fun you have!

Be nice. If you've never volunteered at a national, then you may not understand the literal years it takes to put on this event. I mention this to remind us all that, as much as we might be stressed trying to flit from ring to ring, the organizers are being hit with dozens of requests to mitigate conflicts. My dogs are usually slated back-to-back in Rally, for example. I can either barge up to the overwhelmed steward with arms flailing or wait patiently and calmly ask for help. With some venues, like Draft, you can let secretaries know you might have a conflict before arriving. Sometimes our stress gets the best of us — mine too — so remember everyone is volunteering, and apologies are welcomed. Julie Bacon has competed in every national specialty since 2010, primarily in performance venues. She has chaired various committees and judged Draft in 2017

A little bit about me: My name is Maggie Dalzell. I’ve been competing in dog sports for around seven years with my Bernese Mountain Dog Eiger and with his four-year-old daughter, Eminem (Emmy). Prior to dog sports, I competed on a world level with horses. I competed in all-around events, so I was routinely showing in seven or more disciplines of classes with my horses in just a couple days. This forced me to learn to adapt quickly between events. This has proved helpful in the dog world as well. I started out by showing in Conformation with Eiger, then added Rally, Agility, Lure Coursing, Obedience, Fast CAT® and Draft throughout the years. At our first Bernese national in Colorado in 2021, both of my dogs received the Triathlete Award and Eminem won her class in Novice Rally as well as Novice Obedience (our first time competing in obedience). She was not even 2 years old!

So, how did I achieve so much in such a short period of time? I tried. I attempted what I didn’t know well and my dogs were willing to adjust. I remember the first time I ever entered Rally. My sister, Sara, told me I should enter Eiger in Rally at the show. I didn’t even know what Rally was nor had I seen it. However, I was experienced in pattern work with horses and this was similar. BUT, Eiger wasn’t trained in Rally exercises. I walked up to the gate and took the pattern from the ring steward. This looked intimidating! I had NO idea what any of these exercises were. I was majorly stressing out! In problem solving mode I quickly looked up the exercises on YouTube and mustered up the courage to try the course. I was so out of my element with this. I took a deep breath and entered the ring with Eiger. To my surprise, we qualified and even received a third-place ribbon. I was proud of Eiger for adapting to what I had asked him to do. He trusted me to be his leader and for that we were rewarded. FALL 2023

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Trust. The foundation of trust between you and your trust is built, it is your responsibility to own what your canine partner is the difference between success and dog does and what you will allow in terms of behavior. failure. My belief is the magical age of 8-16 weeks is I don’t let my dogs get away with not listening to me. an essential time to build this partnership between I’ll give you an example: My dog Emmy sleeps with you and your dog. I have been told by some that I me every night. Her one duty here is to wait for me “over socialize” my dogs. I don’t believe there is such to get on the bed and wait for an invitation to get up a thing. The more positive experiences you can give on the bed once I’m situated. Every once in a while, your puppy in this time period, the more they will trust she decides she wants to get up on the bed without that the things you ask of them and expect of them me being there or inviting her. While this would be are things they will be able to do. I’ve owned Bernese easy to just let slip, I do not accept this behavior. I Mountain Dogs for most of my life — 29 years to be let her know that she’s wrong (she often sasses me) exact. After raising so many puppies, the one thing and I demand that she gets off the bed until I invite I’ve noticed with almost every single individual is that her up. The result? She does not try it again for they get more fearful of new things as they age. This months. She knows my boundary and she respects is why I feel it is essential during me. So how does this relate the critical socialization phase to dog sports? If you don’t set to expose your puppies in a safe expectations for your dog but environment, to as many of the let them get away with the “silly things you hope they will be things,” your success will not able to do when older. Here is a come as fast as if you set expectalist of things that I like to do with tions and ensure your dog follows my puppies: through with the behavior you • Teach them basic commands require. Your guidance will be such as sit, down, stay, touch their safety as you enter a ring. and how to walk on a leash for easy heeling. Guidance is defined as “advice or • Teach them the place command. information aimed at resolving a • Get them on an unstable problem or difficulty, especially surface safely and positively given by someone in authority.” (ex. paddle board, wobble The guidance you give your dog board, BOSU® ball). during ring time will in large part • Put puppies near a draft cart dictate your success. When I go and walk with them next to into the ring, I take an approach an adult dog pulling the cart, of “one step at a time.” I like to if possible. think of every required maneuver • Supervise puppy while encouras a step, and I try not to think aging them to walk on the side about the next step until the of something elevated. This current step I’m working on is could be a park bench, the complete. If I need to, I take time side of a planter, or a small, to slow down and think. In many Wagontale's Even Girls Can Be Quarterbacks, elevated plank of wood. dog sports this won’t hinder you; RN HSAs AXP AJP BCAT DD NBDD CGC TKP it gives you an opportunity to get JHD WDX GMDD, "Mosley" (BG# 129703) hard This all can be achieved with an back on track and maybe even at work. Photo by Lisa Kaufman. older dog, but obviously it might achieve the Q! It is your respontake more time. Early positive training experiences sibility to assume the role of leader while in the ring. are the foundation for the trust that ensures success Stressors are plentiful in the ring, so clear cues are when boundaries are later pushed. As with everything, essential to success. You are the one making the good judgement goes a long way. You need to know calls. As such, if something doesn’t go your way you when to push your dog and when to pull back. A lot of must not blame your dog, but must look to yourthat takes time and experience on the handler’s part. self. Consider how you could have dealt better with conflict and try to come up with solutions to manage Leadership, Expectations and Boundaries. Your the incident next time. Maybe you could have given job as a dog owner is to be their guiding light in all commands more clearly, maybe your body language situations. Trust, as discussed above, is the foundation was throwing your dog off, etc. It is up to you, the that will allow you to lead your dog successfully. Once handler, to take responsibility for the mistakes you 58

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make in the ring and remember, this is your loving companion who is trying, too. Your dog is being pushed out of their comfort zone as well. My motto is, “You can only do the best you can do on the day you are doing it.” To me, this means that you showed up, you tried and the end result will only inform the future. This approach leaves me feeling fulfilled knowing I’ve tried my best, and that itself is worth showing up for. You are your dog’s best advocate. Try to source information about different sports from people in your community! Watch YouTube, check out the AKC site and try to learn as much as you can. All competitors started somewhere. No one is perfect when they first try something. Please don’t be too hard on yourself or your dog. The more optimistic you are, the more success you will have in the ring with your dog. You can do it! Competing and excelling in multiple dog sports may seem daunting, but I promise if you give your dog the proper foundation laid in MACH PACH2 Wagontale's Quite A Catch, CDX RAE HSAs MXS MJG MXP7 MXPG MJP10 MJPC PAX3 OF NFP T2BP DD ANDD MDD JHD WDX, "Peyton" (BG# 48480) at his first national in 2009. Photo credit Kelley Van Arsdale.

trust, you can reach great success with your loving canine partner! Maggie Dalzell has been raised with Bernese Mountain Dogs since she was 2 years old. Her competitive endeavors as a child were with her American Quarter Horses/Paint Horses where she showed at a world level. She is a multiple reserve world champion and was a top five competitor in the United States for over eight years. She was introduced to dog sports when she was encouraged by her sister to show her puppy in 2016. Her first show dog, Eiger, received the Versatility Excellent Award in 2020 (Grand Champion, Open Agility and Draft Dog titles). In 2022, she piloted Eminem (Eiger’s daughter) to the Working Dog Award (Agility, Obedience and Draft). In 2021, both her dogs achieved the Triathlete Award at the Colorado National. Maggie, Eiger and Emmy have all achieved all four draft titles offered by the BMDCA. In addition to AKC dog sports, she enjoys spending time with her dogs when ski touring, paddle boarding and backpacking.

The more optimistic you are, the more success you will have in the ring with your dog.

Indie (on bench) (BG# 78962), Moxie (BG# 136719), Trip (BG# 138925). Photo by Julie Bacon.

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THE 2023

CANINE

HEALTH FOUNDATION

NATIONAL PARENT CLUB Canine Health Conference Summary BY PAT LONG AND JOYE NEFF

On August 11, 2023, AKC’s Canine Health Foundation held their fourteenth bi-annual National Parent Club Canine Health Conference in St. Louis, Missouri. Presentations were given over the span of three days, with topics about how research is improving canine health through prevention, treatment and cures. The Bernese Mountain Dog community was represented with at least four attendees, with two of those being members of the BMDCA health committee. We have summarized the presentations in order to share them with the fancy and have made liberal use of the CHF’s conference handout that provided presentation abstracts. 1. Canine Chronic Enteropathies – Subgroups, Diagnosis and Treatment Dr. Karin Allenspach, Iowa State University Treating IBD (inflammator y bowel disease): Chronic diarrhea lasts more than three weeks. It usually resolves on its own, which should be tried first. If it lasts longer, then disease should be ruled out, since diarrhea can be caused by liver and kidney issues. A diet trial can help rule out pancreatic insufficiency, which is marked by a ravenous appetite. Antibiotics are no longer favored; they can cause more disruption of the small intestinal bacteria in the long run and a high rate of relapse, as well as inducing diarrhea as a side effect.

When treating CE, patience and an open mind are needed.

Dr. Allenspach reviewed the results of her studies using salmon and rice as an elimination diet. Many dogs responded very well to this diet and could remain on it for quite some time without any relapse. A hydrolyzed diet where the proteins are broken into shorter strings is also very effective but can be unpalatable for the dogs. For dogs that do not respond to diet, intestinal biopsies and histopathology are collected before possible treatment with immunosuppressives is attempted. Data indicates that antibiotics should be avoided. 2. Chronic Enteropathy Management – Food for Thought Dr. Alison Manchester, Colorado State University 60

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50 to 70% of dogs with chronic enteropathy (CE) respond to diet alone, some to antibiotics and some need immunosuppressants. No diet helps all CE dogs, nor do any tests accurately predict which diet will be best for an individual dog. Dogs with diet-responsive CE have longer and more stable remission comparted to other treatment strategies, and adverse effects are minimal. Recent work has highlighted the gut microbiome as the likely target or instigator of overzealous immune reactions in CE dogs; the diet’s ability to shift the gut microbiome may therefore better explain its beneficial effects. Currently, the only way to determine which dogs will respond to diet is with dedicated feeding trials. When treating CE, patience and an open mind are needed. 3. Diagnostic Evaluation of the Canine Gut Microbiome Dr. Jenessa Winston, The Ohio State University

Dysbiosis is the alteration in community structure and function of the microbiome. It can be caused by diet, antibiotics, environment, vaccines, hygiene, etc. There are a number of methods to assess the bacterial culture, all of which are complex and expensive, and may have practical uses, but it is still in its early days. She cautioned against some of the therapeutic treatments that commercially available tests recommend, based on no published research. Like many of the tools offered commercially, there is no regulation or oversight. Trials need to be developed to assess these tools and determine how they can best be used.

4. Deciphering Canine Periodontal Disease One Molecule at a Time Dr. Santiago Peralta, Cornell University “Periodontal disease is one of the most prevalent and widespread diseases of dogs, and can result in significant pain, discomfort and loss of teeth.”1 Periodontal disea se appears to be less of a problem with large breed dogs. It is a highly prevalent, progressive, multifactorial

inflammatory disease which is best examined under general anesthesia. It “includes complex interactions between the host’s defense mechanisms and the microbial communities that are present in dental plaque.”2 Poor dental health can result in compromised health in many of the body’s systems. Dr. Peralta’s research is focused on “elucidating mechanisms of disease to ultimately inform rational preventative, diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic interventions.”3 He concluded that the future looks promising. 5. How do Maternal, Environmental, and Genetic Factors Contribute to Acquisition and Evolution of the Enteric Microbiome in Dogs? Dr. David Williams, University of Illinois Asthma, atopy, chronic enteropathies and obesity are associated with altered development of the microbiome in humans. Preliminary studies indicate that development of the enteric microbiome in dogs is similar to humans, but there is a knowledge gap related to how early life events and host genetics influence the process. The objective of this study is to document the development of the gastrointestinal microbiome longitudinally from birth to adulthood in a population of dogs with known genealogies and under controlled environmental conditions. They hypothesize that puppies are first colonized by microbes from their mothers and that significant compositional shifts will be associated with early life events such as weaning. Furthermore, they expect to identify specific genetic elements associated with divergent outcomes of microbiome maturation. The researchers will collect samples from mothers prior to birth, then from their offspring starting within 24 hours of birth and extending to the age of 14 months. They will characterize longitudinal changes in the enteric microbiome by high-throughput sequencing the 16S-rRNA gene. A genome-wide association study will be used to identify specific genetic elements associated with divergent outcomes of microbial development. It is expected that this innovative and ambitious investigation will advance the state of knowledge regarding canine enteric microbiome development. It is hoped that such knowledge will lead to novel approaches to optimize canine growth and positively influence overall health. 6. Dogs as Sentinels of Emerging Tick-Borne Pathogens: More Than Just Man’s Best Friend! Dr. Barbara Qurollo, North Carolina State University “Dogs bear the brunt of high tick exposure and can serve as sentinels of novel, zoonotic tick-borne pathogens before they are detected in humans.”4 Cases of tick-borne diseases are on the rise and spreading farther from their previous areas. Some experts say that climate change is the cause of this increase. The NC State’s Vector-borne Disease Diagnostic Laboratory employs PCR (polymerase

Cases of tick-borne diseases are on the rise and spreading farther from their previous areas. chain reaction) tests that broadly detect a wide range of tick-borne pathogens, which has led to the discovery of previously undocumented, emerging pathogens in dogs, including a novel pathogenic spotted fever group Rickettsia (SFGR) species in the southern U.S. Dr. Qurollo stressed that Rocky Mountain spotted fever is a rapidly progressive disease and without early administration of doxycycline, can be fatal. 7. Development of Genetic Tests for Sighthounds: Anesthetic Drug Sensitivity and Delayed Postoperative Hemorrhage (DEPOH) Dr. Michael Court, Washington State University “Many sighthound dog breeds have unique physiological attributes that can include prolonged recovery after injectable anesthetic administration and delayed postoperative hemorrhage (DEOH).”5 In an Ohio State study done in 2006, it was found that 28% of Greyhounds had delayed bleeding 48 to 72 hours after major surgery. There were other sighthound breeds that were also found to be affected. Dr. Court has recently developed and commercialized the first test to identify dogs at risk for developing potentially fatal bleeding after major surgery. 8. My Perspectives on Canine Genetic Research – Past, Present, and Future; History of Genetic Tests Featuring the OFA Dr. Gary Johnson, University of Missouri Dr. Johnson has a forty-year history in the field of genetic research. His first purchase was a -40-degree freezer, which is still in use today. From his first discovery of the mutation for a genetic disease in Limousin cattle in 1993, through the many genetic mutations he’s identified in dog breeds, Dr. Johnson has been at the forefront of genetic research and benefitted from the rapid evolution of knowledge, the genome mapping which cost millions of dollars, to today’s environment that allows relatively inexpensive use of whole genome sequencing of individual dogs. The OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) has endowed a program to ensure the future of canine molecular-genetic research at the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine as Dr. Johnson transitions into retirement. FALL 2023

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Dr. Tuohy’s research will not only benefit canines, but since osteosarcoma is the most common cancer in children and teens, will benefit humans, too. 9. Genomic Studies Reveal Risk Factors for Congenital Megaesophagus Dr. Leigh Anne Clark, University of Georgia Congenital idiopathic megaesophagus (CIM) is the “reduced peristaltic activity and dilation of the esophagus”6 which prevents “the passage of food into the stomach, causing regurgitation of solid food.”7 It is seen in high frequencies in the German Shepherd Dog and Great Dane, although there have been some cases in Berners. It can be present at birth or acquired after birth (25% of cases.) Affected puppies who survive to adulthood require lifelong management and are at risk for aspiration pneumonia. Management includes small, frequent meals of soft food using vertical feeding, ice-cubed water and promotability agents. Males are more likely than females to be affected and 28% of the dogs diagnosed are German Shepherd Dogs. Dr. Clark stated, “Genetics loads the gun, environment pulls the trigger.” 10. Do Dog Breeds Differ in Pain Sensitivity? Dr. Rachel Caddiell, North Carolina State University Dr. Caddiell stated that despite no evidence, “veterinarians believe that dog breeds differ in their sensitivity to pain.”8 Her research was aimed at determining “whether breed differences in pain sensitivity exists”9 and at evaluating “the effect of breed on the clinical recognition and treatment of pain.”10 She found that dogs do differ in pain sensitivity, however these results do not align with veterinarians’ breed-specific pain sensitivity beliefs. Patient breed does influence pain recognition and the treatment of pain in canine patients. 11. Harnessing the Power of Microbes to Fight Obesity: A First Look at the Canine SLIM Study Dr. Jenessa Winston, The Ohio State University “Obesity is a growing epidemic in dogs, ultimately resulting in physical impairment, comorbidities and the reduced quality of life and health span.”11 Animal factors that influence obesity are genetics/breed, neuter status and age. Owner factors are diet choice, feeding methods/practices, living environment, owner attitudes and owner age/body composition. Many times, there is limited communication to the owners about obesity from their veterinarians. There is evidence that “the intestinal microbiota contributes to obesity and that rational manip62

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ulation of this ecosystem may confer a health benefit.”12 The SLIM Study aims to investigate the “therapeutic potential of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) to facilitate weight loss in obese dogs.”13 It has been found that FMT from slim dogs result in slim results, versus FMT from obese dogs. “Understanding the obesity-specific key microbial community members and their metabolic function will help to facilitate the development of precision canine microbiome-targeted therapies and accelerated metabolic improvements in dogs suffering from obesity.”14 12. Gene Therapy for the Treatment of Doberman Dilated Cardiomyopathy Dr. Margaret Sleeper, University of Florida One of the main functions of genes is to provide instructions to the cell to produce specific proteins. When the genes contain mutations, the cell is unable to produce the proteins necessary for proper organ function. In dilated cardiomyopathy, Dobermans have two genetic mutations that increase the risk of this disease in which the heart muscle enlarges and is unable to appropriately pump blood to the affected area of the heart. Retroviruses containing the transgenes are delivered to the affected area via catheter. The study used a variety of retroviruses and delivery techniques, trying to ensure the highest dose and most effective method for delivery. The results are extremely promising, with 6 of 10 dogs showing excellent results. 13. Evidence-based Approaches to Treatment of Dogs with Gallbladder Mucocele Formation Dr. Jody Gookin, North Carolina State University In some mostly smaller breeds, mucus builds in the gallbladder, it dries and accumulates, leading to rupture, and if not caught and treated surgically, the outcome is fatal. Even with surgical intervention the outcome is not always good. There are some interesting similarities between the buildup in the gallbladder with the buildup in the lungs of humans with cystic fibrosis. Animals with cystic fibrosis also report cases of gallbladder mucocele formation. This is an emergent disease, identified in the last 20 years. The research being done by Dr. Gookin is to identify the cause and identify evidence-based approaches to prevention or treatment.

14. Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) of Golden Retrievers Has a Unique DNA Methylation Signature That is Highly Conserved Dr. Jeff Bryan, University of Missouri Of particular interest in this session was the mention of a report from Korea of an epigenomic blueprint of the dog that can be used for comparative biology and medical research. (See https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/ sciadv.ade3399.) In this research, DNA was extracted from high grade B-cell lymphomas (cBCL) in Golden Retrievers. Unlike normal lymphocytes, there were many hypermethylated and hypomethylated regions in the samples. The methylation signature of cBCL was distinct from normal lymphocytes. This offers clues to lymphomagenesis as well as potential biomarkers of disease and therapeutic targets. Future directions include expanding the cBCL methylome dataset and integrating it with cancer driver mutational analysis. From these they hope to understand the origin of cBCL, improve early detection and develop therapeutic and prevention strategies. 15. Histotripsy: A Novel Treatment for Osteosarcoma Dr. Joanne Tuohy, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common primary bone cancer in dogs (especially large breed dogs) and in children/adolescents. The survival outcomes for OS patients have not improved in the last several decades, despite multi-modal intensive therapy. “The outcome for those with metastatic or recurrent OS remains dismal.”15 “Histotripsy is a focused ultrasound therapy that mechanically disintegrates tumors into acellular debris via controlled acoustic cavitation (“bubble clouds”).”16 Histotripsy breaks down tumor tissue non-invasively and without damaging the surrounding bone tissue. This treatment has helped avoid amputations in dogs. In addition, the acellular debris seems to act as a type of vaccine; the immune system can react to it and any tumors distant from the treatment site reduce in size when tracked over time. Dr. Tuohy’s research will not only benefit canines, but since osteosarcoma is the most common cancer in children and teens, will benefit humans, too. 16. Enhanced Surgical Margin Imaging in Dogs with Soft Tissue Sarcoma or Mammary Tumors Dr. Laura Selmic, The Ohio State University As we all know too well, one of the keys to removing tumors is to ensure that clear margins are achieved. This is often difficult when the tumor is in areas in which there is not sufficient surrounding tissue. It can take several days for a pathologist to determine if there are clear margins, and even then only samples of the tumor tissue are reviewed, and some areas without clear margins may be missed. This study is assessing the use of optical coherence tomography (OCT), or light waves used to provide real-

time high resolution images of the tissue at a microscopic level. A newer form of OCT is polarization-sensitive, or PS-OCT. Currently their research indicates that the PS-OCT images correlate well with histopathology, and the results are promising, with the goal to improve surgical margin imaging accuracy and also improve surgical outcomes for tumor removal. 17. GD3 Nano-scaled Liposomal Cancer Vaccine Clinical Trial for Canine Hemangiosarcoma Dr. Rowan Milner, University of Florida Hemangiosarcoma is a difficult cancer to detect and treat. It typically makes itself known when the tumor ruptures and the dog is brought into the ER with a life-threatening status. If the tumor is on the spleen, removal of the spleen can resolve the immediate danger, but the eventual metastasis will be fatal in two to three months even with the use of chemotherapy. This study is working to identify specific molecules found on the hemangiosarcoma cells that can be used as the basis for stimulating an immune system response using a vaccine. The GD3 ganglioside molecule is used for communication between cells and is present in several cancers. A clinical trial was started July 2022, and of the 18 dogs with splenic masses, only eight were hemangiosarcoma, and of those, only two met the additional criteria. In the study, six vaccines are given to one group, and then compared to placebos given to the other. Data is still accruing. Sources: All quotes are from the corresponding AKC CHF abstract 1, 2, 3 Deciphering Canine Periodontal Disease One Molecule at a Time, Dr. Santiago Peralta, Cornell University, August 11, 2023 5 Development of Genetic Tests for Sighthounds: Anesthetic Drug Sensitivity and Delayed Postoperative Hemorrhage (DEPOH), Dr. Michael Court, Washington State University, August 12, 2023 6, 7 Genomic Studies Reveal Risk Factors for Congenital Megaesophagus, Dr. Leigh Anne Clark, University of Georgia, August 12, 2023 8, 9, 10 Do Dog Breeds Differ in Pain Sensitivity? Dr. Rachel Caddiell, North Carolina State University, August 12, 2023 11, 12, 13, 14 Harnessing the Power of Microbes to Fight Obesity: A First Look at the Canine SLIM Study Dr. Jenessa Winston, The Ohio State University, August 12, 2023 15, 16 Histotripsy: A Novel Treatment for Osteosarcoma, Dr. Joanne Tuohy, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, August 13, 2023 FALL 2023

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48 Hours

THE FIRST

BY GEORGEANN REEVE, BRIGHTWATER/BLACKWATER BMD

The setting: Whelping a first litter in 2005… well actually, the first and second litters within one week of each other. Dori, a foundation bitch, had seven puppies within three and a half hours. Six days later, the second bitch, Tassel, had 11 puppies, whelping only nine naturally. Using WhelpWise services for Dori was remarkably predictive of how the pups were doing and when whelping was imminent. A friend was staying to help, and the WhelpWise folks said we were many hours away from whelping. A rookie mistake was thinking that whelping could be anything but predictive and believing that technology could accurately provide timelines. Faith in technology was grounded in having worked in IT since the early eighties. We left briefly to return her rental car to the airport (of course the phone was left behind at the house) and commissioned my fourteen-year-old son to watch over the activities. Upon our return, we found my husband standing barefoot in the whelping box wearing a dress shirt, tie, and boxer shorts, exasperated with the whole situation. He had just come home from work to find two pups had been born while we were gone. These pups only weighed seven and eight ounces, were cold and wet and crying from Tassel tenaciously cleaning them. We quickly dried the pups off, wrapped them in towels, and placed them under our shirts while waiting for the rest of the pups. (While a bit intimidated by his first venture into whelping, my husband has since been an active and helpful partner in all our litters.) Tassel whelped the next seven through the night but stalled by early morning. We knew that there were two remaining. It had been over three hours since the last pup was born alive. We took Tassel and the pups to the veterinarian's office where they advised us to try Pitocin, as they could not see subjecting her to a C-section with nine live puppies. They set us up in a quiet place, and we produced two dead puppies in about an hour.

knew what to do naturally. The pups all gained weight steadily. One can never forget Dori's expression when trying to clean up her meal that she had regurgitated into the whelping box when the pups were four weeks old, unaware that is how they introduce food to the litter, but Dori’s body knew, even as a first-time mom, to do it. We did not realize how fortunate and naïve we were until a year later when we bred Dori again. What a difference. She whelped them naturally but had no milk, which meant bottle-feeding the litter. She did enjoy cleaning them often while they were nursing, which resulted in soaked clothing the first few times. There was a constant worry about this litter for the first few days. Were they getting enough nourishment? Did they get any colostrum? We weighed them constantly, pinched their shoulders to ensure they were not dehydrated and worried over every poop, pee or lack thereof.

There are a few tasks to undertake before the pups arrive that will make the first 48 hours easier.

These first experiences led to the belief that breeding was relatively easy. Both moms were attentive and 64

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Since then, we have raised easy litters, difficult litters, some that were in between, and each time, we got on the phone with friends to ask for guidance and to compare notes. A saying is, "The longer you breed, the more you will see." No matter how many litters I have had since then, the first 48 hours set the tone for the litter and the puppies. Here are a few thoughts from lessons and years of experience to share:

The first hours and days of a new litter can be very stressful for even the most experienced breeder. Do all the interworking organs connect internally? Why do some pups nurse so vigorously while others are lazy? Are the pups all healthy? Does mom have milk? How soon is too soon to bottle feed if there is no milk after 24 hours? Is the whelping box too hot or too cold?

However, let us take a step back. While most of this article focuses on after the pups are born, there are a few tasks to undertake before the pups arrive that will make the first 48 hours easier.

A few days before the due date: 1. Wash the dam's teats with a soft cloth and warm water to ensure the area is clean. The act of cleaning the nipples can also help to stimulate milk production. Within a few days of the due date, gently place the teat between thumb and forefinger and draw down to see if any colostrum is present. Even a tiny amount of white produced is a good sign. 2. Trim mom's nails and use an emery board to soften sharp edges. 3. Trim excess hair around the vulva and the tail. An excellent guide for where to stop trimming is where the rust-colored hair ends on the underside of the tail. This trimming provides a neater area around the birth area, helping mom and the whelping box stay clean more easily. Trimming helps to keep the tail from getting matted with afterbirth discharge and prevents pups from getting tangled and picked up by the matted hair, dragged or dropped when mom gets up. Some folks may wrap the tail completely, but trimming has shown to be adequate. 4. Trim around the nipples, but do not shave unless a C-section is planned or warranted. When the shaved hair grows out, it can cause redness and irritation on the pups' noses. 5. Have supplies on hand if mom does not have milk. Keep a fading puppy supplement, domperidone (brings in milk) on hand and have a colostrum supplement plan if you are concerned that mom cannot keep up with nursing demands (in case of a large litter). Colostrum is the first production of the mammary glands and plays a pivotal role for puppies and kittens. Colostrum is an important source of immunoglobulins and key nutrients such as lipids and carbohydrates which are fundamental for the health of newborns. Meconium is constituted by the first feces of a newborn, and it is composed of the ingested materials from fetal life in the uterus. Colostrum plays several significant roles for the newborn— it helps the elimination of meconium by its laxative action, its useful nutrient content limits hypoglycemia and begins the extrauterine growth, it protects against hypothermia by supplying energy and it provides systemic transfer of immunity and digestive local immunity. Moreover, many recent studies focus attention on the multiple functional properties of colostrum related to immune support and regenerative effects that extend to all structural body cells, such as the gut. (Luciana Rossi, 2021) While there are supplements that can be used when the bitch is not producing colostrum, there is not a comprehensive alternative for colostrum. However, one can collect colostrum from a bitch (on the secondday post-delivery), clean the nipples and surrounding area and place the collection into sterile tubes, freezing it for future use. The tubes must be thawed at room temperature, never heated. The dose is administered by bottle or feeding tube of 1.5 mL per 100 g of puppy body weight per day. (Mila, 2021)

Before Due Date Checklist Wash the dam's teats with a soft cloth and warm water

Trim mom's nails

Trim excess hair around the vulva and the tail

Trim around the nipples

Have supplies on hand if mom does not have milk.

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Pups Are Here! Checklist Check the mouth cavity thoroughly to detect any cleft abnormalities

Suction any fluids from the mouth and nose cavities

Stimulate the pup to produce fecal and urine products

Trim and clean the pups' nails before letting them nurse.

Keep mom clean. 66

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Pups are here! 1. Check the mouth cavity thoroughly to detect any cleft abnormalities. At times, clefts can appear very high in the mouth and nose cavity and are not easily found. Checking will help decide a course of action for those pups with this abnormality. 2. Suction any fluids from the mouth and nose cavities. Place the pup's chest to the ear to ensure no crackling sounds are caused by fluids remaining in the pup's chest. Suction until the chest sounds dry and clear. 3. Do not weigh a “juicy pup.” Stimulate the pup to produce fecal and urine products with a soft gauze or cotton ball soaked with warm water on their genital regions. Eliminating initial fluids will provide an accurate base weight and ensure all internal organs are connected and functioning. If the pup is weighed before it is dried off or full of fecal matter or urine and that weight is used as a baseline, it may seem the pup has lost more weight

Do not weigh a “juicy pup.” than it actually has. Note: If the bitch requires a C-section, the pups are typically weighed at the vet's office. When home, weigh them again and use the home scale measurement as THE baseline. That scale will be the one used to weigh them over the next few weeks, so it should be the one used for the baseline. 4. Trim and clean the pups' nails before letting them nurse. Pups' nails can be long and sharp and dig into mom's breasts, causing small scratches, which can lead to infection and possible mastitis. Cleaning the nails will prevent fecal or blood matter from becoming embedded into these small scratches. Using a small pair of fingernail clippers and emery board to smooth the sharp, clipped nails will help prevent an injury to mom. Check the nails daily to keep them clean and free from fluids and solids in the whelping box. 5. Keep mom clean. Pups will tend to migrate to the warmest place by mom, usually between the rear legs, ending up near the birth canal. This area is messy in the first few days while the uterus contracts and expels birthing fluids. Keeping mom clean and dry is vital to keep the pups from tracking blood and feces on the whelping flooring and onto the teats. Slow-to-Thrive Puppies 1. For slow-to-thrive puppies, there is an acupuncture

3. Have a shiny coat. 4. Twitch when sleeping. 5. Are strong enough to pull themselves to mom and find a nipple. 6. Have a pink tongue. 7. Are quiet (no crying) when nursing or sleeping. 8. Have skin that “pops” back when pinched.

pressure point (GV26) that can be accessed. (Shuigou, shuikou = Water Trough, also called Renzhong, Jen Chung = Man Middle). In animals, the point is in the center of the horizontal line, joining the lower edge of the nostrils (see illustration). GV26 has many clinical uses, the best known being its use in emergencies (coma, shock, apnea, anesthetic emergencies, drowning, etc.) (Skarda). GV26 can resuscitate newborn animals that have a heartbeat but are delayed in taking their first breath. This is a common problem in neonates after a Cesarean section or a difficult birth. Placing a needle at the GV26 point for 10 – 30 seconds may trigger the puppy to take a breath. 2. Some pups seem to take more to get them going. Do not give up. After working a full 20 minutes, we revived a pup who thrived after rubbing for what seemed like forever. After suctioning, there was a cry and suddenly a wriggling pup. In the early breeding days, “swinging” the pup to dislodge mucus was common practice. This practice has been discontinued in favor of suction bulbs or DeLee suction catheters, which are much safer. The DeLee catheter container shows the density and quantity of the extracted matter, and they are easier to clean.

2. Sickly Pups: 1. Feel flaccid or cool to the touch. 2. Make crackly or wheezing sounds when breathing. 3. Have a dull coat. 4. Drop off after nursing for only a few seconds. 5. Have a pale tongue. 6. Have extremities that are cooler than the body. 7. Cry.* 8. Have skin that remains creased when pinched. **

Pick them up and listen to how the breathing, lungs and heart sound and how robust they feel.

Healthy Pups and Sickly Pups (Lee, 1983) 1. Feel pups several times a day. Pick them up and listen to how the breathing, lungs and heart sound and how robust they feel. (While doing this, remember to do tactile stimulation.) 1. Healthy Pups: 1. Feel firm and warm to the touch. 2. Breath sounds clear and the heartbeat is strong.

* Pups will also cry when their bladder is full and stop crying after they are relieved. ** Dehydration occurs when pups do not have a sufficient amount of fluids. Test for dehydration by pinching the top of the back or neck. If the skin stays in place, the pup is most likely dehydrated. Sometimes, one can correct this with subcutaneous fluids (sub-Q) if there is no underlying issue.

Weighing Pups Weight gain and contented pups are a good sign that the pups are healthy. How often to weigh the pups will depend on the experience and comfort of the breeder. Initially, we used to weigh them early on day one and worry if they were maintaining their weight or losing a few ounces. Most pups will lose a few ounces in the first 24 hours; by day three they begin gaining. Now, after all the years and litters, we only weigh them around day three if the pup fits the criteria above as a healthy pup. Go more by the pup's feel and the pup's activity. A weight chart has been included, which reflects the current weight schedule. It can also be downloaded on BMDCA.org. After week two, we weigh once a week.

