The Kooiker Chronicle - Spring 2020

The Kooiker Chronicle The official publication of the Nederlandse Kooikerhondje Club of the USA

Spring 2020

What’s Inside...

• UPDATE—2020 Vision &

• • • • •

the NKCUSA Specialty Toby’s Road to Westminster Kooikers D.I.G. FAST CAT Genes Matter Kooiker Health News 2020 NKCUSA Election

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Photo by Sue Wain The Kooiker Chronicle

The Kooiker Chronicle SPRING 2020

Backyard Barks 3 NEW MEMBERS—Yesenia Bravo 4

FROM THE EDITOR—Karen Dean

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE—Karen Parker

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MAILBOX—Letters to the Editor

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RECENT TITLES—Linda Dean

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KOOIKER KALENDAR

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IN MEMORY

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NKCUSA DIRECTORY

The Big Scoop 10

Toby’s Unexpected Road to Westminster— Yesenia Bravo

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We D.I.G. FAST CAT—Karen Parker

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It’s the Genes that Count!—Rodney Beckstead

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The Kooiker Healthline: The Data—NKCUSA Health & Genetics Committee

The Water Bucket

Photo by Carmen Meurer on Unsplash

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NKCUSA Elections—NKCUSA Board

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2020 Focus Update on the Specialty—Jac Knoop & Karen Parker

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Kooiker Lecture Announcement

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We Want You! The Kooiker Chronicle

Front cover: M. Baer Back cover: O. Vescovo

Photo by Brittany Maltby 2

The Kooiker Chronicle

The Kooiker Chronicle © 2020 Nederlandse Kooikerhondje Club of the USA

Editor-in-Chief

Karen L. Dean

Graphic Design

Nancy P. Melone, PhD

Photo by K. Parker

New Members

Compiled by Yesenia Bravo, NKCUSA Membership

Sarah Bennett & Sam Butcher, Washington DC Tom & Becky Brown, Mahwah, NJ Jason & Kristin Capstraw, Daphne, AL Norma & Bill Chadwell, Citrus Heights, CA Catherine Dobbins, Capitola, CA Ava & Dean Farrell, Oviedo, FL Lilly & Steve Feldman, Simsbury, CT Christine & Rob Frackelton, Weaverville, NC, Laura Harden & Lon Clark, Sebastopol, CA Jessica Herzon, Miami, FL Mary Kendrick, Stamford, CT Lisa & James McDonald, Schenectady, NY Rachel & Joseph Mulnix, Simpsonville, SC Daniel & Christina Reitz, Weaverville, NC Carol Singleton, Corpus Christi, TX Susan Snyder, Pendleton, SC Charles & Nancy Turner, Guilford, CT Frank & Gail Vanduyn, Treasure Island, FL Jessica & Matt Wolfe, Darnestown, MD

Assistant Editors Yesenia Bravo, New Members Linda Dean, New Titles Vacant, In Memory Vacant, The Kooiker Kalendar Lyndsay Bianco, Photo Manager All content herein reflects the views of the authors or committees who prepared it and does not necessarily represent the official position of the Nederlandse Kooikerhondje Club of the USA (NKCUSA) or the Editor-in Chief or the staff. Publication of advertising does not imply endorsement by NKCUSA or the Editor-in-Chief.

Neither the NKCUSA, 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 Editor-in-Chief reserves the right to edit or refuse material. We do not accept anonymous submissions or advertisements. No portion of the magazine may be reprinted without prior written permission of the Editor and proper bibliographic credit given to The Kooiker Chronicle.

Article & Advertising Deadlines Spring Issue—February 1 Summer—May 1 Fall Issue —August 1 Winter Issue—November 1

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From the Editor With this issue of The Kooiker Chronicle, we celebrate the accomplishments of busy Kooikers and their busy bosses. We share the Kooiker’s perspective and the Boss’s view of learning new activities and excelling at them. Yesenia Bravo talks about Toby’s amazing journey from his first tryout in the show ring to his winning Best of Breed at Westminster, in less than 2 years. A trio of highly competitive FAST CAT afficionados share their love of this sport and advise fellow Kooikers to get their bosses into the FAST CAT lane ASAP! Check out the results of the recent NKCUSA election of the 2020-2021 board members, and meet the Executive Officers. In anticipation of our National Specialty in April, Karen Parker and Jac Knoop provide a “pup date,” including a tentative program of events. As spring arrives, puppies are surely not far behind.

Rodney Beckstead, a breeder-exhibitor, shares his thoughts on the importance of starting with good genes. The NKCUSA Health & Genetics Committee continues its efforts to inform the membership on Kooiker health. In this installment, the Committee summarizes major disesases affecting the breed and reports data on the current status of Kooiker health.

And keep an eye on your inbox for breaking updates on our 2020 Specialty, as it fast approaches!

Karen Dean

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Photo: L. Bianco

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Hello Spring!

And welcome NKCUSA members to the March edition of the Kooiker Chronicle. This will be my last “official” letter as club president and as of April 1st, Stan Van Hemert will take over the reins. We’d also like to welcome new board members Rachel Burzi and Stephan Douglas. Rachel will take over the Communications Director’s role as Lucinda Paganin will be moving into the 2nd in command as Vice President. Stephan Douglas will be our point person for the Website and I’ll shift into the Membership Director’s role. Lots of forward changes and new ideas coming soon! Welcome and thank you for serving your club!

If you haven’t made plans to attend our 2020 National Specialty, there’s still time to come on out to Albany, Oregon!

Thursday April 2nd will be our big show that will feature Kooikers from across the US! This is the BIG show and even if you don’t have a Kooiker in the game, come and meet fellow enthusiasts, sit in on informative presentations and watch a movie by Mr. Wim Wellens, our Dutch judge. We’ll have international as well as US Kooiker owners and it’s a great time to learn and make connections. It’s always fun to meet those Facebook friends that share the love of our great little furry companions, too! Kooikers in action Friday/ Saturday/Sunday in a host of events including agility, rally and obedience. Most important is our Saturday night annual

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club meeting and awards dinner, where we’ll discuss specialty locations for 2021. Hint...we are looking in the North East US! Stay tuned and better yet...come voice your opinion!

AKC is adding new locations for 2020 Meet The Breeds on a broader scale. The Greater Philly Expo Center, June 6-7, 2020 just outside of Philadelphia, PA, and Music City Center, September 26-27 in Nashville, TN, will host Meet the Breeds and NKCUSA will be contacting local Kooiker owners to participate. If you would like to help at the Philly location, please contact Rod Beckstead, rbeckstead234@gmail.com. If you’re near Nashville or would like to travel to the Nashville area, please contact president@kooikerhondjeusa.org.

It’s been an honor and a privilege to serve as your club president for the past 14 months but I could not have done it without the help of a very dedicated Board of Directors. Each Board member has a well of knowledge that I tapped into over and over, to keep the club on a forward path. Running a club is very much like building a house... trusting that each contractor knows their job and contributes to the good of the whole. Same with a club. So, thank you to all my dedicated, knowledgeable and oh so patient executive board members and directors as I learned the ropes. Jac and Rod…couldn’t have done it without your sage counsel. Karen Dean, thank you once again for your humor and insight and setting me back up on the ropes!

Dank je,

Karen Watling Parker

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THE MAILBOX Letters from our readers

I am beyond upset over the ignorance and ill-will that is being spread by Mr. Berman’s uninformed and opinionated “reporting” on the 2020 Westminster Dog Show. A responsible reporter is expected to have an understanding of his subject, but it appears that Mr. Berman knows little, if anything, about conformation competitions. I would like to comment on some of your most offensive statements about the 144th Westminster Dog Show and the dogs and people participating in it.

2. You have the public, who knows the Golden breed, who thinks he was cute, and it’s fine and dandy that they supported the Golden, but this isn’t a contest about which dog is cuter or more popular. This is about conforming to the AKC breed standard, and which dog most closely meets its breed standard. The AKC standards are based on why the breed was originated and what the breed should look like in every aspect.

