What is the ANKC Survey 2017?
Extracted from the ANKC Board Minutes Summary October 2016
SUMMARY OF THE ANKC LTD ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING & BOARD MEETING HELD IN QUEENSLAND ON 21st to 23rd OCTOBER, 2016
7. Belgian Shepherd Dog Survey - It was resolved that ANKC Ltd conduct an Australian wide survey of all Belgian Shepherd Dog owners and breeders to determine their position on whether they believe inter-variety breeding as per FCI regulations should be conducted in Australia.
Myths and Legends
There are many myths, legends, outdated and unfounded perceptions about breeding, Intervariety, 3 generations clear, prior approval of breedings, and greys. The BSDCQ has researched each as it arises, and is happy to share the factual and genetically proven documentation to refute each myth.
Some may say this list is biased to the YES vote. We have found no evidence to support the NO voting option which would leave the current breeding regulations as 3 generations clear, and 6 months prior approval for Intervariety breedings.
In fair play, we invite the submission of documents for the NO response, as we have been unable to locate any evidence to support NO. Please send your submissions to secretary@bsdcq.com and they will be uploaded if not already proven obsolete with scientific discoveries.
The BSDCQ encourages all to research before voting, and to vote for the betterment of the breed, NOT for political reasons.
There are many myths, legends, outdated and unfounded perceptions about breeding, Intervariety, 3 generations clear, prior approval of breedings, and greys. The BSDCQ has researched each as it arises, and is happy to share the factual and genetically proven documentation to refute each myth.
Some may say this list is biased to the YES vote. We have found no evidence to support the NO voting option which would leave the current breeding regulations as 3 generations clear, and 6 months prior approval for Intervariety breedings.
In fair play, we invite the submission of documents for the NO response, as we have been unable to locate any evidence to support NO. Please send your submissions to secretary@bsdcq.com and they will be uploaded if not already proven obsolete with scientific discoveries.
The BSDCQ encourages all to research before voting, and to vote for the betterment of the breed, NOT for political reasons.
What is the FCI?
Fédération Internationale Cynologique, or the World Canine Organisation. The FCI activities include: keeping records of the results of international shows and competitions in obedience and other disciplines, updating and translation of the breed standards, maintaining a record of lists of judges, translation and updating of the various international regulations, and setting up the calendar of the international dog shows.
In Australia, the Belgian Shepherd's breed standard is an FCI breed standard. That is, we have adopted the wording and aim to breed the perfect dog described in the FCI Breed Standard for the Belgian Shepherd Dog. This standard was written by Belgium, the country of origin for our breed.
Fédération Internationale Cynologique, or the World Canine Organisation. The FCI activities include: keeping records of the results of international shows and competitions in obedience and other disciplines, updating and translation of the breed standards, maintaining a record of lists of judges, translation and updating of the various international regulations, and setting up the calendar of the international dog shows.
In Australia, the Belgian Shepherd's breed standard is an FCI breed standard. That is, we have adopted the wording and aim to breed the perfect dog described in the FCI Breed Standard for the Belgian Shepherd Dog. This standard was written by Belgium, the country of origin for our breed.
What is Intervariety Breeding?
The Belgian Shepherd is one breed with four varieties, differentiated according to the Breed Standard only by coat colour and texture.
Intervariety Breeding is simply the breeding of two different varieties of Belgian Shepherd for the purpose of expanding the gene pool to assist with improving overall health, temperament, and conformation. Thus taking the best characteristics available to produce the best possible outcomes regardless of variety.
Puppies from every Belgian Shepherd litter are registered as the variety that they are born. Black puppies are registered as Groenendael, fawn and grey long coats as Tervueren, short coats as Malinois and rough coats as Laekenois - regardless of the variety of the parents.
The FCI Breed Standard does not list black as an acceptable colour for rough coats or short coats, so under the FCI Breeding Recommendations, one would choose to limit proposed breeding combinations as per below to avoiding incorrect coat colour and texture.
Groenendael x Tervueren
Tervueren x Malinois
Malinois x Laekenois
The Belgian Shepherd is one breed with four varieties, differentiated according to the Breed Standard only by coat colour and texture.
