THE KENNEL SPOTLIGHTFEBRUARY/MARCH 2020

An In-Depth Look at the Heart of the Professional Kennel Industry

Volume 15, Issue 3

$4.95

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CONTENTSFEBRUARY/MARCH

2020

DOG FLU: SYMPTOMS,TREATMENT, ANDPREVENTION

RUNNING FROMWILLOW TO NOME

PET TRAFFICKINGCONCERNS

Crowded areas likekennels, grooming parlors,day care centers, and dogparks are breedinggrounds for diseases likecanine influenza.

Some state and local lawshave banned the sale ofdogs and cats at pet stores.Ostensibly, these laws areabout combatingsubstandard breeders, butthese laws prevent animalsfrom good breeders frombeing sold at stores. 

REGULAR FEATURES

BREED SPOTLIGHTThe world famous Iditarod race is set to beginon March 7, 2020. This 1100 mile race featuresthe Siberian Husky, this issue's featured dogbreed.

Author Helen Hegener shares her writingabout Balto and the other dogs who becamefamous after the 1925 Serum Run to Nome.

Important information about privacy issuesand how anti-breeder laws contribute to pettrafficking.

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SEPPALA'S DOGS

LEGISLATIVE UPDATES

NEW RESEARCHTHE DANGERS OF CANINELEPTOSPIROSIS

ON THE COVER

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Connie Watson and Echo p. 4

AKCAGILITYMASTER When Connie Watson wants to have some

fun with her Blue Merle Aussie, Echo, she

knows just what to do. She heads to

Purina Farms in Gray Summit, MO, just

outside of St. Louis, and she enters an AKC

Agility Competition.

According to the AKC, "Dog agility is a

sport where you direct your dog through a

pre-set obstacle course within a certain

time limit. Courses typically have between

14-20 obstacles, which can include

tunnels, weave poles, tire jumps, and

seesaws."

Connie and Echo currently compete at the

Master Level in AKC and the Excellent

Level in both the ASCA (Australian

Shepherd Club of America) and the

NADAC (The North American Dog Agility

Council). Connie is also a member of the

Dog Agility Association of the Ozarks, a

club dedicated solely to agility training.

The AKC recommends that if you're

interested in this fun and popular sport,

there are a few things to consider, such as

making sure the sport of agility is right for

both you and your dog. You can do this by

taking a class and/or practicing at home

with your own equipment.

Connie Watson is the owner of Rocky Top

Hearts Austrailian Shepherds and Pet

Grooming in Clinton, MO. 4

THROWING ANENGAGEMENT PARTY

Whilst engagement parties are characterised by their sense of hummingexcitement and guaranteed fun, they are a little more involved thanthrowing some cocktail weiners on toothpicks and calling it a day.

WORDS BY SARAH SANCHEZ

Siberian Husky

Breed Spotlight

About the Siberian Husky

The graceful, medium-sized Siberian Husky’s almond-shaped eyes can be either brown or blue—and sometimes

one of each—and convey a keen but amiable and even mischievous expression. Quick and nimble-footed,

Siberians are known for their powerful but seemingly effortless gait. Tipping the scales at no more than 60

pounds, they are noticeably smaller and lighter than their burly cousin, the Alaskan Malamute. In fact,

breeders and fanciers prefer the moniker Siberians over huskies, as the latter suggests a bigger, brawnier dog

than what is the standard for the breed.

As born pack dogs, Siberians enjoy family life and get on well with other dogs; their innate friendliness render

them indifferent watchdogs. This breed is also energetic and can’t resist chasing small animals, so secure

running room is a must. An attractive feature of the breed: Siberians are naturally clean, with little doggy odor.

Credit: AKC

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Temperament:

Loyal, Outgoing, Mischevious

AKC Breed Popularity: Ranks 14 of

191

Height: 21-23.5 inches (male), 20-22

inches (female)

Weight: 45-60 pounds (male), 35-50

pounds (female)

Life Expectancy: 12-14 years

Group: Working Group

AmazingAnimals

On October 26, 2019, a special operations

military dog named Conan was injured

during a raid in Syria. Conan is a male

Belgian Malinois who played a vital role in

the death of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the

then leader of the Islamic state of Iraq.

