Support Changes to Tails and Dew Claws already voted in by members of Vizsla Canada Inc.

VOTE

YES

TO PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE VIZSLA  BREED STANDARDS

Vizsla Canada Inc. has submitted  amendments to the CKC  for changes to the  breed standard for both the Smooth and Wirehaired Vizslas. These changes have been approved by an official vote of the CKC national recognized Vizsla club membership, Vizsla Canada
Inc. These changes are on par with the status of tails and dew claws in many other countries. They also reflect the laws in several provinces of Canada.

Members of CKC now have a chance to voice their opinion on these changes. 
The CKC has already indicated their desire to have all breed standards include allowances for natural tails, dew claws and natural ears for all CKC approved breed standards.

It is the desire of the majority of members of the only National Vizsla club in Canada, and holders of the breed standard, that these changes be made part of the CKC breed standard.

The changes are summarized below.

VIZSLA (SMOOTH)

FOREQUARTERS Dewclaws should be removed if not removed, should be held tightly against the leg.

TAIL A portion is may be docked, approximately 1/3 so that the tip of the shortened tail is level with the juncture of the upper and lower thigh. Full length tails are not to be penalized.

FAULTS
7. Dewclaws not removed.

VIZSLA (WIREHAIRED)

FOREQUARTERS Dewclaws should be removed if not removed, should be held tightly against the leg.

TAIL The tail is of moderate thickness and may be docked to 2/3 of its original length. Full length tails are not to be penalized.

FAULTS Dewclaws.


These changes reflect the fact that full, natural tails and dew claws have been part of the Vizsla breed standards in many countries  for decades.    The parent club, Vizsla Canada, acknowledges  that both the CVMA and several provincial Vet Medical associations have adopted the policy that tail docking, dew claw removal and ear cropping are unecessary surgeries. These changes to their by-laws mean that veterinarians  may  be subject to penalties and withholding of licenses  for performing these surgeries. On top of that some provinces have provincial legislation that ban tail docking and dew claw removal. Vets in several other provinces are also looking into withdrawing their services for these things, which have been in conflict with their mandate as Veterinarians. This is not a sudden whim or fad. Many Veterinarians have a very good understanding that the bases for removing tails and dewclaws have been flawed and that removing their services for these surgeries will not be to the detriment of  dogs. The CVMA has already  approached CKC with notice that these services will be withdrawn and that the CKC needs to look into the process that will ensure that breed standards will reflect this.  

While Vizsla owners may have to make to some changes in their environment just as all owners of full tail dogs must do, there is absolutely no research to suggest that the tail of the Vizsla will be a great issue to most owners. Many countries have banned tail docking for years and the number of true issues have been extremely rare.

It is obvious our breed standard must reflect what the breed standard does in many countries as far as these man made adjustments to the breed; the natural tail  and presence of dew claws must be accepted on part as part of the breed standard.   Our breed standard must also reflect the current legal status of tail docking and dew claw removal for some  Canadians.  The Canadian Kennel club has indicated they will adjust the breed standards of all the breeds to accept natural tails, dew claws, and where applicable, to accept natural ears. The breed clubs have been given an opportunity to have some control over the wording. The present changes as approved by the membership of Vizsla Canada Inc. will meet  all of these requirements.  

If you are a CKC member, please vote  YES to accept the changes to accept natural tails and dew claws in our breed standard. 

Please vote before October 1st, 2012.