SEPTEMBER 2006 PRO REPORT

THE STAFFORDSHIRE BULL TERRIER BREED COUNCIL OF
GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND

PRO’S REPORT ON THE MEETING HELD AT THE COACH
AND HORSES, MARKFIELD, LEICESTERSHIRE ON SATURDAY 30TH SEPTEMBER 2006

The chairman, Patrick McGlynn opened the meeting at 11.05am. There were 11 constituent clubs represented, Downlands, Southern Counties, Potteries, Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club, Notts and Derby, East Midlands, Morecambe Bay and Cumbria, East Anglia, North of Scotland, North East, and Western. Also present were The Secretary, Jaci McLauchlin, the PRO Veronica Brown, and the KCBLO David Levy. In addition there were observers from Southern Counties and Alyn and Deeside.

Apologies were received from Merseyside, North West, the Scottish Club and Ivor Keyes (Breed Council Genetic Research Sub Committee).

During the free discussion period concern was expressed at the ultra short muzzle that seems to be appearing in some Staffords, it was felt that this was detrimental to the health of the dog, sometimes having an adverse affect on its breathing. In addition, some problems have appeared with overcrowding of teeth through lack of space in the mouth. Suggestions were made that although dogs with short muzzles will continue to be bred, advice and education could be made available at training clubs as to the correct ratio of muzzle to depth of skull, thus providing a more balanced head, reducing the chances of any breathing or mouth problems. In addition if Staffords were being bred with extreme heads this could result in serious problems with whelping, and it was the general feeling of the meeting that we should not end up with the same whelping problems as say the Bulldog.

This trend is something that all the Clubs were recommended to discuss at length to find out their opinions and feelings on the subject. This will continue to be discussed at the next meeting in March.

L2HGA/HC was discussed and some of the clubs will now not allow advertisements in their publications unless the animals referred to have been tested, although they cannot be held liable for misinformation.

Some time was spent discussing rescue and the enormous problems that are occurring in certain areas with those responsible very often at a later stage in their lives and although it is commendable what they are trying to achieve it was felt that certain individuals would benefit enormously from some practical hands on help. This was being looked into.

Mention was made of the East Anglian Staffordshire Bull Terrier Breed Club who through rotation will be losing their CC’s in 2008 and were planning an interclub supermatch, support for this event was asked for.

It is a well known fact that some of the clubs have resigned from the Breed Council and it was felt that they should be asked by the Breed Council to reconsider rejoining. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is CONSTANTLY under threat more often than not unjustly, and now more than ever it was felt that a very strong and united Breed Council would be of enormous benefit to the breed. If all the Clubs were united and members of the Breed Council we would be in a much stronger position to present a united front not only in the instance of adverse publicity for the Stafford but with the Kennel Club as well. This call for unity was totally unanimous. The adverse publicity problems that we face was illustrated by David Levy who produced and article in the light or recent attacks by Rottweillers, it showed a picture of a Stafford!

Sincere Thanks were given to David Levy, who is standing down at Kennel Club Breed Liaison Officer, for all his sterling work for Staffords over the years. A new KCBLO will be appointed in the New Year.

UPDATE FROM THE BC GENETIC RESEARCH SUB COMMITTEE

See attached.

PROPOSED GENETIC STUDY AT ANIMAL HEALTH TRUST TO FIND GENE REPONSIBLE FOR PPSC.

See attached.

There being no other business, the Chairman Patrick McGlynn closed the meeting at 2.20pm.

Date and time of next meeting,
Saturday 17th March 2007 at the Coach and Horses Markfield.

Veronica Brown,
Public Relations Officer.

Veronica Brown
Public Relations Officer.
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