Temperature For the first 24 hours, the temperature of a pup is 94 degrees. Gradually, they will climb to 95 and then to 97; after three weeks, the temperature should be around 98 – 100 degrees. Because of the initial low temperature, keeping the environment draft-free and warm is crucial. FALL 2023

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If a puppy fits the sickly pup profile, take its temperature to see where this pup falls. A pup that falls below 94 usually has issues that can cause it to fade. Warming the pup up will not resolve the issue. If the temperature falls, do two things: get the temperature up and determine why the temperature dropped in the first place, as warming up the puppy will not usually resolve the core issue (Lee, 1983). Keeping the whelping box warm enough for the pups yet comfortable enough for mom can be a balancing act. Place a temperature strip in the whelping box as close to the floor as possible to see at what temperature the pups are being maintained. Use a soft warming pad under the whelping fleece, which only covers the back half of the whelping box. A warming pad under the fleece versus an overhead heat lamp prevent mom's black coat from getting too warm. The pad under the back half of the fleece permits mom to lay at the front of the box and the pups to stay warm in the back half. If they are cold, the pups will migrate to the warmer half; if they are hot, they will migrate to the cooler half. Using this 50/50 split enables mom and pups to stay comfortable in the whelping box. It is interesting to see how mobile day-old pups are.

has a wide range of sizes and weights. While one may not hear that wonderful chorus of gulps that enables a breeder to take a breath and smile, you can ensure that all get that very important share of the colostrum in the first 48 hours. Just Because You Can Does Not Mean You Should Sometimes, pups do not develop normally, and the abnormality is not apparent in the first few days. There are signs: The pup spits milk as soon as it finishes nursing, or its abdomen is shaped like a pear because the internal organs are not connected correctly. We typically end up spending more time and energy on those pups that are not thriving. The neonatal period is a major risk period in the dog since approximately 20% of live-born puppies die before they are 21 days old; 70% of deaths are in the first week post-partum. (Mila, 2021) Consider carefully expending Herculean efforts on pups who will struggle greatly later in life with disabilities, making life difficult or painful and expensive for their owners.

Just because you can does not mean you should.

With a large litter, divide the litter in half and place half in a "cat cave" bed, fleece lined with a “roof” over it. Place a light covering over the opening if a draft is in the area, providing a warm and draft-free bed for the half that is not nursing, allowing the pups’ body heat to radiate back to them from above. If the pups are too warm, they crawl toward the opening; if they are too cool, they snuggle in the rear. The covered bed is also suitable for smaller litters when mom takes a break outside the whelping box, as mom can return without fear of stepping on a pup (very useful for a new mom and for a breeder's peace of mind). Also, use this when changing out the whelping box coverings. Mom gets used to the routine and does not mind that the pups are out of site for a few minutes.

Monitor the latching of the pups to ensure that the more active pups do not crowd out those who are less aggressive and give up the nipple too easily. Sometimes, the lower nipples are too big for the pup's mouth; manage the feeding to ensure that pups can latch onto a nipple that fits them. This is especially useful when a litter

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About the Author: Georgeann and Bob Reeve have shared their home with Bernese since 19 93 and b e gan bre e ding in 2005. They breed under the kennel Brightwater and co-breed with dear friend Dawn Cox under the kennel name Blackwater. Sources: Lee, M. P. (1983). “The Whelping and Rearing of Puppies, A Complete and Practical Guide.” Plantin Press. Luciana Rossi, *. A. (2021). Nutritional and Functional Properties of Colostrum in Puppies and Kittens. “Animals.”

Mila, S. C.-M. (2021). Canine colostrum. “Royal Canine Vet Focus Issue number 26.1.” Skarda, P. A. (n.d.). Emergency Acupoint Renzhong (Jenchung, GV26). “The Web Journal of Acupuncture/ The Veterinary Acupuncture Page.”

Scan here for a puppy weight tracking chart.

BMDCA Regional Club Spotlight

Watchung Bernese M O U N TA I N D O G C L U B BY DOTTIE By DottieTYSON Tyson

Founded in 1981, the BMDCW (Watchung) serves the New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania areas as the recognized Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America regional club. Club members are primarily from those areas, although some reside in New York and the lower New England states. BMDCW is licensed by the American Kennel Club to hold Conformation, Obedience, Rally and Fast CAT® trials. The club was incorporated in 1982. Its board of directors meets virtually nearly every month of the year and conducts several in-person general meetings at events throughout the year. Club members are active in rescue, conformation, obedience, draft, agility, herding, rally, tracking and therapy dog work. According to notes and recollections from some of the earliest members, a group of twenty Berner-loving households joined forces to create a regional club in 1981. At that time, the main interest of the club members was as a “collection of breeders.” Because many of the early members were breeders, they began encouraging their puppy buyers to join the club, hoping that the various social activities like walks, fun days and picnics would help the new puppy owners to feel welcome. Additionally, most meetings featured an educational presentation so puppy buyers who were interested could learn training and handling techniques, as well as breed-specific information to help them raise and care for their new Berners. Another interesting fact recorded in the minutes of 1985 club meetings is that the club “helped in preparing for the 1985 BMDCA National Specialty held on May 17, 18, 19, 1985, for which our Watchung club is the host.” The president of the club had expressed her appreciation and thanks to club members who had worked on the National Specialty and commented that the club was now ready to host their first (AKC sanctioned) Best of Breed match on September 28, 1985. Throughout the years, the club has been incredibly active in the rescue of purebred Bernese Mountain Dogs, overseen by the tireless efforts of Lilian Ostermiller. As early as 1985, she is mentioned in club minutes as completing several successful placements of dogs turned in for rehoming, and she continues in that role today, along with the muchappreciated assistance of several other club members who help with fostering and evaluating new dogs taken in.

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Because many of the early members were breeders, they began encouraging their puppy buyers to join the club, hoping that the various social activities like walks, fun days and picnics would help the new puppy owners to feel welcome. For several years, club members have had the pleasure and the privilege of representing the breed at the annual AKC Meet the Breeds event held in New York City. Numerous club members and their dogs have spent two days in New York speaking with hundreds of visitors each day. The Watchung dogs have been excellent representatives of their breed, allowing people to pet them while their owners answered numerous questions from visitors. The club has also participated in many other canine learning events throughout the years to educate the public on the breed. The club continues to engage pet owners by holding several annual social events. The yearly Winter Walk, held in Valley Forge Park, is very well-attended, and the club also tries to offer at least one club-sponsored walk each season. Small groups have occasionally participated in local Halloween and Christmas parades with their dogs, and of course all are dressed for the occasion. Each April (typically) the club hosts a Fun Day at a local park where it offers a conformation match show and a club member offers CGC and Novice Trick Dog testing for owners who are interested. In addition, the club tries to include demonstrations on grooming the BMD, Drafting, Nose Work, Rally and other things that might interest those attending. There's always plenty of food and socializing at this event. The club also publishes a quarterly newsletter, “The Durrbachler,” put together by Kim Caronia to keep members apprised of club events and information, and to provide useful health articles.

The very first Watchung regional specialty was in 1993, and to this day, the annual Independent Regional Specialty is the largest club event showcasing the many talents of Bernese Mountain Dogs. It's always scheduled for early October over the Columbus Day weekend and consists of two days of Draft tests, one day of Obedience and Rally, and two days of conformation judging. The club has been fortunate to have exhibitors travel from the New England states and from as far away as Canada and Florida to join many local competitors for this exciting event. We are thrilled that our club membership continues to grow. Membership can be obtained by completing the application found on our website. We love welcoming new members.

Current Board of Directors Officers: President: Sheri Wright-Wagner, sheri.wright@verizon.net Vice President: Janice Bann, janicebann@gmail.com Secretary: Dottie Tyson, nashelem@aol.com Treasurer: Angela Griesbach Evans, ovshrooms@gmail.com Directors: Lilian Ostermiller, losterm@optonline.net Christine Hoffman, my3bmds@gmail.com Susan Melendez, melendez.su@yahoo.com Douglas Pelikan, dpelikan@verizon.net Maria Oakes, Maria.Oakes.SLP@gmail.com Standing Committee Chairs: Membership: Christine Hoffman, my3bmds@gmail.com Rescue: Lilian Ostermiller, losterm@optonline.net Newsletter: Dottie Tyson, nashelem@aol.com Communications: Sheri Wright, sheri.wright@verizon.net About the Author: Dottie Tyson has been a member of the BMDCW and the BMDCA for over 20 years. She has served as the club secretary for several terms and has chaired or co-chaired several Draft tests throughout the years. Dottie has also taken on the role of show secretary for one of the regional specialties and is the annual regional hospitality show committee chair. Dottie enjoys stewarding at the Draft tests whenever possible. She and her family currently own three BMDs.

From left to right. 1. Pictured Beth Schmoyer, Atticus, Michelle and Adam Frei, Sheri Wright, Chuck Wagner and Troy Wright with Henley (BG# 106925), Roary (BG# 149598), Daisy (BG# 127312) and Tucker (BG# 154741). Photo provided by Sheri Wright. 2. Pictured Angela Evans, Dottie Tyson, Sheri Wright and Janice Bann with Sophie (BG# 145298), Stormee (BG# 138847), Roary (BG# 149598), Sammie (BG# 130111). Photo by Mike Bann.

3. Pictured Gail Garand, Sheri Wright, Adele Stevens, Chris Hoffman, Joan Gabriel, Nicole Culotta and Michelle Culotta with Tucker (BG# 154741), Zoey (BG# 134675),: Sunday (BG# 106926), (Wyatt BG# 146601). Photo by Bob Gabriel. 4. Harley (BG# 90638). Photo by Sheri Wright.

BMDCW Rescue By Lilian Ostermiller, Rescue Chair

BMDCW has dealt with the rescue/rehome of Bernese Mountain Dogs for many years and we try to find the best, permanent situation for all dogs in need. During the last couple of years, we sadly have seen a dramatic increase in numbers. For example, in 2021 we placed eight dogs, in 2022 we placed 17 and in 2023, so far, we have already dealt with 29 dogs. Yes, our Berners have increased in popularity and many backyard breeders have taken full advantage of this. I have been taking care of rescue Berners for many years and must admit I am feeling saddened and frustrated and worried about the temperament changes. So many rehomed dogs are aggressive/biters or are on the opposite spectrum, tortured with anxiety issues. “Why?” we ask. Could these problems be due to our breeding practices, lack of education for new owners, or inadequate guidelines for the care involved in raising a Bernese Mountain Dog? We are being extremely careful in evaluating a dog to be rehomed and try to cautiously screen new adopters to make a careful, loving and permanent placement. Our goal is to help and educate as much as possible. We are always looking for foster homes, transport help, folks to help with training, etc. We try to encourage new adopters to participate in regional clubs and I encourage them to learn and to help others.

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INTERNATIONAL SPOTLIGHT

FCI European DOG SHOW

2023

BY DEE MCDUFFEE

Congratulations to all the winners listed below: BEST OF BREED Catalog # 01733 Starry Town Tony Bin Registration number: ROI 21/105445 ITCH Owner: Maurizio Mauro Breeder: Maurizio Mauro Father: Yura Riomadea Grande Mother: Starry Town Pandora BEST OF OPPOSITE SEX Catalog # 01832 Werner Wix Xtraspecial Registration number: DK05311/2016 DKCH CIB NOCH NORDCH SECH DKJV16 DKKV21 KBHV22 Owner: Fie Basbøll, Christina Basbøll Breeder: Helena Berlinder Johansson Father: Werner Wix Ronaldo Mother: Bernerdalens Katinka

Left to right (Maurizio Mauro), Judge Satu Ylä-Mononen and Tiziano Mauro with Best of Breed winner Tony Bin (BG# 214660). Photo credit: Maurizio Mauro.

The FCI (Fédération Cyonologique International) European Dog Show 2023 was held in Herning, Jutland, Denmark at the MCH Messecenter Herning (also the venue for the 2010 World Dog Show) May 18-21, 2023. The Messecenter Herning is said to be ideal for hosting large shows due to its spacious halls with room for 80 rings, and plenty of room ringside for exhibitors and their dogs, as well as trade stands. Jørgen Hindse, Chairman of the Dansk Kennel Club, noted that the location was chosen strategically to draw a large entry. “By geographically placing the show in a reasonable driving distance from the Nordic countries and from the continent, we expect[ed] a huge number of committed exhibitors to participate in this large manifestation of the elite in European dog sports,” he stated and he was right! There were 172 Bernese Mountain Dog entries and over 10,000 total entries from 62 countries. Bernese Mountain Dogs, or Berner Sennenhund as they are called in Europe, showed in FCI Group 2 on Thursday, May 18. Bernese males and Best of Breed were judged by Judge Satu Ylä-Mononen from Finland and females were judged by Judge Tino Pehar from Croatia. 72

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BEST JUNIOR Catalog # 01697 Devael Itz Killefitz Registration number: LOE 2615325 Owner: Nuria Pujol, Norbert Strahl (Spain) Breeder: Nuria Pujol, Norbert Strahl Father: Devael Be Water My Friend Mother: Devael Sweet Deal BEST PUPPY Catalog #01685 Freddy Lowlandbern Registration number: MET 1583/23 Owner: Gabriella Szatmári (Hungary) Breeder: Gabriella Szatmári Father: Tulipános Berni A’propos Mother: Xolana Alexberns BEST BABY (BEST MINOR PUPPY) Catalog # 01760 Elbrusbern Bold and Brave Registration number: KC BA18498304 Owner: Mattia Fasso (Italy) Breeder: Elina Krjukova Father: Meadowpark First Class For Fortonpark Mother: Kaimon Gerheil Lizzy BEST VETERAN Catalog # 01843 Carrera Rojaus Bernas Registration number: LSVK BS1438/14 CIB EUVW22 EUW16 WJW15 LTCH Owner: Erikas Piskunovas Breeder: Erikas Piskunovas Father: Kronblommas Macduff Mother: Josje Van’t Stokerybos

Tiziano Mauro with Best of Breed winner Tony Bin (BG# 214660). Photo by Simone Luca.

Judge Satu Ylä-Mononen and Norbert Strahl with Junior European Winner, BOB Junior Devael Itz Killefitz (BG# 214588). Photo by Emily English.

2023 Veteran European Winner Carrera Rojaus Bernas (BG# 153597) with breeder and owner Erikas Piskunovas and Judge Tino Pehar. Photo by Jovita Piskunoviene.

“By geographically placing the show in a reasonable driving distance from the Nordic countries and from the continent, we expect[ed] a huge number of committed exhibitors to participate in this large manifestation of the elite in European dog sports,” and he was right!

Best Puppy Freddy Lowlandbern (BG# 214665) with Handler Dorottya ZáhonyiÁbel. Photo by Balázs Horváth.

Judge Satu Ylä-Mononen with Mattia Fasso and Best Baby Sofi (BG# 212722). Photo by Cristina Filippin.

Best of Opposite Sex Cheekie (BG# 150336) with owner-handler Fie Basboell and Judge Tino Pehar. Photo by Laura Holck.

FALL 2023

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BREEDING

WORD SEARCH

Find the word or phrase in the puzzle. (Phrases have no spaces in the puzzle.) Words can go in any direction. Words can share letters as they cross over each other. BG# 178671. Photo courtesy of Clicking to Capture.

Artificial Insemination

Implantation

Ovulation Timing

Stud Fee

Brucellosis

Incubator

Popular Sire

Cesarean

Labor

Prenatal

Surgical Semen Implantation

Dual Sire

Litter

Progesterone

Embryos

Mastitis

Progressive

Estrus

Metritis

Prostatic Fluid

Fertile

Morphology

Pyometra

Frozen Semen

Motility

Semen

Gestation

Neonatal

Semen Evaluation

Heat Cycle

Nesting

Stud Dog Management

FIND ANSWERS ON PAGE 92 74

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Transcervical Ultrasound Uterus Volume Whelping Whelping Box

2024 Grand Canyon State Bernese Mountain Dog Club

REGIONAL SPECIALTY in conjunction with the Heart of the Desert Classic

Thursday, February 1

Arizona State Fairgrounds, Phoenix

Including: All-breed shows Friday through Monday • Convenient parking • Indoor Obedience and Rally all 4 days THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2024 ✱ Working Dog Club of Arizona Show including Breed Judging and Junior Showmanship ✱ Grand Canyon State Bernese Mountain Dog Club Regional Specialty • Regular and Non-Regular Classes: Sindi Leo (breeder judge) • Sweepstakes: Gail Taplac (breeder judge) • Junior Showmanship and Owner Handler Series will be offered ✱ Raffle and club-hosted hospitality after the shows ✱ Indoor all-breed Obedience and Rally Superintendent for all events: Jack Onofrio Dog Shows • www.onofrio.com

For further information contact: Nancy Stewart, Specialty Coordinator • arizonabmd@gmail.com • 602-315-1281 Premium list available at: www.GCSBMDC.org

JOIN US for a great Arizona winter weekend where the average temperature is 66°. You are invited to an after show reception and raffle drawing in the club hospitality tent following the Working Dog Club group judging.

Come for Back to Back Draft Tests January 20 & 21 gcsbmdc. org

Published in September 2022, “The Year of the Puppy: How Dogs Become Themselves,” is researcher Alexandra Horowitz’s latest title. As it just missed The Alpenhorn’s due date for fall article submissions in 2022, I held on to it for this fall’s health/breeding focused issue, for which it is a perfect fit! Horowitz is the founder of the Dog Cognition Lab at Barnard College where she teaches psychology, animal behavior and canine cognition. Her previous titles, all of which have been reviewed for The Alpenhorn include “Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell, and Know;” “Being a Dog: Following the Dog into a World of Smell” and “Our Dogs, Ourselves: The Story of a Singular Bond.”

