Oh boy, I hope I do this right, ... > ***Would you tell us what the NSBC's function is and give us a thumbnail > sketch of what your friend does as national coordinator for Berner litter > registrations? > Thanks in advance and welcome! > Ruth Reynolds
Thank you Ruth, for your warm welcome, I have always enjoyed your posts through out my years as a lurker. Firstly, the Swedish Sennenhundklubb (SShK) breeders' genetic committee (åvelsrådet), is a convening board that works actively to preserve and improve the health of the 4 Sennenhund breeds as well as to preserve and maintain the respective breeds' mental and exterior qualities as described in the 4 respective breed standards. The commitee has it foundation in the "Genetics & Breeders' Ethical Code" which was established in June 1984. It has since been audited and revised 8 times. (please forgive my clumbsy translations of the various official names) I wish I could just clip and paste everything here, but then noone would understand it. I will try my best to give an adequate presentation though if anything appears unclear or in weird English, just ask me and I'll clear it up as best I can. The Code of Breeding Ethics includes general rules pertaining to any breeding practice of the 4 breeds as well as rules regarding breeding practice pertaining specifically to each of the 4 Sennenhund breeds. Sennenhund litters that are bred in violation of the Code of Ethics cannot be registered with the Swedish National Kennel Klubb (SKK, member of the FCI) as pure bred dogs. In regards to Berners, besides the expected HD, ED and (PNP) health clearances, all Berner dogs are subject to a breeding pause for evaluation after siring 30 offspring. A dog that sires a percentage of puppies with a incidence of HD or ED that exceeds the agreed upon accepted limit according to the Ethical Code is withdrawn from breeding practice. There is a national maximum limit for which a sire may be used in regards to offspring produced, which is 80 puppies in Sweden. A dog that has produced 80 offspring in Sweden with acceptable results according to the code and that has passed the age of 7 without developing any of the health problems as described in the code, may be used further until the litter in which the 95th puppy is produced. There are many other details that I will gladly share. Berner Bitches, besides health clearances regarding HD, ED and (PNP), must be 2 years of age or more at the whelping of their first litter and may only whelp one litter per year. A bitch producing her first litter after the age of 4.5 years, must first have a veterinary certificate of health before being bred. The Swedish National Kennel Klubb (SKK) has specific ethical rules and guidelines as to breeding bitches of all pure breeds, and these rules must be followed as well. I will post these if requested. That's about all the translating I will endeavour to do in one post, whew. I expect and hope this post will generate questions, please ask away. Ruth, I will answer your second question about Berner litter registrations in another post, okay? Berner Hugs Cecilia Ståhl
