In Session AKC S CONGRESSIONAL NEWSLETTER Perspectives Welcome to the first volume of In Session for the 112th Congress. On behalf of the American Kennel Club (AKC), I would like to offer a special welcome to those of you who are new to Congress or picking up this newsletter for the first time. I sincerely hope I will have the opportunity to meet you personally this session. Until then, I hope this newsletter and the issue analyses and articles in this and previous editions of In Session will be your source for balanced information and insight on dog-related issue debates. As you may know, the AKC is the nation s oldest, largest and only not-for profit dog registry, and the governing body for the sport of purebred dogs (dog shows). Our mission includes promoting responsible dog ownership, advocating for the purebred dog as a family companion and advancing canine health and wellbeing for all dogs. In this edition, we feature an overview of some of the many family-oriented companion sports that AKC dog owners participate in and we explore in-depth the issue of ear cropping, tail docking and debarking. Previous issue analyses topics include The Value of Responsible Dog Breeders, Why Breed-Specific Legislation Doesn t Work, Why Mandatory Spay/Neuter Laws are Ineffective and Conformation Shows: More Than Just a Pretty Face. You can find these, as well as other policy materials and AKC s policy position statements, by visiting our website at akc.org/canine_legislation and clicking on the red toolbox icon. The AKC has been devoted to the wellbeing and advancement of dogs for over 125 years. We take seriously our reputation and credibility as the authority for all matters relating to dogs. This is one of the reasons AKC dogs are recognized as the gold standard for excellence. This is also why policymakers regularly seek AKC s input when developing canine legislation. The AKC s grassroots organization consists of over Inside Congressman Tom Rooney...1 Issue Analysis: Dispelling the Myths of Cropped AKC s Most Popular Dogs...2 Ears, Docked Tails, Dewclaws, and Debarking...4 Welcome to the Fun and Excitement of Continued on next page AKC Companion Events...7 The American Kennel Club s Newsletter for Members of Congress and their Staff Congressional Canine Spotlight- Congressman Tom Rooney and Crosby In each issue of In Session, AKC profiles a dog-loving member of the Capitol community. This issue features Congressman Tom Rooney (FL-16) Congressman Rooney s sons with Crosby. (L to R: Tommy, Sean and Seamus) Congressman Tom Rooney has Congressman Rooney recognizes fond memories of growing up the tremendous responsibility that with dogs. His first dog, a mixedbreed named Waggles, was just Being a responsible dog owner, comes with being a dog owner. one year old when the especially when you have a family, Congressman was born, and lived means teaching your dog, instilling until Rooney was 17 years old. discipline, providing a caring and Rooney had other dogs during loving home, and teaching your his childhood as well: I used to children to do the same. ride my bike into town, the The Congressman is very concerned about over-breeding and Congressman shared, and our Cocker Spaniel named Irish believes that all dogs deserve safe, would run beside me the whole caring homes. This is exactly the way, wait by my bike when I went kind of home the Rooney family inside, and run all the way home provides for Crosby. with me All without a leash! Golden Retrievers are great family dogs and known for their love- These days, he, his wife Tara and three young sons enjoy the company of Crosby, an AKC-regis- is no exception. He does everyable, friendly personalities. Crosby tered Golden Retriever. Crosby, thing we do, Rooney said, named after star hockey player including sleeping in our bed. Sidney Crosby of the NHL s Crosby goes just about everywhere with the Congressman s Pittsburgh Penguins, was bred by Tara s uncle. family and loves to play with the Having grown up with dogs, www.akc.org 1 Continued on next page PHOTO COURTESY OFFICE OF CONGRESSMAN TOM ROONEY
(Continued from page 1) 5,000 local dog clubs throughout all 50 states, including thousands of responsible dog owners and breeders, hundreds of thousands of purebred dogs registered each year, and thousands more mixed-breed Canine Partners who participate in our family-oriented programs. Unlike for-profit registries or humane organizations that only work to raise awareness, the AKC puts its resources back into benefitting all dogs whether in the form of advanced canine health/medical research (including translational medical advances for humans), scientific research, kennel inspections, responsible dog owner events, charitable support, and public education (For more information on AKC activities, see page 2). Policymakers throughout the nation recognize the AKC, its state federations and local AKC dog clubs for supporting reasonable laws that protect the rights of responsible dog owners and breeders, while ensuring integrity of