Conan chased al-Baghdadi down a tunnel,

which led  al-Baghdadi to detonate his

suicide vest. Reportedly, Conan has

participated in over 50 military missions.

The Belgian Malinois was first bred in

Malines, Belguim, and they are similar to a

German Shepherd. Known as excellent

herders, the Belgian Malinois is often used

in the military and for police work.

Conan, who was trained in the

Netherlands, made a visit to the White

House on November 25, 2019.

During the visit, President Trump referred

to Conan both as "a tough cookie" and

"probably the world's most famous dog."

Historically, dogs have been used in

warfare as far back as ancient times. Dogs

have been used in combat situations, as

scouts, sentries, trackers, and mascots.

Thank you for your service, Conan!

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O

S E P P A L A ' S D O G S

B A L T O , T O G O , A N D F I T Z

B Y H E L E N H E G E N E R

Of ten photog raphed i n h i s s i gna tu re parka

w i th h i s handsome husk ie s bes ide h im ,

l egenda r y Ala skan dog dr i ve r Leonha rd

Seppa la cut s a g ian t swath ac ros s s l ed

dog r ac ing h i s to r y . Born i n Norway ,

Seppa la emig ra ted to Ala ska dur ing the

go ld ru sh and l ea rned to dr i ve dogs by

hau l ing f r e igh t and supp l i e s f o r the mines

a round Nome . Hi s kenne l par tne r i n l a t e r

yea r s , E l i zabe th M . R icke r , desc r ibed Sepp

as "a modes t , unas suming cha rac te r , " but

she a l so unhes i t a t ing l y de f ines h im as

"K ing o f the Ala skan T ra i l . "

Seppa la ente red h i s f i r s t Al l Ala ska

Sweeps takes r ace i n 1 9 14 , but be ing

un fami l i a r wi th the t r a i l , he made a grave

mi sca l cu l a t i on and l o s t . He r e tu rned the

fo l l ow ing yea r and won , and he won aga in

in 1 9 16 and 1 9 1 7 , equa l ing the r eco rd o f

anothe r grea t dog dr i ve r , "Sco t t y " Al l an .

When the 1 925 d ip the r i a ep idemic

th rea tened Nome and Sepp ' s own

daughte r , he and h i s daunt l e s s t eam

t rave led ove r 260 mi le s i n "The Grea t Race

o f Mercy , " and the reby secu red the i r p lace

in h i s to r y .

The most f amous dog i n Seppa la ' s kenne l ,

Ba l to , wasn ' t even supposed to be i n the

Se rum Run ; i n f ac t , he 'd neve r l ed a t eam

be fo re . He was a f r e igh t ing dog , and

Seppa la had dec ided aga ins t i nc lud ing

h im i n the t eam when he l e f t Nome . I t

was on l y when the Gove rno r o f Ala ska

dec ided to speed up the r e l a y and

autho r i zed more dr i ve r s to Seppa la ' s l eg

a t the end tha t Sepp ' s young as s i s t an t

Gunna r Kaasen chose the b ig , b lack Ba l to ,

who he had l ong f a vo red , to l ead h i s t eam .

Seppa la ' s easy cho ice had been h i s o lde r ,

t ru s ted l eade r , a sma l l , tough husky ca l l ed

Togo . He was a S ibe r i an husky wi th a

b lack , brown , and gray coa t , and he

we ighed l e s s than 50 pounds , but what

Togo l a cked i n s i ze , he made up f o r i n

hea r t , and Seppa la cons ide red Togo h i s

bes t s l ed dog . Sepp wrote , " I can sa fe l y

say tha t he has won more r aces than any

o the r dog i n Ala ska . " Named a f te r a

Japanese admi ra l , Seppa la o f ten sa id tha t

Togo was " the bes t dog tha t eve r t r a ve l l ed

the Ala skan t r a i l , " and " I neve r had a

bet te r dog than Togo . "

