Are smaller dogs better?

Phil is hoping whatever is in the oven is for him.

Small dogs are growing in popularity globally. Because I happen to cohabit with one, a colleague recently forwarded an article about some of the welfare issues around breeding for size (specifically, lack thereof). Not that I bred or even chose Phil, but that's another story.

Prospective adopters may be attracted to smaller dogs because of a perception that they are easier to care for than larger dogs (not always the case), they are cheaper to keep (definitely true when it comes to food and veterinary fees although there is significant individual variation), they’re easier to keep in high-density urban areas (often pet-friendly apartment complexes place a size or weight limit on dogs - this be a can of worms that I will leave unopened for this post), they’re easier to transport (that depends), they often live longer and they’re “cuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuute”.

This article raised a concern that because of the shrinking (in size) canine population around the world, some breeders tried to capitalise by breeding for miniature dogs, either by line-breeding, introducing smaller breeds or selecting for chondrodysplasia (abnormal development of cartilage and bone associated with shorter legs, made famous by Dachshunds, corgies and so forth).

None of the above strategies are foolproof and some may introduce inherited disease. The other issue raised is that unscrupulous breeders may try to breed “un-thrifty” dogs to create smaller animals, or even adopt out puppies at a very young age (I have seen the latter time and again through online selling of pets – the owners are mislead). Another technique mentioned which horrified me is the restriction of food to stunt the growth of puppies.

And small breeds aren’t perfect. Phil, the poster-child for dental disease (now living with zero teeth and the tiniest little jaw on the planet), is a good (or bad – depending on how you look at it) example. Smaller dogs are more prone to severe dental disease, retained deciduous teeth, bone loss and even jaw fracture. They’re also more prone to tracheal collapse, myxomatous mitral valve disease (MVDD), and different types of lameness (patella luxation, femoral head necrosis) than their larger counterparts (cruciate ligament rupture and hip dysplasia). Females are more likely to require a caesarean due to disproportionate foetal size.

Smaller dogs reportedly have increased risks of adverse drug reactions and anaesthetic complications, although the latter relate largely to drug dosing and anaesthetic monitoring/supply of an appropriate external heat source, which can be controlled.

They’re more likely to suffer from dehydration when they’re sick, e.g. with diarrhoea, because they’re tiny and lose a lot of fluid. They’re more likely to get sick from eating human food, simply because we tend to feed them proportionally more than we might feed a larger dog (these are generalisations) and they’re more likely to have behavioural problems. Again, the latter is likely – at least in part – to be due to our management of small dogs. Because there is a perception that they do little if any harm, humans tend to tolerate behaviours such as growling and snarling when moved off the couch, that would be unacceptable in larger breed dogs. They may miss out on opportunities to socialise if they’re being carried around. And their tiny bladders make them harder to toilet train, simply because they fill a lot more quickly. 

This is an issue because dogs may be surrendered to shelters or euthanased for problem behaviour.

The article is not an attempt to trash small dogs, or any dogs. Dogs are beautiful, majestic, amazing creatures. This is a people problem. The point it makes is that selection of a dog for size only is problematic, is it can be associated with (some unintended, some simply ignored) negative welfare impacts that are lifelong. The article is making a case for veterinarians to prepare for an increased case load of smaller dogs.

It’s a reminder that we need to really reflect on the way dogs are bred, and the traits that humans select for.

Reference

Freyer, JL (2017) The small dog trend: impact of size on pet health. Veterinary Focus 27(3):2-8

Interview with Simone Bingham: academic, PhD candidate and dog breeder

An Italian Greyhound with a litter of puppies.

Earlier this week I posted a link to a survey about dog breeding in Australia. The lead researcher has been kind enough to share some more information and reveal her own interest in dog breeding.

Simone Bingham is an academic and dog breeder based in Tasmania.

Simone wears two hats at the University of Tasmania: she is a commercial law academic with the Tasmanian School of Business and Economics and researcher in corporate governance; and a PhD student with the Faculty of Law.

What’s your day job and what is your research project about?

I am a mother of three and a full time academic at the University of Tasmania. I teach in the areas of commercial law and corporate governance at the University of Tasmania and am undertaking my PHD with the Faculty of Law.

I am also a dog lover, having been raised by a Mum and with siblings that all loved all animals and dogs in particular. Mum bred dogs and I have always owned a dog. About 12 years ago, as my career settled I decided to get back into dog showing. When our ancient Cocker Spaniels passed way and after careful consideration I settled on the right breed for our family, given I had young children at this stage. I selected a breed and a breeder. It took over a year to secure a puppy. That started my love of my breed and three years later we bred our first litter.