Intervariety Breeding is simply the breeding of two different varieties of Belgian Shepherd for the purpose of expanding the gene pool to assist with improving overall health, temperament, and conformation. Thus taking the best characteristics available to produce the best possible outcomes regardless of variety.
Puppies from every Belgian Shepherd litter are registered as the variety that they are born. Black puppies are registered as Groenendael, fawn and grey long coats as Tervueren, short coats as Malinois and rough coats as Laekenois - regardless of the variety of the parents.
The FCI Breed Standard does not list black as an acceptable colour for rough coats or short coats, so under the FCI Breeding Recommendations, one would choose to limit proposed breeding combinations as per below to avoiding incorrect coat colour and texture.
Groenendael x Tervueren
Tervueren x Malinois
Malinois x Laekenois
What are the FCI Breeding Recommendations?
The FCI published in 2012 that it "encourages crosses between varieties in order to increase the gene pool and improve dog health; it is not beneficial for health in dog breeding to have too small populations. Avoid breeding long coated to wire coated - or risk of untypical coat texture."
The 2015 update states that the FCI "encourages crosses between varieties when it is considered necessary in order to increase the gene pool with the aim of improving dog health; it is not beneficial for health in dog breeding to have too small populations. Avoid breeding long coated to wire coated - or risk of untypical coat texture."
The FCI published in 2012 that it "encourages crosses between varieties in order to increase the gene pool and improve dog health; it is not beneficial for health in dog breeding to have too small populations. Avoid breeding long coated to wire coated - or risk of untypical coat texture."
The 2015 update states that the FCI "encourages crosses between varieties when it is considered necessary in order to increase the gene pool with the aim of improving dog health; it is not beneficial for health in dog breeding to have too small populations. Avoid breeding long coated to wire coated - or risk of untypical coat texture."
What are the benefits of widening the gene pool?
o minimise the prevalence of Mendelian genetic disorders currently present in the breed, such as hip dysplasia, epilepsy, cancer and cataracts.
o minimise the current problems of decreased litter size and semen quality which can be associated with inbreeding
o improve health, breed type and structure.
o minimise the prevalence of Mendelian genetic disorders currently present in the breed, such as hip dysplasia, epilepsy, cancer and cataracts.
o minimise the current problems of decreased litter size and semen quality which can be associated with inbreeding
o improve health, breed type and structure.
What is the survey likely to ask? Yes or No to adopt the following
9.11 Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael); Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois); Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) & Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervueren).
1. Judged separately with each variety receiving separate Challenge Certificates.
2. Inter variety breeding is approved as per FCI Breeding Recommendation.
3. Each individual progeny registered as per “coat/colour type
4. Traditionally acceptable breeding combinations as recommended Oct 2016 by Royal Society St Hubert, Belgium. 1. Groenendael x Tervueren 2. Malinois x Tervueren 3. Laekenois x Malinois.
FCI recommends - Avoid breeding long coated to wire coated or risk of untypical coat texture
9.11 Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael); Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois); Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) & Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervueren).
1. Judged separately with each variety receiving separate Challenge Certificates.
2. Inter variety breeding is approved as per FCI Breeding Recommendation.
3. Each individual progeny registered as per “coat/colour type
4. Traditionally acceptable breeding combinations as recommended Oct 2016 by Royal Society St Hubert, Belgium. 1. Groenendael x Tervueren 2. Malinois x Tervueren 3. Laekenois x Malinois.
FCI recommends - Avoid breeding long coated to wire coated or risk of untypical coat texture
Who will be surveyed?
If you are a registered owner of a pedigree Belgian Shepherd in Australia, and if you are a financial member of your state Canine Council (governed by the ANKC) then you are eligible to vote. Your voting forms will be included in an upcoming gazette from your state Canine Council.
If you are a registered owner of a pedigree Belgian Shepherd in Australia, and if you are a financial member of your state Canine Council (governed by the ANKC) then you are eligible to vote. Your voting forms will be included in an upcoming gazette from your state Canine Council.
