From: tittle@ics.uci.edu (Cindy Tittle Moore)
Subject: Second version of Introductory FAQ
Newsgroups: rec.pets.dogs
Reply-To: tittle@ics.uci.edu (Cindy Tittle Moore)
Organization: ICS Dept., UC Irvine
Date: 8 Apr 92 22:08:08 GMT

Thanks to extensive comments, suggestions, and a few corrections, the
FAQ's are coming along nicely!  I've reorganized a little bit: The
behavorial FAQ and obedience FAQ are now combined, as they are really
different aspects of the same thing, *training*.  I've added a new
FAQ -- Companion and Working Dogs -- that looks at the many ways
dogs function (this is the logical outgrowth of the Working Dogs
section previously in the Misc FAQ).  The AKC trials have been moved
to this part, out of the previous location in the old obedience part.

In any case, here's the second preliminary version of the Introductory
FAQ.  I expect to have stable versions ready by the beginning of May,
at which point I will make them official by crossposting to
news.groups and having them archived over there.

There have been considerable changes to the Introductory section (as
summarized below).  One addition of interest is the discussion of
breed-specific FAQs.  I am not writing these; but am looking for
people to write them.  Two exist so far, and others are being written.
Write to me if you're interested in putting one together.

Again, comments, suggestions and corrections are welcome.  I'm aware
that there isn't a description for AKC!  If you want to contribute a
similar description, I would greatly appreciate it.  It's simply an
item I haven't gotten around to in the midst of modifying the other
sections.

Regards,
--Cindy

----------%<----------cut here----------->%---------


Summary of changes: BETA VERSION II
More acronyms added.
Glossary section added.
List on breed-specific faqs added.
Kennel Clubs section added.
More names added ;-).

I.  Introduction

  A.  Introduction to rec.pets.dogs.
  B.  FAQ's for rec.pets.dogs.
  C.  Acronyms.
  D.  Glossary.
  E.  Kennel Clubs.
  F.  Acknowledgements.


A.  Introduction to rec.pets.dogs.

Rec.pets.dogs is a newsgroup devoted to domestic canine issues.  The
group has been characterized as friendly and helpful.  Flamewars are
generally limited to severl topics: crating dogs, training by the
Koheler method, docking and cropping, animal rights activism, wolf
hybrids and pit-bull (or other breed) dog bans.  New readers are
advised against starting these topics up on the newsgroup as long,
protracted, and inflammatory discussions often ensue.  The facts
pertaining to these controversial topics are covered in the FAQ's.
This is not to say that these topics are forbidden from discussion on
rec.pets.dogs, but that readers would greatly appreciate it if you
checked out what the FAQ had to say on them to make sure you have
something new to say.

This newsgroup was formed in the summer of 1991.  It is a splinter
group from rec.pets, which originally carried the canine topics.  Joe
DiBenedetto proposed the split and collected the votes, which proved
more than enough for its official creation.

Michael Mahler attempted a FAQ in 1991 that consisted of compiled but
unedited articles saved from the net.  Due to time constraints, he
gave up the project, and I received copies of the articles that he had
saved and incorporated much of them in here from other readers.  I
have heard of other attempts at FAQ's well.

[is there a charter for this group?]

B.  FAQ's for rec.pets.dogs.

1.  Seven monthly posted FAQ's

There are seven FAQ's, split up by topic rather than by length.  This
way, each individual FAQ is useful by itself.  All six are posted
monthly, at the beginning of the month.  The first one,
"Introduction," is this file, which gives a brief description of this
group, details common acronyms, includes a glossary, describes several
national kennel clubs, and thanks the people who made this all
possible.  The second, "New Owners, New Dogs," is aimed at new dog
owners and puppies.  Thus it contains information on the needs of
puppies and helps the new or inexperienced owner get started.  The
third, "Health Care Issues," is a good look at canine health,
including diseases (prevention, treatment and prognosis), poisons,
medication, etc.  The fourth FAQ, "Dog Behavior, Problems and
Training," outlines the way dogs think and presents common behavorial
problems along with suggested constructive solutions.  In addition, it
dicusses training methods, communication with your dog, and suggests
ways for teaching basic commands.  The fifth FAQ, "Companion and
Working Dogs" covers the amazing variety of things that dogs can do.
It also covers AKC test requirements and has pointers to more complex
obedience training.  The sixth FAQ, "Assorted Topics," contains a
variety of topics that did not fit any particular theme, such as
wolf-hybrids, breeding, allergies, dog bans, and animal rights
activism.  The last and seventh FAQ is a simple compendium of the
references that are liberally sprinkled throughout the other FAQ's,
plus commentary on additional books.