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The Year of the Puppy: How Dogs Become Themselves “The Year of the Puppy” is divided into four parts: Part 0: “Gestation” (in which Horowitz explains how the book came about) Part 1: “A Pup Is Born” Part 2: “Second Birth” Part 3: “Quid Year.” In her introduction to “The Year of the Puppy,” Horowitz tells readers that she had never entertained the idea of having a puppy for several reasons, one being that she includes many in her experiments, sees plenty of them in her study clinics and that they are all around her in New York City; and a second being that her family really did not need a puppy. “We are three humans, two adult dogs and a cat; our days are rich with interactions, and our home is replete with animal fur.”

A third and most important reason she did not wish for a puppy is that she and her family believe in adopting shelter dogs who need homes. “The Year of the Puppy” came about as the consequence of a reflection of Horowitz’s that she had never seen any of her dogs when they were puppies. She explains that over the centuries, before the development of businesses of pure-breeding and/or retailing puppies at stores, human relationships with dogs were different. They witnessed the birth of their puppies and saw their life course from beginning to end. This is not the case now. Horowitz notes: “A secondary result of how we live with dogs now is that most people miss not only the birth and the first weeks of life of their puppies, but also effectively miss the first months of their puppy’s life with them. The quick development of the dog – from underdeveloped newborn to overdeveloped teenager in a year – happens while their person is simply tr ying to both acclimate the dog and be acclimated to them.”

ing will learn a lot from this chapter, which details the birth process and the early development of pups, the neo-natal neurological stimulations they themselves experience and those they need to be introduced to. Horowitz speaks to the importance of “gentling” pups, and the consequences of not doing so. Each week has its own chapter and its own unique name. Horowitz cites both research from her own lab and many studies to describe the many fascinating stages (sight, hearing, teething, etc.) of development a young pup goes through. She discusses how pups learn, social facilitation, the importance of play and more. Readers will learn when it is the appropriate time to wean and housetrain, and why this is the case.

She explains that over the centuries, before the development of businesses of pure-breeding and/or retailing puppies at stores, human relationships with dogs were different.

Horowitz decided that it would be great to, instead of focusing on dog training manuals, follow her own puppy. That was the genesis of “The Year of the Puppy.” She would experiment, observe and document the puppy’s changes throughout the first year of life. As she has done in her previous books, she aims to write from her dog’s point of view! Horowitz was fortunate enough to connect with the foster mom of a young Australian Cattle Dog named Maize, a mixed-breed who, because she was pregnant, was surrendered to a shelter in Georgia and then transferred to New York. Horowitz was on site to witness and document her puppy’s birth (though at the time she did not know which puppy would be hers). Part 1 focuses on the first nine weeks in a pup’s life. Breeders, dog owners and anyone considering breed-

Part 2 details a dog’s life from eight weeks to six months of age. This part focuses on a dog’s life coming to live with a new family. Horowitz considers this a second birth. At eight weeks, a dog is the developmental equivalent of a preteen. She tells readers why eight weeks is the perfect time to be separated from his or her birth mom and introduced to a new caregiver. It is a time that dogs are most comfortable bonding with new household members, including other household animals.

Horowitz reminds herself and new caregivers of the multitude of responsibilities one takes on when adopting a dog. She speaks about safeguarding the new environment, providing food, amenities and appropriate places for play for a new pup. Families also have the responsibility of introducing a new pet to their house rules. Collective choices are important to the Horowitz household. This includes choosing a name for the puppy. They name their new girl pup Quiddity, which is “the essence of a thing: a thing’s thinginess.” One of her 15 nicknames is Quid. Consistency, patience and choice in methods of training are equally important. Horowitz cautions readers about what those who work in rescue already know — the lack of understanding of normal dog behavior and lack of training are the FALL 2023

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Be prepared to hear tales about tails!

reasons that dogs are surrendered to shelters — and this is a death sentence to many a young dog. In the chapter entitled “(Im)perfect Puppy,” Horowitz describes in detail the various methods of training. She is happy that the method of training currently in vogue is based on positive reinforcement. She prefers the word learning to training and she notes: “What all training is intended to do is to get dogs to learn things of value to us – and to learn which of their behaviors we approve of, and which we do not. This form of learning is called operant conditioning…” At three months old, a dog is growing into his or her body and personality. Change and variance is to be expected. Horowitz has kept track of Quid’s littermates and notes that one of the boys is a full fifty percent larger than Quid. The (Im) Horowitz uses in this chapter heading refers to both “(im)perfect” (Horowitz does not like trainers who claim they can create a ‘perfect’ dog) and to “(Im)pulse control” which needs to be worked on at three months of age. Berner families know this well. By the age of 4 months, dogs slip into the next stage of their young lives – the juvenile period, which lasts until puberty. Though the peak socialization period has passed, Horowitz reminds us that exposure to new people and things should continue. At the age of 5 months, a young dog’s personality is mercurial. Horowitz calls this “the troubles.” Among the troubles is barking. Horowitz explains types of barks and things we can do about them. This part closes with Quid’s 6 month. 78

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Part 3 is singularly interesting because it speaks to Quid’s adolescence, the age of six months to one to two years in a dog’s life, which is the equivalent of ages 10 to 17 years in humans. In her sixth month, Quid behaves just like a teenager. She is resistant to commands, challenging authority; willful and destructive; she takes risks; she is on an emotional roller coaster, sometimes acting surly and aggressive. Puberty marks the beginning of adolescence. Quid has grown to almost her adult size and she experiences her first season. Horowitz points out that the flip side of living with adolescent craziness is that the dogs gain the understanding of who we humans are, and “yet they level no judgement!” Unconditional love is a good thing. Horowitz notes that the adolescent phase of a dog’s life is not well studied by researchers, but there is good reason to pay heed to it. Quid was born at the onset of the COVID pandemic. Horowitz devotes a lot of time to reviewing the toll the pandemic took on puppies who were forced to isolate from the world and spend time only with their immediate household members. They missed exposure to what Horowitz calls the public dynamic. She offers a lot of advice which readers who now have a pup around age three will greatly appreciate. Throughout the book, Horowitz does not hesitate to let people know her thoughts about various procedures and processes she deems outdated and sometimes abusive to our dogs. She calls tail docking “barbaric” and she is adamantly opposed to the use of the words “bitch” and “stud” to describe sires and dams. She would “like to have a word with the person

(or cat) who decided that a female dog is a “bitch” whereas a female cat is a “queen.” To add insult to injury, the male dog used for breeding is considered a “stud.” “The Year of the Puppy” is a well-researched and engaging read. This review barely touches upon the topics Horowitz investigates. There is so much to learn as Horowitz explores dog health and stages of development, dog cognition and more. Included in the book are references to studies conducted by The Penn Vet Working Dog Center (WDC), an organization dedicated to the training of dogs destined to be working dogs. These dogs are trained generally to find people and odors. She was invited to witness the birth and first year training of WDC’s ‘V litter’ which she used in comparison with Maize’s non-working litter. Horowitz also cites Wolf Conservation Center work and studies she participated in while writing this book, and references many of the studies done by her fellow dog and human cognition scientists.

To enrich her text, Horowitz incorporates creative graphics including ‘to know’, ‘to do’, and ‘to have on hand’ lists in text boxes; graphs of jump heights; and a delightful ear semaphore code illustration that interprets those lovely looks of awareness and sweetness that we see every day. “The Year of the Puppy” is not only a great body of research; it is a love story. All in all, it is a fantastic read for everyone who loves dogs. The book is available in hardcopy, digital and audio formats. Alexandra Horowitz narrates the audiobook. About the reviewer: Lori Friedli is a librarian, a citizen of the United States and the Canton of Bern, Switzerland. She loves all the fourfooted. Members of her advisory team, who sit on Mommy’s feet while she reads her books, are Book Berners Älpi and Lumi, who, Mommy says, are very interested in learning whatever they can about who they are and where they have come from!

Be prepared to hear tales about tails! “The Year of the Puppy” is quite humorous. Horowitz tells readers dogs’ evolution has surpassed humans (they have tails!) and in her own inimitable way explains what she means by this. She also reminds people that “dogs eat everything (operative word) forever.” Readers will chuckle at the many unique expressions (“Week 0: Dear God, that’s a lot of puppies”) Horowitz employs to introduce each part and chapter of the book. Families with young children will understand Horowitz’s comparisons to children’s development of cognitive skills; we have all probably heard or used the term “young pup” to aptly describe a little one. FALL 2023

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FROM THE

Archives

Why Isn’t My Female Pregnant? What Can I Do About It? BY MARTY GREER DVM, JD

This article was originally published in The Alpenhorn in 2017.

YOU DID YOUR HOMEWORK and now have the perfect bitch, in her best condition, and have found the ideal male mate. Both have passed all of the health clearances recommended for the breed. They have the temperaments you are looking for, and their traits are complementary to one another. You begin knowing the most common causes of apparent or actual pregnancy failure are: 1. Poorly timed breedings 2. Poor semen quality and/or quantity 3. Failure to maintain a pregnancy Timing the breeding: The timing of the breeding, based on proges terone levels (bred two to three days post-ovulation depending on semen type used), was just right. Most veterinarians recommend breeding two days after ovulation with fresh and fresh-chilled shipped semen, and three days after with frozen semen. Ovulation is assumed to occur when the progesterone reaches five ng/dl (different units are used in other countries) with a range of four to ten ng/ dl. LH testing is also done in some clinics. LH—luteinizing hormone—directly indicates ovulation, while progesterone is an estimation of ovulation. Progesterone is easier to measure and test as it can be done every few days, using human technology. LH requires daily testing and is canine specific.

Dog, the count should be one billion total) the morphology (shape and appearance of each sperm cell) and motility (how active and progressively motile it was on a microscopic evaluation). Yet, she is not pregnant. Why? And if you try to breed her again, what can you do differently to improve the chances she will carry a litter to term? First, we need to determine if she failed to conceive, failed to achieve fetal/placental implantation, or conceived and lost the litter. If you don't have an ultrasound conducted, you won't know if she failed to conceive or failed to maintain the pregnancy. A relaxin test or palpation is not adequate - these do not assess for fetal viability. This information is a big piece of the puzzle and when you are trying to justify the decision to do an ultrasound, this is the best reason to do so - not the place to scrimp.

What can you do differently to improve the chances she will carry a litter to term?

Semen quality and quantity: You know the stud dog had both good quality and quantity semen - there was a semen analysis completed prior to shipping the semen. Your vet looked at it prior to inseminating your bitch and said the semen looked great, based on the sperm count (for a Bernese Mountain 80

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If the ultrasound shows no pregnancy, and the semen and timing were good, then causes for failure to conceive or failure for fetuses to implant should be explored. These include: 1) Was there a semen quality assessment? Was the sperm count low? Was there abnormal semen morphology? Was the semen stained and assessed by a veterinarian? Was there poor semen motility? The semen needs to be progressively normal. Was there poor semen longevity? Holding a small sample of semen extended in the refrigerator and reassessing it 24 and 48 hours later can be useful.

2) Was there timing failure? This is a good time to review the timing of the breeding. 3) Did she complete her ovulation? Failure to complete ovulation. Did the progesterone testing continue past five ng/dl? If not, she may not have had a complete ovulatory cycle. Cystic ovaries? An ovarian cyst can interfere with a complete ovulatory cycle. Split cycle? If she failed to complete her ovulation, she may have split her cycle and will come back into heat in the next four to six weeks. 4) Failure of adequate semen deposition: Fertile sperm must reach a fertile egg. If this was a natural breeding, was there a tie? Was the breeding witnessed? Was there a normal length tie? If this was a vaginal AI, was the AI performed correctly with no spermicidal exposure? Some lubricants and reusable equipment can have spermicidal properties. Using all disposable supplies is recommended. Does the bitch have a defect in her reproductive tract? Structural abnormalities cause failure of semen passage from the vagina to the oviducts including male and female anatomical abnormalities. 5) Do either the male or female have brucellosis? Canine brucellosis is a bacterial disease that has a venereal spread and may cause sterility in the male or female, as well as pregnancy failure and early neonatal death. 6) Was the bitch exposed to canine herpes virus? This viral disease can cause early or late fetal death as well as neonatal death. In the adult, canine herpervirus causes mild respiratory disease. During early pregnancy, the fetuses can die at any stage, causing apparent failure to conceive if it is contracted during early pregnancy. 7) Does the bitch have a bacterial infection in the vagina or uterus? A low-grade metritis, not rising to the level of a pyometra can interfere with conception. The difficulty here is that even in 2017, we cannot identify what normal bacterial flora in the reproductive tract is. 8) Did she have another bacterial or viral disease that are not yet well characterized? 9) Does she have a systemic illness? Any disorder that causes a fever can interrupt a pregnancy. Did she have a complete blood panel test, checking for signs of infection or organ disease? Consider testing for Lyme disease, anaplasmosis and ehrlichia before you breed. 10) Was there a failure of the ovary to maintain progesterone high enough to support pregnancy (hypoluteoidism)? Occasionally, a bitch will have the inability to keep her progesterone level high enough to maintain pregnancy. This progesterone drop can

occur as early as day 14 of the pregnancy. Testing her progesterone level at her pregnancy ultrasound can be an important tool. 11) Does the bitch have abnormalities in her uterine lining? Cystic endometrial hyperplasia and fibrosis of the uterus can prevent normal placental development. 12) Is there genetic incompatibility? If there are fatal genes, conception with pregnancy failure can occur. Line breeding dogs with too little genetic diversity can lead to small or no litters. 13) Was there inadequate maternal nutrition? Raw meat diets can contribute to an imbalanced nutritional plane. Micronutrients and macronutrients must be adequate to maintain pregnancy. Bitches require carbohydrates to maintain pregnancy as well as to lactate. 14) Does she have parasites? Parasite migration can lead to placental failure. The stress of pregnancy can

Canine brucellosis is a bacterial disease that has a venereal spread and may cause sterility in the male or female, as well as pregnancy failure and early neonatal death. lead to latent parasites starting to migrate again. Using Fenbendazole from day 40 of pregnancy to day 14 of lactation can protect the fetuses from this condition. 15) Was the bitch subjected to trauma? Blunt trauma can cause the placentas to fail. 16) Was the bitch subjected to undue stress? 17) Did the bitch receive anesthesia, or inappropriate drug or hormones? Many of these drugs can be toxic to developing fetuses. All drugs should be avoided during pregnancy unless required to save the bitch's life.

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Fertility is never guaranteed. 18) Is the bitch hypothyroid? Low thyroid levels can contribute to pregnancy failure or failure to conceive. This is a rare cause of pregnancy failure but should be considered if the levels are profoundly low. If no underlying cause for failure to conceive is found, surgical breeding may be considered to improve the chances of success at the next breeding. Some bitches will conceive pups when surgical breeding is used to deliver the semen directly into the uterine body. If the ultrasound shows a pregnancy was achieved but not maintained, this can result in fetal resorption (prior to day 45 of pregnancy) or fetal death and/or abortion (fetal loss after day 45 of pregnancy). This rules out poor timing, poor semen quality, or failure of semen to pass to the oviducts as causes for infertility. Causes of failure to maintain a pregnancy include (see descriptions above): 1. Brucellosis. 2. Herpesvirus. 3. Bacterial infections in the uterus. Cultures should be taken and antibiotics used if bacterial disease is suspected. 4. Other bacterial and viral diseases that are not yet well characterized. 5. Failure of the ovary to maintain progesterone high enough to support pregnancy (hypoluteoidism). Serial progesterone levels should be run if hypoluteoidism is suspected. 6. Uterine lining changes that interfere with maintained placental attachment. 7. Inadequate maternal nutrition. 8. Trauma, stress, anesthesia or drug and hormonal interference. A complete history should be taken. Diagnostics should include testing for brucellosis and canine herpesvirus. Cornell's Veterinary Diagnostic Lab has a blood profile called the "Canine Abortion Panel." Your veterinary clinic can submit tests for this. It is best done with paired samples, drawn three weeks apart and submitted together. The pregnancy can be monitored for viable fetuses with repeated ultrasounds. Whelpwise™ can be used to manage high-risk pregnancies. Antibiotics, progesterone and terbutaline may be indicated if uterine 82

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irritability is shown to be putting the pups at risk. These help quiet the uterus and can keep the pups safely in the uterus until they reach full-term. If no underlying cause for pregnancy failure or loss is found, uterine biopsy and cultures at about 60 days post-ovulation can be useful tools in determining if there is a treatable underlying cause and to help with determining a prognosis for future fertility. Treatment for causes suspected or found should be initiated prior to attempting the next breeding. Fertility is never guaranteed. Your veterinarian can perform testing to assure you have the best possible opportunity to produce a litter. About the Author: Marty Greer practices small animal veterinary medicine at Veterinary Village LLC and International Canine Semen Bank-WI in Lomira, WI with her husband Dr. Dan Griffiths, also a veterinarian, and her amazing staff. They provide general veterinary care as well as advanced assisted canine reproduction and pain management services. They have a daughter, Katy, a parasitologist and a nurse, and son Karl, who has a degree in physics. Karl and her daughter-in-law Kelly work at Direct Supply, the company who will keep us in diapers as we age. Her son-in-Jaw Tim is a PhD entomology student at Purdue, interested in renaming bugs. She raises Pembroke Welsh Corgis and dabbles in Danish Swedish Farmdogs. She practices law at Animal Legal Resources LLC with Sheila Kessler JD. She is a serious foodie, loves cooking, beer, and photography. She has recently published the book: Canine Reproduction and Neonatology- for Veterinarians, Veterinary Staff, and Breeders. This book was the recipient of the 2015 Dog Writers Association of America's Dogwise Best Book Award and received the DWAA Maxwell medallion for Best Book in the Behavior, Health or General Care category.