3. So basically, the judge’s opinion was that the Standard Poodle was closer to its own standard than the Golden was to his standard. It does not take away anything from those other 6 dogs, as they were the winners of their breed and then winners of their groups. That is an amazing honor in itself.

4. Speaking negatively about the winner or the sport: When you have put years into learning standards and histories of why dogs look the way they do, or are groomed the way they are, when you have spent years learning pedigrees and lines and generations of dogs to be able to produce an amazing dog, when you have spent countless hours conditioning, training, and grooming a dog, traveling all over the country to compete, put limitless amounts of money into just showing your dog - let alone taking your dog to Number One in any category - when you have put in all this work and time and studied - then and only then are you allowed to make comments and have an opinion, no matter how stupid it may be.

1. All the dogs in the ring were worthy of their titles. Personally, I could not keep my eyes off Conrad the Sheltie and would have loved him to win, but I was not hired as the judge. I have not put 40+ years into handling, breeding, learning every dog standard, judging, etc, like the judge has.

How dare this reporter (John Berman) make the uneducated and opinionated comments he did? It is one thing to say you would like a “popular” breed like a Lab or Golden to win but to call this Poodle “inbred” was one of the most disgusting comments I have ever heard. What do you know about this sport!?!! Nothing.

Photo by Mikaela Wiedenhoff on Unsplash

An Open Letter to CNN’s John Berman, from Jessica Herzon

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FYI, the AKC accepts “mutts,” (called “all American dogs”) to compete in all other sports recognized by the AKC, as in obedience, agility, dock diving, lure coursing, etc. But in the only sport honoring pure breeds, they do not fit the number one requirement.

This sport of AKC conformation dog shows pays homage to why the breeds were originated, honors history and celebrates the pure breeds in a society where unscrupulous breeders are taking advantage of the misinformed public and ripping people off by selling “hybrids” (which isn’t an accurate term here, as a hybrid is a combination of different species, such as a horse and a donkey, which creates a mule, a sterile animal that was not naturally created, and can’t reproduce) or “hypoallergenic” dogs (which don’t exist- all dogs have dander even if they have different coat textures or lengths).

I watch Miss Universe (or whatever it is called because I admittedly am uneducated about the sport/ event). I cheer on Miss Costa Rica because my heritage is Costa Rican. I hope deep down she wins because I have an emotional tie to that country even though I have never met her, nor do I know what goes into this event (preparation, money, time, events she needed to go through to qualify).

But when she doesn’t win and the contestant from another country does, I don’t go speaking out of my backside, saying the contestant that won is so inbred and this is disgusting and elitist.

Educate yourself! As a reporter it is your actual job to obtain the facts.

Our AKC community needs to stand together and guard against what all this horrible and disgusting publicity can do to our sport. We already have to deal with PETA and their terrorist ways of doing away with ownership of any animal. We don’t need the public siding anymore against us. #standunited #stackunited #akccommunity #isupportakc #educateyourself #akcconformation #purebreddog #purebreddogsports #isupportpurebreeds

Photo by Bru-no on Pixabay

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Toby’s Unexpected Road to Westminster

By Yesenia Bravo PHOTO BY KATIE GORCHEV PHOTO PROVIDED BY YESENIA BRAVO

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In her own words…

When I decided to add a Kooiker to our household, I wanted a pet and nothing more. As time passed, our Kooiker family expanded to include a fourth dog named Toby. For fun, Toby and I began taking obedience training classes. I was focused on teaching my dog to be a wellsocialized, obedient boy.

One day at class, our obedience instructor observed what a handsome boy my Toby was. She asked if I had ever considered showing him in conformation. She went on to suggest that I might want to seriously consider it.

Like many people who had seen the movie, “Best in Show,” I held a stereotyped opinion of what the dog show world was. Nope! The dog show world was not for me.

I remembered a few years back talking to Gina Cobussen about showing and giving her the same answer—no way, I will never show my dogs in conformation.

Then about 15 months ago I had a long conversation about dog shows with Marlene Valter and Jessica Herzon, our trainer and the person who later became Toby’s handler. They changed my mind about stepping into the show ring. I thought, “Why not give it a shot?”

In December, we entered Toby in the 2018 Royal Canin AKC National Championship Show and pre-shows in Orlando. With minimal training, with Jessica at the end of the lead, Toby took Winners Dog and Best of Winners that day. That was all it took to change my mind about dog shows!

I absolutely loved the dog show world.

During the following year, we put in many hours of training.

In March 2019 Toby began seriously showing. Toby acquired his championship and grand championship in just 7 months with minimal showing. Toby ended the year as the #5 Kooiker in the country. Today, he is currently the #1 Kooiker in the US! He has

totally exceeded any expectations we had for him. He has won seven Sporting Group placements this year. Without a doubt, our most exciting win this year was Best of Breed (BOB) at the 2020 Westminster Kennel Club Show in New York City.

I have started taking handling classes. I am now showing our girls.

Today I am a dog show addict!

Many think the dog show world is “not for us” or “just too crazy.”

Maybe it is, but it’s a wonderful world where the main attractions are beautiful dogs of all shapes, sizes and purposes. I encourage all owners of quality dogs to give it a try. Our Kooikers are very versatile and there are so many fun activities to do with them ranging from Obedience/Performance to Conformation. We are currently working on our Trick Dog titles.

We have also started Dock Diving and FastCat. We look forward to Barn Hunt in the near future.

Thank you, Stan and Judi Van Hemert, for allowing me the pleasure of being this boy’s mom and for all your support! And a special thanks to his amazing handler Jessica Herzon. None of this would be possible without your love and dedication.

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Wilson goes after the lure with laser focus! (Photo by Kimberley Layman).

We D.I.G. FAST CAT (aka The FAST & Furriest!)

By Karen W. Parker We’re not talking about who the fastest CAT is, but what is one of the newest AKC events that doesn’t involve felines? The long and short of it is this: Fast CAT, a timed 100-yard dash where a dog chases a lure, is the newest AKC event. The event is a fun and healthy activity for 12

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dogs and their owners, and is open to dogs that are at least 12 months of age and are individually registered or listed with the AKC. Pretty simple, right? Right… and one of the easiest entry-level performance sports that you and your Kooiker can earn an AKC title in! I sat down with sever-

al notable NKCUSA Kooikers to find out their opinions on the FAST-growing sport. Meet Duncan Brendle, Isis Cohen and Greta LeDoux. We sat down over coffee and stroopwaffels for this insightful conversation.

Greta is poised to launch from the starting post (photo by Marilyn LeDoux).

KWP: How did you get started?

Duncan: My mom signed me up because she knows I like doing many things and it keeps me out of trouble. I do lots of doggie sports, but I like Fast CAT much better than Obedience, Rally, Agility, Barn Hunt, Scent Work, Trick Dog, Farm Dog, and whatever else Mom wants me to try.

Isis: My mom noticed that I like to run…sometimes I just run for the fun of it in my little backyard! When I was in Perry last year for the specialty, it was a day of firsts...my first dog show, first ring competition, first time since moving to my forever home that I got to meet other Kooikers, first time I got to see my brother, Huckleberry, since I was 9 weeks old AND the first time I got to see and run FAST CAT! Holy Moly, I thought I had died

and gone to heaven!! What a great day!

KWP: Were you disappointed there were no cats involved?

Greta: Evan is my very best Kooiker friend, other than my pesky little sister Margo. I do love her but sometimes she is pesky! Facts are facts. When I was 5 years old Evan’s mom told us about a FAST CAT race being held at a breed specialty show at Purina (Gray Summit, MO) in May 2018 which is close to home. I LOVE PURINA and my favorite dog game at their Pooch Playdate is “Run Like the Wind” when I have a crazy fun time chasing a lure. I think it is a piece of a white plastic bag but I don’t care. It moved and I chased! So my Mom entered me in my first real Fast CAT race where I thought I would be chasing a cat.