the purebred dog and the welfare of all dogs. Many also know that the AKC is self-regulating: the AKC inspects breeders who register their litters with us; has zero tolerance for neglect and abuse; and recognizes the obligations of all dog owners to abide by clean-up ordinances, leash laws, nuisance laws, and other reasonable regulations. Whether you ve known the AKC for many years, or you re just learning about us now, we re pleased you ve picked up this newsletter and we look forward to working with you! All the best, Sheila Goffe Director of Government Relations shg@akc.org AKC Government Relations Department (919) 816-3720 doglaw@akc.org www.akc.org/canine_legislation F O U N D E D 1 8 8 4 Y R S AKC MISSION STATEMENT The AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB is dedicated to upholding the integrity of its Registry, promoting the sport of purebred dogs and breeding for type and function. Founded in 1884, the AKC and its affiliated organizations advocate for the purebred dog as a family companion, advance canine health and well-being, work to protect the rights of all dog owners and promote responsible dog ownership. Continued from page 1, Congressional Canine Spotlight - Congressman Tom Rooney Rooneys three boys, go on family vacations and go to work with the Congressman at the Capitol. Crosby loves coming to the Capitol, hanging out in my office, and shedding hair all over my staff! he laughed. Having a young, active dog is full of joys and challenges. Every day is a comedy with Crosby except when he chews my All dogs deserve safe, caring homes. DID YOU KNOW? shoes. I ve been known to come to work in the House [of Representatives] with shoes that have obvious teeth marks and tears. Despite these challenges, Congressman Rooney and his family relish the joys of dog ownership. As he explained, Crosby is definitely a full-fledged member of the Rooney family. The Golden Retriever originated in the Scottish Highlands as a hunting dog suited for the Scottish climate and terrain. Its coat is water-repellant. In 2010, the Golden Retriever was the fifth most-popular breed registered with the American Kennel Club. To see the full list of registration statistics and the top breeds in major U.S. cities, visit akc.org and type 2010 registration statistics in the search box. American Kennel Club Announces Most Popular Dogs in the U.S. Lab Celebrates Its 20th Anniversary in the Top Spot, While the Bulldog Continues Its Ascent to Reign Supreme in the Dog World The American Kennel Club (AKC ) announced its nationwide registration statistics today, revealing that for the 20th consecutive year, the Labrador Retriever is the most popular breed in America. This year s list included some shakeups in the top 10 the Beagle overtook the Golden Retriever for the 4th spot and the Bulldog, who has been steadily rising up in rank, took 6th place away from the Boxer, who dropped to 7th in 2010. "Not since the early 20th Century has the Bulldog enjoyed such sustained popularity," said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. " Bob was the first AKC registered Bulldog in 1886, and today the breed enjoys its highest ranking in 100 years at number 6." Learn More: In addition, the AKC expanded its litter of registered breeds on January 1 to welcome the Norwegian Lundehund, the Xoloitzcuintli and the Entlebucher Mountain Dog - growing next year s list of Most Popular Breeds to 170 dogs. To view the full list of registration statistics, as well as the most-popular breeds in major U.S. cities, visit akc.org/reg and click on Registration Statistics For more information on finding a responsible breeder in your area, go to ww.akc.org/breederinfo/breeder_search.cfm. AKC/MARY BLOOM 2
The AKC... is a not-for-profit organization. is the largest purebred dog registry in the world. American Kennel Club Above and Beyond What sets the AKC apart from other dog registries? Plenty! is the sports-governing body for over 22,000 dog events per year including conformation, agility, obedience, rally, tracking, lure coursing, earthdog, herding, field trial, hunt test, and coonhound events. assists tens of thousands of volunteers and teachers across the country who teach responsible dog ownership and safety around dogs; features an education booth that visits more than 70 events and conferences a year. created and supports the American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation, which funds research projects focusing on the genetics of disease, the canine genome map, and clinical studies. AKC has donated over $20 million to the AKC CHF since 1995. is the only registry that incorporates health screening results into its permanent dog records. Dogs certified to be free of hip or elbow dysplasia through the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) and dogs certified to be free of eye disease through the Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF) have their clearance numbers printed on AKC-certified pedigrees and registration documents. founded