The Bernese Mountain Dog Club of Southeastern Wisconsin

cordially invites you to join us on

March 1 & 2, 2024

for our

kcaBBack Specialties Washington County Fair Park

3000 Pleasant Valley Road, West Bend, Wisconsin 53095

Our spacious location offers reserved grooming.

Friday

Conformation & 4-6 Mo. Puppy Judge

Saturday

Conformation & 4-6 Mo. Puppy Judge

Jana Stefancova of Slovakia - Balihara Ranch

Lisa Ebnet of California - Ebnet Kennels

Puppy & Veteran Sweepstakes Judge

Jeff Kittner of Durand, Illinois

Mary Kay Walsh of Ohio - Enchant Kennels

Obedience & Rally Judge Cynthia Pischke - Oshkosh, WI

Puppy & Veteran Sweepstakes Judge Junior Showmanship Judge

Lisa Ebnet of California - Ebnet Kennels

Obedience & Rally Judge Cynthia Pischke - Oshkosh, WI

Entries close 6:00 PM (CST) Wednesday, February 14, 2024 at the home of show secretary or, for Conformation, when numerical limit has been reached.

Download complete Premium List from our website at www.bmdcsew.org

Show Secretary - K9 Secretarial Services by KAD - k9secretary@centurytel.net Show Chair - Karen Borre - kardon2009@yahoo.com

HEALTH BEAT Cancer – May You Never Need the Information BY LISA KAUFMAN, ON BEHALF OF THE BMDCA HEALTH COMMITTEE You call your vet to make an appointment, but all you can say is that your Berner is just not quite right. The NQR term is well-known to vets, and if your vet is a good one, they will know that, for a Berner, it is important to get a check-up. Your dog is off his food, he’s not his normal, active self — he just is not quite right. Bloodwork should be done to help identify whether something is seriously wrong. If the bloodwork indicates a problem, a chest X-ray and/or abdominal ultrasound can be done to look for tumors. [NOTE: Tumors can be benign, it does happen!] About 67% of all Bernese Mountain Dogs will die of cancer — some young, some much older. As many as 20% of all Berners will die of histiocytic sarcoma (HS). About 13% will die of lymphoma and 10% will die of osteosarcoma, hemangiosarcoma or mast cell cancer combined. There is currently no treatment for HS that has been shown to be effective, which is not to say that cancer treatments aren’t effective. Some types of lymphoma respond well to chemotherapy while other forms of lymphoma can be just as aggressive as the worst of HS.

age. It gives the vet a baseline that can be compared to bloodwork performed for diagnostic purposes like cancer. If the bloodwork indicates that cancer may be a possibility, then an ultrasound or an X-ray may reveal the presence of tumors. If so, a biopsy of the tumor tissue will be needed for pathology, which may require anesthesia. Ask your vet to put ‘breed unknown’ on the paperwork; pathologists are human, and when they see 'Berner' they are more prone to see HS. The pathology report may take as long as two weeks and it may not be definitive. Special staining may also be needed to better determine the specific type of tumor. The two most important aspects of developing a treatment plan for cancer will be understanding the specific type and stage (how far it has spread) of the disease. As the different tests, vet visits and results begin to progress and involve multiple veterinarians, take a printout of all records to each appointment. This will expedite things and help when questions are asked. Waiting to get records transferred can take too long. It is helpful to have the diagnosis details readily available so that everyone is on the same page and understands the information. Confusion does not help you or your dog, and when we are under stress our memories are not always as precise as they need to be.

The first step is to get an accurate diagnosis, which can take several weeks.

There are so many aspects to the journey we take with our dogs that have cancer. Some owners will opt to do nothing but enjoy the time left with their dog. And that is OK! If the dog doesn’t have a good quality of life for other reasons such as arthritis, age or temperament issues, allowing them to enjoy the rest of their days without the stress of veterinary visits may be the kindest solution. Not everyone has the financial resources to afford an expensive course of diagnostic tests and treatments. Even with pet health insurance, the costs will add up quickly. Bankrupting the family to try to extend your dog’s life by weeks or perhaps months is certainly not the only choice. There are so many factors to be considered and weighed. Don’t let anyone pressure you into making a choice that isn’t best for your dog and your family. The first step is to get an accurate diagnosis, which can take several weeks. Bloodwork should be done at least annually by the time your dog reaches six years of 84

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There are also some newer tests that are being offered. Some claim to detect cancer before the dog is showing any symptoms. Given the speed at which HS can spread, doing these tests every several months is of questionable value if there is no hope for treatment; it seems only to offer benefit if the dog develops lymphoma. But the tests may be able to help differentiate the type of cancer once it’s apparent the dog does have some form of the disease. See the end of this article for a list of early diagnostic tests currently available; the list will grow and change. As soon as you know your dog may have cancer, make an appointment with an oncologist. Like many vet practices, their schedules are full and it may take a great

deal of time before you can see someone. Time is your enemy with cancer. If need be, you may want to travel to get in to see a specialist sooner. Research all your options. Make sure that any veterinarian with whom you work is someone who listens to your concerns. Don’t let them pressure you into making choices that aren’t ideal for your dog or for you. They want to find a cure, but if the cancer is aggressive and has spread far and wide, treatment might not even be helpful. Remember to advocate for both your dog and for yourself. Find support groups, whether it be a local club/group or online. The Berner-L is a moderated e-list on groups. io that has been around for many years, and it includes a number of people who are always willing to provide information and share their experience. There are groups on Facebook as well. However, be cautious with Facebook groups. There can be a lot of misinformation out there. Anything you join online should safely support you. Almost everyone who has been owned by Berners for more than 10 years is going to have some experience with cancer. You may get more recommendations than you can manage, but you will find friends who understand your fears. It can be overwhelming, and you may need help to weed through all of the recommendations and information.

because your dog is undergoing chemotherapy doesn't mean that it can’t be stopped at any time. If your dog isn’t tolerating it well, stopping is certainly an option. Feeding a dog with cancer can be difficult. Push high quality protein (think freeze-dried, home-cooked, rotisserie chicken, organic eggs) and high-quality fats (coconut oil, olive oil, hemp oil, safe fish oils, goat milk butter, olive oil). Rotate foods frequently to keep interest high — cat food, kibble, take out, your dinner — whatever increases calories and interest. Google magic meatballs, satin meatballs or canine cancer diet. There is a great deal of information available. Even discussing what and how to feed your Berner can be challenging. Many owners and veterinarians have strong opinions about this topic. Try things, be open-minded and remember you know your dog best. Do what works for your dog, you and your family. The hardest part of any health issue for you and your dog is knowing when to say goodbye. This is such a personal decision, and it can’t be made by anyone but you. Many of us will say the same thing; it’s better to err on the side of too soon than to wait too long. But as it is difficult to know how long is “too long” - know that many of us have learned this the hard way over and over again. Ohio State University has put together a method to assess the quality of life for your companion animal which may be helpful: https://vet. osu.edu/vmc/sites/default/ files /impor t /asset s /pdf/ hospital/companionAnimals/ HonoringtheBond/HowDoIKnowWhen.pdf

Almost everyone who has been owned by Berners for Treatments for cancer are varied, from a surgical excision for the simplest of more than 10 years is going to mast cell tumors to the more standard chemotherapy. Lomus tine (the generic have some experience with name for CCNU) is currently the most commonly used cancer. treatment for lymphoma and HS. It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells. Your vet or veterinary oncologist will be best positioned to provide you with your best options. In the event that your dog has HS and you want to be a part of a clinical trial using a drug that has been shown to be effective in the laboratory, there may be one currently underway. The BMDCA in conjunction with Morris Animal Foundation and under the direction of Dr. Vilma Yuzbasiyan-Gukan is conducting a clinical trial for the treatment of HS. (See the notes at the end of this article for more information on that trial.)

We all know how hard chemotherapy can be for humans, but it is typically much less of a problem for dogs. The treatments are given in smaller doses and more frequently, and most dogs handle it well. Don’t let fear of how sick you believe chemotherapy will make your dog be the deciding factor in your choices. But likewise, just

We all make the best choices we can for our companions, and we’re lucky to be able to do so. A painless euthanasia is the last gift we can give our dogs and we agonize over that decision. We make that choice with the information we have at the time, and results from a necropsy don’t change the fact that we didn’t necessarily have all the helpful information at the time of our decision. But we will be armed with more information for the next time. Remember the joys and the wonderful times; ditch the guilt and be at peace with your choices. It's all about balance. This is all for you to decide. Reach out for support. As crazy as it sounds, many of us have found lifelong friends in the people who have walked this journey with us. As with all health issues, remember to share the information in the Berner-Garde database. Your details about FALL 2023

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diagnosis and treatment may be of help to another owner in the future. It’s the hardest update to make, but it’s the best way to help make a difference for the future of the breed.

have the paw prints of each of your companions.

The death of your Berner will feel as though it has taken a large piece of your heart. The pain of the loss is felt in equal measure to all the joy he gave you throughout his life. The heart is an amazing organ, it can expand to make room for other dogs, but your heart will always

“I could have missed the pain, but I'd have had to miss the dance.” – The Dance by Garth Brooks

EARLY CANCER DETECTION TESTS:

(lymphoma – 77%, hemangiosarcoma – 82%, and histiocytic sarcoma – 54%) with 97% specificity.”

OncoK9 offered by PetDx — This is a liquid biopsy. It uses a blood sample to identify cancer cells circulating in the blood. This test costs $400 and can detect cancer signals in the body before any clinical signs are shown. The risk of a false positive is very low, about 1.5%. The test has been able to detect up to 30 different types of cancer. A study done with 1,000 dogs determined that the test has a: • 85% chance of detec ting the three most aggressive cancers in dogs (hemangiosarcoma, osteosarcoma, lymphosarcoma) • 62% chance of detecting the eight most common types of cancers in dogs (lymphoma, hemangioma, mast cell tumor, anal gland adenocarcinoma, mammary gland tumor, soft tissue sarcoma, malignant melanoma, osteosarcoma) • 55% chance of detecting all cancers (See: https://petdx.com/resource/documentation/ oncok9-the-candid-study-summary/) Here are some questions to consider. Given the speed at which HS develops, how often would a test like this need to be done to catch the disease early? Without any currently known treatments that could slow the onset or eliminate the cancer, is there currently an advantage to catching the disease early? For lymphoma or lymphosarcoma (both terms are used to refer to malignant lymphoma in the veterinary community) there may be an advantage to identifying the disease early and then identifying the specific type of lymphoma for treatment purposes. No information was found to indicate that this test determines subsets of specific cancers (such as lymphoma B vs T cell, or HS disseminated or hemophagocytic). Nu.Q offered by IDEXX – This $122 test detects nucleosomes (fragments of chromosomes released by cancer cells when they die) in the blood. The documentation states: “A peer-reviewed and published case series evaluating 7 different cancers found that the Nu.Q.® Vet Cancer Test detects 76% of systemic cancers 86

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The Alpenhorn

"How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard." – Winnie The Pooh

SearchLight DNA offered by Vidium – This $2,000 test uses a tumor tissue sample (it can be the same one that is provided for pathology (a service they also provide), to look for published gene mutations associated with as many as 120 different types of cancers. A study done using 69 dogs found diagnostic clarity in 86% of the cases. (See: https://avmajournals.avma.org/view/journals/ javma/261/5/javma.22.11.0489.xml) The results of the test also suggest therapies that may be beneficial, as well as therapies that may increase tumor growth. No documentation was found regarding the methods employed to determine what therapies should be recommended. Torigen creates a personalized cancer immunotherapy, which basically uses the tumor tissue from your dog to create a vaccine to stimulate the dog’s ability to fight the cancer. See: https://www.torigen.com/ Ethos Discovery runs clinical trials for several different types of cancer, see: https://www.ethosdiscovery.org/ scientific-programs/. CLINICAL TRIALS: Clinical trials are underway at many different facilities for a number of different health issues including cancers. There are many websites, but this is a good place to start: https://ebusiness.avma.org/aahsd/study_search.aspx

BM D C A NEW TITLES Report compiled by Nicole Stonitsch April 1, 2023 – June 30, 2023

BMDCA TITLES DRAFT NOVICE DRAFT CH Licorice Fern's Back In The Saddle TD TKN (B) Suzanne M Lusk GCH Lavender Hills Ticket To Tangier CD RI TKN (B) Alice Clark Anatar's Lets Raise A Toast CD RN OA NAT OF (D) Jennifer Donnelly-Schoffstall Trailbound's It's A Sign RN CGC TKN (D) Jessica Ballas Hickory's Alpine Adventure CGC (B) Albert Sanders Plainsong's Three Chords And The Truth (D) Phil and Susan Henderson Journey N Vadevi Pop Fizz Clink Repeat CGC JHDs FDC TKN (D) Annette Deboer Red Rocks Crazy Edelweiss Love CD (D) Ronald E Abbott October's I Can See Clearly Now RN FDC (B) Mary Alice Eschweiler Serendipity Jada JingJingJing CD RN (B) Kay Wendorf Highlands Racing To The Last Drop At Veritas RI BCAT CGC TKN (B) Lynne Farrell Washburn Hip-Hop Flying Angel CD BN RA FDC CGC (B) Cherie Bond Algrand Berni Bond James Bond CD BN RE FDC CGCA CGCU ATT (D) Marjorie Geiger CH Coburg Hills Elevated Attitude V. Esmera FDC CGC ATT (D) Angela and David Choi Blumoon's Surf N Sand N Fun RN (B) Jennifer Brightbill DRAFT Swiss Silhouette's Aptly Put BN RN CDX TDX FDC CGC HCT NDD (D) Diane Longstreth GCH CH Kaibab's Justifiably Bright CD TD NDD (B) Kim Bowman and Mary-Ann Sontag Bowman Maxima‘s Kingdom Prince Kodiak CDX BN GO RE TD FDC CGC NDD (D) Diane Longstreth Trillium's Secret Angel BN CGC FDC TKI NDD (B) Deb Schaeffer Kaibab's Keltic Warrior RN FDC BCAT SWN CGC TKN ATT NDD (D) Lawrence M Duncan Triple B's Deja Vu All Over Again NDD (D)Larry Bohlig BRACE NOVICE DRAFT DOG CH Backcountry Zamboni RN TKN NDD (D) Lori Kennedy GCH CH Kaibab's Justifiably Bright CD TD NDD (B) Kim Bowman and Mary-Ann Sontag Bowman GCH CH Licorice Fern's Solstice Boogie TDX TKI NDD (D) Suzanne M Lusk MACH Tennescott My Huckleberry Friend CD RN MXG MJG MXP MXF NDD (D) Meg Schwartz Tennescott A Gust Of Winter Wind RN NA NAJ MXP2 MJP3 MJPB NDD (B) Meg Schwartz CH Veritas Mamma's Excuse To Drink CD BN RA TD CGC DD (D) Buffy Cramer-Hammann

GCH CH Highlands Frankly I Don'T Give A Damm RN CGC TKN DD (B) Lynne Farrell Washburn BRACE DRAFT DOG Mamemo's Moet CGC CD HT RA OAP OJP NFP NDD BNDD DD BDD (B) Lamartine M Simons CH Blackrock Xquisite Xtravaganza CD BN RI TKN FDC NDD DD BNDD (B) Jill E Shaeffer CH Silver Oak's Perfect Blend CD RI CGC TKI ATT DD BNDD (D) Becky Reinke and Dale Reinke Sevens Clearly The One RI OAP NJP TKA DD BNDD (B) Ruth Nielsen ADVANCED NOVICE DRAFT DOG CH Kaibab's Just Watch Me TD NDD ABNDD BDD MDD (B) Dianne Jones MACH PACH Prairiefire's Hit The Ground Running VCD1 MXS MJB MXP3 MXPB MJP3 MJPB PAX XF NDD (B) Wendy Boehme GCH CH RACH Lavender Hills Hey Big Spender CD BN RM4 RAE2 FDC SWN CGCA CGCU TKA DD (D) Debbie Towndrow CH Veritas Mamma's Excuse To Drink CD BN RA TD CGC DD (D) Buffy Cramer-Hammann North Star's Singing In The Rain CD BN RN TDX TDU FDC CGC DD BNDD MBDD (B) Diane Longstreth ADVANCED BRACE NOVICE DRAFT DOG CH Wagontale's You Better Shape Up CD FDC RN NJP CGC TKA NDD BNDD DD BDD (D) Renee Meriaux and Kelley Van Arsdale Zuri CD PCD RA FDC NAP NJP ANDD BNDD BDD MDD (B) Heather Berg MASTER BRACE DRAFT DOG Kaibab's Just Watch Me TD DD BDD (B) Dianne Jones CH Wagontale's You Better Shape Up CD RN FDC HT NJP CGC TKA PT NDD BNDD DD BDD (D) Renee Meriaux and Kelley Van Arsdale GCH CH Quartz Mountain Easter Award Winning CD BN RN FDC CGCA TKN ANDD MDD ABNDD BDD (B) Kelly A Stover GCHB CH Lilloete Mamemo Du Haras De La Vergne CD RA HT AXP AJP NFP CGC TKN ANDD MDD ABNDD BDD (B) Lamartine M Simons

AKC TITLES CONFORMATION CHAMPION CH Adesa's Winter Snow Moon Over Licorice Fern RN DN (D); Kinley-Blewett CH Backcountry Zamboni RN TKN (D); Bennett, Julian, Kennedy FALL 2023

