Petition to Extend the Interbreeding Period Between Bull Terriers and Bull Terriers Miniature
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ANKC - Australian National Kennel Council
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I am actioning this petition on behalf of Miniature Bull Terrier breeders in Australia.
The current interbreeding period is due to finish on January 1st 2009.
We believe it is in the best interests of the breed to have this option available to breeders to continue to expand the gene pool. More importantly, continue to produce healthy, quality animals.
Interbreeding has been available here in Australia since 1988 and has proven very successful in improving the overall quality of the minis but more importantly greatly reduced the incidence of Primary Lens Luxation (PLL).
Miniatures suffer from a hereditary eye disease PLL but fortunately the Bull Terrier does not.
Research into this hereditary condition is being carried out at great expense in the UK by the Animal Health Trust. This is to locate the genetic marker for this condition.
When found, it will enable the Trust to establish a simple DNA test. This DNA test will identify the genetic PLL status of all miniatures.
e.g.: wether they are clear, carrier or affected.
Only then will there be the chance to eradicate this scourge of our breed.
It is thought that when the test becomes available that at best almost all minis will be carriers with the probability of a higher number of interbreds being clear (obviously some are but without the test it is impossible to know).
The late onset of this disease which rarely appears before the age of 5 has been the reason for it being so entrenched in the breed worldwide.
Australian minis at the present time have the unenviable reputation of being the healthiest. In the greater majority, on par with the best minis in the world.
They are highly sort after by breeders in other countries purely because of the reduced risk of PLL occurring. This is due to a larger degree, to the continuous interbreeding program.
Whilst it hasnt eradicated PLL in Australia, it has certainly been reduced.
Especially when compared to other countries were interbreeding is not allowed or has not been done for a number of years.
Interbred miniatures are particularly valuable. There is the immediate benefit of knowing that all first generation progeny cannot suffer from this genetic condition. Out crossing to their larger cousins also provides a much needed boost of PLL free blood lines to the minis extremely limited gene pool.
The original blood lines imported to this country are still close up in all todays minis. As PLL is much more prevalent in all other countries we have no opportunity to import new mini bloodlines without the risk of also importing PLL.
Interbreeding was reintroduced in the UK in 2002. It was extended until 2007. Currently it has been extended for an indefinite period. It was reintroduced in an attempt to reduce incidence of PLL which had risen to an unacceptable level.
A lot of angst has been caused between Bull Terrier and Miniature Bull Terrier fanciers.
Many Bull Terrier breeders fear that PLL could be introduced into the Bull Terrier through dishonest mini breeders registering their interbred litters as Bull Terriers.
They use as an example, the incorrect listing of interbred litters as Bull Terriers in some states canine journals.
Even though it has been pointed out to them clearly that the litters were correctly registered by the breeders as Miniature Bull Terriers. It has now been addressed, and a correction will be in the March 2008 DOGS NSW Journal.
We therefore hope you will consider our petition favourably by supporting a further extension until a DNA test becomes available to enable breeders are able to continue to breed healthy stock.
If you agree to an extension of the current interbreeding period between Bull Terriers and Bull Terriers Miniature please sign this petition.
The current interbreeding period is due to finish on January 1st 2009.
We believe it is in the best interests of the breed to have this option available to breeders to continue to expand the gene pool. More importantly, continue to produce healthy, quality animals.
Interbreeding has been available here in Australia since 1988 and has proven very successful in improving the overall quality of the minis but more importantly greatly reduced the incidence of Primary Lens Luxation (PLL).
Miniatures suffer from a hereditary eye disease PLL but fortunately the Bull Terrier does not.
Research into this hereditary condition is being carried out at great expense in the UK by the Animal Health Trust. This is to locate the genetic marker for this condition.
When found, it will enable the Trust to establish a simple DNA test. This DNA test will identify the genetic PLL status of all miniatures.
e.g.: wether they are clear, carrier or affected.
Only then will there be the chance to eradicate this scourge of our breed.
It is thought that when the test becomes available that at best almost all minis will be carriers with the probability of a higher number of interbreds being clear (obviously some are but without the test it is impossible to know).
The late onset of this disease which rarely appears before the age of 5 has been the reason for it being so entrenched in the breed worldwide.
Australian minis at the present time have the unenviable reputation of being the healthiest. In the greater majority, on par with the best minis in the world.
They are highly sort after by breeders in other countries purely because of the reduced risk of PLL occurring. This is due to a larger degree, to the continuous interbreeding program.
Whilst it hasnt eradicated PLL in Australia, it has certainly been reduced.
Especially when compared to other countries were interbreeding is not allowed or has not been done for a number of years.
Interbred miniatures are particularly valuable. There is the immediate benefit of knowing that all first generation progeny cannot suffer from this genetic condition. Out crossing to their larger cousins also provides a much needed boost of PLL free blood lines to the minis extremely limited gene pool.
