ABC National 2011

I'm back and finally recovered from the 2011 American Boxer Club National Specialty, held once again in Ft. Mitchell, KY from May 7 - 13. I try to stay on Friday night so I don't have to check out of my hotel during Best of Breed judging, so arrived home early Saturday afternoon. As with past Nationals, I really needed a vacation to recover from my vacation!

With 497 dogs entered in the Specialty, and 179 of those also in the Futurity, there is plenty of Boxer love to go around. As with any dog show, there are more losers than winners -- but the National is the time when placing 4th in the class is still a big deal, and even making the cut is sometimes a major accomplishment. In honor of that, following are the full results for the Futurity and Specialty, and the winners in Obedience and Junior Showmanship.

Aortic Stenosis in Boxer Dogs: Genetics and Inheritance

Image via WikipediaThis is the second part of a series of articles on aortic stenosis in Boxers. View part one, Physiology. Further articles will be posted shortly.

Aortic Stenosis is a common heart condition in Boxers, caused by a ridge or narrowing on the wall of the aorta, at or just below the aortic valve. Aortic Stenosis is considered to be a genetic, inherited disease in dogs, and research on Newfoundlands and Boxers has supported this theory.

Boxers at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show

Image via WikipediaThis week saw the 135th annual Westminster Kennel Club dog show, a two-day event filled with pomp, circumstance, and the best dogs in the country. Westminster entries are limited to 2,500 dogs, and the top five dogs in each breed, from January 1 to October 31 of the previous year, receive invitations to the show. A win at Westminster is one of the highest achievements in the United States dog show world, and many dogs retire after the Westminster show.

Aortic Stenosis in Boxers: Physiology

Image by HeartBabyHome via Flickr
This is the first part of a series of articles on aortic stenosis in Boxers. Further articles will be posted shortly.
 
Aortic stenosis, a narrowing of the aorta, is one of the most common cardiac diseases in all dogs. This narrowing may lead to exercise intolerance, fainting, and in severe cases death. Aortic stenosis is not uncommon in Boxers, but screening of breeding dogs has decreased the incidence of the disease in the breed.

Dog Toy Review: Cuz the Walking Ball

Whether your dog is a little devil or an adorable angel, there's a Cuz rubber squeaky dog toy that's just right for him. These toys are fashioned of thick-walled, heavy-duty rubber and finished with a long-winded squeaker. This is the one toy that every dog in my house loves to play with. (A warning--the squeakers are LOUD--and the Good Cuz is much higher-pitched than the Bad Cuz.)

Dog Nails: Keeping Your Boxer's Toenails Trimmed

Trimming your Boxer's nails can be a stressful experience for both you and your dog. Early exposure to trimmers and grinders can help, as can frequent, regular exposure throughout the dog's life. Start your Boxer puppy out with weekly toenail trimming sessions, and you'll have a far better chance of avoiding a wrestling match when you want to do your adult dog's nails.

How Much is That Doggy in the Window?

One of the questions you'll have when searching for a puppy is, "How much should I pay?" While it's a valid concern, it shouldn't be your first consideration--and in fact, many breeders are understandably turned off when it seems the only thing a person is interested in is getting the cheapest puppy they can find. You are not buying a toaster--you're buying a living, breathing creature that ideally will be part of your life for a decade or more. Take some time finding breeders who breed responsibly, health test the parents of their litters, and will stand by their dogs for life. Get to know them and find out if they're even someone from whom you'd want to purchase a puppy (and meanwhile they'll be getting to know you, too). If you're comfortable with them, then you approach the subject of price.