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BM D C A NEW TITLES CH Bernergarden's Girl Boss Trending Hot V Cabernet CGC (B); Carroll, Doyle CH Blackrock Zermatt's Z-One (B); O'Malley CH Blumoon's Mountain Meadow (B); Mann CH Cabaret's Galactic Dancer RI CGC (D); O'Bryan CH Canton Sur Qorazon De Fuego En Gridiron (D); Reedy CH Davieau's Thunder Paws Of The Forest (D); Davieau (Morgan), Meinig CH Deerpark Mabel (B); Dean CH De-Li's Healing Hearts Barrett @ Bear's Pride (D); Ostermiller, Suter CH Driftless Triple Threat V Vinn (B); Buonpane, Richter, Scott CH Elenius Life Korneliya ATT (B); Loflin CH Four-T's Crazy Train (D); Thomas CH Hausful's Brightest Star (B); McDuffee CH Holiday's Gone In Sixty Seconds (B); Ehrich, Leo CH Journey To Oban Little Bay V Sapphire (D); Arbuthnot, Poulos CH Journeys Pendleton Nitecap At Alpenstar (B); Kirk, Poulos CH Lavish's Mermaid To Win CGC (B); Berta CH Linsca's Signature Heartland Girl (B); Larsen, Petersen CH Lionhearts Here Comes The Sun CGCU TKN (D); Blanchard CH Marben's Southern State Of Mind (D); Dekker-Collins CH Nashems Take A Bough At Mtn Elks PT (B); Karl CH Oleka's Xtra Need For Speed CGC TKN (D); Evans, Hoffman CH Prairiefire's Signature Wildflower BN CGCA CGCU (B); Hughes, Johnson CH Relentless Rombauer Rules (D); Oliver-Allen CH Rivermountains M'Lady's A Bit Shady (B); Forde CH Rosewood Guess Who's Coming To Dinner At Windstorm RN CGCA TKN (D); Normandin CH Sciurus Vallis Beliz (B); Lain CH Seaberns Linc N The Stars CGCA (D); Sylvester CH Spring's Never Tell Me The Odds BN RE PT FDC NAP CGCA CGCU TKN (D); Fuselier, O'Bryan CH Steadfast Grand Day Out RN FDC THDN CGCA CGCU TKA (D); Brown, Poppe CH Swiss Silhouette's Mystery Solved! (B); Brennan, Leary CH Tanzanite's Turn N Burn (D); Homa, Montville CH Tasa's Brighteye Quick Trade (B); Hotze CH Treasure Ridge One In A Million (B); Lowry CH Trevi's Life In The Fast Lane (D); Bych CH Trevi's Terminally Pretty (B); Bych CH Trillium's Do Me A Favor @ Bespoke CGC TKN (B); Giffel CH Turiya's Love In A Roll Charmin RN CGC (B); Corneliussen, Lauzon, Walker CH Valor's Resting Beach Face RN CGC TKN (B); Pinkas CH Werlwind's Andwhatif Summers In The Andes (B); Switzler CH Yuliette Von Romanshof (B); Bainbridge GRAND CHAMPION GCH CH Blackrock Waters Will Rise BN CGCA CGCU (D); Cox, Creek GCH CH Copeland's A Sashay To Talkabout (B); Bogdan GCH CH Diamond Creeks Web Of Gold At Milagro RN CGC TKN VHMA VSWB (D); Christiansen Rn, Daily

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The Alpenhorn

GCH CH Driftless Triple Threat V Vinn (B); Buonpane, Richter, Scott GCH CH Forestwalk's Christmas Dessert BCAT (B); Thompson GCH CH Lavender Hills Ticket To Tangier CD RI TKN (B); Clark, Parr GCH CH Lavish's Ragnar The Fearless (D); Bouaoun GCH CH Lionhearts One And Done CGCA CGCU (D); Kessler, Pasko GCH CH Marben's Southern State Of Mind (D); Dekker-Collins GCH CH Shersan's Roll-N-Stone Rock-N-Roll (D); Kinley, Tackerman, Wuest GCH CH Snowbound's There's Snow Limit (B); Tennessen GCH CH Spellbound's Grillin & Chillin (D); Merrow GCH CH Twinhearts Secret Ingredient (D); Meyers GCH CH Wyndrift's Snowbound Apres Ski (B); Keith, Tennessen GCH CH Yuliette Von Romanshof (B); Bainbridge GRAND CHAMPION BRONZE GCHB CH Ayehli's All Hands On Deck CGC (D); Lara Usilton GCHB CH Swiss Star's Gun Fight At Ok Corral SIN CGC (D); Linda Baumbach GCHB CH Summers' Canton Sur Lazy Day On The River (B); Larry Nielsen & Anne Summers & Jean Nielsen GRAND CHAMPION SILVER GCHS CH Swiss Charm Ragnar Northern Chills CGC TKN (D); Joyce Walter & Heather Anschutz & Keith Walter GCHS CH Windfall Adesa 3 Wire Winter @ Emerald Mtn CD RN FDC (D); Elisabeth Dennehy & Kris Hayko & Bobbi Kinley-Blewett GRAND CHAMPION GOLD GCHG CH Trevi's Winter Bliss (D); Barbara Ann Bych

PERFORMANCE AGILITY AGILITY EXCELLENT PREFERRED Blackcoral Jammin' Hot Tuna CD BN RN AXP AJP OFP (D); Hall GCHB CH Lilloete Mamemo Du Haras De La Vergne CD RA HT AXP AJP NFP CGC TKN (B); Simons Theodore Taylor AXP OJP ACT1 ACT2J TKI (D); Taylor AGILITY FAST NOVICE PREFERRED Brechbuhler's Only Greek For Me NAP NFP CGC TKI (B); Brightbill Brighteye Wilanie My Guy BN RN NFP (D); Biksacky, Hotze Oleka's Zoom Flying High At Hartwood BN RN FDC NAP OJP NFP CGCA TKI (B); Airgood GCH CH Sevens Heir To The Throne RI NAP NFP TKA (D); Nielsen, Slade Theodore Taylor AXP AJP NFP ACT1 ACT2J TKI (D); Taylor

AGILITY FAST OPEN PREFERRED Theodore Taylor AXP AJP OFP ACT1 ACT2J TKI (D); Taylor AGILITY FAST EXCELLENT Anatar's Let's Raise A Toast CD RN OA OAJ XF (D); DonnellySchoffstall Hayfields Grand Fight Like A Girl At Frankford CD BN RM RAE FDC OA OAJ OAP NJP XF DD CGC TKA (B); Bacon EXCELLENT AGILITY JUMPER PREFERRED CH Mamemo's Moet CD RA HT OAP AJP NFP CGC (B); Simons GCH CH Nashems Diamond In The Ruff CD RE HSAs FDC OAP AJP SWN SIA SEA TKI (D); Jezek, Karl Theodore Taylor AXP AJP ACT1 ACT2J TKI (D); Taylor MASTER AGILITY EXCELLENT PREFERRED 20 PACH5 Brighteye Peridot Gem Of The Sun MXP20 MXPC2 MJP19 MJPG2 PAX5 T2BP TKN (B); Miller MASTER AGILITY EXCELLENT PREFERRED 21 PACH6 Brighteye Peridot Gem Of The Sun MXP21 MXPC2 MJP20 MJPC2 PAX6 T2BP TKN (B); Miller MASTER CENTURY JUMPER PREFERRED 2 PACH6 Brighteye Peridot Gem Of The Sun MXP20 MXPC2 MJP20 MJPC2 PAX6 T2BP TKN (B); Ellen Miller MASTER EXCELLENT JUMPER PREFERRED Brighteye Bellissima Vita NA NAJ AXP MJP (D); Wettengel MACH Tennescott My Huckleberry Friend CD RN MXG MJG MXP MJP MXF T2B (D); Schwartz MASTER EXCELLENT JUMPER PREFERRED 4 RACH2 Brighteye Blue Brink Of Power & Play VCD3 BN VER RM7 RAE5 TDU MXP3 MXPB MJP4 MJPB XFP T2BP BCAT ACT1 SWN SIA SEA SHDA T (D); Van Noort MASTER EXCELLENT JUMPER PREFERRED 20 PACH6 Brighteye Peridot Gem Of The Sun MXP20 MXPC2 MJP20 MJPC2 PAX6 T2BP TKN (B); Miller NOVICE AGILITY JUMPER PREFERRED Anatar's Perfect Shade Of Purple CD BN RE FDC NJP RATN CGC TKA (B); Perry Apex's Lola The Showgirl NAP NJP NFP (B); Wiltsek Kaibab Moonshadow Treasure Cache NAP NJP (D); Miller, Sontag Theodore Taylor NAP NJP ACT1 ACT2J TKI (D); Taylor NOVICE AGILITY PREFERRED Brechbuhler's Only Greek For Me NAP NFP CGC TKI (B); Brightbill Brighteye Jumpin Coyote On The Summit RN NAP TKN (B); Witulski Kaibab Moonshadow Treasure Cache NAP (D); Miller, Sontag CH Olekas Sun Shines On Daisy at Bornedale FDC NAP NFP ACT1 ACT1J CGC TKI (B); MacWilliams

Oleka's Zoom Flying High At Hartwood RN FDC NAP NJP CGCA TKI (B); Airgood Owl Creeks I'M No Angel CD PCD BN RE FDC NAP NFP BCAT CGCA CGCU TKI (B); Friedlander GCH CH Sandpiper's Million Ways To The West FDC NAP CGC TKN (B); Gray Spring's Never Tell Me The Odds BN RE PT FDC NAP CGCA CGCU TKN (D); Fuselier, O'Bryan OPEN AGILITY JUMPER Anatar's Let's Raise A Toast CD RN OA OAJ OF (D); DonnellySchoffstall OPEN AGILITY JUMPER PREFERRED Oleka's Zoom Flying High At Hartwood BN RN FDC NAP OJP NFP CGCA TKI (B); Airgood Sevens Clearly The One RI OAP OJP TKA (B); Nielsen, Slade Theodore Taylor OAP OJP ACT1 ACT2J TKI (D); Taylor OPEN AGILITY PREFERRED Apex's Lola The Showgirl OAP NJP NFP (B); Wiltsek Sevens Clearly The One RI OAP NJP TKA (B); Nielsen, Slade Theodore Taylor OAP NJP ACT1 ACT2J TKI (D); Taylor PREFERRED AGILITY CHAMPION PACH RACH2 Brighteye Blue Brink Of Power & Play VCD3 BN VER RM7 RAE5 TDU MXP3 MXPB MJP4 MJPB PAX XFP T2BP BCAT ACT1 SWN SIA S (D); Van Noort PREFERRED AGILITY CHAMPION 6 PACH6 Brighteye Peridot Gem Of The Sun MXP20 MXPC2 MJP19 MJPG2 PAX6 T2BP TKN (B); Miller PREFERRED AGILITY EXCELLENT PACH RACH2 Brighteye Blue Brink Of Power & Play VCD3 BN VER RM7 RAE5 TDU MXP3 MXPB MJP4 MJPB PAX XFP T2BP BCAT ACT1 SWN SIA S (D); Van Noort PREFERRED AGILITY EXCELLENT 6 PACH6 Brighteye Peridot Gem Of The Sun MXP20 MXPC2 MJP19 MJPG2 PAX6 T2BP TKN (B); Miller

DOCK DIVING DOCK SENIOR ADVANCED GCH CH Braelynn's August Summer Rising Star CD BN RN FDC SWN SCA SIA DSA DJ CGC TKI (B); Heather Berg, Debi Lepoff & Shelley Berg

FARM DOG FARM DOG CERTIFIED Alpenheart's One More Run at Adesa FDC CGC ATT (B); Lisa Christensen & Noreen Anne Galaba Basia Mille's Pocket Full Of Posies FDC CGC TKP VHMA VHMP (B); Anna Reed & Cole Baldwin Shanholtz & Peggy Reed FALL 2023

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BM D C A NEW TITLES GCH CH Indianlands About Dang Time Madland FDC BCAT CGC TKN (B); Megan Madland & Brandon Madland GCHG CH Lavender Hills Sin City BN RN FDC CGC (B); Susan Parr & Cindy Crawford Gorath CH Lavender Hills Tasting Room FDC (B); Susan Jean Parr & Cindy Crawford-Gorath Lord Rainier Of House Rentonshire RA FDC (D); Chelsea Stone & Phillip Franklin CH Madland's She's Going Supernova FDC (B); Megan Madland & Brandon Madland Oleka's Zingy Beautiful Violet RI FDC CGC TKA (B); Jessica Moore & Jordan Fortier GCH CH Rivermountains 'Round The Campfire BN RA FDC CGC TKA (B); Sandra Forde & Shelley Timbers Schonbahr's Harlow V Trevor FDC ATT (B); Christie Alexander Swiss Silhouette's Bone Collector RN FDC CGC (D); Deborah Saks & Shelly Leary Vintage Wildridge All Fired Up FDC (D); Nancy Otahal & Laura Waldbaum Winridge Hidden Pearl Of Wisdom CD BN RE FDC MXP AJP OFP SEN CGC TKN ATT (D); Deborah L Saks & Kim Giannone Deerpark Bonfire And Snowfall FDC (B); Michelle Dial & Denise Dean Deerpark Oso My Cinnamon Girl FDC (B); Dave McBee & Denise Dean Dragon Nest's Racing In The Rain FDC (D); Bonnie Gould & Steve Teh & Irene Teh & Abigail Teh Red Rocks Starting Over FDC (D); Tami Cobb & Angelina Porter Summers' Best Dil'Emma Ever FDC (B); Joanne Prellberg Basia Mille's Then Another Hundred FDC CGC ATT VHMP (D); Cole Baldwin Shanholtz & Christopher Howe Fairday's Rainy Day Sunshine FDC CGC (B); Bonnie Shepherd & Lori G Jacobson Sapphires All You Need Is Grace FDC CGC TKN (B); Georgiana Berg Stonehills Roaring Good Time Teddy FDC (D); Kerry Waltersdorf & Tammy Lindvig

FAST CAT® BCAT Hoosier Roos Radiant Light Of Camelot RN BCAT CGC (B); Tim Thompson & Kathryn J Thompson & Jeannie Whitton-Smith CH Lionhearts Bust A Move BN RN BCAT CGC (D); Debbie Lee Brylski Soft Hitman BCAT CGC TKI (D); Danielle Nagelvoort CH Ebnet's Bouquet BCAT (B); Meredith Gilbert Skylyn's Xtreme Velocity At Sochi BN RI FDC BCAT CGCA CGCU TKN (D); Kimberly Cordier & Christine McLean DCAT GCH CH Ayehli's Don't Beat Around The Bush Marben RA DCAT DS TKN (D); Elizabeth Hamme & D Eugene Hamme GCHS CH Olympusruns Something Wicked This Way Comes RN DCAT CGCU TKN (B); Mickala Berta & Kim Mann

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The Alpenhorn

FIT DOG FIT DOG SILVER Stonehill For Auld Lang Syne CD BN RE FDC CGC TKA FITS (D); Daniel A Falk & Cynthia M Falk & Mrs. Kerry E Waltersdorf FIT DOG BRONZE Beatty's Daisy FITB (B); Lauren Ashley Beatty

HERDING HERDING TESTED Skyfall's Brahe Beauty HT CGC TKN (B); Rhonda D Squires CH Nashems Toast To The Prince At Vadevi HT (D); Annette Deboer & Jim Deboer & Sara Karl Red Rocks Reckless Side HT (D); Gina Van Klompenburg & Angelina Porter Seaberns Starseeker HT (D); Dianne Jones & Patricia Gowans Wagontale's Better Watch Out HT (B); Stacy Temples & Judy Stachurski & Joe Stachurski PRE-TRIAL TESTED GCHB CH Bernergarden's Point Break TD PT (B); Toupin Edgeside's Highway Vagabond CD BN RE PT NAP CGC TKI (D); Bacon CH Nashem's Lone Sentinel At Sun Mountain RN PT FDC CGC TKN (D); Karl, Smith Nashems Take A Bough At Mtn Elks PT (B); Karl GCHG CH Tanzanite's Incommunicado PT FDC (B); Montville CH Wagontale's You Better Shape Up CD RN PT FDC NJP DD BDD CGC TKA (D); Meriaux, Temples, Van Arsdale Zenith's Perfect Pearing Zephirin PT CGC (B); LeTourneau

OBEDIENCE BEGINNER NOVICE CH Blackrock Believe In Aristology BN CGC TKA (D); Minden Deli's Sweet Gus V Heartsdesire BN (D); Butler Miller Hickoryridge Climate Change BN CGC TKN (D); Shaeffer Hickory's Clock Tower Of Bern BN (B); Hanson, Marty CH October's Revolution BN RI CGC (D); Coker Oleka's Zoom Flying High At Hartwood BN RN FDC NAP NJP CGCA TKI (B); Airgood GCH CH Prairiefire's Beach Bunny BN FDC CGCA CGCU (B); Hughes, Johnson Seaberdale Carry On BN RN NFP CGC TKA (B); Brown, Tenbus CH Summers' Pristine Fly Waters For The Hatch BN (D); Summers Thalassa's Reason To Believe BN RN (B); Toye Von Engel's More Than Meets The Eye At Ja-Pens BN (D); Campbell, Von Engel CH Xcalibur's Flip Your Lid BN RI FDC CGCA TKN (D); Decker, Greenwood

