by feeding a low-protein diet, usually one that has been specially prescribed.
ADDISON’S DISEASE
Addison’s disease, also known as hypoadrenocorticism, has been cited in the SCWT. This disease of the adrenal gland cortex is characterized by the insufficient production and secretion of glucocorticoids and mineralocor-ticoids. Among the symptoms recognized are listlessness, depression, decreased appetite, weight loss, vomiting and other signs that can be attributed to many other medical problems. Screening tests are available, which include biochemical profile, complete blood count and urinalysis. Eye clearances must be certified by an American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO) board ophthalmologist. Records are kept by the Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF). All breeders are expected to test their dogs before mating.
PROGRESSIVE RETINAL ATROPHY
Progressive retinal atrophy, usually referred to as PRA, is a complex of inherited eye disorders, not usually discovered until adulthood, in which a dog progressively goes blind. This is often first noticed by night-blindness, but total blindness is unfortunately the inevitable end result. Thankfully, there is no pain.
Breeders have to use their carefully considered knowledge of hereditary factors to avoid, if possible, doubling up on the gene that carries this inherited disease.
HIP DYSPLASIA
Hip dysplasia is a problem involving the malformation of the ball and socket joint at the hip, a developmental condition caused by the interaction of many genes. This results in looseness of the hip joints and, although not always painful, it can cause lameness and can impair typical movement.
Although a dog’s environment does not actually cause hip dysplasia, it may have some bearing on how unstable the hip joint eventually becomes. Osteoarthritis can eventually develop as a result of the instability.
Tests for hip dysplasia are available and are sent to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) for clearance. All dogs certified as clear are assigned a certification number, which should appear on their pedigrees. Both hips are tested and scored individually; the lower the score, the less the degree of dysplasia. Clearly, dogs with evidence of dysplasia should not be incorporated into breeding programs.
SKIN PROBLEMS
A small percentage of SCWTs suffer from skin problems. These can be due to allergies, which are often difficult to determine, though allergy testing is available through one’s vet. Correct diet can also help in keeping skin problems under control.
DO YOU KNOW ABOUT HIP DYSPLASIA?
X-ray of a dog with “Good” hips.
X-ray of a dog with “Moderate” dysplastic hips.
Hip dysplasia is a fairly common condition found in pure-bred dogs. When a dog has hip dysplasia, his hind leg has an incorrectly formed hip joint. By constant use of the hip joint, it becomes more and more loose, wears abnormally and may become arthritic.
Hip dysplasia can only be confirmed with an x-ray, but certain symptoms may indicate a problem. Your dog may have a hip dysplasia problem if he walks in a peculiar manner, hops instead of smoothly runs, uses his hind legs in unison (to keep the pressure off the weak joint), has trouble getting up from a prone position or always sits with both legs together on one side of his body.
As the dog matures, he may adapt well to life with a bad hip, but in a few years the arthritis develops and many dogs with hip dysplasia become crippled.
Hip dysplasia is considered an inherited disease and can be diagnosed definitively by x-ray only when the dog is two years old, although symptoms often appear earlier. Some experts claim that a special diet might help your puppy outgrow the bad hip, but the usual treatments are surgical. The removal of the pectineus muscle, the removal of the round part of the femur, reconstructing the pelvis and replacing the hip with an artificial one are all surgical interventions that are expensive, but they are usually very successful. Follow the advice of your veterinarian.
Named for his soft coat, this SCWT has the desirable abundant single coat that is soft in texture, silky with a gentle wave.
INTRODUCTION TO THE BREED STANDARD
All breed standards are designed effectively to paint a picture in words, though each reader will almost certainly have a slightly different way of interpreting these words, just as a musical score is interpreted differently by different musicians. When all is said and done, were everyone to interpret a breed’s standard in exactly the same way, there would only be one consistent winner within the breed at any given time!
BREEDER’S BLUEPRINT
If you are considering breeding your bitch, it is very important that you are familiar with the breed standard. Reputable breeders breed with the intention of producing dogs that are as close as possible to the standard and that contribute to the advancement of the breed. Study the standard for both physical appearance and temperament, and make certain your bitch and your chosen stud dog measure up.
The SCWT should be medium sized, well balanced and square in outline.
In any event, to fully comprehend the intricacies of a breed, reading words alone is never enough. In addition, it is essential also for devotees to watch Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers being judged at shows and, if possible, to attend seminars at which the breed is discussed. This enables owners and fanciers to absorb as much as possible about the breed that has captured their interest and admiration. “Hands-on” experience, providing an opportunity to assess the structure of the dogs, is always valuable, especially for those who hope ultimately to judge the breed.
MEETING THE IDEAL
The American Kennel Club defines a standard as: “A description of the ideal dog of each recognized breed, to serve as an ideal against which dogs are judged at shows.” This “blueprint” is drawn up by the breed’s recognized parent club, approved by a majority of its membership and then submitted to the AKC for approval. This is a complete departure from the way standards are handled in England, where all standards and changes are controlled by The Kennel Club. The AKC states that “An understanding of any breed must begin with its standard. This applies to all dogs, not just those intended for showing.” The picture that the standard draws of the dog’s type, gait, temperament and structure is the guiding image used by breeders as they plan their programs.
A breed standard undoubtedly helps breeders
