The 2005 IBC Conference took place in Mesquite, Texas in conjunction with the Borzoi Club of America National Specialty.
Conference Program:
“Borzoi Health and the Relaxing Quarantine Laws” by Ginger Jones
“The Borzoi as a Sighthound” by Patti Neale
“Borzoi Reproduction on an International Level” by Barbara Binder
“Borzoi Conformation Compared to Speed” by Anne Midgarden, DVM
“Breeder Issues from Around the World” Forum moderated by Patti Neale
“Borzoi Development” by James Sillers, DVM
The 9th Conference
By Jean Clare
In 1981 Arvid Andersen had the brilliant idea of arranging an International Borzoi Conference in Sweden. The main purpose of this was to discuss the possibility of writing an International Standard for the breed. The Conference was such a success that it lead to the formation of the International Borzoi Council, which has continued to hold Conferences every few years. So far Sweden, the U.K and the U.S.A. have each hosted two and France, Canada and Australia one.
The ninth Conference was held in Mesquite, Texas immediately after the BCOA National Specialty. This was wonderful for the overseas delegates, who had the chance to attend the show and all the related performance and social events. The downside was that having already been away from home for a week, few Americans were able to stay on for the Conference and so the number attending was smaller than usual. This did not prevent it from being a great success.
The proceedings commenced with a welcome from the IBC President, Conny Croneryd of Sweden. This was followed by an excellent seminar entitled ‘The Borzoi as a Sighthound,’ given by Patti Neale of the USA. This visual presentation illustrated very clearly the attributes required by a functionally efficient sighthound. In particular, clever use of Photoshop produced one of the best explanations of the difference between correct and incorrect front construction that I have ever seen. I am hoping that one day Patti can be tempted across the pond to give this presentation in England.
The morning continued with a seminar by Barbara Binder on ‘Borzoi Reproduction on an International Level.’ Barbara was very well qualified to give this talk as apart from being well known in Borzoi circles, she works for the International Canine Semen Bank. The successful use of A.I. and in particular frozen semen has escalated in recent years, thus making it easier than ever to share the gene pool. Barbara discussed the reasons for having a dog’s semen frozen and the collection, evaluation and freezing. She elaborated on the fairly complex regulations, considering the role of the importer, the stud dog owner and the freezing centre. She emphasized that the process took several months and instructions must be followed to the letter, advising that professionals be allowed to handle the documentation and shipping process. During the discussion I was surprised to learn that the U.K., usually renowned for its complex import regulations, simply requires that the donor dog must still be alive 6 months after semen collection. The semen can then be imported without further ado as the donor is obviously not infected with rabies! Unfortunately it is not so easy to satisfy the further criteria imposed by our Kennel Club.
After the usual excellent lunch, Virginia Jones spoke on ‘International Borzoi Health and the Relaxing Quarantine Laws’. She discussed the various health screening tests available and the role of the BCOA Health Committee, the AKC’s Canine Health Foundation and the foundations working on orthopedic and eye diseases. We are lucky that our breed is relatively free of inherited problems and it is good to have the support of these organizations to keep it that way.
Next to take the floor was Dr. Anne Midgarden, with her presentation entitled ‘Borzoi –Conformation Compared to Speed’. Anne is concerned that Borzois should not develop into different show and working types, as has occurred in some other breeds. This study seeks to identify those characteristics of Borzoi conformation that enhance speed and those that detract from it, speed being chosen because it is a critical feature of Borzoi function and can be measured. Each dog’s speed is measured by timing it running over 50 yards with a 50 yard running start. A series of measurements is then taken covering sighthound features listed in the Borzoi standard. So far, the conclusions are that more bladed bone, a short back to a long loin, tight elastic skin and high set ears are all positively related to speed. Combined together these factors explain approximately 68% of the differences in speed observed in the Borzois taking part in the study. Anne still needs more dogs to take part in this project and we are hoping to provide some for her in the U.K. when she visits this summer.
After enjoying the wonderful International Banquet Dinner, we reconvened that evening for a forum entitled ‘Breeder Issues from Around the World’. Patti Neale was the moderator and in the hot seats were Conny Croneryd, Helen Lee from Canada and myself. Patti asked us all various questions, beginning with a different person each time, then the topic was open for general discussion. The advantage of a small intimate group was obvious here as there was time for everyone to join in and most were happy to do so. Some of the questions were quite straight forward, asking for instance about exercise regimes and the age of your oldest Borzoi. Others required a lot more thought, for example, “What single quality would you most like to improve in your dogs?” One interesting fact to emerge was that all three of us had had to start over again at some time during our breeding program. A laugh was raised when Patti asked me to complete the sentence ‘I would never place a Borzoi that…’ and I immediately replied ‘…tried to bite me!’ The general consensus was that temperament was of the utmost importance. This was a most useful and enjoyable session and I think everyone was sad when it came to an end.
The following morning the IBC membership meeting was held. The IBC Charter states that it provides the opportunity for Borzoi fanciers to meet on an international level in order to exchange ideas and information, educating and building a world-wide community of members working together to promote the welfare of the Borzoi breed. Conny Croneryd welcomed all those attending. He was re-elected as President, with Sally Stasytis from Australia as Secretary and Angela San Paolo from the U.S.A. as Treasurer. It was decided that in future there would be only two additional Board members, those elected were Shen Smith (USA) and myself. It was agreed that the IBC should carry out its second health survey of the breed, and that although the International Standard is now in existence, some discussion of it should still be a feature of future Conferences. There are plans to document the history of the IBC and to make better use of its web site, also to resume the production of a newsletter. It was agreed that future Conferences should last a minimum of two days; personally I feel three is ideal. It is not necessary to fill the entire program with speakers, some of the best and most informative sessions are those where the delegates can simply discuss relevant topics. One of my most enjoyable memories of this trip is taking part in an impromptu discussion on the influence of imports which developed one morning over breakfast, the other participants being an American, a Canadian and a Swede.
Discussion then moved on to the next Conference, due to be held in 2008. Possible venues were St. Petersburg, Germany and South Africa, with St. Petersburg emerging as the undisputed choice. All those present were enthusiastic about continuing with the IBC and the Conferences, feeling that it is important to meet and discuss the condition and future of our breed and other points of interest.
Dr. Jim Sillers then had the unenviable task of presenting the last seminar of the Conference during the Farewell Luncheon. His talk had to be very rushed as most delegates had flights to catch. His photographic presentation was extremely interesting, depicting dogs at various ages to trace their development and comparing litter mates. I found this extremely frustrating as there was barely time to study a set of photos before it was necessary to rush on to the next. It was a great pity not to make better use of this wealth of information and I hope that Jim may be able to present an updated version at a future Conference.
We now found ourselves saying goodbye, with the exciting prospect of meeting again in St. Petersburg. The provisional schedule is that the Conference will be held on June 27th, 30th and July 1st , with shows on the intervening weekend providing the opportunity to see a number of Russian Borzois. July 2nd will be free for sightseeing then the World Show commences in Stockholm, with Borzois judged on July 5th. For those who can stay longer, the following weekend sees the famous Skokloster show in Sweden followed by the Swedish National. This will be the event for all devotees of the Borzoi, so be sure you are there!