Electra and Turbo welcomed 4 boys and two girls on October 21, 2024! This is the first litter for both parents. Electra is a great mother. You can follow the puppies’ progress on Facebook or Instagram.
All posts by michellebarlak@gmail.com
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease in the Manchester Terrier: Important Research at Cornell University
IMPORTANT HEALTH RESEARCH UPDATE
Many of you may be aware that I am the Health Chair and a board member for the American Manchester Terrier Club (AMTC). I am pleased to share that the AMTC Board recently approved a $2,000 donation to support research at Cornell University for Legg-Calv-Perthes (LCP) disease. Today I am sharing an opportunity to help with research with Cornell University with the hopes of uncovering a genetic marker for Legg-Calve-Perthes disease in the Manchester Terrier. Keep reading below for four easy ways that you may be able to help further research into Legg-Calv-Perthes disease in the Manchester Terrier.
- We need 18 more DNA samples from dogs who have been diagnosed with LCP disease. We have collected 12 so far of the 30 needed. If you have a dog who has been diagnosed with LCP, please reach out so we can coordinate having a DNA collection kit sent to you. The kit will contain instructions for collecting blood and pre-paid shipping with cooler and ice packs for return to Cornell University. Should your vet charge you for the blood collection, the AMTC health fund will reimburse your expenses. Please email your name, mailing address and phone number to me to arrange for a kit to be sent to your home.
- Send your dog’s Embark DNA profile. If you have submitted your dog’s DNA to Embark, you can skip the blood collection and send your dog’s data directly to Cornell. Email me for instructions.
- Make a donation: Help the American Manchester Terrier Club fund important breed-specific research by making a donation to our health fund. You can mail a check, or make a paypal payment to amtc20192020@gmail.com – be sure to write “health fund” in the notes section. To mail a check, please reach out for instructions.
- If you are a breeder and would like to contribute to the study, please reach out to any of your puppy owners who have had dogs with LCP and share this information. You can also submit DNA from parents and siblings of dogs affected with LCP.
Please feel free to forward this post to those you know who may be interested in learning about or contributing to this research.
With Thanks,
Michelle Barlak
Maximal Manchester Terriers
Interview with ShowSight Magazine
I recently completed an interview for ShowSight Magazine. This is a monthly print and digital publication for members of the dog fancy who breed, own and exhibit dogs. Read the article on the Showsight magazine web site here.
Learn more about Michelle here.
Are Standard Manchester Terriers Healthier than Toy Manchester Terriers? Explaining Manchester Terrier health tests.
If you’ve reviewed the parent club’s recommended Manchester Terrier health tests, you may have noticed some differences between the two varieties: Standard and Toy. This often raises the question—why are there differences if they are technically the same breed and can be interbred?
When comparing the health tests, the lists are almost identical, with one notable exception: the congenital deafness test, which is only emphasized for Standard Manchester Terriers. The primary difference lies in the emphasis placed on specific tests, which are categorized as either required or recommended, depending on the variety. However, it’s important to note that all the health issues listed can appear in both Standard and Toy Manchester Terriers.
Just as certain breeding lines within a breed may have predispositions toward specific traits, they can also be more susceptible to particular genetic mutations. In the United States, the development of the Toy and Standard varieties has followed a path similar to two distinct breeding lines within the same breed. The health test recommendations are designed to guide breeders in making informed decisions about which tests to prioritize.
A common question I get from breeders is: “What health tests should I perform if I’m breeding a Standard Manchester from Toy Manchester parents? Should I test for congenital deafness?” My response is, unless deafness is known to be a concern in their breeding line, testing for it may not be necessary. Aside from this, the comprehensive list of health tests remains the same for both varieties.
In conclusion, the list of required health tests serves as the minimum standard for both Standard and Toy Manchester Terriers. Following these guidelines can help ensure the health and longevity of the breed, regardless of the variety.
Learn more about Manchester Terrier health testing in a recorded seminar Michelle created to educate breeders and puppy buyers who want to know what health tests to ask about.
Did you know all Maximal Manchester Terrier puppies go home with a lifetime health guarantee? Read more.
10 Questions Every Responsible Dog Breeder Should Be Eager to Answer
When looking for a responsible dog breeder, doing thorough research is essential. The best breeders are looking for puppy buyers who have chosen their breed carefully and are eager to learn. Many breeders have websites with contact information and details about their breeding programs. In that case, you may find answers to some of the following questions right away.