I now breed Italian Greyhounds from my home in Hobart with my family. I am a twin and my twin sister breeds Tibetan Spaniels from her home with her family also in Hobart. We breed a litter or two a year, often less, just depending on a number of things.

When it came time to commence my PHD given I have a real interest in teaching regulatory studies and dog breeding it made complete sense to me to combine my love of teaching about regulation and law  and my passion for breeding, owning, showing and loving dogs into my topic: the role and effectiveness of regulation in dog breeding.

This topic has allowed me to look at the current regulatory framework, interview stakeholders and survey dog owners about their dogs. I have determined that there are a number of issues in dog breeding in Australian and that regulation does have a role to play in addressing these issues.

Why as a lawyer have you undertaken a project on dog breeding?

Easy to answer – my love of dogs and as stated about my love of teaching what I teach allowed me to explore a topic that I am passionate about.

I have collected data from a number of sources and the final set is a survey of Australian dog breeders. Given that there is a lot of interest in how dogs are bred in Australia I have teamed up with a like-minded academic Professor Paul McGreevy from the Faculty of Vet Science at the University of Sydney.

Both Paul and I are interested in looking at what motivates dog breeders, what their objectives are when they breed puppies, how they sell those puppies, what health tests they do, how well they understand the companion dog market, their understanding of their rights and obligations as dog breeders and their thoughts on their role in the ongoing health and welfare of the dogs they breed.

How common is commercial dog breeding in Australia, and what are some potential welfare concerns that have been raised in relation to dog breeding?

This is an interesting question. The following is my opinion and not one that I have canvassed with Paul or my two PhD Supervisors.

There are no real statistics kept by any one on how many commercial dog breeding facilities there are in Australia. Local councils have some responsibilities for dog management and some states have Dog BreedingCodes. 

But the reality is that there is limited legal obligations on breeders to disclose where they are, how they breed and how many puppies they breed.

Even with good Breeding Codes in place without the ability to monitor breeders and to ensure compliance through an effective enforcement regime that is properly funded large breeding facilities will continue to exist that do not effectively meet the welfare needs of the breeding dogs and that put out puppies that are not properly genetically tested and not raised in a way that will ensure that they have the best possible ability to become a long lived healthy happy companion dog/ family member.

The survey of dog owners that I have already undertaken confirmed what my literature review also confirmed – it is not the ‘commercial nature’ of the breeding that is the real issue. Good quality dogs will always be in demand and much like poultry farmers and beef producers are able to produce beef and chicken as long as they do it providing good welfare outcomes, dog breeders should be able to breed puppies as long as they treat ALL their dogs well, test them, love them and raise them in suitable accommodation.

A distinction needs to be drawn between commercially breeding puppies and puppy farming puppies. Although I have no personal experience I am sure that there are some large commercial breeders that do breed dogs well, in a way that caters for the needs of the breeding dogs and that produce well adjusted, happy healthy puppies. My research is not about condemning these breeders.

What we do know however, from the media and from Government enquiries etc. is that there are also many large (and small) breeders that do not do the right thing. They breed their dogs and produce their puppies in a way that does not provide anywhere near enough care, love and welfare for the dogs and puppies.

The reality is that breeders of pure bred dogs like me are members of the State and Territory Canine Associations. This group of breeders are the only group of breeders that keep accurate records. The ANKC Ltd, (Australian National Kennel Council – which is the official body that supports the state and territory canine associations that promote pure breed dog breeding and dog events such as showing, agility, herding etc) keep good statistics of puppies that these breeders produce. Knowing from some sources that there are about 3.5 million dogs, so to keep up with demand roughly 300 000 or so puppies are ‘required’ each year(very rubbery given we have no accurate figures). Of these, only 16- 18 % come from ANKC Ltd registered pure breed breeders. So there are many others out their breeding. They are not subject to codes of ethics that ANKC Ltd breeders are.

Some of these breeders will be subject to the breeding codes that exist in two states but others are not. I find it so interesting that those that ‘produce’ puppies are often less accountable than those that ‘produce’ animals for consumption. And that is another thing I am looking at in my PHD studies – the reality that the law still considers – companion animals and all animals as products, goods that can be bought and sold and are subject to consumer law , just like other goods such as a washing machine. Here I have conducted an extensive case law analysis to enable some reflection on that.

