Summer 2024 Newsletter
There's no time like summer to think about loading up and heading to the OHCA National Specialty or enjoying a litter of puppies!
photo artwork by Leslie Woodward
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It's that time of year again when Otterhounds and their owners gather to play and this year the scene is Des Moines, Iowa!
There's lots of things to sign up for like learning tricks and using your nose as well as the usual competition scene September 6-8. There's also something great that will help Otterhounds in the future. The Reprobank has made arrangements at Iowa State University in Ames (just 30 minutes North of the State Fairgrounds show site in Des Moines) to collect our dogs for either the OHCA Reprobank or for owners own use on Thursday, September 5 from 8-12. The cost to collect your dog for the bank is free and the cost for owners to collect for yourself is not to exceed $500 including a brucella test, if the dog has not recently had one. To sign up for all the activities including having your dog collected: www.signupgenius.com/go/9040548ACA628A4F85-50418576-2024 or use the QR code on this page. Questions? [email protected] |
Use this QR code to sign up to have your dog collected or to enjoy all the fun things at this year's National Specialty.
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Head to Ames, the beautiful campus of Iowa State University and have your hound collected.
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The address for the Vet School is 1800 Christensen Drive, Ames, IA 50010
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I have had my dogs collected in other locations and the cost was more than Iowa State is charging us. An additional benefit to an owner collecting here is that annual storage fees (depending on the number of straws your dog produces) is $19 annually though the first year of storage is included with the collection. We have reserved time on Thursday, September 5 from 8 a.m. to noon for Otterhounds. Though the vets at Iowa State are on the lookout for a bitch in season as a teaser, if you expect your girl to be in season and would be willing to help us, let us know: [email protected]
Storage Tank
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Collection Sleeve
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If you have never had your dog collected, you may wonder what happens once the semen is collected.
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The semen will be collected in a sleeve and examined under the microscope to determine the quality and number of sperm present in the collection. You may have the opportunity to see semen the under the microscope which is really interesting. You will hear from the vet tech or veterinarian about the result of the analysis.
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Semen under the microscope. You could expect to see some viable and some nonviable in the collection.
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3 straws
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Straws in a goblet
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Goblets on a cane, Average cane holds 2 goblets, 5 straws/goblet
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Cannister holds canes
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Frozen cane in cannister with liquid nitrogen
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If the quality of the semen is good, there will be a report prepared and the semen will then be frozen in straws or pellets and then stored in canes until they are needed for use. The vet will also test the mobility of the sperm after freezing which helps determine how many units are needed for a successful breeding. We hope that if your male is coming to the National, you will consider joining us for collection. Most dogs enjoy the outing! My male Otterhound always wanted to go to the collection room at my vet's once he had visited instead of the regular exam rooms! Thanks to Dr. Joellen Gregory for the illustrative photos.
Holt & Warren's "A" Litter; A Year in Review
by Evan Bray and Conrad Sullivan, thanks to them for the beautiful photos as well!
As we celebrate our first Otterhound litter's one-year milestone, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the journey from breeding to raising these puppies. It’s been a rewarding year, especially with two of them already earning their titles as bred-by champions.
Breeding our first Otterhound litter was an eye-opening experience. From choosing the right parents to ensuring the dam’s health, every step required careful attention. We were quickly reminded that breeding can be unpredictable, no matter how prepared we thought we were.
Watching these puppies grow and thrive over the past year has been immensely fulfilling. Each milestone, from their first wobbly steps to their achievements both in and out of the show ring, has been a testament to the hard work we’ve put into their socialization, training, and overall care. Seeing them be such wonderful representatives of the breed and advocates for the Otterhound has been truly gratifying.
We’ve also been fortunate to have such dedicated and communicative pet owners. Their commitment to keeping these puppies healthy and reaching out to us for guidance has been invaluable. Their willingness to partner with us, ensuring the puppies are thriving and addressing any breed-specific health concerns, has made a world of difference. This collaboration is what truly supports the well-being of the puppies and the breed as a whole.
Looking ahead, we are grateful for the support of the Otterhound Club of America Reproduction Bank Inc. Their mission to collect, store, and distribute reproductive material from Otterhounds is crucial for preserving the breed’s diversity and ensuring the future of responsible breeding. By safeguarding these genetic resources, the Bank provides a valuable tool for breeders to maintain the health and vitality of the Otterhound breed for generations to come.
Reflecting on this past year, we’ve gained a deeper understanding of the complexities of breeding and the joys of watching our puppies grow into champions and cherished family members. Moving forward, we are more committed than ever to promoting responsible breeding, supporting our puppy owners, and contributing to the future of this extraordinary breed.
Here’s to many more years of learning, growth, and the joy of breeding healthy, happy puppies.