D: No. But why don’t they call it FAST BAG? I: Cat? What's that? Is that what I've been chasing?

G: Well, there was no cat but that white plastic bag was there and I loved the look and sound of it better than any old cat. I have chased cats out of the yard and they jump the fence. The bag could not jump the fence!

KWP: What motivates you to run and how do you prepare for events?

D: Trying to catch the lure! The lure operator must be versatile because although I am pretty fast, some doggies aren’t sure what to do.

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I: I don't know that I'm motivated... perhaps, obsessed would be a more appropriate description.

I think running is in my genes. I just have to run! Training is very important and perhaps the most difficult. The first challenge, of course, is getting your humans trained to do your bidding.... like opening the back door and throwing tennis balls on demand.

Making sure they keep the bird feeder filled to attract lots of birds, squirrels, and chipmunks to chase is also important.

Daddy massages my paws every day and mom does motivational talks about how fast and smart I am. Be patient...remember, they're only humans!

G: I have always loved to run. I have a big fenced yard and Margo and I chase every varmint out of it plus chase the birds that fly across the sky. I have even caught two birds in my life. I love to chase balls too, especially squeaky ones. All this running keeps me in shape for FAST CAT. Margo can run almost as fast as me but she is a stubborn sister and will not chase the lure.

Crazy girl just doesn’t know what’s fun!

KWP: What do you love the most about FAST CAT? D: When I cross the finish line, Mom is ready with treats so she can get me away from the lure.

Some doggies rip the bag to shreds. I would, but treats seem like a better alternative.

I: What I like best is getting to run free as fast as I can and seeing my parents get sooooo excited!

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G: I love FAST CAT and when we go to the races, as soon as I see the fencing I look everywhere for that lure. If the machine is running, I can hear the bag swishing through the grass and I lunge at the lure from outside the fence while other dogs are running, but Mom holds me back so I don’t distract the other dogs.

KWP: What would you say to other Kooikers and their bosses to inspire them to give FAST CAT a try?

D: : If you like to chase things, find a FAST CAT event and go for it!

Eyes on the prize, Duncan Brendel flies toward the lure (photo by Sarah Krueger).

Gitta’s gonna git that lure! (Photo by Margaret Aldridge).

I: I think all Kooikers would love FAST CAT. It's the most fun a dog can have without getting into trouble. The only thing that could make it more fun is if the course was 200 yards long and there were FAST CAT events every weekend. (And I never had to wait in line!)

G: I would tell any and all Kooikers to give FAST CAT a try.

Some dogs just run to the other end to their mom or dad and that is OK, but to go the fastest you can, you need to focus on the lure and run your heart out! My mom says “This is the perfect dog sport for beginners and anyone without the time to train. No training required. Greta (Amazing Zoey Achteraf) was the fastest Kooiker in 2018 with a 3 run average of 29.04 mph and the

fastest lifetime speed Kooiker so far with a 3 run average of 29.18 mph. She also has an FCAT2 title, the highest so far of any Kooiker. Even if your Kooiker isn’t as fast as Greta, the sport is still fun if the dog is having fun!

Titles and ribbons are easy to get too. Try it; hopefully you and especially your Kooiker will like it. Seeing Greta so happy makes me very happy!”

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Tink is on a mission! (Photo by Kate Ryan.)

Charlie Brown sails blissfully toward the lure. (Photo by Sarah Brown)

That’s a wrap! We hope you’ll give FAST CAT a try. You can find events near you on the AKC. org website and who knows… maybe you and your furriest Dutch friend will be the next to hold the fastest land speed record! Get out there and PLAY! a

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Photo by M Baer Photography

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Welcome

to the new NKCUSA Board of Directors

The election of the Board of Directors for the membership year 2020-2021 resulted in the Board listed below. The names with asterisks (*) are those members who are either new to the Board or who are moving to new positions on the Board.

In this Chronicle, we introduce the Executive Board members.

In future Chronicles, we will introduce the Directors.

2020-2021 Board of Directors

President Stanley van Hemert*, Iowa Vice-President Lucinda Paganin*, Illinois Treasurer Michael Malmstead*, Illinois Secretary Lee Salmon*, Washington Directors Chris Carroll, Ohio Nancy Melone, Pennsylvania Carol Chimera, Ohio Sally Birgl, Pennsylvania Karen Parker*, Washington Stephan Douglas*, Virginia Rachel Burzi*, Pennsylvania AKC Liaison Jac M. Knoop, Illinois

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Stanley Van Hemert, President I am pleased to say that the success of the de Hemert breeding program may be seen in the recent accomplishments of our puppies as they settle in their permanent homes: Huck and Heidi’s son, Harley de Hemert (Toby), was selected Best of Breed at the 2020 Westminster Dog Show, and as he accumulates more wins After the passing of our he now has 88 points on his Havanese, when my wife and I way to a bronze championship. decided to bring another friend Haylee de Hemert is now a into the home, and our choice champion, and Heather de was a Kooiker. Our search Hemert (Tinkerbelle, “Tink” brought us Amazing Axel Van to her friends) needs only one Den Iserman Hoeve (Huck). As more win to earn her FAST CAT our goal shifted from showing a championship. dog to improving the breed, we brought Blaschke’s Daizi (Heidi) Isis, a daughter of Huxley de from Denmark, into our nest.

Hemert (Tijs) has a daughter, We’ve bred Heidi and Huck and Isis, who is a Champion in FAST two other males, and we have CAT and is now the fastest added another European male Kooiker at 27+ mph in NKCUSA. to our kennel. Every litter born at our house has had at least one I am very humbled to have been parent from Europe. The goals elected your next president, and of our breeding program are to I promise to listen to all with any continue to expand and improve ideas. the gene pool, encourage showings and participate in all AKC-approved events.

Lucinda Paganin, Vice-President My name is Lucinda KnoopPaganin, and I’m a busy mother of three two-footed and two four-footed children. I have been active in our club since long before most people knew my name, helping my father, Jac Knoop, former NKCUSA president, with numerous ‘Annual Events’ and Specialties and providing any technical and membership help I could lend.

I love talking about our breed and have helped with the AKC Meet the Breed booths around the country. This year will mark the 7th annual event/specialty that I will have been involved in.

I’m very excited to see everyone in Albany, Oregon. This is our club’s first meeting on the west coast…

Can it can top the 50 dogs we had in the Midwest annual events?

I have always enjoyed traveling and it has fit hand in hand with my love for our breed. My family and I have travelled to four World Dog Shows - Salzburg, Austria - Helsinki, Finland - Milan, Italy - and Amsterdam, the Netherlands. This past year we attended the Dutch Breed Show in Zutphen, a show

that features only Dutch breeds. My ties with the Dutch club are very important to me, as is the work that we do with the Club Register and ZooEasy, the two databases for all Nederlandse Kooikerhondjes. The Dutch breed club asks everyone to report not only litter information, but also health information on their dogs. I have helped them gather information on US-born Kooikerhondjes for more than the past 4 years, and will continue to help them as I consider this very important for the health of our breed.

Two years ago, during my first term on our club’s board of directors, I was responsible for the Events Portfolio. I had a great team of people supporting me and I am ever grateful to them for their guidance. Subsequently I have been deeply involved with club communications and social media.

I have always been a proponent of working together. If you have ideas, I would love to hear them. As your Vice President, I am here for you.

Any questions or comments, please always feel free to contact me.

SOMETHING YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT ME?

My life is an open book! If you know about chapters of my life that I don’t know, please share!