The l a rge l y unsung hero o f Seppa la ' s

kenne l , Togo ' s ha l f bro the r and a l so a

ve te ran o f the se rum run , was F r i t z . Born

in 1 9 1 5 and bred by Seppa la , F r i t z was a

c ream -co lo red S ibe r i an husky wi th a

mot t l ed brown and gray sadd le , neck , and

head mark ings who became an impor tan t

foundat ion s i r e i n ea r l y S ibe r i an husky

ped ig rees . He o f ten l ed Seppa la ' s t eam i n

tandem wi th Togo i n r aces and on c ros s -

count r y j aun t s , and dur ing the Se rum Run ,

he was co - l ead ing wi th Togo . I n E l i zabe th

R icke r ' s b iog raph ica l book , S e p p a l a ,A l a s k a n D o g D r i v e r , Sepp ca l l ed F r i t z "a

g rea t dog . "

At the end o f E l i zabe th R icke r ' s book ,

Seppa la wr i te s about l eav ing h i s o ld

f r i end Togo i n her ca re , and i t must have

been d i f f i cu l t f o r h im to wr i te the f i na l

l i ne s :

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" I T SEEMED BEST TO LEAVE

HIM . . .WHERE HE COULD ENJOY

A WELL -EARNED REST . BUT I T

WAS A SAD PART ING DAY ON

A COLD GRAY MARCH

MORNING WHEN TOGO RAISED

A SMALL PAW TO MY KNEE , AS

IF QUEST IONING WHY HE WAS

NOT GOING ALONG WITH ME .

FOR THE F IRST T IME IN

TWELVE YEARS , I HIT THE

TRAIL WITHOUT TOGO . "

T H E 1 9 2 5

S E R U M R U N

B E F O R E T H E I D I T A R O D

Leonhard Seppala

The Great Serum Race

The 1925 serum run to Nome, also known as the Great Race of Mercy and The Serum Run, was a transport of diphtheria

antitoxin by dog sled relay across the U.S. territory of Alaska by 20 mushers and about 150 sled dogs 674 miles (1,085 km) in

five and a half days, saving the small town of Nome and the surrounding communities from an incipient epidemic. Both the

mushers and their dogs were portrayed as heroes in the newly popular medium of radio, and received headline coverage in

newspapers across the United States. Balto, the lead sled dog on the final stretch into Nome, became the most famous

canine celebrity of the era after Rin Tin Tin, and his statue is a popular tourist attraction in both New York City's Central Park

and downtown Anchorage, Alaska. The publicity also helped spur an inoculation campaign in the U.S. that dramatically

reduced the threat of the disease. The sled dog was the primary means of transportation and communication in subarctic

communities around the world, and the race became both the last great hurrah and the most famous event in the history of

mushing, before the first aircraft in the 1930s and then the snowmobile in the 1960s drove the dog sled almost into

extinction. The world famous Iditarod Race was not conceived to commemorate the serum run but as a race that the co-

founders hoped would bring sled dogs back to the villages. 11

HEALTHANDWELLNESS

By Anna Burke AKC.org

When it comes to the dog flu,

it’s important to always be

prepared. While most

cases are not fatal, the canine

influenza virus can make your

pup uncomfortably sick,

causing him — and you — a lot

of stress and time spent at the

vet’s office. If you are a dog

owner, you don’t need to panic

about the dog flu. You should,

however, familiarize yourself

with the symptoms so that you

know what to look for in the

event of an outbreak in your

area.

Dog Flu: Symptoms, Treatment,and Prevention

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Coughing (both moist and dry)SneezingNasal dischargePurulent nasal dischargeRunny eyesFeverLethargyDifficulty breathing