AKC Companion Animal Recovery (CAR), which has reunited more than 380,000 lost pets with their owners. created and operates DOGNY - America s Tribute to Search and Rescue Dogs which supports Canine Search and Rescue (SAR) organizations throughout the United States. offers a Canine Good Citizen program - A 10-step test that certifies dogs who have good manners at home and in the community. conducts thousands of kennel inspections annually to monitor care and conditions at kennels across the country and ensure the integrity of the AKC registry. operates a Government Relations department that provides input for federal, state, and local legislation governing responsible dog ownership. offers the largest, most comprehensive set of DNA programs for the purposes of parentage verification and genetic identity to ensure reliable registration records. supports one of the world s largest collections of dog-related fine art and artifacts at the AKC Museum of the Dog, which is open to the public. houses the world s largest dog library, which is open to the public. manages a Registered Handler s Program that sets criteria and standards for responsible, knowledgeable, professional handlers. We re more than champion dogs. We re the dog s champion. www.akc.org GBDR11 (11/10)
Issue Analysis: Dispelling the Myths of Cropped Ears, Docked Tails, Dewclaws, and Debarking Purebred dogs are purposebred dogs and come in all shapes and sizes. The characteristics that make each of these dogs unique also help them perform the function for which they were bred. The physical appearance of the dogs illustrates this, and is also an important part of the breed s history. For example, the thick body and heavy fur on a St. Bernard make it the perfect dog for mountain rescue. The long, narrow body of a Dachshund (German for badger hunter ) allows it to burrow underground to hunt badgers. Many owners of specific breeds wish to maintain their dog s historic practical function by having their puppy s ears cropped, tails docked, or dewclaws removed. While some unfamiliar with the breeds believe that this is purely aesthetic, these procedures actually enhance the dog s ability to perform the tasks it is meant to do. Debarking is another hotly debated procedure. This is not purely a procedure of convenience, but rather a viable option that allows a dog in certain circumstances to remain in its loving home rather than being sent to a shelter. Understanding the Procedures Ear cropping, tail docking, dewclaw removal and debarking are procedures that are increasingly debated in the general public and in public policy. To help gain insight on these issues, let s first begin by defining these terms: Ear cropping is a procedure by which a dog s ears are trimmed, or cropped, so that they can stand erect rather than flop over. Common examples of dogs with cropped ears are Boston Terriers, Great Danes and Doberman Pinschers. The AKC currently recognizes 20 breeds with cropped ears. Tail docking refers to the removal of a portion of the tail. The length that is docked varies depending on the breed. Ear cropping and tail docking are historical procedures that help some dogs better and more safely perform the functions for which they are originally bred. Dogs with docked tails include Cocker Spaniels, Rottweilers, and Yorkshire Terriers. Currently 62 breeds recognized by the AKC have docked tails. Some dogs, such as the Old English Sheepdog and Australian Shepherd, may appear to be docked, but may have actually been born with a bobtail, or naturally short tail. Dewclaw removal is a procedure by which the dewclaws, which are essentially extra claws that serve little to no purpose for the majority of dogs, are removed. Most dogs are born with dewclaws. Tail docking and dewclaw removal are performed shortly after birth, when the puppy s nervous system is not fully developed. As a result, the puppy feels little to no pain, and there are no lasting negative health issues. Some lawmakers have sought to require anesthesia for these procedures. However, since they 4 ENGLISH SPRINGER SPANIEL- PHOTO COURTESY AKC PERFORMANCE EVENTS Continued on next page are performed so soon after birth, anesthesia should not be required, as this could be life-threatening for the young puppy. Waiting until they are old enough to handle anesthesia would result in a more painful and traumatic procedure. Debarking, or bark softening is a veterinary procedure that softens a dog s bark by slightly altering a dog s vocal cords with a laser or biopsy tool. The dog may still bark, but at a softer volume. When performed correctly by a veterinarian, the most common method is non-invasive, takes just a couple minutes to perform, and again has no lasting negative effects. Much of the opposition regarding these procedures comes from a misunderstanding of why and how they are performed. Many believe that these procedures are painful, performed purely for convenience or cosmetic reasons and have no value. This is completely false. In fact, these