Carefully review the information available from the breeder before making contact through their preferred method of communication. Use these questions to ensure you’re working with an ethical and responsible dog breeder when adding your next puppy or dog to your home.
- How long have you had this breed, and why did you choose it?
- Green Flag: Look for passion and excitement about the breed. New breeders should describe their preparation and have an experienced breeder as a mentor.
- Red Flag: Multiple breeds with no specific passion or their breed selection is more out of convenience.
- Pro Tip: Most responsible breeders’ involvement with the world of purebred dogs goes beyond raising puppies. They participate in competitive events because they enjoy spending time with other dog lovers and bonding with their individual dogs.
- What are your goals as a breeder?
- Green Flag: Breeders should aim for specific health, temperament, and breed-specific traits in line with the AKC breed standard.
- Red Flag: Emphasis on breeding for rare colors or coat types over health and temperament.
- Pro Tip: Know what the breed standard says about size, color, and coat type. If the breeder is intentionally producing and promoting their dogs that fall outside this range, then they are not reputable.
- Are your dogs and puppies registered with the American Kennel Club, and do your puppies come with AKC papers?
- Green Flag: Breeders should ensure puppies come with AKC (American Kennel Club) papers when they go to their new homes. Be wary of breeders who use the term “papers” generically. AKC is the only U.S. registry that is non-profit and inspects its breeders to enforce care and conditions policies. The AKC care and conditions requirements are stricter than the USDA’s.
- Red Flag: High-volume breeders often partially register with AKC to avoid AKC inspections. This means not all of their dogs are AKC-registered and the puppies may not come with papers but the breeder still markets themselves as an AKC breeder.
- Pro Tip: View AKC papers as a bare minimum requirement but understand they are not themselves an indication of a responsible breeder. Look for an AKC Breeder of Merit and learn about the requirements here.
- What health tests do you perform on your dogs before breeding?
- Green Flag: Breeders should share specific health tests for their breed and their dogs’ results, ideally verified by the OFA Canine Health Information Center (CHIC).
- Red Flag: Vague statements about regular veterinary care or reliance solely on extensive DNA panels.
- Pro Tip: Breeders can pay a fee to have each dog’s health tests verified, publicly displayed and searchable on the OFA CHIC web site. Use this free search tool in your research.
- Are you a member of the AKC Parent Club for your breed?
- Green Flag: Membership in the breed’s AKC Parent Club usually indicates adherence to a code of ethics and breed standards.
- Red Flag: Blanket statements about not seeing the benefit without valid reasons.
- Pro Tip: Your breed’s parent club can be a great resource for finding breeders and may provide screening tips specific to your breed.
- How do you socialize your puppies?
- Green Flag: Look for a well-thought-out socialization protocol, possibly following programs like Puppy Culture or Avidog.
- Red Flag: Simple claims of raising puppies at home with occasional interactions with children or other adults in the home.
- Pro Tip: Programs like Puppy Culture get the puppies started on potty training, crate training and clicker training before they leave for their new homes.
- At what age do your puppies go to their new homes?
- Green Flag: Responsible dog breeders keep puppies until at least 8 weeks old, sometimes longer for toy breeds (9-12 weeks).
- Red Flag: Early separation from the litter.
- Pro Tip: Separation from the mother, which begins at weaning, and separation from the litter, are important parts of a puppy’s development.
- What veterinary care do your puppies receive before going home?
- Green Flag: Puppies should have vaccinations, a veterinary checkup, fecal check, deworming, and ideally, a microchip.
- Red Flag: Lack of veterinary care, no proof of vaccinations or worming protocol
- Pro Tip: Some states require puppies to have a veterinarian-issued health certificate at time of sale.
- Do you provide a health guarantee?
- Green Flag: Responsible breeders offer a contract which includes a health guarantee, showing they are confident in their breeding decisions.
- Red Flag: No health guarantee or a health guarantee that offers little to the buyer.
- Pro Tip: Even if there is no contract, some states have “puppy lemon laws”
- Do you have requirements for your puppy buyers?
- Green Flag: Breeders may have requirements for spay/neuter and specify basic standards of care.
- Red Flag: No requirements OR restrictions on veterinary care, forcing specific diets or products, especially when they come from MLM companies.
- Pro Tip: Ask for a copy of the contract in advance. Know what you’re getting into before that cute puppy is in your lap and too hard to resist!
When searching for a responsible dog breeder, these questions will help you identify the breeders committed to the health and well-being of their dogs. Always research and ask follow-up questions based on the information provided. A responsible breeder will be transparent and willing to share their knowledge and practices with you.
Why are these questions important?