2.  Table of contents across the FAQ's

I.  Introduction

  A.  Introduction to rec.pets.dogs.
  B.  FAQ's for rec.pets.dogs.
  C.  Acronyms.
  D.  Glossary.
  E.  Kennel Clubs.
  F.  Acknowledgements.

II.  New Owners, New Dogs.

  A.  What Kind of Dog?
  B.  What are My Responsibilities?
  C.  Where?
  D.  Veterinarians.
  E.  Puppies.
  F.  Puppy-Proofing Your Home.
  G.  Feeding Your Puppy.
  H.  Teething.
  I.  Chew Toys.
  J.  Preliminary Training.
  K.  Socialization of Puppies.
  L.  Housetraining Your Puppy.
  M.  Living with Other Pets.
  N.  People Food.
  O.  Crating.

III.  Health Care Issues

  A.  In General.
  B.  Dental Care.
  C.  Trimming Claws.
  D.  Neutering.
  E.  Bathing.
  F.  Skin Problems.
  G.  Vaccinations.
  H.  Canine Diseases.
  I.  Disease Transmission (Zoonoses).
  J.  Worms.
  K.  Pills and Dosing.
  L.  Vomiting.
  M.  Poisons.
  N.  Aging.

IV.  Dog Behavior, Problems and Training.

  A.  Understanding Your Dog.
  B.  Principles Behind Dominance.
  C.  Dominance Problems.
  D.  Housetraining Problems.
  E.  Submissive Urination.
  F.  Other Common Problems.
  G.  Comments on Obedience Training
  H.  Attention.
  I.  Corrections.
  J.  Using Food.
  K.  Training and Corrective Collars.
  L.  Learning to Sit.
  M.  Down, Stay, Off.
  N.  Learning Recall.
  O.  Beyond Basic Obedience.

V.  Companion and Working Dogs.

  A.  Guide Dogs and Seeing Eye Dogs.
  B.  Hearing Ear Dogs.
  C.  Canine Companions for Independence.
  D.  Search and Rescue Dogs.
  E.  Water Rescue Dogs.
  F.  Narcotics and Evidence Dogs.
  G.  Police Dogs.
  H.  Guard Dogs.
  I.  Herding Dogs.
  J.  Gun and Hunting Dogs.
  K.  Sled Dogs.
  L.  Gaming Dogs.
  M.  Kennel Club Testing.

V.  Assorted Topics.

  A.  A New Baby.
  B.  Car-Sickness
  C.  Travel.
  D.  International Travel.
  E.  Fleas and Ticks.
  F.  Removing Odors and Stains.
  G.  Owner Allergies.
  H.  Finding a Home for a Dog.
  I.  Breeding.
  J.  Facts and Opinions about Neutering.
  K.  Record Keeping.
  L.  Wolves and Wolf Hybrids.
  M.  Bans on Dog Breeds and Breeding.
  N.  Animal Rights Activism.
  O.  Dogs and the Law.
  P.  Dog Food Analyses and Comparisons.
  Q.  Debarking.

VII.  References.

  A.  Books.
  B.  Articles.
  C.  Companies and Catalogues.
  D.  Organizations.



3.  FAQ's for particular breeds

In addition to these monthly posted FAQ's, there are available FAQ's
for specific breeds.  These are posted rarely, perhaps once or twice a
year. [Eventually to be put here: directions on how to obtain copies:
these faqs are currently unobtainable.]

If you do not see your favorite breed below, send me email if you want
to put one together yourself!  (Addresses are at the end of this
post.)  I only wrote one of these, as a guide for the rest of them.
These FAQ's have been contributed by fellow rec.pets.dogs readers.

[Currently, there are faq's put together for bloodhounds and collies,
with others in the works.]


C.  Acronyms.

New readers frequently have trouble understanding the acronyms that
have developed for this group.  Many of these acronyms are also used
in the dog show/obedience arena.

