Monday 14 March 2011

The Slovakian Rough Haired Pointer Breed Club AGM Questions

There have been quite a few energised discussions on the We Love Slovakian Rough Haired Pointer Facebook Group. In the age of social networking where people hook up and share a common interest, being told that as a member of the Slovakian Rough Haired Pointer Club, the only way, even as a club member, to ask a question at the AGM, is to find another member and get them to second the proposotion, just sounds really weird and restrictive.

Slovakian Rough Haired Pointer Breed Club AGM
Sunday 27th March from 12pm
The Olde Sun
Middle Street
Nether Heyford
Northants
NN7 3LL
http://www.slovakianroughhairedpointerclub.org.uk

A few people seem to want to ask questions at the AGM because their dogs have had health problems. No one is saying all slovaks are in bad health. But this is a young breed. And who knows what awaits. Surely it would be proactive to nip in the bud any potential problems that could wreck the foundation stock now?

A reputable GWP breeder told me they would not have bred from dogs that had parented a dog with a diagnosis of epilepsy. Grey's brother is diagnosed with epilepsy. No one is asking for a refund. Just that information is provided to others already with slovaks and those thinking of buying.

The same goes for bite faults. Dental specialists say it is better to breed out now than deal with more problems later.

How do we slovak owners have access to the stats that are submitted to the Kennel Club? I really don't know. The breed club is publishing even less than it was a year ago.

http://www.slovakianroughhairedpointerclub.org.uk/health.htm

Now it publishes the bare minimum. A year ago it published data on teeth, skin and pain problems. What's the problem in talking about it? I've had lots of people contact me with teeth problems who went on to get refunds off the full £750 purchase price. Me I never got one and ended up paying £1000 for Grey's teeth not covered by insurance as it was a pre-existing condition. I did get a call when he was 4 months old to ask if I wanted to take him back! Charming!