The original blood lines imported to this country are still close up in all todays minis. As PLL is much more prevalent in all other countries we have no opportunity to import new mini bloodlines without the risk of also importing PLL.
Interbreeding was reintroduced in the UK in 2002. It was extended until 2007. Currently it has been extended for an indefinite period. It was reintroduced in an attempt to reduce incidence of PLL which had risen to an unacceptable level.
A lot of angst has been caused between Bull Terrier and Miniature Bull Terrier fanciers.
Many Bull Terrier breeders fear that PLL could be introduced into the Bull Terrier through dishonest mini breeders registering their interbred litters as Bull Terriers.
They use as an example, the incorrect listing of interbred litters as Bull Terriers in some states canine journals.
Even though it has been pointed out to them clearly that the litters were correctly registered by the breeders as Miniature Bull Terriers. It has now been addressed, and a correction will be in the March 2008 DOGS NSW Journal.
We therefore hope you will consider our petition favourably by supporting a further extension until a DNA test becomes available to enable breeders are able to continue to breed healthy stock.
If you agree to an extension of the current interbreeding period between Bull Terriers and Bull Terriers Miniature please sign this petition.
323 Signatures
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Stephen Craven
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Iain Barraclough
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bogna denderski
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S McMeikan
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Susan McMillan
- Comments
- The New Zealand Kennel Club has accepted a proposal to allow interbreeding here. Interbreeding is important and shows that both breeders and KC's are working together to eradicate painful hereditary diseases from purebred dogs.
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Jodie Northrop
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Katherene Johnstone
- Comments
- It is very sad to think this petition needed to be actioned. What a wonderful breed. Of course the extension is needed. I am not aware of any breed - including Bull Terriers - that don't have heath issues!.... With most being around a hell of a lot longer then the Minis in Australia.
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Mel Dalton
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Andy Evans
- Comments
- Its amazing that a petition is required to justify why interbreeding is crucial to sustaining the health and sustainability of the best dog breed in the world, especially seeing that there is no sane/logical against arguments. The conspirators should be ashamed of themselves!!!
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Tracey Ruch
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Paulene zullo
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Zoe Zullo
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Graham Whincop
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Wanda Weber
- Comments
- I fell that if you keep this going it will only benefit all lovers of Bull Terriers that they get a healthy puppy that will stay in the family for many years to come.
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Sue Brazier
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Tatum Dobie
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Joy Schafer
- Comments
- I believe this must be an option, til and for a period after the gene marker is found
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Kerry King
- Comments
- President of BTCSA Inc.
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Bruce Harrop
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Danielle STefani
- Comments
- I currently own a champion interbred bull terrier (miniature) who has proven to be a successful sire. His offspring are an outstanding testament to the inter-breeding program. I am very much a supporter of its extension into the future.
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Emma Hossack
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smets stijn
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Veronica Wikberg
- Comments
- I have a mini girl from Oz with interbred parents. My breeding partner has an interbred mini girl from Oz too. She has given us a wonderful litter here in Sweden. I am so happy you had the opportunity to make this health work in miniatures for such a long time in OZ. Me and my breeding partner also made one interbred litter in Sweden last year and hopefully the second interbred litter is on its way. IMO interbreed is one of the best things to do at the moment for the MBTs. Oz MBT's are top quality minis of the world. Hope you can keep on interbreeding. We are all waiting for the gene marker to be found.
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Marion Dibbs
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Elizabeth Bennett
- Comments
- In order to breed strong,healthy dogs, of any breed you need a sound breeding programme that enables you to breed true. Carrying on the Interbreeding Programme in Australia is essential in the breeding of a strong and healthy Miniature Bull Terrier.
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Toni Johnston
- Comments
- I feel it is within the breeds best interest to continiue with the Interbreeding program. I beleive to stop interbreeding altogether would be very detrimental to the breed.
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Jay Hedley
- Comments
- I must second what Andy Evans, the 12th signature has said. I agree with him fully and could not have worded that better myself. If we want strong healthy dogs to breed on with we simply must continue the interbreeding program at least until the Gene Marker is found.
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Carina Hеkansson, Stockholm Sweden
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Heath Richter
- Comments
- Interbreeding has to continue to assist in eradicating painful hereditary diseases.
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heather hooker
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Sharelle Humphrey
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Lorraine Westen-Baugh
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Patricia Whincop
- Comments
- As Australia follows the Coun try of Origin with the standards of B.T. & B.T.M. it is definately the right thing to extend the interbreeding as the country of original has indefinately. Australian B.T.M. are much valued for their interbreeding because of the PLL
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Jodie
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Bill
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bullytown
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diane miller
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angela miller
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birthisell
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Pamela Johnstone
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Scott Billlington
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Shannon Strath
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Greg Strath
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Jessie Barrett
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Gabriella Kelley
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Kate H
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David Powell
- Comments
- Mini B/T owner
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sharon carter
- Comments
- BTCSA member
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D Ho
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Cindy Ridley
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323
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