A partial listing (feel free to send in contributions):

1.  General acronyms

AHBA    American Herding Breeds Association
AKC:    American Kennel Club
ALF:    Animal Liberation Front (USA animal rights extremist group)
CEA:    Collie Eye Anomaly.
CERF:   Canine Eye Registration Foundation: registers "normal eyed dogs".
CHD/HD: Hip Dysplasia
CKC:    Canadian Kennel Club
DHLPP:  Distempter, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus shot
FDSB:   Field Dog Stud Book; a registry of pointing dogs published by the
        American Field Publishing Company.  Many pointing dogs are dual
        registered AKC/FDSB.
GSD:    German Shepherd Dog
IM(H)O: In My (Honest/Humble) Opinion
KC:     Kennel Club (of Great Britain).
KPC/T:  Kindergarted Puppy Classes/Training.
OFA:    Orthopedic Foundation for Animals
PETA:   People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (USA animal rights
        activist group)
PRA:    Progressive Retinal Atrophy.
UKC:    United Kennel Club.
WH:     Wolf Hybrids.

2.  AKC Titles

CD:     Companion Dog.
CDX:    Companion Dog Excellent.
UD:     Utility Dog
OTCH:   Obedience Trial Champion.

JH:     Junior Hunter.
SH:     Senior Hunter.
MH:     Master Hunter.

PT: 	Pre-Trial Tested.

TD:     Tracking Dog.
TDX:    Tracking Dog Excellent.

3.  AHBA Titles

HIC, HC Herding [Instinct] Certified.
HT:	Herding Tested.
HS:	Herding Started.
HI:	Herding Intermediate.
HX:	Herding Excellent.
HCH: 	Herding Champion.

4.  British and European Titles

??!

5.  Schutzhund Titles

Sch I, II, III.  Schutzhund working titles
FH: Fahrtenhund (advanced tracking title, comparable to TDX)
AD: Ausdauer (endurance test)
VB: Traffic Secure.

6.  American Temperament Test Society Titles

TT: Temperament test.

7.  Australian Shepherd Club of America Titles (ASCA)

STD: Started Trial Dog (s/d/c suffix: sheep, ducks, cattle).
OTD: Open Trial Dog (same suffixes).
ATD: Advanced Trial Dog (same suffixes).

8.  Miscellaneous Titles

CGC: AKC Canine Good Citizen
TDI: Therapy Dogs International
FC      : AKC Field Champion
AFC     : AKC Amatuer Field Champion
NFC     : AKC National Field Champion
NAFC    : AKC National Amatuer Field Champion
HR      : UKC Hunter Retriever
HRCH    : UKC Hunter Retriever Champion
GR HRCH : UKC Grand Hunter Retriever Champion

D.  Glossary

alpha: Dogs recognize intricate social hierarchies.  The one "on top"
is "alpha."  Alpha can also be relative, denoting which of a pair of
dogs dominates the other.  Packs include humans where applicable, and
owners should always be alpha to their dogs.

bitch: A female dog.  Not used in a derogatory sense.

bitchy: A male dog showing female characteristics (e.g, in size
and weight).

brace: A pair of dogs.

dam: The female parent.

dewlap: The skin on the throat.

dog: 1.  Any dog, male or female.  2. A male dog, especially when used
in conjunction with bitch.

doggy: A female dog showing male characteristics, especially in weight
and size.

eyeteeth: The upper canines.

flews: Pendulous upper lips.

heat: The mating period for bitches.

Schutzhund: A German-developed training regimen for protective work
used world-wide.  Only strong, determined, and aggressive dogs do well
with Schutzhund.  Both dogs and bitches have been trained in
Schutzhund.  German Shepherd Dogs are traditinally associated with
Schutzhund, but medium to large dogs of any breed may be so trained.

show dog: A dog bred for conformation to its breed standard and shown
in competition on that basis.

sire: The male parent.

stop: The point between a dog's eyes.


D.  Kennel Clubs.

(condensed from _Reader's Digest Illustrated Book of Dogs_., pgs 368-377)

There are organizations set up around the world for animals.  Although
the character of each differs, the basic responsiblities of a kennel
club include:

  * Recognizing breeds.  The criteria for being recognized varies a
    great deal from country to country.

  * Maintaining breed registries.  Issues certificates of registration
    to owners of dogs that qualify.