Mike Malmstead, Treasurer My name is Mike Malmstead and I am currently the Treasurer for the Nederlandse Kooikerhondje Club of the USA. I have considerable experience with non-profit organizations. I founded the Quad City Parrot Head Club in 2003. The club reached its highest membership level of nearly 1000 back in 2007. The QCPH Club mission was to help raise funds for other charitable organizations like elderly assistance groups, at risk youth organizations, animal welfare centers, homeless shelters, etc. I was the QCPH president for two years. I am still active in promoting fundraising events, working on parade floats and stage props. I have been on the club’s administrative board for 15 years.

I have also been involved with the financial committee making sure the club stays in compliance with IRS regulations since the club raises anywhere from $30K-$50K for local charities each year. I look forward to helping our organization over the next two years.

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Lee Salmon, Secretary My name is Lee Salmon, and I have been involved in dog sports and training dogs for 40 years. I first started as a preteen in 4-H and AKC, competing with my German Shephard Dog in obedience. After college, I met my husband, who was an avid duck hunter. That was about the time the Hunt Test (HT) movement was getting started.

We became involved in the HT movement, helping several clubs form, and competing in both NAHRA and AKC Hunt Tests. competed and titled multiple dogs as the highest levels in those hunt test programs, and ran some

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Retriever Field trials. In 1998, I left a sales job with a $6-billion company and started professionally training dogs for the field. I have trained over 30 different breeds for obedience or field work, including both flushing and pointing breeds, along with a lot of non-sporting breeds. Along the way, I have also done some conformation showing and have met some really awesome people.

I have been involved with the Nederlandse Kooikerhondje breed for 3 years and have been NKCUSA Secretary for 1 year. I have enjoyed the Kooiker’s smart and unique personalities and currently own three.

FIVE THINGS YOU MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT ME: 1. As a child in Alaska, I was an Eskimo Yo-Yoing champion.

2. I lived for a year in an old White Alice site on Cape Sarichef, where my father was a supervisor.

3. I lived for a year in the Eskimo village Quinhagak, where I played center on the girls’ basketball team, and was able to travel to many villages where non-natives are not allowed.

4. I used to show sheep competitively.

5. The one and only halibut I have ever caught weighed 212 lbs.

Get to know the

NEDERLANDSE KOOIKERHONDJE!

Our Dutch speaker explains the breed, its colorful Dutch history and current success in conquering the New World. designed by nancy melone

DATE: WHERE: TIME: COST:

April 2, 2020 Linn County Expo Center

(Poster by Meeting Room)

6:30 pm $10 for non-NKCUSA members NKCUSA Members free Pizza & beverages at 6:00 pm

RSVP by Monday, March 30, 2020 to Xeliallc@gmail.com

Nederlandse Kooikerhondje Club of the USA www.nkcusa.org

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2020 VISION Nederlandse Kooikerhondje Club of the USA National Specialty Photo by McKayla Crump on Unsplash

NKCUSA National Specialty Pup-Date!

Albany, OR here we come! Our events and locations are firming up and we want to get the word out ASAP so you can make plans to see what all the hoop-la is about! Watch your mailboxes for weekly updates on special events and happenings. Grrrrreat things are in the works...waggin' tails on Oregon Trails!

THURSDAY APRIL 2ND: 7:30 AM - 9:30 AM Catered breakfast featuring authentic Dutch pancakes and imported

Gouda cheese. Come say hello, grab a cup of coffee and pick up your welcome bag!

10 AM ~ 12:00 PM NKCUSA Specialty (Premium list available at https://www.onofrio.com/plist/andk2pl.pdf) Superintendent: Onofrio Dog Shows ~ 1:30 PM

Judges Education - Theoreticum

~ 3:30 PM

Judges Education - Practicum

6:30 PM

Kooikerhondje Movie Night! Mr. Wim Wellens will be presenting this movie and taking general questions. Pizza and salad FREE for NKCUSA members or $10 at the door for non-members!

FRIDAY APRIL 3RD:

Supported Entry Show

Member workshop (TBA...still working on details but stay tuned for some exciting news...)

TBA

6 PM - 8:00 PM

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Social gathering at Calapooia Brewing Company 140 NE Hill St, Albany, OR 97321 It is 2.3 miles from the fairgrounds. Check their Facebook page!

FRIDAY APRIL 3RD continued: By appointment

Individual dog assessments by Mr. Wellens as scheduled

AGILITY, RALLY, OBEDIENCE TRIALS

SATURDAY APRIL 4TH: TBA

6 PM

Supported Entry Show Annual NKCUSA membership meeting and awards banquet at: Santiam Pl. 139 S Main St. Lebanon, OR 97355

By appointment

Individual dog assessments by Mr. Wellens as scheduled

AGILITY, RALLY, OBEDIENCE TRIALS

SUNDAY APRIL 5TH: TBA

Supported Entry Show

AGILITY, RALLY, OBEDIENCE TRIALS Rally & Obedience trials will be hosted by the Chintimini Kennel Club (Premium available at http://www.onofrio.com/plist/andk1pl.pdf) Superintendent: Onofrio Dog Shows Agility trial hosted by Columbia River Agility Club http://nebula.wsimg.com/29abe5dacb3726c8b6926d5c7869de4f?Access KeyId=6808AD1AD12C486807A9&disposition=0&alloworigin=1 Grooming space reservations https://form.jotform.com/72750209084152 RV reservation https://form.jotform.com/72750876084162 Unless otherwise posted, all events will be at the Linn County Fairgrounds. NKCUSA will be hosting club events in Room 3 on Thursday and Friday. More details will follow re: photo contest, state basket raffle and crafters corner so be sure to check your email! We'll also have a limited supply of specialty items for purchase including sweatshirts and coffee mugs.

We hope you have the 2020 vision to join us for this great club event!

Karen Parker & Jac Knoop 2020 National Specialty Co-chairs

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WE WANT YOU! To help us with The Kooiker Chronicle

US Library of Congress, Public Domain

Photo Manager

Duties: solicit/collect photos for articles, obtain permission to use, save jpg file with photographer identification, send group of assembled photos to graphics designer prior to quarterly issue design. Must be able to meet quarterly deadlines.

D

E L IL

F

“Kooiker Kalendar” Editor

Duties: solicit/collect announcements of gatherings and important shows, ensure that all elements of the submission are included (e.g., event name, location, date/time, description, contact), assemble collected Kalendar events in a single Word file, send to editor for editing prior to issue production.

Must be able to meet quarterly deadlines.

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The Kooiker Chronicle

“In Memory” Editor

Duties: solicit/collect memorials from members, ensure that all elements of the submission are included (e.g., dog’s name, DOB and DOD dates, cause of death, statement, owner, location), assemble collected memorials in a single Word file, send to editor for editing prior to issue production. Must be able to meet quarterly deadlines.

I n t e r e s t e d Vo l u n t e e r s Should Contact Karen Dean

“It’s the Genes that Count!”

BY RODNEY BECKSTEAD

over the same dogs, show after show. When a dog has acquired the necessary points to receive the Championship award, that dog may have only beaten two or three other dogs, but have done so repeatedly.

What really counts in selecting breeding pairs is an appropriate evaluation of the dogs in relation to the standard. CHIC records support the health aspects. A good hands-on evaluation is necessary to confirm structure. Knowledge of the prospects’ temperaments is very important. Review of the dogs in the pedigree, parents and especially grandparents, is very important as this is where the adult traits come from.

Many times, when selecting a couple to produce puppies, some breeders look only at the titles each has won. Let’s look at how titles are won.

In conformation, the judge is trusted to select, from the dogs in the ring at that moment, the dog that best represents the breed’s standard. The key here is “at that moment.” Does this leave open the opportunity for dogs lacking adherence to the standard to be selected as Best of Breed? It sure does. I have witnessed 8- and 9-month old puppies awarded Best of Breed over quality adults because they were “cute” or have “potential.” Many times, this is because the judge does not know the standard or has never actually seen a Nederlandse Kooikerhondje, or some of the other new breeds, and yet they are selected to judge the quality of that breed based on the standard, which they may or may not have studied.