What Is Dog Flu?Dog flu, or canine influenza virus, is an infectious respiratory disease caused by an influenza A virus, similarto the viral strains that cause influenza in people. There are two known strains of dog flu found in the UnitedStates:• H3N8• H3N2The H3N8 strain actually originated in horses. The virus jumped from horses to dogs, becoming a canineinfluenza virus around 2004, when the first outbreaks affected racing Greyhounds at a track in Florida.H3N2, on the other hand, originated in Asia, where scientists believe it jumped from birds to dogs. H3N2 isthe virus responsible for the 2015 and 2016 outbreaks of canine influenza in the Midwest and continues tospread throughout the United States. How Is Canine Influenza Spread?Like human forms of influenza, dog flu is airborne. Respiratory secretions escape into the environment in theform of coughing, barking, and sneezing, where they are then inhaled by a new canine host. The dog flualso spreads through contaminated objects and environments, like water bowls, collars, and kennelsurfaces, or through contact with people who have had direct contact with an infected dog.Crowded areas like kennels, grooming parlors, day care centers, and dog parks are breeding grounds fordisease like canine influenza. The close proximity of the dogs means that a barking, coughing, or sneezingdog can easily infect canines around him. This is made more dangerous by the fact that dogs are mostcontagious during the incubation period before they start exhibiting symptoms. How Long Are Dogs Infected With Dog Flu Contagious?The incubation period of canine influenza is approximately 2 to 4 days from initial exposure to the dog fluvirus. Viral shedding starts to decrease after the fourth day, but dogs with H3N8 remain contagious for up to10 days after exposure, and dogs with H3N2 remain contagious for up to 26 days. Most vets recommendisolating dogs with H3N2 for at least 21 days to reduce the risk of transmission. Symptoms of Dog FluSo, how do you know if your pup has dog flu? There are several symptoms all owners should be aware of. Dog flu cases range from mild to severe, and unlike human influenzas, are not seasonal. Keep an eye outfor the following symptoms year round:

Dog flu symptoms resemble kennel cough symptoms, which is also an illness you should talk to yourveterinarian about as soon as you notice symptoms.

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Treating Dog FluThe canine influenza virus requires the attention of a veterinarian. In some states, vets are required toreport cases of canine influenza to the government to help monitor the spread of the disease. There is no cure for dog flu. Treatment is supportive, and your veterinarian can advise you on the best waysto keep your dog comfortable during his illness and recovery. Some dogs may require supportive care, suchas fluids, to aid their recovery, as well as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications to reduce fevers. Yourvet will help you come up with a nutritional plan and may prescribe antibiotics to treat secondary bacterialinfections. Preventing Dog FluThe best way to prevent your dog from contracting dog flu is to keep him away from public places or kennelswith recently reported cases. If you come into contact with a dog that you suspect has dog flu or hasrecently been exposed to it, wash your hands, arms, and clothing before touching your own dog. This willreduce the risk of transmission from you to your dog.There are vaccines available for both the H3N8 and H3N2 strains of canine influenza. Your vet mayrecommend the vaccine based on your lifestyle. For instance, if you live in an area with a high incidence ofdog flu or if your dog regularly spends time in kennels or travels to shows around the country, then he couldbe at an increased risk of contracting canine influenza, and your vet may recommend the vaccine as aprecaution.

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Excerpts from AKC .org

  epto is a zoonoticdisease, affecting humansand animals, that is spreadthrough urine-contaminated water, suchas stagnant puddles andponds frequented byinfected wildlife. Outbreaks of leptospirosishave been reported afternatural disasters such asfloods and hurricanes,where large amounts ofstanding water serve as asource of contamination.

Leptospirosis , often referred to as “lepto”, is a disease

caused by infection with numerous different serovars of

bacteria in the genus Leptospira.

L

The goal of thisresearch is toidentify thegeographic areasof greatest riskfor canineleptospirosis.

How can we use thisinformation to best preventdisease in dogs? Examiningover forty thousand testresults during an eight-yearperiod in the US, theprevalence of positive testresults varied from year toyear, perhaps reflectingvariations in a number of dogand environmental factors,such as recent precipitation,which helps create thehospitable environment inwhich lepto can spread.

CANINE LEPTOSPIROSIS:REDUCING THE RISK

Even the thaw of snow orheavy rains can washcontaminated animal urineinto streams and other bodiesof water.Lepto has historically beenconsidered a disease of ruralenvironments. As the humanpopulation grows and urbancities expand, however, is thisstill accurate? Are there localhot spots where lepto occurswith more frequency? Whichdogs are at greatest risk forinfection or severe disease?

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DOGS NOTVACCINATED

FOR  LEPTO  WEREMORE THAN 20TIMES MORELIKELY TO BE

AFFECTED THANDOGS THAT HADCOMPLETED ANAPPROPRIATE

LEPTO  

VACCINATIONPROTOCOL .