  * Compiling stud books.  Traces ancestries of registered dogs as far
    back as records have been kept for that breed.

  * Establishing breed standards.  Publishes descriptions of the ideal
    dog for each breed, to help with judging breeds in show.

  * Sponsoring dog shows and trials.  Enforces procedures to be
    followed to insure merited reception of awards.

  * Approval of judges, and judging procedures.  Sets standards of
    knowledge for a judge.

Often, national kennel clubs accept as members or affiliates canine
clubs devoted to particular breeds that sponser their own
competitions.  Other independent clubs set their own breed standards.

Although show trials are the most common, where a dog's appearance is
the sole criterion for awards, outdoor competition is also popular:
hunting, tracking, obedience, herding, and lure-coursing are some of
the alternatives.  In these only performance counts.

[AKC needs to be added somewhere in here.]

1.  Fe'de'ration  Cynologique Internationale

FCI
Rue Le'opold-II
14B-6530 Thuin
Belgium

The FCI is a world-wide federation of national dog clubs.  Its
objective is to bring about international standards in the breeding,
exhibiting, and judging of purebreds.

Founded in 1911, it was originally European -- claiming membership
from France, Belgium, Germany, Austria, and Holland.  Today,
membership includes representatives from 19 European countries as well
as several from Latin America, Asia, and Africa.  Another 11 countries
are affiliated (including Britain and South Africa).

FCI automatically recognizes the breeds of member countries -- hence
it recognizes over 300 breeds.  Breed standards approved by FCI are
drawn up from the country of origin, helping to keep those standards
uniform.  Member countries may refuse to register dogs showing genetic
flaws or non-conformation to standards; this helps eliminate
hereditary defects.

FCI hosts two types of shows: national and international.  The country
in which the show is held determines the judging system.
International titles: International Working Trial Champion, and
International Beauty Champion, both based on accumulating aptitude
certificates and prizes in several countries under several judges.
Difficulties are encountered by various quarantines of some of the
countries.

FCI groups:
  Shepherd Dogs
  Watch Dogs and Working Dogs
  Terriers
  Dachshunds
  Hounds for Big Game
  Hounds for Small Game
  Pointers (except British breeds)
  British Gun Dogs
  Fancy Dogs
  Greyhounds

2.  Australian National Kennel Council

ANKC
Administrative Buildings
Royal Showgrounds, Ascot Vale
3032,  Victoria

Each of the eight Australian states/territories has its own canine
club, but the controlling body is ANKC.  Established in 1958, its
objective is to propose uniform policies and procedures for all of
Australia, although member clubs are not compelled to adopt any of the
procedures.  There are only minor administrative differences, however,
and champions in one state are recognized as such in others.

Major Australian show classes are
  Baby puppies (4-6 mos)
  Minor puppies (6-9 mos)
  Puppy class (6-12 mos)
  Junior class (6-18 mos)
  Intermediate class (18mos to 3yrs)
  Australian-bred class (6mos and over, born in Australia)
  Open class (any dog, generally 1yr and over)

Ear cropping is illegal in Australia, and ANKC considers dogs with
cropped ears ineligible for registration.

The judging system is based on points, accumulated from being judged
Best of Sex; the number of points reflects the number of competitors
over which the dog won (with minimum and maximum limits).  Dogs are
judged by breed standards established by the Kennel Club (Britain),
except for breeds of Australian origin.  Highest title: Breed Champion.

ANKC groups:
  Toy
  Sporting terrier
  Gun dog
  Hound
  Working
  Utility
  Non-sporting

3.  New Zealand Kennel Club

NZKC
Private Bag
Porirua

Operates virtually identically to ANKC; breed standards and rules are
the same.  There is no quarantine between Australia and New Zealand
(unless recently impored from elsewhere).

4.  Canadian Kennel Club

CKC
89 Skyway Avenue
Rexdale, Ontario M9W 6R4

The club was formed in 1888 when Canadians became determined to have
their own club after AKC's four year inclusion of Canada in its
beginning.  The two clubs have worked closely together since then, e.g.,
reciprocal recognition of each other's stud books and judges.  There
are similar judging systems, many common regulations, and most of the
same breed standards.