practices are significantly less painful and much less physically traumatic for the dogs than common surgeries such as spaying and neutering. Each of these procedures is a safe, humane standard practice that serves a practical purpose, and in the case of ear cropping and tail docking, preserves a dog s ability to perform its historic function. A Historical Perspective All dogs recognized by the AKC are placed in one of seven groups based on the tasks they were developed and often continue to perform. These include the Herding, Terrier, Working and Sporting Groups, among others. Ear cropping and tail docking are historical procedures performed in some cases for over 100 years that help some dogs better and more safely perform the functions for which they were originally bred. The Boxer, for example, is a working
dog that has traditionally been used for a number of important tasks including serving as guard and courier dogs for soldiers and seeing-eye dogs for the blind. The cropped ears help enhance the Boxer s hearing, thereby helping it perform its tasks to the best of its ability. Other dogs, such as the Brussels Griffon, were historically kept in stables to catch vermin or other pests. Cropping the ears protected them from damaging bites when cornering a rat or another unwelcome animal. Hunting and sporting breeds such as spaniels often go into thick brush to chase after game. While some of these breeds (such as a Labrador Retriever) have thick, strong tails or tails with thick hair, the long, wispy hair and weakness of many of these dogs natural tails leave them prone to injury when a dog runs through thick brush or brambles. In the same way, a docked tail on a terrier makes it stronger, which helps an owner more safely and easily pull these burrowing dogs out of holes. For example, the bottom two-thirds of the Airedale Terrier s tail is very strong and may be used to help pull them to safety when they are digging and hunting animals in the ground. The last third, however, is very weak and fragile. When not docked, the tail is prone to breaking, splitting or other serious injuries. The ears of a Brussels Griffon were traditionally cropped for protection when it cornered unwelcome animals in a stable. Practical Considerations Like ear cropping and tail docking, dewclaw removal and debarking serve a practical purpose. These are not procedures of convenience, but rather safe and standard animal husbandry practices designed to protect the safety and welfare of dogs. For most dogs, a dewclaw is essentially an extra claw. While a few dogs, such as the Norwegian Lundehund, use them to scale rocky cliffs, the dewclaw serves virtually no purpose for most dogs. As such, they are prone to get caught and torn, causing extreme pain These are not procedures of convenience, but rather safe and standard animal husbandry practices designed to protect the safety and welfare of dogs. 5 AKC- MARY BLOOM and significant injury. It is better for them to be removed shortly after birth, where there is little or no pain, rather than to risk serious injury and infection later. Debarking is a veterinary procedure that may ultimately prevent a dog from ending up in a shelter or euthanized. Both the AKC and the American Veterinary Medical Association believe that this is a viable veterinary procedure that may be an option for some owners when other efforts to correct excessive barking have failed. This safe, viable procedure will soften the dog s bark to a level that will not be a disturbance to the neighborhood, thereby allowing an owner to keep a dog whose excessive barking could otherwise be considered a nuisance. The AKC and the AVMA also agree that this procedure should only be performed by a qualified, licensed veterinarian. Public Policy Considerations The American Kennel Club and its local dog clubs throughout the country are extremely concerned about animal cruelty and are dedicated to the breeding and raising of healthy, happy dogs. We strongly support laws that target irresponsible owners and those who would mistreat or harm animals. Likewise, it is important that any legislation seeking to protect dogs not prevent these procedures which can actually protect the dog s safety and welfare. Standard, safe animal husbandry practices that preserve the ability of purpose-bred dogs to excel at the functions for which they were bred should remain safe and legal and never be construed as cruelty. In the same way, debarking should not be banned. The decision to debark, like other health care decisions, is one best left to the dog s owner in conjunction with their veterinarian, and should not be subject to arbitrary government regulations or restrictions. Clearly defining animal cruelty, neglect and mistreatment in statute will protect the safety of dogs and hold owners accountable without placing arbitrary restrictions on safe, accepted procedures that allow dogs to excel at the tasks they were bred to perform and, in the case of debarking, allow them to remain in loving homes.