COMPANION DOG "Mini" Cooper CD BN RI BCAT CGCA CGCU TKI (D); Swift Anatar's Let's Raise A Toast CD RN OA NAJ OF (D); DonnellySchoffstall CH Backcountry Zamboni CD RN TKN (D); Bennett, Julian, Kennedy GCH CH Braelynn's August Summer Rising Star CD BN RN FDC SWN SCA SIA DS DJ CGC TKI (B); Berg, Lepoff Creo's Stella Got Her Groove CD RI CGC (B); Wanderer CH Hausful's Connect The Dots CD (B); McDuffee Ledgewood's Leading Lady CD CGC TKN (B); Patrizio GCH CH Licorice Fern's Solstice Boogie CD TDX TKI (D); Lusk Licorice Fern's Step Right Up CD (D); Kugler, Lusk CH Sevens Forever In A Frenzy CD BN RN TKI (B); Hodgson, Slade CH Stonehill's Pop Your Cork Buddha CD THDA CGCA CGCU (D); Waltersdorf Swiss Star's In My Neck Of The Woods CD RN SWA SHDN CGCA (B); Hefner COMPANION DOG EXCELLENT GCH CH RACH Lavender Hills Hey Big Spender CDX BN RM4 RAE2 FDC SWN CGCA CGCU TKA (D); Towndrow CH Tennescott Green Mtns Summer Rain CDX RM FDC CGC TKP (B); Bell GRADUATE NOVICE Epona's All That Glitters CD BN GN RE CGC (B); Worcester GRADUATE OPEN Mollie Malone CDX BN GN GO RM2 RAE3 CGC (B); Eldon UTILITY DOG GCHB CH PACH Kaibab's Jigsaw Puzzle UD MXP3 MXPB MJP3 MJPB PAX (B); Jaskiewicz, Sontag

RALLY RALLY ADVANCED Asgaard's Nefarious Night Fury RA CGC TKN (D); McCormick Mill Creek's Emma Nitro Stout RA FDC CGC FITB (D); Boeke CH October's Revolution BN RA CGC (D); Coker R-Gs Surprise! Autumns Legacy Lives On BN RA CGC TKN (B); Rhodes-Griffith GCHB CH Shersan Adesa's Somebunny To Love CD RA FDC CGC TKP (B); Kinley, Motz Swisskiss Its Five O'Clock Somewhere RA (D); Pasztor Triple B's Deja Vu Here We Go Again At Fairday BN RA FDC CGCU TKI ATT (B); Jacobson RALLY ADVANCED EXCELLENT 2 CH CT Brighteye Stories In The Stars VCD2 RM RAE2 MXP AJP SWA SCE SIE SEE SHDE CGC TKN (B); Hotze, McClure Trillium Speri's Sant'Urbano Superiore CD BN RM RAE2 FDC SIA SCN DD CGCA TKA (D); Smith

RALLY EXCELLENT Agricola Bella Delorean CD BN RE (B); Suchodolski Algrand Berni Bond James Bond CD BN RE FDC CGCA CGCU ATT (D); Geiger, Huber, Knowles GCH CH Blumoon's Charge It To Twelve Oaks CD RE CGCA (D); Dominy, Keith Cedric Sergina V.'T Rijkenspark RE FDC CGCA TKE BN-V CD-V VHMA VSWI (D); Cozzolino Epona's All That Glitters CD BN RE CGC (B); Worcester GCH CH Nashems Diamond In The Ruff CD RE HSAs FDC OAP OJP SWN SIA TKI (D); Jezek, Karl Riverstead's Holly, Holy CDX BN RE (B); Larson, Warburton Rosier's River Song CD RE FDC CGCA (B); Elders Trillium's Yes! Stardust Rose Is Blooming! CD RE FDC CGC TKI (B); McCune WitchWays Magical Brew RE FDC CGCA CGCU TKN (B); Decker RALLY INTERMEDIATE CH Blackrock Believe In Aristology BN RI CGC TKA (D); Carol Minden Kaibab's Keltic Warrior RI FDC BCAT SWN SCA SEA CGC TKN ATT BN-V (D); Lawrence Duncan & Bea Duncan GCH CH Pinnacle's Josey Wales RI FDC AXP AJP SWN SEE SCA SIA CGC TKN ATT BN-V (D); Lawrence Duncan, Eden Jonas & Beatrice Duncan R-Gs Surprise! Autumns Legacy Lives On BN RI CGC TKN (B); Laurie A Griffith CH Lavender Hills Ticket To Tangier CD RI TKN (B); Alice Clark & Susan Parr CH Northforks Does Your Mother Know BN RI CGC (D); Karen Johnson & Lisa Johnson CH Swiss Star's In A Class Of His Own V Thistledown RI (D); Carri Lindblom-Borisch GCH CH Friesian's Grand O'Highland's Irish Lass CD RI FDC NAP NJP OFP (B); Christie Leone GCHG CH Lavender Hills Sin City BN RI FDC SCN SIN CGC (B); Susan Parr & Cindy Crawford Gorath Mill Creek's Emma Nitro Stout RA FDC CGC FITB (D); Erzsi C Easthon RALLY MASTER Lusion Winter Dream CD BN RM CGCA CGCU (B); Dana Worcester RALLY MASTER 2 CH CT Brighteye Stories In The Stars VCD2 RM2 RAE2 MXP AJP SWA SCE SIE SEE SHDE CGC TKN (B); Denise McClure & Deborah Hotze RALLY NOVICE Adesa's Winter Snow Moon Over Licorice Fern RN DN (D); Kinley-Blewett Basia Mille's Pocket Full Of Posies RN FDC CGCA TKE VHMA VHMP (B); Reed, Shanholtz CH Bespoke's Back To Back Favorite @ Trillium Bb RN CGC (D); Djang FALL 2023

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BM D C A NEW TITLES CH Blackrock Believe In Aristology BN RN CGC TKA (D); Minden Blumoon's Surf N Sand N Fun RN (B); Brightbill Bonanza's Sir Squishington RN (D); Demello Brightwater Jest One Xtra Dance RN TKN (D); Burgan, Reeve Brunauge Hard Rain RN (D); Baldwin Deerpark Bonfire And Snowfall RN FDC CGC (B); Dial CH Ebnet's Bouquet RN (B); Gilbert Ebnet's Curious Case Of Cate RN BCAT CGC (B); Gilbert Fairday's Playing In The Rain RN CGC TKN (D); Jacobson Hoosier Roos Radiant Light Of Camelot RN CGC (B); Thompson, Whitton-Smith GCH CH Kaibab's Justifiably Bright CD RN TD (B); Sontag CH Lavender Hills No Place Like Home RN DCAT (B); Prellberg Lavish's Bravery Loyalty And Intelligence RN SCN SIN CGC (D); Bouaoun, Merriman CH Lionhearts Bust A Move BN RN CGC (D); Brylski, Kessler North Star's Singing In The Rain CD BN RN TDX FDC CGC (B); Bell, Longstreth October's I Can See Clearly Now RN FDC (B); Eschweiler Queenstown Ia Isabella RN CGC TKN (B); Welsh Queenstown Juno Janelle RN CGC TKN (B); Skerl Red Rocks Starting Over RN FDC (D); Cobb, Porter Rubicon's Zeja Vu Debut RN SWN SCA SIA SEA (B); LeTourneau, Olson Seaberdale Carry On BN RN NFP CGC TKA (B); Brown, Tenbus Serenity's Avalanche RN (B); Hsieh, Monnie Sevens Springbrook Volcanic Ash RN (D); Charhon, Slade Sobreeze Roadhouse Bouncer At Brooknoll RN TKN (D); Burgan, Slater Swiss Silhouette's Aptly Put CDX BN RN TDX FDC CGC (D); Leary, Longstreth Swiss Star's Winter In Bolder RN SWA (B); Hefner, Silveria Trailbound's More Than Words RN TKA (B); Bates GCH CH Twin Pines First Edition RN FDC CGC (B); Kreps Werlwind's Everlasting Open Arms RN (B); Carlisle, Switzler Wintergreen's Floating On Air RN (B); Niebuhr Vmd.

SCENT WORK SCENT WORK ADVANCED Blackcoral Kelp Diver SWA CGC TKN (D); Gwyndean Candelaria GCH CH Pinnacle's Josey Wales RI FDC AXP AJP SWA SEE CGC TKN ATT BN-V (D); Lawrence Duncan & Eden Jonas & Beatrice Duncan Starbourne's Queen Of Rock SWA (B); Susan Stratton & April Rifenburg SCENT WORK EXCELLENT Sunshine's Waiting For Lift Off SWE CGC TKI (D); Michelle Munson & Celia Cuellar SCENT WORK NOVICE Chantall Bernesse Di Remata SWN CGC TKN (B); Shelly Leary CH Licorice Fern's Moondance V. Swiss Silhouette SWN CGC (B); Shelly Leary

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The Alpenhorn

Swiss Silhouette's X-Ceptionally Tried & True BCAT SWN TKN (D); Fred Kleindenst SCENT WORK BURIED NOVICE Chantall Bernesse Di Remata SWN CGC TKN (B); Shelly Leary CH Prairiefire's Signature Wildflower BN SBN CGCA CGCU (B); Sharon S Johnson & Joanna Hughes Swiss Silhouette's X-Ceptionally Tried & True BCAT SWN TKN (D); Fred Kleindenst SCENT WORK BURIED ADVANCED Blackcoral Kelp Diver SWA CGC TKN (D); Gwyndean Candelaria Brighteye Written In The Stars RN TD SWN SINE SBNE SIA SBA TKN (B); Denise McClure & Deborah Hotze GCHB CH Jura's Triple Crown Photo Finish CD RN FDC OAP NJP NFP SWN SIE SEE SBA TKN (B); Barbara LeTourneau Kaibab's Kindhearted Buttercup SWN SBA CGC TKI (B); Georgia Towle & Mary-Ann Sontag Bowman GCH CH Pinnacle's Josey Wales RI FDC AXP AJP SWA SEE CGC TKN ATT BN-V (D); Lawrence Duncan & Eden Jonas & Beatrice Duncan SCENT WORK CONTAINER NOVICE Chantall Bernesse Di Remata SCN SEN CGC TKN (B); Shelly Leary Cor Caroli's Starry Night V Hausful SCN CGC TKN (B); Sharon Blaszak & Brian Blaszak Ventures Mac Is Sailing To Northcote SCN (D); Kerry Luderus & Rebecca Dove & Kerry Waltersdorf GCHG CH Lavender Hills Sin City BN RN FDC SCN CGC (B); Susan Parr & Cindy Crawford Gorath SCENT WORK CONTAINER ADVANCED Kaibab's Kindhearted Buttercup SWN SCA SIA SBA CGC TKI (B); Georgia Towle & Mary-Ann Sontag Bowman PACH RACH2 Brighteye Blue Brink Of Power & Play VCD3 BN VER RM7 RAE5 TDU MXP3 MXPB MJP4 MJPB PAX XFP T2BP BCAT ACT1 SWN SCA S (D); Ruth Ann Van Noort Jaberwock's Alice's Secret RN SWN SINE SCA (B); Joanne Brault & Jane E Hill Kaibab's Keltic Warrior RN FDC BCAT SWN SCA SEA CGC TKN ATT BN-V (D); Lawrence Duncan & Bea Duncan SCENT WORK CONTAINER EXCELLENT Sir George Here Comes The Son CD BN RN SWA SCE SEE CGC (D); Adrienne Kepp Blackcoral Kelp Diver SWA SCE CGC TKN (D); Gwyndean Candelaria Rubicon's Zeja Vu Debut RN SWN SCE SEE SIA (B); Barbara LeTourneau & Melissa Olson Starbourne's Queen Of Rock SWA SCE (B); Susan Stratton & April Rifenburg SCENT WORK CONTAINER EXCELLENT ELITE De-Li's Ask Me BN RI SWE SCEE SIAE SBM (B); Joanne Brault & Lilian Ostermiller

SCENT WORK INTERIOR NOVICE Bennie See Skip Do It SIN SEN (D); Audrey Jane Koch Chantall Bernesse Di Remata SCN SIN SEN CGC TKN (B); Shelly Leary Swiss Silhouette's Ice Or Snow, Ready To Go! SIN SEN CGC (B); Brenda Hallmark & Shelly Leary Bern Haus On Oka Uinslou Glory CD BN RE FDC SIN CGCA TKI (D); Carolyn Smith GCHG CH Lavender Hills Sin City BN RN FDC SCN SIN CGC (B); Susan Parr & Cindy Crawford Gorath CH Lionhearts Zero Inhibitions FDC SCN SIN SBN RATS (B); Kristin R Shaw & Amy Kessler Brechbuhler's Miss Mademoiselle SIN CGC (B); Kelsey Gallegos Lazy J's Midnight Snack BN RN FDC SIN CGCA CGCU TKN (D); Ms. Melanie E. Koon & Mrs. Debra C. Jones & Eveline Major Winridge Hidden Pearl Of Wisdom CD BN RE FDC MXP AJP OFP SIN SEN CGC TKN ATT (D); Deborah L Saks & Kim Giannone SCENT WORK EXTERIOR NOVICE Bennie See Skip Do It SEN (D); Audrey Jane Koch Chantall Bernesse Di Remata SCN SEN CGC TKN (B); Shelly Leary CH Licorice Fern's Moondance V. Swiss Silhouette SWN CGC (B); Shelly Leary Swiss Silhouette's Ice Or Snow, Ready To Go! SIN SEN CGC (B); Brenda Hallmark & Shelly Leary SCENT WORK EXTERIOR ADVANCED Blackcoral Kelp Diver SWA CGC TKN (D); Gwyndean Candelaria Kaibab's Keltic Warrior RN FDC BCAT SWN SCA SEA CGC TKN ATT BN-V (D); Lawrence Duncan & Bea Duncan GCH CH Nashems Diamond In The Ruff CD RE HSAs FDC OAP OJP SWN SIA SEA TKI (D); Margaret A Jezek & Sara Karl SCENT WORK EXTERIOR EXCELLENT Rubicon's Zeja Vu Debut RN SWN SEE SCA SIA (B); Barbara LeTourneau & Melissa Olson Sunshine's Waiting For Lift Off SWE CGC TKI (D); Michelle Munson & Celia Cuellar Swiss Destinys Skip Too My Lou CD RE SCE SEE SIA (D); Audrey Koch SCENT WORK INTERIOR NOVICE ELITE CH CT Brighteye Stories In The Stars VCD2 RM2 RAE2 MXP AJP SWA SINE SCE SIE SEE SHDE CGC TKN (B); Denise McClure & Deborah Hotze SCENT WORK INTERIOR ADVANCED Kaibab's Keltic Warrior RI FDC BCAT SWN SCA SIA SEA CGC TKN ATT BN-V (D); Lawrence Duncan & Bea Duncan Kaibab's Kindhearted Buttercup SWN SCA SIA SBA CGC TKI (B); Georgia Towle & Mary-Ann Sontag Bowman Starbourne's Queen Of Rock SWA (B); Susan Stratton & April Rifenburg

SCENT WORK INTERIOR EXCELLENT Starbourne's Dancing With The Stars FDC SWA SCE SIE SEE (B); Susan Stratton & April Rifenburg

TRACKING TRACKING DOG CH Veritas Mamma's Excuse To Drink CD BN RA TD CGC (D); Cramer-Hammann TRACKING DOG EXCELLENT GCH CH Kaibab's Justifiably Bright CD RN TDX (B); Sontag TRACKING DOG URBAN North Star's Singing In The Rain CD BN RN TDX TDU FDC CGC (B); Diane Longstreth & Sherree Bell VARIABLE SURFACE TRACKER Mount Cheam Inice UD VER RM VST TDU FDC CGCA (B); Longstreth CHAMPION TRACKER CT Mount Cheam Inice UD VER RM TDU FDC CGCA (B); Longstreth

TRICK DOG TRICK DOG NOVICE Asgaard's Luminous Light Fury CGC TKN (B); Martha McCormick Devon's Road Not Taken TKN (D); Steven Turnbow & Shaun Turnbow Lavish's Tell Me A Tale CGC TKN (D); Bev Sears & Layal Bouaoun Merrimac Mountain Dog Elliot Jay RN CGCA TKN (D); Sara Gellatly Msbehavin Von Den Helvetiern Am Erbach CGC TKN (B); Ms. Julie L Jackson & Linda Sue Schoenharl CH Oleka's Yolo So Let's Do This CGC TKN (B); Angela Evans B-Haven's Rocky Mountain Black Diamond CGC TKN (D); Laura A Ackerman Carma Que's Burn Notice TKN (D); Ed Fitzpatrick & Laura Fitzpatrick Davison's Alibi CGC TKI (D); Jessica Davison & Justin Davison Deerpark Basil RN CGCA CGCU TKI (B); Julia Tao CH Hausful's Connect The Dots CD TKN (B); Dee L McDuffee Orina Vom Kleinholz CGC TKN (B); Gail Taplac & Terra Farley Skyfall's Blizzard Of Stars In Mazama TKN (D); Ruth Nielsen & Rhonda D Squires Snowpaw's Zola's First Noel V Oleka TKN (B); Marie Josee Beauregard & Heidi Henderson Stella Von Der Edelweiss Alm CGCA CGCU TKN (B); AnneRose Parrish Twin Pines Here For A Good Time CGC TKN (D); Tami Kreps & Dave Kreps Lionhearts Here Comes The Sun CGC TKN (D); Dana Blanchard & Amy Kessler & Cara Jean Kessler FALL 2023