The judging system is based on points.  A dog must accumulate 10
points under at least three different judges at shows held under CKC
regulations.  Points are awarded based on the number of dogs in
competition and handed to each Best of Sex winner.  Up to five
additional points may be awarded should the dog then place in its
group or win Best in Show.

Unusually among kennel clubs, the CKC is responsible to the federal
government in registering its dogs.  Selling a pure-bred puppy without
first registering it carries penalties.  Pedigreed dogs must be
identified on registration forms by either tattoo or noseprint.

CKC groups
  Sporting
  Hound
  Working
  Terrier
  Toy
  Non-sporting
  Herding
  Miscellaneous

5.  Kennel Club (Britain)

The Kennel Club
1-5 Clarges Street
London W1Y 8AB

The Kennel Club was formed in 1873.  Its objective is to bring under
central authority various canine clubs to ensure uniform standards,
rules, and procedures, as well as a comprehensive registry for all
breeds.  There are more than 1,700 member clubs in The Kennel Club
today.  The Kennel Club has reciprocal arrangements with more than 40
national clubs and is an associate member of FCI.

The British title Champion is generally considered the most difficult
to obtain.  The dog must earn three Challenge Certificates from three
different judges -- but CC's are sharply limited, and even if Best of
Sex is won, the judge may withhold a CC.  It may take years to obtain
the title.

Kennel Club groups
  Hound
  Gun dog
  Terrier
  Utility
  Working
  Toy

6.  Kennel Union of Southern Africa

KUSA
Box 2659
Cape Town 8000
South Africa

Organized in 1895 to unite all the kennel clubs in South Africa, KUSA
is composed of some 150 affiliated clubs.  Most of KUSA's approved
standards are from Britain's Kennel Club.  Deviations or omissions
from the KC generally follow FCI standards instead.  Of FCI members,
KUSA is the most closely associated club.  A total of 181 dogs are
recognized by KUSA.

KUSA groups
  Hound
  Gun dog
  Terrier
  Utility
  Working
  Toy


F.  Acknowledgements.

I would like to thank the following people who took the time to send
me their comments.  Many of them contributed substantial material for
this FAQ.  Some contributed unknowingly, as I lifted their posts
directly from the newsgroup, or obtained them from summaries kept by
other people.

Thanks to: Ed Anderson, David Austin, Marla Belzowski, Rachel Bereson,
Heike Berlind, Wade Blomgren, Dag Bruck, Nancy Bulinski, Robin Bush,
Jose' J. Capo', John Chandler, Jason Chen, Joseph T. Chew, Bill
Chiachiaro, Deborah J. Cooper, Steve Crumley, Brad Davidson, Barbara
Davis, Jack Dean, Len DeRoeck, Dennis Doubleday, Kim Dyer, Damon
Feldman, Lindy Fleck, Debbie Forest, Dan Fowler, Del Fredricks,
Michael Garzione, R.  Hardin, Sharon Hasting, Sue Utter Honig, Terry
Hull, Sally A. Hundley, Joyce Andrews King, Erich Klinghammer, Rich
Kulawiec, Kimberly Laird, Stephen N.  Larson, Stephen R. Lee, William
LeFebvre, David E. Levy, Marian McKenzie, Meg McRoberts, Michael
Mahler, Douglas Merrill, Steve Michelson, Liza Miller, Carol
Miller-Tutzauer, Wendy Milner, Maralee Morado, S.  Mudgett, Lily
Mummert, Devon Nichols, Jeff Parke, Jill N.  Pappenhagen, Jon Pastor,
David Prager, Nancy Rabel, Margaret F. Riley, Kevin Rodgers, Garth
Robinson, Debra R.  Schneider, Brian Wesley Simmons, Susan B.
Sinnott, Michele Smith, Charlie Sorsby, Thomas A.  Spraggins, Orca
Starbuck, Alison Suggs, Karl Swartz, Laura Toms, Esa Vitalari, Michael
Wagner, Joseph Weinstein, Sara Weinstein, John Wells, Stewart Winter,
and Jeff Young.


--
Cindy Tittle Moore -- anxiously awaiting lab puppy in mid-June.

Currently working on rec.pets.dogs FAQ.  Now in seven parts, preliminary
versions of five parts have been posted.  Anticipated "official" posting
(crossposted to news.answers and archival at FTP site) in early May.