I also want to make it clear that I am not someone that finds objection to the breeding of any type of dog as long as dogs that are bred are healthy and have a good prospect of finding a loving home – whatever breed or cross breed we are talking about.

It’s not the commercial aspect that is wrong. Even some small dog breeders that might have a litter or two a year, may be able to ‘make money’ in terms that they may sell their puppies for say $1500 and they may have a litter of 5 or 6 and only seek to keep one dog for showing or eventing. However these breeders very often keep that money aside to pay back the ongoing vet expenses etc. that they have to keep all their dogs in fantastic condition – teeth regularly cleaned, health tests regularly done. I know that this is true for my own situation.

How can people get involved with your research?

The survey is an online survey through Survey Monkey

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/AusDogbreeding

The breeder survey asks questions about those things raised about and also about the economics of breeding. Some breeders may find that these questions are a little confronting but the way to ensure that everyone knows what dog breeders are doing is to give them the opportunity to explain how they breed, why they breed etc

Thank you Simone for sharing all that info about breeding. Simone's kennel website can be found here or on facebook here.

Celebrating weekends and all about Great Danes

Find out everything you need to know about the health and wellbeing of Great Danes.

Is it almost warm enough to hit the beach with your dog, or hang out in the sun catching some UV with your bearded dragon, or let your guinea pigs loose to mow the lawn? Possibly. This weekend we’re celebrating winding down. Starting with making a big pancake. Which just got licked by a big boofy cat who jumped on the table before I could save it. Sigh. The three second rule just doesn’t apply when one has seen big boofy cat tending to some vigorous self-cleaning prior to pancake encounter.

Anyway, in the spirit of spending time with the non-humans in our lives, this clip was recommended to us by Dr Phil Tucack. It’s a surfer’s ode to his dog and it’s very touching and speaks to our attachment to animals (if it doesn't play, click here).

Great Dane Health and Lifestyle Survey Results

Do you live or work with Great Danes? The AustralianGreat Dane Community conducted a survey into the health and lifestyle of 1,165 Great Danes to gather more information on this breed.

This is a comprehensive survey not only at the general demographic but also factors such as temperament, routine healthcare, diet and feeding habits, desexing and pet insurance.

A large number of health issues were looked at including urinary and faecal incontinence, phantom pregnancy, pyometra, bloat and GDV, endocrinopathies, orthopaedic conditions, cardiovascular disease, ocular issues, allergies and anal gland activity.

For example, the top ten causes of death in this breed are:

1. Old age (including arthritis and mobility issues, organ failure)
2. Bloat, GDV or post-GDV complications
3. Osteosarcoma
4. Dilated cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure
5. Euthanasia for behavioural issues
6. Myocardial infarction or heart failure
7. Cervical spondylomyelopathy (Wobbler’s disease)
8. Accidental death
9. Snake bite
10. Lymphoma

In terms of temperament, the majority fell into categories of either couch potatoes (calm and cruisy) or energiser bunnies (boofy and bouncy).

You can download the full report here.

What happens at a reptile show?

Mini-Glenns. Juvenile Centralian bearded dragons on display.

I had one mission this weekend which was to find a suitable winter enclosure for Glenn. Being a Centralian bearded dragon he likes it hot – around 28-35 degrees. A lot warmer than the average Sydney winter.

So I wanted to find an enclosure I could set up to provide a suitable heat gradient and meet all of his needs. Anyway, the morning proved fascinating. It was the first time I'd met a snake with two personal security guards...

Another enclosure containing a number of juvenile beardies.

Rather than shopping around town, which alas I have no time for, or shopping online and being unable to see the enclosure in three dimensions before I bought it, I went to the HawkesburyHerpetological Society’s exhibition.

Complete kits are available for beginners. These contain lighting, heating, food dispensers, thermometers, substrate and all of the bits and bobs one needs to keep a bearded dragon. They may seem a bit pricey but putting together a decent enclosure for a reptile costs money. I don't think any money on good husbandry of any species is ever wasted. It is an investment that minimises the risk of husbandry-related disease and improves the quality of life of captive animals.

I’ve attended and even officiated at cat, dog, rabbit, rat, mouse and guinea pig shows, but this was my first reptile show. It was an education. The show started at 9am and there was already a massive queue snaking out of the door and into the packed car park.

These diamond pythons were just two entrants vying for, among other titles, the coveted "Best in Show".

Dr Robert Johnson, Belinda White and John Cann, aka "the snake man of La Perouse" after the judging.

