French Bulldog Magazine August 2016

Admininstration Editor: Theo Koekemoer Based in South Africa Theo’s involvement with Bulldogs date back to eary 1970’s He is a specialist Bulldog judge. https://www.facebook.com/groups/800162470077609/ email: allegiancecapital100@gmail.com To advertise contact Theo Koekemoer on Facebook or send an email to allegiancecapital100@gmail.com Rates: Cover: $75 Double or Single Page: $10 French Bulldog Magazine August 2016 Page 2

Cover Index 2 4 6 47 87

Administration Our Cover dog Gold Sierra Kennel From the Editor Semen Cryopreservation

French Bulldog Magazine August 2016 Page: 3

Gold-Sierra Kennel

1) When did you start with French Bulldogs?

I have founded my kennel 25 years ago and I am working only with French Bulldogs since 23 years. Now we are living with 12 frenchies together, they are the essential part of our life.

2) To which countries have you exported dogs?

Through the years our dogs had found home all over the World from the American continent through Europe till Africa and Asia. The Gold-Sierra dogs have already more then 100 champion titles around the World.

3) Is there a specific event or achievement which stands out for you?

It is a difficult question I have to say, becasue there are many events and results I am proud of. Honestly, I am very happy about each of them and I am proud of a Gold-Sierra dog if it is only sleeping on the sofa or if it is a show star. One of my most memorable moment was the BIS title for Gold-Sierra Lui, on a French Bulldog Special Show given by a breed specialist judge, Mrs. Kinga Jekkelfalusy. Or the World Dog Show from last year where my puppy bitch, Gold-Sierra Zephyr got second place, was an unbelievable experience as well.

4) Why French Bulldogs?

To me the French Bulldog is the perfect companion! They are just make my heart beating!)

5) Do you sell puppies?

I sell dogs only if I can figure out a little more about the new owner.

I like to sell my dogs if they have the chance to live like real family members.

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Gold-Sierra Kennel

6 Are you a french bulldog judge?

I am not a judge, my destiny is the breeding, this is my profession, this is what I was learning for years. I am deeply appreciating the job of the judges though, they have a huge responsibility and influence on how a breed is developing. I am still learning and taking part on a kinology seminar, because I think the life-long learning is the only way to improve.

7) Do you believe in health testing?

I only breed with healthy dogs, it is a basic requirement for me. The balanced nervous system and the character what is based on it and the general health condition are the foundation of breeding and showing.

8) Which dogs do you admire?

I have two: A’vigdors Stranger in the Night and A’vigdors Supreme Biss. To me,they are both worthy of “the example to be fallowed” appellation.

9) What nmessage do you have for new breeders?

My message for the new breeders is: with enough love, faith, devotion and humbleness they will be able to make their dream come true.

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Gold-Sierra Kennel

10) What health tests do you do?

This is a quite actual question at the area of modern health testing.

First of all I think everybody can decide which test they want to have for the dogs. We do tests for eyes, heart and patella before breeding.

On the other hand I have to say that it is a so-called „double-edged sword�. If you overscreen the breeding stock, you will may exclude so much of genetical material, that at the end you will have a very narrow cut and you will run out of breeding possibilities. I think one should use the power of modern technik with sense and considerations. Biology is not black and white, it is life!

Thank you Henriett Tatar Interview by Theo Koekemoer

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From the Editor I am proud to present to you the Gold-Sierra issue. Thank-you Henriett Tatar for the superb effort you have put into this!! Your dogs are beautiful and you could be proud of the dogs from your kennel.

I am once more shocked and disappointed by the latest scandal in French Bulldog World. Shame on the peope who is bringing our breed in disrepute. The neglect of dogs is unforgivable - no matter who you are! You deserve to be banned from breeding, showing and judging French Bulldogs.

A big thank you to Pia Vuorinen for exposing this and letting the world know about this. Shame on the people who are turning their heads away.

You are a hero Pia and be assured of my support!

On this note I wish we could speak a magic word and all puppy farmers could disappear from the earth! God help us!

Theo

French Bulldog Magazine August 2016 Page:47

Semen Cryopreservation Semen Cryopreservation

By Mario Smuts smutsmp@vetfertility.co.za Dog breeders often have to consider on how to proceed with responsible breeding when natural mating start to fail. Decisions are tough when breeders do not own nor have access to both studs and bitches and they often have to utilise the genetics of males who lives far away to improve their genetic lines. One way of overcoming these challenges is to revert to artificial insemination (AI) procedures, also known as assisted reproduction. Artificial insemination refers to the process whereby semen from the male dog is manually collected and deposited into the reproductive tract of the female.

On the male side, assisted reproduction begins with a thorough breeding soundness evaluation (BSE) of the stud performed by an experienced registered veterinarian. The BSE serves to confirm fertility of the stud before attempts are made to donate his semen for either fresh, chilled or frozen semen AIs. Breeders should insist to have proof of a recent breeding soundness evaluation (BSE Report) before considering purchasing either the stud or his semen for their own breeding. One recent litter is not a guarantee of sound fertility.

Common reasons for freezing semen is for the transfer of genetic material from a superior stud over far distances either locally or for purposes of import or export, to preserve one’s own genetic material for future breeding and/or insurance purposes against the loss of a stud through death or infertility. Semen quality should be of high standard prior to freezing since a fairly large percentage of sperm is lost during the freezing process. Although there might be exceptions to the rule, studs younger than 18 months and those over 8 years of age should preferably not be considered for freezing purposes due to lowered semen quality. Breeders should also know that in certain cases semen from apparently healthy, fertile studs might not freeze well.

Once semen is collected from a stud for freezing purposes, the quality of the semen should be evaluated by comparing it against a list of proven fertility guidelines. Each ejaculate consists of three fractions namely the pre-sperm-, sperm rich- and post-sperm fractions.

French Bulldog Magazine: August 2016 Page: 87

Semen Cryopreservation For purposes of semen freezing only the sperm rich fraction should be used.

Evaluations include macroscopic indicators such as volume (0.5ml – 5.0ml pending on breed), colour (clear, grey, ivory), smell and marbling whereas microscopic indicators include sperm motility (¹70% progressively motile), concentration (200 million/ml – 2 billion/ml), consistency, morphology (>60% normal morphology), pH, and cytology.

Since frozen semen is compromised during freezing/thawing (lower energy reserves in comparison to fresh collected semen) the decision to either go-ahead or refrain from freezing a specific semen sample should carefully be considered.

It is advisable to first collect semen from a stud for evaluation purposes only followed by another sample or two for freezing purposes within the following 2 to 6 days.

Breeders should ensure that they obtain a comprehensive freeze/thaw report of the frozen semen indicating the post-thaw quality of the semen and recommended dose to be used per insemination. Without these detailed reports, export of frozen semen becomes a huge burden to breeders as well as for veterinarians performing AIs. Used correctly, semen freezing is a useful tool in improving the overall quality of all canine breeds by utilising a wider range of potential genetics. If it is used to eliminate undesirable characteristics (rather than bypass them), or to improve or potentiate desirable ones, it will have a positive effect whenever used.

French Bulldog Magazine: August 2016 Page: 89