WHEATENS IN FINLAND
KERRY- JA VEHNÄTERRIERIKERHO The Finnish breed club was founded in 1975 A joint club for Kerry Blue and ISCWT The number of members exceeds 1.100 Activities web site quarterly club magazine yearbook every second year breeder's seminars annual special shows temperament tests grooming lessons Wheaten of the Year 1998 & 1999 Wildwheat s Pearl
HISTORY First import 1963 First litter 1965 The first imports from Ireland and later from England In the 80's a rising influence from American dogs Today the majority are from domestic heritage Most imports today are from Ireland, Germany, Sweden and Holland Wheaten of the Year 1998 BOS, Never Lasting A Star Is Born
POPULARITY The breed's popularity increased rapidly in the 70's Between 150 and 200 registrations a year since the 80's In the last 20 years a total of 91 Finnish breeders Wheaten of the Year 2004, BOS 1999, 2006 Wheatstone Bogart
REGISTRATIONS 200 150 100 50 0 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 Imports Total 2004 2005 2006 2007 Wheaten of the Year 2000, 2002 BOS 2001 Wheatstone Chess
HEALTH Inherited diseases have been resisted by health programs and breeding regulations since the 80's The regulations were introduced mainly due to several cases of PNP Very successful PNP program: Last known case 1994 Protein loosing (PLE/PLN) Hereditary cataract (HC) and PRA Hip dysplasia None of the inherited diseases is considered to be a big problem in the breed today Wheaten of the Year 2003 Wheatstone Denzel
BREEDING REGULATIONS All breeding regulations are on a voluntary basis The regulations include breeding restrictions for affected dogs and known carriers The club pays autopsy costs for dogs that die with typical symptoms Recommendation for the inbreeding coefficient Follow-up: Official hip and eye scores in the Finnish Kennel Club s data base Blood/Urine test results and inbreeding coefficients published in the Club magazine Most breeders follow the club's regulations Wheaten of the Year BOS 2004 Wheatstone Helle
INBREEDING COEFFICIENTS Club s recommendation: IC max 8 % / 8 gen % (8 gen) 15,0 12,5 10,0 7,5 5,0 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 Wheaten of the Year BOS 2005 Vehnäpellon Asha
HIPS 100% 75% 50% 25% 0% 1998 2000 2002 2004 A/B C/D 2006 Wheaten of the Year 2005 Grebnello Be Gorgeous
TEMPERAMENT Temperament-related issues have become more and more important The temperament of the breed is satisfactory (Questioner to club members 2003) 88 % of the owners were satisfied with the temperament most of the breeders rated the temperament good or fair The biggest problems: aggressivity excessive shyness Wheaten of the Year 2006 Wildwheat s Lilliann
WHAT FINNISH WHEATENS DO Family Pet Agility Obedience Tracking Companion dog for elderly people Shows yearly show entries vary between 800-900 International shows, entry 20-60 National shows, entry 10-30 Breed Speciality, up to 100, or more Wheaten of the Year 2007 Wheaten Island s Lord Humphrey
THANK YOU! Wheaten of the Year 2001, BOS 2000, 2002, 2003, 2007 Sandmarks Unique