You are helping to support ethical breeding practices that place the care and happiness of the dogs as the number one priority. And most importantly, your support of a responsible dog breeder is helping to put irresponsible breeders out of business, thereby reducing the population of dogs in shelters and rescue.
Click here to read the top 5 hallmarks of a responsible dog breeder.
Maximal Welcomes 5 Girls!
Our first litter in two years has arrived. Valor and Trevi gave us five healthy girls, born on June 1, 2024. The girls are now 1 week old and on schedule to double their birth weight in 10 days, which is a sign that the puppies are on the right track. You can follow the puppies’ progress on Facebook or Instagram.
Unfortunately, scammers have stolen our content in the past to create fake pages that advertise our puppies as their own, so we are now tagging all of our puppy content on social media with our name and instagram handle to make it easier for people to determine if they are viewing our original content or a fake account.
Manchester Terrier Health Update: New Health Test Added for Maximal Manchester Terriers
Understanding Manchester Terrier health is an important component of a successful and ethical breeding program. Manchester Terriers are not generally known for eye problems, however, it was recently brought to my attention that both the Toy Manchester Terrier and Standard Manchester Terrier might be affected by a late onset form of Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) called Progressive Rod Cone Degeneration (PRCD).
Further investigation is needed to determine whether this disease may affect our breed. Progressive Rod Cone Degeneration (PRCD) only affects dogs with two copies of the genetic mutation, so a carrier would not be affected. It is NOT known whether a Manchester Terrier with two copies of the mutation for PRCD would be affected, but it’s a possibility. It is important for breeders to complete their dogs’ OFA Eye exams regularly as an ongoing part of a health test program, and not just once before breeding. PRCD can be detected on eye exam when it is advanced enough. You can read more about PRA-PRCD here.
For now, I am recommending that breeders perform DNA testing for this disease until more is known. Should a breeder have carriers, it is nothing to be concerned about, as long as two carriers are not bred together. Should you have a dog with two copies of the genetic mutation for PRCD, annual OFA eye exams (conducted by an ophthalmologist) are strongly recommended. I personally have ordered test kits for all my dogs from GenSolDX. We have tested and received results for our dogs and they are all clear from the genetic mutation, which is a great relief.
This new health test is being added to an already comprehensive list of breed-specific and recommended genetic testing and health exams that are performed on all of our dogs here at Maximal Manchester Terriers before breeding:
- von Willebrand’s Disease
- Juvenile Dilated Cardiomyopathy
- Xanthinuria type 2A
- Autoimmune thyroiditis
- Legg-Calv-Perthes
- Patellar Luxation
- Eye Examination by a boarded ACVO Ophthalmologist
- Cardiac Evaluation by a Verterinary Cardiologist
- *NEW* Progressive Retinal Atrophy – Progressive Rod Cone Dengeneration (PRA-PRCD)
Video: Manchester Terrier Health Testing Basics for Breeders
Learn more about health testing available to Manchester Breeders in this recorded seminar that Michelle presented to educate breeders.
Myth busting: Top 3 Reasons People Prefer Male or Female Manchester Terriers
All Maximal Toy Manchester Terrier applicants are given the option to choose a particular gender. When adding a new canine companion to the family, whether it be an adult or puppy, many pet owners have preferences for a specific gender. Here are the most common reasons people give for wanting male or female Manchester Terriers.
Reasons people prefer male dogs:
- Physical: No risk of accidental pregnancy or mess associated with a heat cycle
- Temperament: Viewed as more eager to please and/or loving
- Make a better watch dog/ more protective
Reasons people prefer female dogs:
- No risk of marking (urinating on objects) in the home
- Smarter/easier to train
- Temperament: Viewed as more loving, and accepting of other dogs/pets, nurturing/tolerant
Aside from the obvious physical benefits of owning a male dog (first bullet above) the rest of these attributes based on gender are false. Yes, even the marking behavior can happen with female dogs, especially terriers!
This is why it’s important to keep an open mind regarding gender. The most important consideration for pet owners, is the gender of any dogs already in the home. This is doubly important with terrier breeds who are often prone to fighting with dogs of the same sex. If your new Manchester Terrier will be an only dog, then gender is even less important.
The best pet is going to be a spayed or neutered pet. This eliminates many of the concerns pet owners have such as risks of accidental pregnancy, messes due to marking/urinating or heat cycles, or quarreling with other dogs in the home.
Most importantly, keeping an open mind about gender will help us to match you with the right dog for your family and lifestyle, and shorten the wait time.