Now that winter for us in the Northern Hemisphere and the year end are fast approaching. I thought it might be opportune to mention what is going on although most will be aware from previous communications.

The ‘death survey’ is now underway and we need as many as possible to help by filling in the questionnaire and returning by post or email (may be downloaded from www.staffords.co.uk and paper copies will be distributed too). Some may wonder why we are doing this. It is simply an information gathering exercise and this is something we need to pursue as we need the basic facts at our fingertips in case any allegations are made. The main questions being asked are ‘What is that natural age span of Staffords?’ and ‘What are the causes of death?’ I suspect we may all know what the answer to the first may be, but we need the figures to support this and there could easily be a surprise. The causes of death are important too. This is especially relevant for dogs dying prematurely for while we may get a wide range of causes, if one appeared at a greater frequency than expected then further investigation may be needed. It would be useful to know what older dogs die of too but although it is seldom given as a cause ‘old age’ needs to be considered.

There is a supplementary question about the dogs in the survey having skin lumps removed surgically. This has been included as there has been a verbal report of a possible increased incidence of a certain type of skin tumour in Staffords and crosses and this might yield such information for pure bred SBTs.

This is just some basic research but I can assure you from experience that research can be rather boring, despite the public perceiving it as very exciting, but it has to be done and all we can ask is that as many breeders and owners as possible help by filling in and returning the questionnaire, the sooner the better please.

Unless there are any unforeseen hitches the health seminar will be going ahead on Sunday 9th May 2010 at the KC Building at Stoneleigh near Coventry. The programme will be issued as soon as possible when the speakers and their topics have been confirmed. Details of ticket prices will be sent out once all the sums have been done but I can assure all those interested in attending they will be kept as low as possible. As we are aiming high we need the maximum publicity and support, not just from the Stafford fraternity but across the board.

As many will know the question of SBTs being registered as ‘merle’ has arisen. This is being pursued but a couple of things need stressing. Firstly if the dogs are indeed genuine merles than crossbreeding must have occurred as it is caused by a dominant gene and no one has seen merle in the breed before. Secondly if two merles are bred together than there is the significant risk of dogs that have two copies of the gene and such dogs have a high risk of serious health conditions; if no steps were taken to prevent it, merle could become popular as the ‘new blue’ and some irresponsible breeder would almost certainly breed two together. Still ongoing is the need for mouth swabs from cases of PHPV and PPSC. Some have been received but more are still needed although we shall be speaking to the AHT soon to see how many more are required. Please keep this to the fore and ensure owners of affected dogs know what is going on and what we are trying to do.

I know it is a bit early although the shops are now giving it the hard sell, but may I wish everyone and their dogs a Merry Christmas and a Happy HEALTHY New Year.

Archie