11-Nov-08
The Kennel Club welcomes the outcome of the Pekingese Breed Club meeting held in October at which the revised breed standard for the Pekingese, which is set radically to improve the health of the breed, was accepted without reservation by all breed clubs present.

The clubs expressed their commitment to working in cooperation with the Kennel Club: particularly on health related issues and the education of judges.  Equally well, all agreed that health issues will be dealt with in an agreed time frame.  The situation will be monitored by the Kennel Club on an ongoing basis to ensure that judges are supported through education and training.

The ANKC will be adopting the revised standard for Pekingese.

Australian Canine Research Foundation Funds Disease Surveillance Projects

The ANKC is equally committed to the regular review of breed standards and the development of tests to improve the health and physical welfare of our breeds.

Australian Pedigree Dog Breeders, who are members of ANKC Affiliated Bodies, fund the Canine Research Foundation with an allocation of one dollar from each puppy registration fee.  Over half a million dollars has been granted to University Veterinary Researchers.  Some of the Projects include:

• Molecular Signaling Mechanisms of Eosinophilia in Rottweilers.
• Global Gene Expression Profiling of Canine Lymphoma.
• Long term use of Phenobarbitone in Cane Idiopathic Epilepsy.
• Using the Dog Genome Sequence to identify Genetic Disorders.
• Detection of Ceroid Lipofuscinosis in Border Collies.
• Liver Dysfunction in Tibetan Spaniels.
• Vaccination of bitches to prevent Uterine Disease.
• Disease Gene Mapping.
• The role of Apoptosis in Cardiac Disease.
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy in the Irish Setter.
• Plasma Products for Transfusion.
• Studies on Blood Donor Dogs.
• Developing Tests for Progressive Retinal Atrophy.
• Predictors of Tumour Malignancy.
  

In addition The Canine Control Council Queensland (CCCQ) also funds research in conjunction with the University of Queensland.

Many Pedigree Clubs and Societies provide additional funding for research into diseases affecting their Breeds.

November 2008