WHY AREN'T WE AKC?

We strive to allow only defect-free American Creams to breed, epilepsy the only condition that sometimes escapes our GENEWATCH program.

And epilepsy elimination is our goal in the next few generations, though many veterinarians say it can't be done (epilepsy is found in 100% of all purebred dog lines, with up to 30% of some purebred lines carrying the predisposing gene(s). Sometimes genetically-carried epilepsy doesn't show itself until after a dog is five years old. Another kind of epilepsy -- think of it as "system overload"--is common among dogs due to the high stress factors, abuse or accident, and the over-use of pesticides and toxins they endure in modern life with humans. Once a dog "seizes" due to physical trauma (such as a blow to the head) or toxic reaction (such as getting accidentally sprayed with a dangerous pesticide)it is easier for it to "seize" again, even if it never had a genetic predisposition for epilepsy. Such dogs aren't really genetically predisposed to epilepsy, although some dogs are more sensitive to "system overload" than others. less than 5% of American Creams have epilepsy).

In the wild, it is believed that only 5% of wolves and other feral canids have genetic defects. We are aiming for this natural defect limit in the American Cream, seeking a dog not only mentally but also genetically superior to other dog breeds.

ELIMINATING HIP DYSPLASIA:

Since our GENEWATCH program began,only one case of hip dysplasia has been reported (May, 1998) from the entire breed of American Creams! This is far less than 1% of the breed.

WHAT CAUSES HIP DYSPLASIA?

About half of hip dysplasia is caused by genetic factors alone. Mom has bad hips and passes them on to Junior. But recent close looks at the lives of dogs who develop hip dysplasia also reveals three other important factors: (1) Was the puppy forced to learn to walk on a slippery surface? Puppies' hind legs can sprawl out, causing the phenomenon known as "swimmer." A "swimmer" isn't getting traction. The hip joints get strained while in early stages of formation, and the puppy may develop hip dysplasia; (2) Is the puppy being asked to jog and otherwise use its hips before maturity to a degree that wears out the socket before it is fully developed and hardened? Owners who take their puppies jogging may later bitterly complain that their puppy was ill-bred with bad hips, when they caused it themselves. A good rule-of-thumb: the puppy can jog one block per month of age (not counting the first two months). The larger the dog,the more chance the hips will be damaged by too much jogging/running, since they mature more slowly, yet look so able. The third cause is dietary: Did the puppy receive adequate calcium and protein? A poor diet can cause significant bone damage,which can include hip problems. Some dogs cannot make vitamin "C"-- especially older dogs-- and their bones weaken and teeth start falling out. This condition can be stopped from progressing by adding powdered-up chewable vitamin "C" twice a week to food you know the dog actually consumes, 100 mg/10 pounds of dog. Make sure there is lots of water available. A puppy in its mother's womb may also suffer a kind of malnutrition if the mother had severe morning or evening (or all day) sickness. Yes, dogs get it, too! And a vomiting mother may not provide all the nutrients necessary for good formation of bones or joints in the unborn puppies. If your mother dog vomits frequently during pregnancy, ask your vet for help.

When a dog owner sees their pet lying down with a pink tummy up, it is more than likely that that owner will say, "Oh, how cute!" and give that particular tummy a few rubs. However, a "tummy up" posture is more than cute. It is a signal that the dog feels secure and

loved. Survival instincts forbid showing its vulnerable abdomen that contains several vital organs in a threatening area. Also, it is a personal message to the "top dog" that you are their master, which is the most love a sleeping animal can express.

A Loving Touch