Based on this, it is very easy for an exhibitor to stack the entry to assure that a certain dog will win the points. A good dog can be entered with several other dogs, which are known to lack compliance to the standard. Maybe they enter several young puppies or lesser quality dogs from the

exhibitor’s own kennel just to have enough entrants to provide for the required points. When a new breed is being introduced there is often a rush to get a Champion title on a certain dog. This is all for the owner’s ego and may have nothing to do with the actual quality of the dog.

When an owner or breeder is showing in a small geographic area, it is not uncommon for one dog to continuously win Best of Breed

Many very good dogs, which closely match the standard, are never shown nor acquire titles. This may be for several reasons. They should not be discounted from the gene pool. The mere fact that a dog has a Championship title does not ensure a good gene base.

It’s the genes that count, not the ribbons and rosettes.

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Th e Ko o i ke r Hea l t h l i n e News you can use from the NKCUSA Health & Genetics Committee

By Nancy P. Melone, PhD (Information & Decision Science), Chair, with Committee Members: Barry Rinker, MD (Internal Medicine), Ann Knoop, BSN (Nursing), Bert Klei, PhD (Genetics)

Hereditary Illnesses in the Nederlandse Kooikerhondje In the last issue, we discussed the processes used by the Health and Genetics Committee as it goes about its work determining which health tests to require for Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) certification. In this article, we review the specific health issues affecting our breed and present data on those issues from both CHIC and the ZooEasy/Dutch Registry. We encourage Kooiker owners (pet owners, too) to test and submit their result data to OFA/CHIC and ZooEasy/Dutch Registry.

The CHIC program was created to help breed clubs monitor major health concerns of dogs in their breed. ...Data from affected and unaffected dogs are collected. To qualify for CHIC certification, dogs must take all CHIC required tests but they do not need to pass all of these tests. Testing is the goal.

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The Kooiker Chronicle

The CHIC program was created to help breed clubs monitor major health concerns of dogs in their breed. The AKC Parent Club, in our case, NKCUSA, determines which tests are required, with input from the Health and Genetics Committee. Data from affected and unaffected dogs are collected. To qualify for CHIC certification, dogs must take all CHIC required tests but they do not need to pass all of these tests. Testing is the goal. In mid-January (2020), the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals/Canine Health Information Center (OFA/CHIC) released its latest annual report (as of December 31, 2019) for Nederlandse Kooikerhondje.

At present, OFA/CHIC certification requires that the dog be tested for 5 diseases: hereditary necrotizing myelopathy (ENM), von Willebrand disease (vWD), hips, patellas, and eyes. The first two required tests are genotypic tests that can be done once a puppy is old enough for a blood draw. The last three tests are phenotypic tests (based on visual examination of the dog or an x-ray) that have varying age requirements. Specific requirements for each of these tests will be described later in this article.

Table 1 presents the most recent summary of test results for dogs tested before December 31, 2019. Also displayed are test results for dogs from owners who chose to do additional, non-required testing for various reasons (e.g., thyroid for reproductive, skin, coat, or behavioral issues, dentition to establish full dentition in breeding dogs should a tooth be damaged later in life). The number of dogs are still quite small and heavily skewed toward U.S. dogs, so the CHIC information presented here cannot be generalized reliably to the breed. For that reason, we also consult and report on more representative data sources (e.g., ZooEasy, the Dutch Register).

Despite the limitations, tracking these CHIC data aid in monitoring and identifying emerging health issues in the U.S.

Table 1: CHIC Disease Data for Nederlandse Kooikerhondje as of Dec. 31, 2019

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Dutch Health Data The ZooEasy database and Dutch Registery contain data on almost 15,000 Kooikers. With this resource, it is easier to identify potential health issues in the breed in a timely manner.

paralyzed. The paralysis eventually affects the dog’s ability to breathe, so it leads to death by asphyxiation if allowed to progress naturally.

There is no cure and most dogs are euthanized to avoid suffering.

Currently, breeders can perform a DNA test for carrier status. ENM carriers are easily identified According to Dutch data records presented in 2019 with a blood sample submitted to the University at the NKCUSA National Specialty by breederof Utrecht. The mode of inheritance is autosomal judge and data manager, Carla Snels, Nederlandse recessive. By testing dogs considered for breeding Kooikerhondjes exhibit the following hereditary and adopting proper breeding practices, this illnesses (not in any particular order): disease can be managed with minimal loss of genetic diversity. Two carriers should not be bred • hereditary necrotizing myelopathy together to avoid producing affected puppies.

• patella luxation • eyes • von Willebrand disease Data on Hereditary Necrotizing Myelopathy • polymyositis The first DNA marker test for ENM was introduced in 2012, followed in 2016 by an • kidney failure and improved test. Since 2005, 10 out of the 1463 • epilepsy tested Kooikers have been diagnosed as suffering Notable for U.S. fanciers, hip dysplasia is from ENM. not considered a major health issue in the By comparison (likely overlap with Dutch data), Netherlands. the CHIC database in the US indicates 122 Polymyositis, kidney failure and epilepsy have Kooikers have been tested for ENM with 88.5% been (rarely) noted in Kooikerhondjes. Currently, testing clear, 11.5% testing carrier and no affected. these problems can only be avoided by making sound genetic choices.

• Cost of test: ~$130 plus cost of a blood draw and mailing to the Utrecht University. Both ENM and vWD testing are bundled in the price. See https://www.uu.nl/en/organisation/veterinaryservice-and-cooperation/patientcare-uvcu/ The following sections describe the various expertise-centre-genetics-of-companion-animals/ diseases we are tracking and provide data on projects-and-services/diagnostic-dna-tests. their incidence in the breed. Each disease section • Age at disease onset: young, 3-12 months concludes with a summary of the cost of testing, • Disease severity: fatal, many are euthanized to age at which the disease is first diagnosed, the avoid suffering severity of the disease, and the existence of • Treatment: none treatment, if any.

Diseases & Disease Data

Hereditary Necrotizing Myelopathy Patella Luxation Hereditary necrotizing myelopathy involves the progressive degeneration of the spinal cord, initially causing loss of motor function in the hind legs. Symptoms begin between 3 to 12 months of age with paralysis in the rear, progressing via the spine to the front legs until the dog is completely 28

The Kooiker Chronicle

Luxating Patella is a condition in which the kneecap moves out of its normal position. In rare cases, it can be caused by trauma, but according to the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, the precise cause is unknown although it is likely to involve many factors including genetic ones.

Symptoms may include holding a limb up for a few steps or severe lameness. Treatment ranges from monitoring to surgery. Until we have a better understanding of the mode of inheritance for this disease, breeders are advised to avoid breeding any dog with luxating patellas.

Data on Luxating Patellas

Approximately 3000 Kooikers have been tested for luxating patellas during the period 2005 to 2017. Of those tested dogs, 87.5% had normal patellas. Of the 12.5% with luxation, 60% were grade 1, 15% were grade 2, 2% were grade 3, and .0005% were grade 4. The remaining nearly 30% were given no grade or underwent surgery.

Testing and the use of only tested animals in breeding programs has resulted in a dramatic reduction in corrective surgeries. For dogs born between 2005 and 2018, only 33 dogs have undergone corrective surgery.

Iris-to-iris is considered the least serious of the three manifestations of this eye condition. PPMs are considered inherited in Basenji’s. In other breeds, it has not been established that they are inherited but they tend to occur in families, giving rise to a suspicion that they are inherited.

Kooikers with PPM Iris-to-Iris may be used in breeding. It is permissible for breeders to use dogs in breeding who have PPM Iris-to-Iris, but breeding close relatives or two dogs with the same condition should be avoided. In cases of young dogs under 12 months in which the PPM is iris-toiris, eye specialists may advise a repeat of the eye test in a few months because in a few rare cases these can resolve.

