Magna Giant Schnauzers - A Breeders Blog: Recent Comments

Comment on A Breeders Frustration

Magna Giant Schnauzers — Sun, 02 Sep 2007 12:12:34 GMT

Hello: I am so very sorry to hear about your dog! Unfortunately, there are some things we cannot control such as many physical defects at birth or those where the onset is later in life. We all wish we had a crystal ball and a magic wand to prevent and repair these things but we just do not for most things. This disease is not known to be genetic from what I know of the breed though, like many or all breeds it can occur but antibotics and other things can cause this so I think what I am getting from you is that you were terribly hurt that your breeder was not compassionate to you and I am sorry for that. I know, as you probably read that I bought a dog that had bad seizures and it is aweful! It is terrible to watch someone you love suffer and this is something I know well. I imagine that your heart felt like it wanted to perge from your chest and like your head would explode. It seems sometimes that our pain is beyond what we can endure.

As a breeder I will say that we have an obligation to only those things we can control and of course that means when we know of them. We can control how we respond to problems; when something is deemed genetic after the fact, we can test for a few things genetic and we can keep our ears open to learn all we can about our breed and the bloodlines that produce defects and do our best to reduce risk. That is all we can do. There is no DNA crystal ball to prevent nor medical magic wand to fix things when they occur.

Unfortunately we have a problem in giantdom that is toxic to our breed and causes greater problems each day. It is far too easy to defame someone with the internet.

On the otherhand, those that we do know about we have an obligation to act responsibly by testing and where appropriate, removing dogs from a gene pool. When nothing can be done and no ill intent or irresponsiblity caused the flaw, the breeder too is a victim and no one is to blame. The important thing here is in how people respond to such things as you illustrate so well in your post. Was the breeder responsible once s/he found out? Were they compassionate? Did they make the right decisions for dogs in the future?

Your post bring ups a topic I have long wanted to comment on. There are a few problems in Giantdom and some are not found in all breeds. I am speaking of a people problem here, not those defects of our canine family members. Within the Giant circles there are the scandalizers. They are big trouble makers that like to hear themselves blab negatively about all those around them. They sit in wait of anyone who might have the slightest ding to their breeding program and then slander and spin. That in itself is hurtful and ugly. It has a lot of negative impact. Let me list them.

First, this ugliness runs off the good people from the breed. Owners duck down, rescue workers and good breeders or those who would be quit.

The most important and dangerous of all the problems caused by this is the fact that

Comment on A Breeders Frustration

Julie Catherine — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 13:44:45 GMT

I bought a genetic mistake (Giant)once too. Poor puppy had issues within weeks of getting him home. When I called the breeder for help and ideas, the breeder told me he was sick of helping me, it was not his job to answer every little nervous question I had, and told me not to call again!
Then Sailor (my 110 lb baby) started having siezures around 3 years old. After spending tons of money and time trying to figure out the problem my vet diagnosed him with Hemolytic Anemia (sp). Sailor died before his 5th birthday. After the last attack of Anemia, his body just could not recover.
I called the breeder after Sailor died to let him know how he died. I wansn't complaining, I just wanted him to know. He tried to make me promise not to tell anyone. He kept saying it would ruin his career as a GS breeder!
I hung up furious! I promised I would tell anyone who asked about the breed to avoid that man!
I've since adopted a fabulous giant though HG-Z! He is a happy, healthy, loving boy...he makes me smile every day!

Comment on A Breeders Frustration

Cathy Kozak — Wed, 25 Oct 2006 16:30:17 GMT

It is a shame that breeders feel that they have to hide genetic issues that arise with their dogs. My friend adopted a genetic mistake (understatement) from a standard poodle breeder. The breeder was up-front and honest and the dog has turned out to be the most wonderful dog my friend could imagine. He may or may not live the average life span of the breed, but he will be spoiled and loved until his day comes. If he was "normal" she might not have gotten him. There are plenty of people out there with good hearts that will buy or adopt an imperfect dog. A breeder that admits to finding some genetic imperfections in their dogs is probably being more honest than one that says they have never had a problem.

Comment on A Breeders Frustration

Andrea — Thu, 16 Mar 2006 17:39:28 GMT

Pat, you know I'm working on Dee's place on my site - I will be putting links to research on canine epilepsy.

As to the other breeders - Dee's breeder has encouraged me greatly to submit test data to one of the few studies that are going on now - I am thankful for her candor and respect her greatly. I have not heard from anyone else, and after I read about their reaction I'm not sure I'd enjoy that discourse. I think it's HIGHLY important for the breed for EVERYONE to submit their dog's swab (you just rub cheek cells) - healthy or not. If the breeders can't talk about this problem, they are not contributing to the health of the breed - that goes for goats AND dogs. Dee is the perfect example of a gorgeous dog that isn't healthy - conformation isn't everything.

Dee has been a blessing to me, and is probably the smartest dog I've ever owned (or owned me in this case) - which says a lot after having some very well trained Airedale Terriers in my 'past' dog life.

I'm glad we had the finances, time and patience to deal with her episodes - but she's repayed us in love and doggie smooches - and herding up the goats for me!

For those of you with Giants - http://cgap.ucdavis.edu/Epilepsy.htm
please request your kit! They have determined the mode of inheritance for two of the research breeds - and they are working with the AKC to determine markers and allow breeders to make smart decisions to eliminate/reduce epi in their breed. Let's make the Giants next!

PS - anyone who is interested in knowing what a epi dog is like, I would be happy to tell you both the ups and downs - you can email me at thatcomputerchick@direcway.com

Thanks Pat for being brave for the breed.