Many owners of specific breeds of dogs choose to have their puppy s ears cropped, tails docked, or dewclaws removed. These are important practices in not only defining and preserving breed character, but also to enhance good health. These procedures should not be banned, as long as appropriate veterinary care and oversight is provided. Many opponents argue that dog owners choose cropping, docking, and dewclaw removal for purely aesthetic reasons. This is a false statement. These procedures are long-accepted animal husbandry practices that protect the health and safety of dogs. For example, docking a tail prevents it from being snagged, caught, or damaged. This is especially important for security dogs, police dogs, and hunting dogs that may have to go through thick brush, under a fence, or other tight places where a tail could get caught and harmed. Cropping ears, among other benefits, helps prevent ear infections common among dogs with long, floppy ears. A dewclaw is essentially an extra claw on dogs that serves no function. These can get snagged or torn, causing great pain. Removing the dewclaw shortly after birth protects the dog from a more serious injury later. Tail docking and dewclaw removal are performed shortly after birth before a puppy s nerves have fully developed, and before pain is felt. Official standards for each breed are carefully established and maintained by an American Kennel Club parent club. The members of these parent clubs include recognized experts in a particular breed, whose goal is to protect the health and welfare of the breed and preserve the function it was bred to perform. Ear cropping, tail docking, and dewclaw removal are accepted animal husbandry practices, and not merely an aesthetic whim of certain dog owners. The American Kennel Club and its member clubs are extremely concerned about animal cruelty and mistreatment. We support laws that target irresponsible and cruel owners and establish good standards for dog care. Ear cropping, tail docking, and dewclaw removal are longaccepted animal husbandry practices and do not constitute animal cruelty. These procedures improve the health and safety of dogs and should not be banned.
Welcome to the Fun and Excitement of AKC Companion Events An eager Border Collie races through brightlypainted obstacles, making split-second direction changes at his owner s signal. A Weimaraner trails a tracklayer s scent through dew-covered grass as his owner follows quietly at the end of a thirty-foot leash. A Doberman Pinscher executes a perfect retrieve over a panel jump. Proud family members hold their breath as a young competitor guides his Pug through a series of signs that indicate sits, downs and turns. People of all ages come together at American Kennel Club (AKC) events to demonstrate the bond between well-trained dogs and their owners. AKC events offered year-round across the United States include conformation dog shows, field trials, hunt tests, lure coursing, herding trials, earthdog, coonhound events, and the four AKC Companion Events: AKC Rally, Agility, Obedience and Tracking. Event entries and expenditures trend upward More than 23,000 total events were licensed and sanctioned by the AKC in 2010, and entries in AKC events continue to grow. Total entries in events held by AKC member and licensed clubs passed the 3 million mark in 2010, led by a remarkable gain of 9% in the family sport of Agility. Americans love their dogs, and U.S. spending on pets has remained remarkably recession-proof. The most recent American Pet Products Association study of economic impact projects that A mastiff competes in an AKC Agility event. Americans spent $47.7 billion on pet food, supplies, veterinary care, live animal purchases and other services such as grooming, boarding and pet sitting in 2010 a 4.9% increase over the prior year. Americans love their dogs, and U.S. spending on pets has remained remarkably recession-proof. Spending by AKC event participants on training classes, specialized equipment, travel and lodging, plus expenditures by the AKC clubs that host events, add additional hundreds of millions of dollars to that figure every year. Sports for every dog and every dog owner Dog owners devote countless hours training, socializing and conditioning their dogs to develop the teamwork needed for those pulse-raising moments of competition. In 2009, AKC Rally, Agility and Obedience trials welcomed altered mixed breed dogs enrolled in the AKC Canine Partners sm program, thereby PHOTO AKC extending the fun and excitement of competition to all dog owners. AKC Rally provides an excellent introduction to AKC events for new dog owners as well as a challenging opportunity for experienced competitors to strengthen obedience and training skills. A Rally course includes 10 to 20 directional signs that the team completes at their own pace. A qualifying performance is based on correctly performing the exercises indicated on each sign. In Agility competition, a dog exhibits athleticism and responsiveness by following cues from his handler over a timed course of jumps, tunnels, weave poles and other obstacles. Speed and accuracy are needed to qualify, and the winning teams are those who post the fastest times with the fewest errors. Obedience trials, one of AKC s oldest traditions, demonstrate the usefulness of dogs as companions to humans. The levels of competition advance from heeling, recalls and stays through signal work, retrieving and scent discrimination. Precision is essential, but the natural movement of the handler and the willingness and enjoyment of the dog are also important. Tracking trials test a dog s natural ability to recognize and follow a scent, and are the foundation of canine search and rescue work. Unlike other Companion Events, in AKC Tracking the dog is completely in charge because only he knows how to use his nose to follow a scent trail undetected by his handler. For more information about AKC Companion Events, go to www.akc.org and click on Events. 7