Distichiasis—Distichiasis is considered to be one

of the most commonly inherited eye conditions in dogs and is typically diagnosed before the dog reaches 3 years old. It is a condition in which extra hairs grow out of the eyelash area. These extra hairs can irritate the eye, resulting in a corneal ulcer and chronic eye and eyelid pain. The severity By comparison, CHIC data reveal that of the 139 of the problem depends on the length, number, Kooikers tested, 95.7 were normal and 4.3 were stiffness and location of the hairs. If clinical signs abnormal. are present (excess tearing and squinting), the hair • Cost of test: modest, exam can be done by general should be permanently removed by cryosurgery, regular surgery or electrolysis. Plucking is practitioner in conjunction with a regular ineffective. Prognosis is good when hair is health exam. permanently removed.

• Age at disease onset: a disease of young dogs (as young as 8 weeks) but can also occur in older Distichiasis is often confused with entropion. dogs Distichiasis involves extra eyelashes; entropion • Disease severity: varies from mild to debilitating is an inward roll of the eyelid that causes eye • Treatment: varies from monitoring to surgery irritation from normal eyelashes. In general, dogs diagnosed with distichiasis should not be used for breeding, because of the hereditary aspects. It has been suggested that distichiasis is an autosomal dominant trait, however, this has not been Persistent Pupillary Membrane—PPMs are strands formally proven of tissue in the eye that are remnants of blood vessels which supplied nutrients to the puppy’s developing lens before birth. Normally these Cataracts—Cataracts are more familiar to strands are gone by the time the puppy is 4 or 5 the average dog owner than either PPM or weeks of age. Depending upon the location and distichiasis. A cataract is an opacity in the lens. extent of these strands, they may interfere with Large cataracts that restrict vision may require vision. They may bridge from iris-to-iris across the surgical treatment. A small cataract that does pupil, iris-to-cornea (may cause corneal opacities), not obscure vision is probably not significant. or iris-to-lens (may cause cataracts), or they may Cataracts can develop from disease, old age or form sheets of tissue in the anterior chamber of the injury to the eye, but inherited conditions are eye. In many dogs PPM causes no problems. the most common cause. They may be present Spring 2020 29

Eye Diseases Affecting Kooikers

Photo by Anita Bak courtesy of Yesenia Bravo

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The Kooiker Chronicle

at birth or develop when a dog is a juvenile. A high incidence of cataracts is also attributed to diabetes. In Kooikers, cataracts tend to be suspected of being inherited but may be given a “breeder option” designation by the American the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO). Breeders are currently able to use Kooikers in breeding programs with this “normal” but “breeder advised” OFA designation.

Data on Eye Disease

We reviewed eye data from the Netherlands on over 2000 Kooikers born between 2005 and 2017.

In this sample, 93% were normal, 2% exhibited cataracts, 2 % had distichiasis, and 3% had other abnormalities (e.g., PPM, Persistent Hyperplastic Primary Vitreous (PHPVL/PHPV), cherry eye).

Of the 150 eye-tested Kooikers in the CHIC database, 99.2 were normal and 0.8% were abnormal. Of the dogs tested with publicly viewable data, 3 had iris-to-iris, persistent pupillary membrane (PPM) and 3 had cataracts, “suspected but not inherited.” Both of these eye disease categories are considered “normal,” but carry a designation of “breeder advised.”

Distichiasis is considered abnormal and breeding affected dogs is not advised.

Currently Kooikers are consisdered by AVCO as having “no published reports of inherited ocular conditions ... and/or the numbers of individuals for which examinations are recorded are too low to identify the presence of significant ocular disorders. Examinations are encouraged to accumulate information and reduce the likelihood of undetected conditions becoming problematic.”

• Cost of test: modest, ~$45 at OFA eye clinics at

• • •

dogs shows and breed/kennel club-sponsored clinics. Eye exam must be done by boardcertified specialist.

Age at disease onset: varies depending on disease Disease severity: varies depending on disease Treatment: monitor to surgery

Von Willebrands Disease

Von Willebrands disease is an inherited bleeding disorder caused by lack of von Willebrand factor

protein (vWF). This protein circulates in the blood stream and must be present at the site of injury to control bleeding. There are three forms of vWD (types 1, 2, and 3) defined by the quantity and structure of plasma von Willebrand factor (vWF) in affected dogs. Within each breed a single form of vWD predominates. In Kooikers, Type 3 predominates and is considered the worst form.

In Type 3, vWF is markedly reduced or absent and results in severe clinical signs. This contrasts with, for example, Type 1 in which the vWF concentration is present but low, the structure is normal, and severity of clinical signs is variable.

DNA testing for vWD in Kooikers has been available since 1998. The mode of inheritance in Kooikers is autosomal recessive and so preventing this debilitating and potentially life-threatening disease can be acheived by not breeding two carriers.

Data on von Willebrands Disease

The vWD test has been available since 1998.

Of the nearly 15,000 Kooikerhondjes in the Clubregister and ZooEasy, there are no carriers in club populations. This is not true for dogs outside the official registered population (i.e., dogs that may look like Kooikers but are not affiliated with the Dutch breed club and as such do not have verified pedigrees).

Of the 101 dogs tested for von Willebrands disease (vWD) in the CHIC database, none (0) were found to be VWD carriers or to be affected.

Given the low cost of the test, the severity of Type 3 vWD, and the potential to eradicate the defect completely from the breed, continued testing for disease and carrier status is warranted; however in the future, we intend to explore with our Dutch geneticists accepting first-generation offspring of tested “clear” parents as “clear by parentage.”

Offspring from any “clear by parentage” dogs must be tested before they are used in breeding.

• Cost of test: ~$130 plus cost of a blood draw and

mailing to the Utrecht University. Both ENM and vWD testing are bundled in the price. See https://www.uu.nl/en/organisation/veterinaryservice-and-cooperation/patientcare-uvcu/ expertise-centre-genetics-of-companion-animals/ Spring 2020 31

• • •

projects-and-services/diagnostic-dna-tests.

Age at disease onset: varies depending on severity Disease severity: potentially fatal Treatment: there is no cure, but transfusion may be required in emergencies

Hip & Elbow Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia results in instability or a loose fit

(laxity) of the hip joint. This looseness causes pain, limb dysfunction and progressive joint changes. The hip joint is a ball and socket joint, and continual abnormal movement deforms the joint and results in a loss of cartilage, scar tissue around the joint, and the formation of bone spurs. The cause is multifactorial, but genetics is considered the single biggest risk factor. The mode of inheritance is complex suggesting the influence of more than one gene on the risk for hip dysplasia. The disease occurs most commonly in fast-growing, large breed dogs. It should be noted that hip X-rays are a visual (not a genetic) evaluation and do not measure dysplasia directly, but rather hip laxity and arthritis.

Elbow dysplasia is a disease that involves

multiple developmental abnormalities of the elbow joint. The cause of the disease is unclear—

genetics, diet, defects in cartilage growth and trauma have all been suggested.

The Dutch Kennel Club does not consider either hip or elbow dysplasia to be an issue in the breed; nevertheless because NKCUSA currently requires hip testing for CHIC certification, we provide the Dutch data for both hips and elbows here for comparison.

It should be noted that hip X-rays are a visual, phenotypic (not a genetic) evaluation. They do not measure dysplasia directly but rather measure correlates of dysplasia such as hip laxity and osteoarthritis.

Data on Hip & Elbow Dysplasia

Of the 1441 Kooikers tested, 860 tested as A1 /A2 (OFA Excellent/Good), 393 tested B1/B2 (OFA Fair/Borderline), 162 were C1/C2 (OFA Mild), 25 were Moderate, and 1 was E1/E2 (severe). [Note, in the US OFA generally considers anything OFA Fair or better to be breedable, so given the comingling of Fair and Borderline in the Dutch data it is difficult to make a direct comparison. We can unequivocally state that the A1 and A2 dogs are breedable by OFA standards as well as the B1 dogs (we do not have the exact number of B1s).] See Table 2 for a general comparison of international hip grading systems.

