Guest blog by Dr Emmanuel Fontaine, Scientific Communications Veterinarian at Royal Canin North America

Guest blog by Dr Emmanuel Fontaine, Scientific Communications Veterinarian at Royal Canin North America

Robust, intelligent and agile

Meet the Bergamasco Shepherd 

Loyal, Affectionate and Intelligent.

A look at bringing the wild into our world.

In this week's edition of "The Dish", writer Ian Lynch examines the contentious issue of owning a wolf-dog hybrid.

How to avoid this expensive and heartbreaking act of fraud

As puppy purchases are on the rise across the country, many criminals are using this as an opportunity to rob innocent people. This edition of “The Dish” focuses on Puppy Scams and how to avoid becoming victim to one.

Resolutions for Dog Lovers!

Blogger and CKC member Ian Lynch shares his New Year's resolutions in this installment of "The Dish".

How to keep the dog smell out of your dog loving home

I have to admit that it makes me proud when visitors to my house comment on how they would “never know I have so many dogs”. Truth be told I only have 3 dogs currently so it’s not that many (in my opinion), but I do work hard to make sure my house does not smell like my house is overrun with dogs. After I receive the compliment, I usually joke to my guests that I believe “dogs should be seen not smelt”. Jokes aside, keeping your home free from doggy odours does require some chores and commitment, but the following steps can help you keep a cleaner, healthier home for both you and your dog.

My process of getting my dog comfortable around kids

Today, my partner sent me a video via text of my eighteen month old Dandie Dinmont Terrier in a nearby park playing happily with 3 children. The video was adorable and all parties seemed thrilled to be out in the sun together. Adorable videos like those are very special to me as my little Leroy wasn’t always comfortable around children.

“Loyalty and Duty are Skye Terrier watch words and he never fails to adhere to the terms of that standard even when his owner may waiver. A Skye Terrier never forgets and never forgives.” Dr. Richard Meen.

A huge dog with a heart to match, the Leonberger is a whole lot of awesome when put in the right home.

Standing as tall as 31 and a half inches at the shoulder with thick yellow gold to red-brown, medium-long coat and a black masked face that holds soulful eyes – it’s hard to forget a Leonberger once you’ve met one.

When I was a child, my mother enrolled my American Cocker Spaniel “Peanut” and I in a dog obedience training course that was specially designed for. The course was taught by a man who owned 3 Samoyeds and brought them to every class to demonstrate exercises. Before the course I had never laid my eyes on a Samoyed before. I remember telling my mom that they looked like “stuffed animals and Christmas morning”! Since then, I have remained enchanted by the breed and am not alone. The Samoyed has fans around the world and for good reason - they are charming, intelligent and sensitive dogs.
 

Canadian-bred Australian Shepherd Spencer beat out 4,500 dogs

On Thursday, December 12, 2019 24-year-old Canadian handler Chelby Marling and 7 year-old Australian Shepherd Spencer won Best in Show at the Central Florida Kennel Club Dog Show and had the whole Canadian dog fancy cheering! This massive show is one of several huge shows leading up to the AKC National Championship in Orlando. And by “massive show” I mean Spencer beat out 4,500 other stunning show dogs to be top!

Remembering the brave military working canines that served our country. 

Remembrance Day is observed on November 11 every year here in Canada. 11/11 is the day when the First World War ended in 1918.  On this day, Canadians come together to honour the courageous women and men who served our country.  At this time, we stop and observe a moment of silence for those who lost their lives in war and think or pray for those still protecting our beautiful country for it is through their enormous sacrifices that we have a peaceful country to call home.

On October 26^th, 2019, Junior Handlers from across Canada will participate in the CKC Junior Handling National Championships hosted by the Belleville & District Kennel Club in Belleville, Ontario. Juniors will compete for the title of Best Overall Junior of 2018 in their discipline, Conformation or Obedience. In addition, the Conformation winner will have the chance to represent Canada at Crufts in England in March 2020.

​Please meet the talented and dedicated Junior Handling Provincial Zone Winners that are competing in this year’s National.

How to coexist with this wild member of the dog family

I recently encountered a coyote while walking my dogs in the afternoon in a park in downtown Toronto. I had previously seen two coyotes about a year ago while I was at the gym as one of the club’s huge windows look out to a set of train tracks.  At first, I figured they had somehow got lost (jumped onto a car while a train was it was stopped looking for food and ended up in the big city).

Certainly, a prevalent theme from my side of the desk over the past several months has been canine health and wellness.  This is something inherent in CKC’s purpose, mission and strategic plans - and the discussions, commitment and actions on the subject lately have been very encouraging. 

At the Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Winnipeg this past June, there was opportunity to exchange information and ideas, recognize long standing members of merit and generally celebrate the purebred dog fancy.

Many new puppy owners wait until a first hair cut is long overdue before they begin to look for a Groomer. But finding a good Groomer can be a challenging task, so you should begin your search early on. Many breeders also groom, so if this is the case with your dog's and you live fairly close by – lucky you (and lucky them as I’m sure they would love regular visits with your dog)!