1

YOUNG DOGSWERE MORELIKELY TO BE

INFECTED THANOLDER DOGS ,

AND CASES DIDOCCUR IN DOGSSIX MONTHS OF

AGE ORYOUNGER .

SMALL DOGS(LESS THAN14  LB ) WERE

MORE LIKELY TOBE AFFECTEDTHAN LARGER

DOGS (33-60  LB ) .

2 3

Positive test results were more prevalent inthe Midwest and Southwest US.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?”“

KNOW THE RISK FACTORS FOR

CANINE LEPTOSPIROSIS SUCH AS

DOG AGE , SIZE , SEX , GEOGRAPHICAL

LOCATION , AND SEASON .

REDUCE YOUR DOG ’S EXPOSURE

BY AVOIDING (WHEN PRACTICAL)

SLOW MOVING WATER AND

PUDDLES – EVEN IN AN URBAN

ENVIRONMENT .

WORK WITH YOUR VETERINARIAN

TO DETERMINE THE APPROPRIATE

LEPTOSPIROSIS PREVENTION

STRATEGY FOR YOUR DOG . IF

VACCINATION IS RECOMMENDED ,

START WHEN THE DOG IS YOUNG

AND FOLLOW RECOMMENDED

PROTOCOLS .

The goal is to identify geographic areas,

behaviors, and practices in order to

successfully reduce the risks of

leptospirosis in dogs.

Examining the data led to some interesting results:

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IN THE NEWS

INDUSTRY NEWS& LEGISLATIVE

UPDATESWHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

COURTESY OF HUMANEWATCH .ORG

How Anti-Breeder Laws Contributeto Pet Trafficking

According to a recent New York Times report, petshelters are starting to experience an unusual problem:puppy shortages.Across the country, shelters are shuffling dogs frompoorer areas in the South to wealthier areas across theNorth. The trend started after Hurricane Katrina ravagedthe Gulf, causing thousands of animals to suddenlybecome homeless. A few years later, ASPCA launchedits famous Sarah McLachlan commercial; suddenly itwas fashionable to adopt pets.Adoption may be on the rise, but that doesn’t eliminatepublic demand for specific breeds. Previously we havewritten about how in order to meet demand for certainbreeds, some shelters buy puppies from breeders atauctions. Now, some shelters are moving dogs aroundat an alarming rate in hopes of increasing adoption ratesand meeting consumer demand.But several challenges have arisen.Transporting shelter dogs across the country can createanimal welfare issues. Case in point: Earlier this year,20 dogs died under the care of ASPCA while the pupswere being transported from Mississippi to Wisconsin.

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As we suspected, the animals died due to excessive heat exposure. The sad irony of the eventis that ASPCA is fully aware of the dangers posed by excessive heat—ASPCA’s website is fullof blog posts and printouts advising how to prevent such needless death. Another risk is the spread of animal sickness. Several states have laws preventing the spread ofanimal disease, but many shelters have found ways to work around them, according to theTimes report. Some rescues have even started importing dogs from halfway across the world.In May, the CDC suspended dog imports from Egypt because several rescue dogs arrived withrabies. The use of tactics such as meeting in the dead of night or meeting in another state toexchange animals in order to skirt the law is not unusual.But why is this even happening? What caused this dog shortage?The Times points to strict spay and neuter laws in wealthier parts of the northern states.Spaying and neutering creates a lack of animals in shelters. But this is only one part of the story. A bigger factor may be the state and local laws that have outright banned the sale of dogs andcats at pet stores. Ostensibly, these laws are about combating substandard breeders. But theselaws prevent animals from good breeders from being sold at stores. These laws choke off goodbreeders from being able to provide healthy dogs for the public. If people can’t buy from petstores, then they’ll go to rescues and shelters. But these operations don’t breed animals. Sowhen the public wants certain breeds, that creates a huge incentive for these groups to bring indogs from other parts of the country or the world—and potentially cut corners while doing so.Adopting homeless animals is good, but the lobbying from some anti-breeder groups hascreated problems we are seeing today. There is no mechanism we’re aware of for tracking howmany dogs are coming in from Egypt, Thailand, or South Korea. But if the CDC is taking note,then the number isn’t small. Will any of the groups like HSUS that helped create this issue now try to solve it?