Table 2: An Approximate Comparison of International Canine HIP Grading Systems

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With regard to elbow dysplasia and Dutch data, 463 dogs have been tested with only 2 showing disease (i.e., 99.5% of tested dogs have normal elbows).

Of the 124 Kooikers tested for hip dysplasia in the CHIC database, 94.4% tested normal, with 4.8% testing abnormal and .8 testing equivocal (cannot be determined based on x-ray provided).

Of the 26 Kooikers tested for elbow dysplasia in the CHIC database, none were found to have elbow dysplasia.

• Cost of hip tests: price varies by geography and if sedation is used, but approximately $300; OFA clinics are usually the least expensive alternative for X-rays • Age at disease onset: The symptoms are lameness (limping), reluctance to rise or jump, shifting of weight to the forelimbs, loss of muscle mass on the rear limbs, and hip pain. Symptoms occur in younger dogs without arthritis but significant hip laxity and in older dogs that have developed arthritis as a result of hip dysplasia.

• Disease severity: mild to extremely debilitating • Treatment: monitoring and/or medicate on to surgery

Other Disease Conditions We are Monitoring

Polymyositis—Polymyositis (PMN) is thought to

be an immune-mediated disease. It can take two forms, occurring together or individually. The first form is characterized by abnormal locomotion and locomotion problems related to general weakness, muscle weakness or stiffness. Most dogs have a stiff gait, although this may vary depending on which muscle groups are affected. The second type is marked by difficulty with drinking, eating and swallowing. Other clinical signs include lethargy, weight loss, shortness of breath, general weakness, and/or exercise intolerance. Most of the symptoms occur between one year and two years of age.

There is no cure for the disease, and many owners euthanize the dog to spare suffering.

The mutation has been identified but the mode of inheritance is more complex. A genetic test for PMN, with an accompanying App to assess risk, is expected to become available sometime in 2020.

According to the Dutch, the disease was identified in the breed for the first time in 2001. Forty-six dogs (0.03%) are known to have suffered from the disease. For a more detailed discussion of polymyositis, see your Fall 2018 The Kooiker Chronicle.

Kidney Disease—A small number of young

Kooikers suffer kidney failure. The typical diagnosis is renal dysplasia but there are unspecified diagnoses. This highlights the importance of submitting a pathology report to ZooEasy/Dutch Registry. Data indicate that 65 (0.03%) young Kooikers have suffered kidney failure, with another .015% suffering unspecified kidney issues.

Epilepsy—is another disease we are monitoring.

Canine epilepsies have not been formally classified for dogs as they have in humans, and applying human classification is problematic.

Seizures are described as either general (both

Spring 2020 33

sides of the body) or focal (one side of the body or one body part). Their cause falls into one of three categories. Idiopathic epilepsy is defined as epilepsy without an identifiable structural cause and having an assumed genetic origin.

One- to 5-year old dogs with a normal neurologic examination, where there are no known structural abnormalities of the brain, metabolic diseases, or toxin exposures, who suffer repeated seizures are often assumed to have a form of idiopathic epilepsy. While the exact cause of the seizures is unknown, the condition is presumed to be inherited. Structural epilepsy is the diagnosis for seizures that occur because of observable damage to or malformations of the brain (e.g., after an inflammatory disease of the brain, growth of an intracranial tumor, or after trauma to the head). Epilepsy can also be triggered by congenital malformations or a vascular event, such as a stroke. Epilepsy of unknown cause is the third category used when the cause is thought

to be structural but has not been identified on diagnostic evaluation. Reactive seizures are not considered to be epilepsy because they do not involve the brain. Data from the Dutch databases indicate that 28 Kooikers (0.015%) have idiopathic epilepsy and 4 Kooikers have structural.

Summary

Overall, this report paints a picture that our dogs are reasonably healthy. Clearly, this has been the result of efforts to test and record progress on diseases affecting the breed. We must remain vigilant by continuing to test where appropriate and to record test and health data with the Registry/ZooEasy and OFA/CHIC. In several cases, the number of affected dogs has declined as have the number of carriers. This progress has been the result of testing, recording data, and using sound breeding practices that reduce disease while at the same time preserve genetic diversity.

Photo by John-Mark Smith on Unsplash

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Recent Titles—Nov. 31, 2019 to Dec. 31, 2019 Ti t l e s a s p rov i d e d by t h e A m e r i ca n Ke n n e l C l u b Edited by Linda Dean Champion CH Haylee De Hemert BCAT CGC TKN Owner: Christine Carroll & Ann Knoop Breeder: Stan Van Hemert

Companion Dog CH Waterbound Demi Delight CD BN GN RI CGC TKA Owner: Sheryl Fuller Breeder: Karen Wonders

Grand Champion GCH CH Ambermoon’s Charlie Brown Christmas CGC TKI Owner: Judy Bauer & Martin Bauer Breeder: Barbara Redecker & Kathy Kimmeth

Rally Advanced CH Golden Gate Saliforth Sierra CD BN RA CGC Owner: Sharon Hiemenz & Dr. Susanne Martin Breeder: Dr. Susanne Martin & Susan Van Dyke

GCH CH Carousel My Madcap Heart Takes Flight Owner: Betty Wathne & Deborah Bean Breeder: Deborah Bean & Joyce B Weichsl

Dock Senior Redgold’s Christmas Belle DS Owner: Julie Traver Breeder: Dee A Nichols & Linda Culpepper

GCH CH Fantasie Z Plouznicke Staje BN RI FDC NAJ NJP CAA BCAT ACT1 SCN THDN RATN CGCA CGCU TKN Owner: Kathleen Kimmeth & Joseph Kimmeth Breeder: Gabriela Bekrova Grand Champion Silver GCHS CH Ambermoon Return Of The Jedi BN RN FDC BCAT ACT1 DJ CGCA CGCU TKI Owner: Alyssa Kimmeth & Kathleen Kimmeth Breeder: Kathleen Kimmeth & Joseph Kimmeth Canine Good Citizen GCH CH Carousel Bessie’s Flight Of Fancy CGC Owner: Cheryl Short Breeder: Deborah Bean & Joyce B Weichsl Madcap Always In Calico And Boots THD CGC Owner: Karen Ducote Breeder: Susan Jackson & Stephanie Lowe & Betty Wahtne Therapy Dog Madcap Always In Calico And Boots THD CGC Owner: Karen Ducote Breeder: Susan Jackson & Stephanie Lowe & Betty Wahtne

Farm Dog Certified PACH2 Taga’s Balder Ambermoon Evan BN RI FDC MX MXB MXJ MJB MXP8 MXPG MJP10 MJPC PAX2 OF T2B THDN CGCA TKN Owner: Deborah L Vassar Breeder: Ann Skudt Novice Barn Hunt CH Fantasie Z Plouznicke Staje BN RI FDC NAJ NJP CAA BCAT ACT1 SCN THDN RATN CGCA CGCU TKN Owner: Kathleen Kimmeth & Joseph Kimmeth Breeder: Gabriela Bekrova GCHB CH Island St Lucia Iz Grafstva De Gamba FDC CA BCAT ACT1 RATN CGCA CGCU TKN Owner: Kathy Kimmeth & Alyssa Kimmeth Breeder: Gette Kishinevskayata Scent Work Container Novice Amazing Prins Jeroen Van Den Iserman Hoeve SCN Owner: Jim Twitchell & Lisa Twitchell Breeder: Lucinda Knoop-Paganin

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Scent Work Container Advanced Amazing Hermina Van Den Iserman Hoeve SWN SCA SIA SEA TKA Owner: Kim Craig Breeder: Lucinda Knoop-Paganin