Breeding our first Otterhound litter was an eye-opening experience. From choosing the right parents to ensuring the dam’s health, every step required careful attention. We were quickly reminded that breeding can be unpredictable, no matter how prepared we thought we were.
Watching these puppies grow and thrive over the past year has been immensely fulfilling. Each milestone, from their first wobbly steps to their achievements both in and out of the show ring, has been a testament to the hard work we’ve put into their socialization, training, and overall care. Seeing them be such wonderful representatives of the breed and advocates for the Otterhound has been truly gratifying.
We’ve also been fortunate to have such dedicated and communicative pet owners. Their commitment to keeping these puppies healthy and reaching out to us for guidance has been invaluable. Their willingness to partner with us, ensuring the puppies are thriving and addressing any breed-specific health concerns, has made a world of difference. This collaboration is what truly supports the well-being of the puppies and the breed as a whole.
Looking ahead, we are grateful for the support of the Otterhound Club of America Reproduction Bank Inc. Their mission to collect, store, and distribute reproductive material from Otterhounds is crucial for preserving the breed’s diversity and ensuring the future of responsible breeding. By safeguarding these genetic resources, the Bank provides a valuable tool for breeders to maintain the health and vitality of the Otterhound breed for generations to come.
Reflecting on this past year, we’ve gained a deeper understanding of the complexities of breeding and the joys of watching our puppies grow into champions and cherished family members. Moving forward, we are more committed than ever to promoting responsible breeding, supporting our puppy owners, and contributing to the future of this extraordinary breed.
Here’s to many more years of learning, growth, and the joy of breeding healthy, happy puppies.
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Thank you to all the wonderful people that supported us in our auction this summer. Many of you will be picking up your purchases at the National Specialty and others have received them through the mail and other means of transport! We hope you love each and every piece! We raised about $1000 toward our mission of preserving Otterhounds for the future.
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Have you heard about this new breeder tool from AKC? Among other genetic markers, it includes the otterhound test for Glanzmann's
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Jessica D’Amato
Date: April 11, 2024 Phone: 212-696-8346
Email: [email protected]
THE AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB INTRODUCES AKC® DNA + HEALTH
- New Test is a Powerful Breeder Tool -
New York, NY- The American Kennel Club (AKC®), a not-for-profit organization, the world’s largest purebred dog registry and leading advocate for dogs, is excited to announce AKC® DNA + Health. This new test combines genetic health and traits testing with AKC DNA identification, creating a powerful tool for breeders.
“At the AKC, we’re always looking for tools to help our responsible breeders in their journey to breed the best quality purebred dogs,” said Gina DiNardo, AKC Executive Secretary. “The AKC® DNA + Health test is a great resource for breeders when planning a litter and working to better their breed.”
The AKC® DNA + Health test, developed with trusted lab provider Neogen, offers an AKC DNA profile plus more than 328 markers for health and traits. Not only does it help to meet AKC registration and Breeder of Merit/Bred with H.E.A.R.T. requirements, but it also comes with lifetime access to canine genetic counselors to help breeders make informed breeding decisions.
AKC® DNA + Health can be purchased for $135.99. Every purchase of this new test helps to fund the work of AKC’s non-profit affiliates, such as AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF). For more information, visit shop.akc.org/akcdnahealth.
Date: April 11, 2024 Phone: 212-696-8346
Email: [email protected]
THE AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB INTRODUCES AKC® DNA + HEALTH
- New Test is a Powerful Breeder Tool -
New York, NY- The American Kennel Club (AKC®), a not-for-profit organization, the world’s largest purebred dog registry and leading advocate for dogs, is excited to announce AKC® DNA + Health. This new test combines genetic health and traits testing with AKC DNA identification, creating a powerful tool for breeders.
“At the AKC, we’re always looking for tools to help our responsible breeders in their journey to breed the best quality purebred dogs,” said Gina DiNardo, AKC Executive Secretary. “The AKC® DNA + Health test is a great resource for breeders when planning a litter and working to better their breed.”
The AKC® DNA + Health test, developed with trusted lab provider Neogen, offers an AKC DNA profile plus more than 328 markers for health and traits. Not only does it help to meet AKC registration and Breeder of Merit/Bred with H.E.A.R.T. requirements, but it also comes with lifetime access to canine genetic counselors to help breeders make informed breeding decisions.
AKC® DNA + Health can be purchased for $135.99. Every purchase of this new test helps to fund the work of AKC’s non-profit affiliates, such as AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF). For more information, visit shop.akc.org/akcdnahealth.
In case you are wondering what a report looks like, we have an example for you.
We hope you have enjoyed our newsletter and that many of you will join us at the OHCA National Specialty and in Ames if you have a male dog that needs collecting. If you are bringing a non-Otterhound but want him collected, contact us and we will see if we have space available! [email protected]
