This Site Chosen By Microsoft As THE Afghan Web Link for Encarta Afghan Hound Database and Breed Information Exchange (Afghan Hound Denmark World Congress Report)

DENMARK 1997
3rd World Afghan Congress Report #6
David Frei (USA) Page3

Another provoking presentation was by Lotte Jorgensen and Kirsten Nielsen of Denmark on the topic of grooming and trimming. The FCI standard says, "Coat must develop naturally," and the American standard says, "The Afghan Hound should be shown in its natural state, the coat is not clipped or trimmed..." It's probably fair to say that many of the Europeans in attendance have never intentionally pulled a hair off their dogs, taking the standard quite literally. Generally speaking, it's a different story with the Americans, the Australians, the Danes and a few others. And of late, more exhibitors around the world have begun to "clean up" their dogs for the ring, and this was Lotte's point precisely. Lots of interaction for this issue, nicely presented by Lotte and Kirsten, but I doubt that any opinions were changed one way or the other.

Dr. Dennis Eschbach of the United States, a chiropractic physician certified in animal chiropractic, made a most interesting presentation on his specialty. Dennis, an Afghan Hound breeder-exhibitor from the St. Louis area, talked about musculoskeletal considerations, stretching and warm-up exercises and the holistic approach of chiropractic care for dogs in general and Afghans in particular. As someone who has taken a dog to a veterinary chiropractor, I wanted more time for Dennis, and I'd like to encourage all dog fanciers to explore the topic, with Dennis or someone in your home area.

American Donna Broucek shared the podium with Pauline Hewitt of Australia to speak about breeding ethics, education, and mental preparation. "Stay current, everything changes," said Pauline. "Read, listen, attend functions, and watch other breeds," counseled Donna. "Maintain your opinion but don't close your mind." Be honest with your customers, Donna told the audience: "You can only be as successful as the people you sell your dogs to." In closing, appropriately, Pauline suggested, "Go to church and pray... there's a lot of luck involved in being a successful breeder." Both of these ladies were very well spoken, and they were a fitting final presentation for the Congress.

Earlier, Sue Rhodes of England ("Who are we breeding for?"), Wendy Slatyer of Australia (frozen semen), and Roberto Posa of Italy and Switzerland ("Trends in Afghan Hounds"); Dr. Jens Jacobsen of the IAMS Company in Denmark, a sponsor of the Congress (canine nutrition); and Holland's Gerard Jipping, president of the Dutch Sighthound Club (Afghan type) were among the other panelists over the two day event.

David Frei/Dog News USA July 97
Copyright(c) 1997

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