FCAT Black Amiikos Plechelmus Piek CM CAA FCAT CGC Owner: Monica Garcia & Joyce B Weichsl & Deborah Bean Breeder: Sirpa Luoto Nykanen

Scent Work Handler Discrimination Novice Hartenzoul’s Elliptical Orbit Kepler BN RI SHDN CGC TKP Owner: Debra Bundschuh Breeder: Margaret Aldridge

Agility Course Test 2 CH Hartenzoul’s Supermoon Mane TD ACT2 SCN SIN SEN TKN Owner: Ann Borgstrom Breeder: Margaret Aldridge

Scent Work Exterior Advanced Amazing Hermina Van Den Iserman Hoeve SWN SCA SIA SEA TKA Owner: Kim Craig Breeder: Lucinda Knoop-Paganin

Hartenzoul’s Magical Moonlight Patch ACT2 TKI Owner: Inger Williams & David Williams Breeder: Margaret Aldridge

BCAT Amazing Isis Van Regenschaduw BCAT Owner: Mark Cohen & Patricia Cohen Breeder: Karen Watling Parker

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Master Agility Champion 2 MACH2 Redgold’s Chocolate Chip MXG MJS NF Owner: Colleen Dressler Breeder: Dee A Nichols & Linda Culpepper

Master Agility Champion 7 MACH7 Kips Valentine VCD2 UDX OM1 BN GN GO VER MXG2 MJG2 MFB TQX T2B BCAT SWA SCE SEE CGCA Owner: Alison Studer Breeder: n/a Master Agility Excellent CH Cirtap’s Hertogin Senna V Tira-C MX MXJ MJB XF DCAT Owner: Elizabeth Barshack Breeder: Birgitta Lindblad Redgold’s All You Need Is Love CD BN RE MX AXJ NAP NJP XF NFP T2B CGC TKI Owner: Bonnie Edmond Breeder: Dee A Nichols & Linda Culpepper Master Bronze Agility Preferred MACH4 Cirtap’s Prins L-D River Van Berk MXC MJB2 MXP2 MXPB MJP XF T2B2 Owner: Elizabeth Barshack Breeder: Birgitta Lindblad Master Gold Agility MACH2 Redgold’s Chocolate Chip MXG MJS NF Owner: Colleen Dressler Breeder: Dee A Nichols & Linda Culpepper

Novice Agility Jumper Cirtap’s Hertogin Ziel V Kila-N BN RI NAJ NF CA RATO DS DJ TKA Owner: Margaret Aldridge Breeder: Birgitta Lindblad Qunack’s Favor Flying Dutchman CD BN RN NAJ CA DCAT CGC TKN Owner: Stephanie Lowe Breeder: A Straaijer Master Silver Jumper 2 MACH2 Ambermoons Amazing Starfire CD BN RE MXC MJS2 NJP MXF T2B2 BCAT CGCA TKN Owner: Debra Tervelt Breeder: Kathy Kimmeth & Joe Kimmeth Trick Dog Novice Carousel Primavera Flight CGC TKN Owner: Kendra Holt & Charles Holt Breeder: Deborah Bean & Joyce B Weichsl Golden Gate Alpine Jasmine TKN Owner: Laura Harden & Dr. Susanne Martin & Lon Clark Breeder: Dr. Susanne Martin Trick Dog Intermediate Duckhills Dazzling Maja Of Rubah RN CGC TKI Owner: Tulay Darstek Breeder: Femke Van Ratingen

Corrections should be sent to the titles editor at LS Dean at lsdean@gmail.com.

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The Kooiker Kalendar Kooikerhondjes Get Together & Show

5-Day Show 2020 Celtic Classic Celtic Classic Website: thecelticclassic.net Conformation Judges: S. Herman, H. Shulman, G. Fritz, B. Humer, B. Clarke York Exposition Center Arena Memorial Hall and Old Main Route 74-334 Carlise Avenue York, PA 17404 March 11-15, 2020 2020 Nederlandse Kooikerhondje Club of the USA National Specialty & Supported Entries Specialty Conformation Judge: Mr Wim Wellens, FCI/Dutch Albany, OR April 2-4, 2020 4-Day Show 2020 The Blue & Gray Cluster Conformation Judges: L. Robey, C. Brown, D. Baldwin, S. Greendale-Paveza Pennsylvania State Farm Show Bldg 2300 N. Cameron Street Harrisburg, PA 17110 April 9-12, 2020 Morris & Essex Dog Show NKCUSA Supported Entry NK Conformation Judge: Ms. Ann Yuhasz Colonial Park, NJ October 1, 2020

Submit kooiker events (when, where, date/time, contact, and short description) to editor@kooikerhondjeusa.org Issue Deadlines Spring Issue—February 1, Summer—May 1, Fall Issue —August 1, Winter Issue—November 1

Background by Greg Shield on Unsplash

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In Memory Compiled by Karen Dean

Photo by Lukasz Szmigiel on Unsplash

If you are a member of NKCUSA and wish to have your Kooiker included here, please provide the registered and call name of your dog, pertinent dates, cause of death, a statement (no more than 200 characters, which is around 35 words), your name, city/state, and your email address (we will only contact you if there is a question about your submission). Send this information to editor@kooikerhondjeusa.org. Submissions will normally be published within 3 months of receipt and must be received within 12 months of the Kooiker’s passing. The Kooiker Chronicle reserves the right to edit submissions.

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Photo by Brittany Maltby

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The Kooiker Chronicle

Directory Board of Directors President

Karen Parker, Washington president@kooikerhondjeusa.org

206-919-2092

Vice President

Stanley Van Hemert, Iowa

vp@kooikerhondjeusa.org

641- 260-0429

Secretary

Lee Salmon, Washington

secretary@kooikerhondjeusa.org

360-606-8892

Treasurer

Mike Malmstead, Illinois

treasurer@kooikerhondjeusa.org

309-236-4916

Director Chris Carroll, Ohio cc.director@kooikerhondjeusa.org 513-907-9586 Director ​Nancy Melone, Pennsylvania nm.director@kooikerhondjeusa.org 412-401-6400 Director ​Carol Chimera, Ohio cch.director@kooikerhondjeusa.org 330-961-1221 Director Sally Birgl, Pennsylvania sb.director@kooikerhondjeusa.org 610-756-3576 Director Dena Mathias, California dm.director@kooikerhondjeusa.org 650-796-5683 Director Lucinda Paganin, Illinois lp.director@kooikerhondjeusa.org 217-582-2288 AKC Liaison

Jac M. Knoop, Illinois

jac@amsincorporated.net

217-582-2288

Committee Chairs

​ Awards Committee

Chair: Elsje McDonald

awards@kooikerhondjeusa.org

Breeders’ Committee

Chair: ​Lucinda Paganin

breeders@kooikerhondjeusa.org

Communications Committee

Chair: Lucinda Paganin

lp.director@kooikerhondjeusa.org

Policy & Procedure Committee

Chair: Stanley Van Hemert vp@kooikerhondjeusa.org

Events Committee

Chair: ​Sally Birgl

sb.director@kooikerhondjeusa.org

Fundraising Committee

Chair: ​Dawn Lugo

lugo.dawn@yahoo.com

Health & Genetics Committee

Chair: ​Nancy Melone

nm.director@kooikerhondjeusa.org

Judges’ Education Committee

Chair: Chris Carroll

cc.director@kooikerhondjeusa.org

The Kooiker Chronicle

Chair: ​Karen Dean

editor@kooikerhondjeusa.org

Membership Outreach Committee Chair: ​Yesenia Bravo

membership@kooikerhondjeusa.org

Rescue & Rehoming Committee

cch.director@kooikerhondjeusa.org

Background Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

Chair: ​Carol Chimera

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Photo: L. Bianco Photo

by O. Vescovo 42

The Kooiker Chronicle