For me it was a fantastic opportunity to see other Centralian bearded dragons at various life-stages, as well as view the types of enclosures used for this species and probe keepers about husbandry, environmental enrichment - you know, giving them the best possible life.

Magnificent tree frogs were for sale (an amphibian license is required to keep this species in NSW).

It was quite different to a dog or cat show - snakes, lizards, turtles, frogs and other reptiles were on display in various tanks, terrariums and even Tupperware (from which I hope they were rapidly transferred into appropriate enclosures as soon as possible following purchase).

These water dragons, bred and displayed by OzReps, are a couple of months old. 

I asked the enthusiastic St John Ambulance volunteers if anyone had been bitten by a snake yet.

St John's Ambulance volunteers were present to provide first aid if required. In NSW alone they treat over 36,000 casualties and provide over 400,000 hours of voluntary first aid and training services. They're at every animal show and public event and their enthusiasm for service is inspirational.

“No,” said Division Trainer John, adding that the venomous snakes were all in locked enclosures. 

"Ah yes, but what if there was an earthquake and all the enclosures fell over?" I probed.

Apparently this possibility was considered by one of the junior volunteers, who suggested that would be a cue to run for the exit. 

I met this stunning four-year-old giant burrowing cockroach and one of her four babies. These critters can live to about ten and they are truly beautiful. You can download free husbandry guidelines here.

Look closely at this picture. This python, a Pied Stimsoni, is one of (I am told) five inthe world. The men in black are this snake's personal security detail. 

A close up. One could imagine this snake starring in James Bond movie, opening in a herp expo. Or maybe Indiana Jones. Apparently the python was worth " a lot" of money, enough to fund the appointment of two highly trained men to fend off any would-be thieves.

A lot of people purchased animals on the day, but many came just for a look. Or to find reptile resources.

For those unfamiliar with reptiles it was a good chance to meet them up close.

Sheryll Steele-Boyce with Dr Danny Brown's magnum opus, "A Guide To Australian Lizards in Captivity". This tome weighs several kilograms and has a limited print run, but the detail is staggering.

These books and others were available from Reptile Publications. Publisher Sheryll Steele-Boyce is passionate about producing comprehensive husbandry guides.

Rock scorpions were for sale.

There were also a couple of dinosaurs on display (for those who aren't sure this one is fake). I guess some people are into reptiles (and birds for that matter) because they have much in common with dinosaurs.

It was an amazing and educational few hours. As a recent reptile owner it was helpful to me to source information from the experts - keepers, veterinarians, breeders and biologists - in one spot. It was really helpful being able to see different types and standards of husbandry. As a veterinarian it was useful to see where clients purchase pets and what sort of information they can access. The herpetological societies were extremely helpful and staffed by exceptionally passionate volunteers. I'd recommend anyone with an interest in reptiles or amphibians gets along and has a chat with their local herp society. Hopefully everyone who visited today learned something about how they can enhance the wellbeing of the reptiles in their care.

Do we breed companion animals ethically?

A Frenchie pops into the clinic for a visit.

Do we breed companion animals ethically? On Monday March 24, the Faculty of Veterinary Science is hosting its 4^th Robert Dixon Memorial Symposium from 3.30-5pm. Registration is free but you do need to RSVP.

The question will be approached by a panel of experts including Dr Linda Beer (vet and dog breeder), Dr Andrew Cornwell (NSW MP, Chair of the NSW Companion Animal Taskforce), Ms Maryann Dalton (Pet Industry Association of Australia executive officer), Dr Karen Hedberg (vet, breeder, judge and Chair of the Canine Health and Wellbeing Committee), Bidda Jones (RSPCA Australia Chief Scientist), Professor Richard Malik (small animal specialist) and Professor Claire Wade (geneticist).

You can sign up here.

Grooming is not something we should consider a treat for pampered pets: it is critical in maintaining the health and wellbeing of small animals. If you have worked in a shelter you may have encountered a case similar to this one, posted by the Quebec Society for the Protection of Animals. Knots and matts in fur are painful and restrict movement. (This story contains some upsetting images but has a really happy ending).

Here’s the best reason I’veever seen for taking up knitting: creating jumpers for penguins. Not for the sake of making them appear cute, although that is a happy side effect: they help prevent penguins affected by oil pollution from preening and swallowing the oil.

If you’re considering joining twitter, but think it’s just for people who want to troll celebrities or experience their 140 characters of fame on QandA, this brief slideshow might convince you otherwise.