What's Happening at the National Specialty?
Berner U ~ Essential Education
Jerold Bell DVM
A Practical Genetic Overview of the Bernese Mountain Dog
When: Mon 7 p.m. -10 p.m.
Keynote Presentation on Berner Health: Co-sponsored
by Berner University and BMDCA Breeder Education.
"A Practical Genetic Overview of the Bernese Mountain Dog" by Jerold Bell, DVM Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Clinical Sciences, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University and national project administrator for numerous genetic disease control programs of pure-bred dogs. Dr. Bell's presentation will be in two parts:
Part I will be "Ins and Outs of Pedigree Analysis, Genetic Diversity,
and Genetic Disease Control." His remarks will be based on his analysis of
the Berner-Garde database, AKC registration statistics, Bernese Mountain Dog
pedigrees, and pedigree analysis of the breed's most influential dogs and
bitches. He will also discuss genetic diversity in the breed, how the selection
of mates and types of matings manipulates the genes of the ancestors in the
pedigree, and the popular sire syndrome. A question and answer period will
be followed by a short break.
For background information, see http://www.mbfs.com/compuped/bell.asp
Part II will focus on the Genetic Disorders affecting the Bernese Mountain Dog, with updates from Dr. Bell's conversations with researchers. He will also present findings from his analysis of recent BMDCA Health Surveys in relation to what is seen in the field. His lecture will cover the different types of Genetic Tests, their availability and proper use. Last, Dr. Bell will offer his expert opinion on Breeding Recommendations to manage different types of genetic disorders. A question and answer period will follow.
Matthew Breen PhD
Dogs, Chromosomes, Genes and Cancer – A Molecular Cytogenetic Approach to the Study of Cancer in the Bernese Mountain Dog
Elaine Ostrander PhD
Bernese at the National Institutes of Health
If you have questions or would like additional information on this seminar or other Berner U classes at the 2007 Specialty email Linda Seaver, Andrea Brin
or Mary Shaver ~ 2007 Education Chair
Welcome Reception
When: Tuesday evening, 6:30 – 8:30 PM
AKA
“The Derby Stakes”
Come join the fun, visit old friends, meet new ones, wear outrageous hats, win prizes,munch, drink and be merry at the NEW 2007 Welcome Reception.
Who: a distinguished panel of judges – only 3 of whom will be
randomly chosen to judge the classes
What: classes of “Yearling” dogs and bitches
How: “Pick a Pooch” - pick your favorite pooch for Best In Stakes!!!
Win/Place/Show
Sponsor your pick after the dogs have paraded around the ring but before the judge is selected for the class.
Watch and cheer on your choice.
Wear and Win Big!
~ DERBY HATS ~
As you know, HATS –
big, huge, floppy, wild, gorgeous,
not-so-gorgeous hats
are a must at any
Kentucky Derby –
We will also have a competition going for the
most outrageous hat worn at the Derby Stakes.
So put on your thinking caps, pull out all your old stuff from past specialties, closets, attics, drawers, trunks, etc. and
put together a masterpiece!!!!!
New this Year ~ Generations Class
What is it: Generations class is an opportunity to compete with three generations of direct lineage. It encourages an eye for the long view: what traits endure from generation to generation; which traits strengthen; which traits disappear?
How does it work? The three dog entry must make up a straight line three-generation pedigree.
For example:
Dog #1, a parent – either father or mother – of Dog #2;
Dog #2, a son or daughter of Dog #1 and a parent to Dog #3;
Dog #3, a son or daughter of Dog #2 as well as a grandson or granddaughter of Dog #1
Must each dog in the set have the same owner? No
Must the breeder of record be the same for each dog in the set? No
How is it judged? Each entry has 3 Berners. Entries are judged much like the Stud Dog or Brood Bitch Classes, EXCEPT that the merits of all three Generations are considered. The judge will consider the degree to which strengths in Dog #1 consistently repeat in Dogs #2 and #3.
How to enter? The oldest dog – the grandsire or granddam – may be neutered or spayed and is not required to be entered in any other class. The second and third generation dogs must be entered in another AKC class – conformation or obedience or performance. When entering these two dogs, the Generations Class should be listed as an additional class on the entry form.
Entry fee? The same as for Stud Dog or Brood Bitch
Prizes? 1st through 4th place will receive a rosette and a trophy.
Join us in Louisville, MAY 7 THROUGH MAY 12, 2007 & Show for the Roses!!!