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BM D C A NEW TITLES CH Northforks Does Your Mother Know BN RI CGC TKN (D); Karen Johnson & Lisa Johnson Northforks Mountain Of Sunshine RN CGC TKN (B); Scott Simpson, Karen Johnson & Dawn Simpson & Lisa Johnson Owl Creeks A Spoonful Of Frosted Flakes CGC TKN (D); Patricia Dabbert & Michael Dabbert Owl Creeks She Talks To Angels CGC TKN (B); Erin Price Queenstown Ia Isabella CGC TKN (B); Dr. Katherine G Skerl, Angela Welsh & Patrick Welsh Queenstown Igor Ignatius CGC TKN (D); Dr. Katherine G Skerl, Siobhan Gerrity & Colin M Skerl Rivermountains Cloke-N-Dagg'R TKI (D); Sandra Forde & Shelley Timbers Snowpaw's Thrs Snow Place Like Home TKN (B); Heidi Henderson Sprucepeak's You Are The Apple Of My Eye CGC TKN ATT (B); Celeste M O'Malley GCHB CH Swiss Charm Ragnar Northern Chills CGC TKN (D); Joyce Walter, Heather Anschutz & Keith Walter TRICK DOG INTERMEDIATE Rivermountains Cloke-N-Dagg'R TKI (D); Sandra Forde & Shelley Timbers

BREEDING

W O R D

S E A R C H

From page 72

Davison's Alibi CGC TKI (D); Jessica Davison & Justin Davison Deerpark Basil RN CGCA CGCU TKI (B); Julia Tao Asgaard's Nefarious Night Fury RA CGC TKI (D); Martha McCormick Devon's Snowy Bear Paw CGCA TKI (D); Vivian Hill TRICK DOG ELITE PERFORMER Basia Mille's Pocket Full Of Posies FDC CGCA TKE VHMA VHMP (B); Anna Reed, Cole Baldwin Shanholtz & Peggy Reed

TEMPERMENT AKC TEMPERAMENT TEST Basia Mille's Pocket Full Of Posies RN FDC CGCA TKE ATT VHMA VHMP (B); Anna Reed, Cole Baldwin Shanholtz & Peggy Reed Basia Mille's Then Another Hundred FDC CGC ATT VHMP (D); Cole Baldwin Shanholtz & Christopher Howe GCH CH Diamond Creeks Web Of Gold At Milagro RN CGC TKN ATT VHMA VSWB (D); Ann Murphy Daily, William W Daily & Amy L Christiansen CH Michaudville Huntington Danis FDC CGCA CGCU TKI ATT (B); Candace Wright Mountain View Farms Eeny Meeny Miny Moe CD BN RI FDC CGCA TKN ATT FITB (D); Elsie Lee Montalbano

VIRTUAL HOME MANNERS VIRTUAL BEGINNER NOVICE Kaibab's Keltic Warrior RN FDC BCAT SWN CGC TKN ATT BN-V (D); Lawrence Duncan & Bea Duncan GCH CH Pinnacle's Josey Wales RN FDC AXP AJP SWN SEE SCA SIA CGC TKN ATT BN-V (D); Lawrence Duncan, Eden Jonas & Beatrice Duncan VIRTUAL COMPANION DOG Snowpaw's Burnin' Desire RI FDC CGCA TKN ATT BN-V CD-V (B); Heidi Henderson VIRTUAL HOME MANNERS PUPPY Charles Bentley VHMP (D); Angela Jane Schwab & David Matthew Schwab VIRTUAL HOME MANNERS ADULT Charles Bentley VHMA VHMP (D); Angela Jane Schwab & David Matthew Schwab VIRTUAL SCENT WORK INTERMEDIATE GCH CH Diamond Creeks Web Of Gold At Milagro RN CGC TKN ATT VHMA VSWI (D); Ann Murphy Daily, William W Daily & Amy L Christiansen

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The Alpenhorn

BM D C A EVENTS CALENDAR Report compiled by Vicky Hall

SPECIALTIES & SUPPORTED ENTRIES January 5, 6, 7, 2024, BMDC of Southern California Specialty with Supported Entry at The Polo Grounds, Indio, CA. Superintendent: Jack Bradshaw, jbradshaw.com. February 1, 2024, Grand Canyon State BMDC Specialty at the Arizona State Fairgrounds, Phoenix, AZ in conjunction with the Working Dog Club of Arizona. Judges: Sindi Leo, Conformation. Contact: Nancy Stewart arizonabmd@gmail.com.

BMDCA DRAFT TESTS January 20 & 21, 2024, Grand Canyon State BMDC Draft Tests at Royal Arabians, 1660 N. Lindsay Road,

Mesa, AZ 85213. Entries close Wednesday January 10 at 5:00 pm MST. Judges are Dr. Mary Dowski and Bob Schmidt. Secretary Cathy Gushulak, 18404 W. Long Lake Road, Goodyear, AZ 85338-6090 gr8k9mom@gmail.com.

REGIONAL CLUB EVENTS November 11, 2023, Potomac Valley BMDC general meeting. December 9, 2023, Potomac Valley BMDC annual membership meeting.

T H E A L PE N H O R N CONTRIBUTORS, ADVERTISERS AND SUBSCRIBERS ABOUT THE ALPENHORN The Alpenhorn is published four times per year by the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America and its many volunteers.

EDITION

ISSUE FOCUS

Winter (Jan. - Mar.) ............................... Veterans/Rescue Spring (Apr. - June) ............. Activities/Training/Puppies Summer (July - Sept.) ......................... National Specialty Fall (Oct. - Dec.) .................................... Health/Breeding

EDITORIAL Lara Usilton, Editor-in-Chief

AUTHOR, READER AND PHOTO CONTRIBUTIONS

The Alpenhorn editor considers contributor content at any time. Please be aware that authors/photographers do not receive ﬁnancial compensation for manuscripts/ photographs accepted for publication, and that submission does not guarantee publication. The Alpenhorn publishing decisions are subject to the discretion of magazine staff and the BMDCA Board. Manuscripts/photos can be submitted for consideration at any time and are subject to editing. Photos must be provided in high resolution. Photo release required, photographer will be credited. Manuscripts/photos that have been accepted for publication by The Alpenhorn staff must have been received by The Alpenhorn Editor no later than the following content deadline dates for each issue: Winter ....................................................................... Nov. 1 Spring ..................................................................... Mar. 13 Summer ............................................................... June 15* Fall .............................................................................Aug. 1 *For national specialty-related material, the date will vary by speciﬁc national specialty and be announced annually. For all other material, June 15 is the standing deadline date. Send author, reader and photographic contributions to: Kim Caronia, littleberner@me.com.

SUBSCRIPTIONS SUBSCRIPTION RATES

- US ﬁrst-class postage upgrade: add $20 to subscription rate - Non-member US subscriptions: $55 per year - International subscriptions: - Canadian subscriptions $75/year; - Mexico and all other international and overseas $95/year

International subscriptions payable in US funds to “BMDCA.” Contact the Subscription Manager for payment details. Single & back issues (as available, US only): $20 including postage. US only missed copies, depending upon availability, will be replaced after the following waiting period: 1st class mail recipients — 30 days after shipping date. Bulk mail recipients — 45 days after shipping date. Mailing of missed copies is subject to $5 postage fee. Missed issues due to incorrect mailing information and unforwarded mail are not eligible for replacement. Manage your subscription online, or send subscription, single-issue or address change requests to: Kim Caronia, littleberner@me.com.

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The Alpenhorn

PURCHASE ADS AND MANAGE SUBSCRIPTIONS ONLINE

PURCHASE ADS: www.bmdca-store.com/Advertising_c_37.html SUBSCRIPTIONS: www.bmdca-store.com/Subscriptions_c_38.html

ADVERTISING

Beth Schmoyer, Advertising Sales & Design Joye Neff, Business Manager

ADVERTISING RATES AND AVAILABILITY AD TYPE (Color ad unless otherwise noted)

RATES

Cover ....................................................................................... $400 Inside Front Cover ................................................................ $275 Back Cover ............................................................................. $275 Inside Back Cover ................................................................. $250 Two Page Spread .................................................................. $525 One Page ................................................................................$200 Half Page ................................................................................ $150 Half Page/Promotion/Template ........................................ $100 B/W Dog Memorial with approx. 1.5x2 Photo .................$50 Advertisers are solely responsible for the accuracy of claims made within their ads. Inclusion in The Alpenhorn does not imply endorsement of or veriﬁcation by the BMDCA or the editors. Non-BMDCA Members: 2x the published ad rate (not eligible for sales). Regional Club Rates: Black and white (B/W) one page and half page ads are available to clubs only: One Page...$62.50; Half Page...$37.50. Regional clubs receive one half page B/W ad free per calendar year for advertising events (no upgrades). Custom ad designs are available to clubs at a 50% discount off standard ad design fees. Color ads and premium spaces not eligible for club discounts.

501C3 Organizations: Charitable organizations wishing to advertise in The Alpenhorn will receive the member rate, or sale rate (if applicable) whichever is lower. Custom Ad Design Fee: $75 applies for non-camera ready artwork submissions.

ADVERTISING ORDER PLACEMENT

Contact Beth Schmoyer regarding ad sales and design: baschmoyer@rcn.com or 610-868-5569. Online reservations and payment can be made anytime.

If mailing payment, please send to (note new mailing address): Joye Neff, Business Manager, 108 Minnock Drive, Mars, PA, 16046-1308, joye.neff@gmail.com, 724-799-8399. Ad Reservation (purchase) Closing Dates:

Winter ....................................................................... Nov. 1 Spring ..................................................................... Mar. 13 Summer .................................................Specialty Speciﬁc Fall .............................................................................Aug. 1 Due to publishing complexities, The Alpenhorn editor and staff cannot guarantee in-home dates. Please place time-sensitive ads well in advance of your planned event.

BM D C A DIRECTORY OFFICERS

PRESIDENT

GEORGEANN REEVE Leesburg, VA 571-528-5095 georgeannbmdca@gmail.com

VICE PRESIDENT

MIREILLE BISCHEL Walnut Creek, CA 925-947-2361 mireilleken@gmail.com

SECRETARY, RECORDING KELLEY VAN ARSDALE Evans, CO, USA 805-551-1756 bmdrecsec@yahoo.com

SECRETARY, CORRESPONDING ANN GHIORSO Foster City, CA 94404 650-358-0511 aghiorso@comcast.net

TREASURER

PAM WEIR Anderson, IN 46011 765-683-1927 bernergirlin@gmail.com

DIRECTORS

CINDY BECKMAN San Francisco, CA 94123 (415) 776-8575 blunotebmd@gmail.com

MARJORIE GEIGER Kalama, WA 360-673-6387 marggeiger@yahoo.com VAL HORNEY Aurora, CO 303-903-5685 valhorney@comcast.net SARA KARL Colorado Springs, CO 719-534-9056 karl3106@comcast.net

RUTH NIELSEN Seattle, WA 206-912-0993 rnielsen@nielsenlaw.com

AKC DELEGATE

SARA KARL Colorado Springs, CO 719-534-9056 karl3106@comcast.net

CHAIRS

AGILITY

FINANCE

ONLINE STORE

ALPENHORN EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

FUTURITY

RECORDS

KRIS OSOJNICKI 651-351-0319 machberner@gmail.com

LARA USILTON 859-498-2516 TheAlpenhornEIC@outlook.com

ASSISTANCE AND GUIDANCE

JOANNE PRELBERG 602-717-5658 polarisbmd@gmail.com

AWARDS

RENEE JACQUIER 281-797-2321 RJacq16804@aol.com

BMDCA BULLETIN / ECOMM KARYN BEYER 925-330-5060 Karyn.beyer@gmail.com

BMDCA INFO SERIES ROBIN HAMME 828-699-9722 robinhamme@aol.com

BMDCA THERAPY DOG RESOURCE COMMITTEE

BETH BROOKHOUSE 480-363-8840 mountaingirlbeth@gmail.com

BMDCA YEARBOOK

TERESA DOMINGUEZ 505-750-3842 BMDCAYearbook@gmail.com

BREED AMBASSADORS WENDY KIRK 307-699-1917 wendy@silverstar.com

BREEDER EDUCATION

HEATHER AUSTIN 412-559-5562 heather@heatheraustin.com

BYLAWS

LINDA DALTON 253-988-0804 kevlin1297@msn.com

DRAFT

JENNIFER BRIGHTBILL 503-358-1071 jbrightbill@me.com

FACEBOOK AND YOUTUBE LISA KAUFMAN lkkaufmann@outlook.com

PAM WEIR, TREASURER 765-683-1927 bernergirlin@gmail.com SANDY DUNAWAY 308-995-4149 BMDCAFuturity@gmail.com

HEALTH

PAT LONG 610-389-3089 pat@bmdinfo.com

HEALTH AUCTION COORDINATOR

SUSAN HENDERSON 714-993-6898 phender@hotmail.com GARY GALUNAS 248-641-8581 ggalunas@bernerpaw.com

REGIONAL CLUB COUNCIL LISA BALDWIN 206-368-5455 lisa@shiretech.com

REGIONAL CLUB RELATIONS

KIM MCINTYRE 831-484-1808 kimimc333@yahoo.com

SUSAN CARDWELL 928-899-1060 scardwell628@gmail.com

RENEE MERIAUX 805-374-9975 meriaux1@earthlink.net

DAWN F. LETRY 469-323-2038 CrystalCreek4@gmail.com

HERDING

RESCUE

HISTORIAN

RESCUE GALLERY

GEORGEANN REEVE bmdcaarchives@gmail.com

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS TRACEY KEITH 618-236-6475 wyndriftbmd@earthlink.net

JUDGES EDUCATION

NANCY STEWART 602-315-1281 arizonabmd@gmail.com

JUNIOR ADVISOR

DEBRA JONES 503-931-2710 lazyjbernese@msn.com

MEDALLION PLAQUE CANDY KONICKI 440-286-5029 lmtndog@aol.com

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATIONS ANDREA BRACIKOWSKI 615-406-9371 bmdcaabracikow@gmail.com

MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS PAM WEIR 765-683-1927 bernergirlin@gmail.com

OBEDIENCE/RALLY/TRACKING STEPHANIE BIKSACKY 801-253-3244 dogwoman67@q.com

PATTI FINLEY bmdmemories@att.com CAROLYN PAIGE cjpage@icloud.com

SPECIALTY COORDINATOR DOTTIE SCHULTE 970-392-1806 dotties911@aol.com

SPECIALTY DNA ACCOUNTABILITY

RENEE JACQUIER 281-797-2321 RJacq16804@aol.com

SURVEY / EVOTE

MARY-ANN SONTAG 406-777-7308 msontag@qwest.net

TOP TWENTY

SARA KARL 719-534-9056 karl3106@aol.com

WAYS AND MEANS

JON WEIR 765-683-1927 bmdcawandm@gmail.com

WEBSITE

ANNIE MCDANNOLD 502-517-1961 bmdcawebsite@gmail.com

ONLINE BREEDER REFERRAL WENDY KIRK 307-699-1917 wendy@silverstar.com

FALL 2023

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ADVERTISER’S INDEX BERNESE MOUNTAIN DOGS

BG# 178671. Photo by Clicking to Capture.

MBIS RBIS NBOSS MBISS GCHG BernerGarden's Look to the Stars CD NDD THD BN RE CGCA CGCU TKN

GCH Blumoon’s Long Black Veil CD NDD CA BMDCA Versatility Dog

MBIS AM CAN CH Plainsong's Classic Country RA

BIS MBISS GCHS Windfall Adesa 3 Wire Winter @ Emerald Mtn CD RN FDC NDD

CH Relentless Rombaurer Rules

GCH Devon's Prescription for Love

CH Berndock's Country At Heart

GCH Cinnabar Firehouse Red Ale

CH Ranger van't Stokerybos

Relentless Rio Rules

Relentless Roper Rules

Relentless Rutt Rules

GCHB BISS Keepsake I'll Drink to That CGC TKN

CH Coburg Hills Elevated Attitude v. Esmera ATT FDC CGC NDD

GCHB Swiss Stars Gun Fight At The OK Corral

MBISS GCH Braelynn’s August Summer Rising Star CGC FDC TKI BN RN CD SIA SCA SWN DJ DS DM DD BDD BMDCA Versatility Dog BMDCA Active Dog Excellent

CH Can GCH Kaibab's Just Watch Me TD JHD-s Grand Master Draft Dog Can CD RA VE TD DDX BMDCA Versatility and Working Dog

GCHB PACH Kaibab's Jigsaw Puzzle UD MXP3 MJP3 PAX

GCHB Lilloete Mamemo Du Haras De La Vergne CD RA HT AXP AJP NFP GMDD

GCH Mamemo's Moet CD RA HT OAP AJP NFP NDD DD BNDD BDD

GCH Ayehli’s Don’t Beat Around The Bush Marben RA TKN DS DCAT BMDCA Active Dog Excellent

100

OHBIS MOHBISS BISS GCH Riverwood’s The Fennel Countdown FDC NDD CD CGC ATT BMDCA Versatility Dog

CLUB ADVERTISING AND MORE 8

2024 BMDCA National Ways & Means

Memorial for Marge Bumen

BRBMDC Spring Draft Tests

BMDCSC Palm Springs Shows

GCBMDC Regional Specialty

BMDCSEW Back-2-Back Specialties

BMDCNV Regional Specialty

BMDCA 2024 National Checkerboard Checklist

FALL 2023

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100

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The Alpenhorn