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News from the South Central Kennel ClubMission Statement: The purpose of the South Central Missouri Kennel Club is to further the advancementof all breeds of purebred dogs, to conduct dog shows, obedience trials, and sanctioned matches under therules of the American Kennel Club, to bring together those persons interested in the breeding, exhibiting,care, training, welfare, and knowledge of dogs, and to further any activities protecting the interests of dogs,dog breeders, and owners. Mix breed dog participants are also welcome to join in fun activities that AKC isnow offering for mix breeds.

History: The club has its origins inWest Plains, MO, but boastsmembers not only in Howell Countybut in Texas and Wright counties aswell. We hold weekly sessions in thepark, getting together to practiceobedience, rally, or agility and to justhave some fun and fellowship whilesharing tips with each other. Additional activities include ourannual Spring Fun Match and the FallDog Fun Festival, which have beenheld in Mtn. Grove. Public festivalactivities have also included a booth aHeritage Days in West Plains with adrill team and/or agility demonstration,Haunting in the Hollows at GallowayPark in West Plains, showing off thedogs in costume, as well as showingoff agility and greeting the public, allwith the goal to promote the club'smission: to promote responsible dogownership.

We meet on the fourth Tuesdayevening of the month at a restaurantin West Plains. If you are interestedin joining the club or have anyquestions, please do not hesitate tovisit out Facebook page at SouthCentral Missouri Kennel Club PublicDomain. You may contact oursecretary Beth Hardman at (417) 252-0349 or our President, Pat Culbertsonat (417) 252-7423. We hope to seeyou at our upcoming Spring FunMatch. Spectators are alwayswelcome.Donna Christensen, TreasurerSouth Central Missouri Kennel Club28

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Hello readers! As I was finishing my second issueof The Kennel Spotlight, I found myself reflectingon the journey I have been on since I accepted theposition of editor. There has been a great deal tolearn, not only about how to create a magazine,but also about the business of professional dogbreeding. I quickly learned how much I have tolearn and that If I'm to be a good voice for you, Iwill never stop learning about this oftenmisunderstood industry.Since this is the February/March issue of themagazine, I also began to think about St. Patrick'sDay and how clovers represent good luck andgood fortune to those who wear them. Thissymbol fits perfectly with my feelings as Imove forward. I feel extremely lucky to be able to represent professional dogbreeders, and I will workdiligently to provide educational content that willhelp you do an even better job than you already do.I am also very lucky to have been in contact with many of you, whether it was through email, telephone, or in person. I am making plans to attend severalconferences this spring so that I willbe able to meet even more of you. The common denominator with all of you is your commitment to raising healthy, happy dogs, as well as your willingness to help each other.I want to thank everyone who has helped me so far on my journey, but I want toappeal to each of you to reach out to me withpictures of you and your dogs, whether you're at

Editor's Note

home on the couch, out on the town having fun, or in a competition somewhere. You mayfeel like what you're doing isn't "newsworthy," but you're wrong! Let's use the magazine as aforum to celebrate you and all of the wonderful things you are doing. In addition, I am alwaysopen to suggestions on the type of content you would like to see in upcoming issues. Youare the experts, and I'm lucky to be serving you!Mary Rogers

The Kennel Spotlight

Publisher--Bob Hughes (417) 652-7540

bob@swaauction.comEditor/Ad Sales--Mary Rogers (417) 847-7834

chocolatecoveredcherry67@gmail.comThe Kennel Spotlight is published by Southwest Publications, LLC

P.O. Box 534, Wheaton, MO 64874Printing by Print Shop Plus

Contributing articles by: AKC, Revival Animal Health, Nestle/PurinaBreeder Enthusiast, HumaneWatch.org, The Cavalry Group, and Helen

Hegener.

Advertise with us! Your ad will reach a nationwideaudience of thousands of pet breeders and animal

enthusiasts who need your product!

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