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Standard Schnauzer Health Survey of 2008
The health of our Standard Schnauzers is important to all of us who have the opportunity to own these wonderful dogs, the dog sitting in our chair, lying on our couch or sleeping on our bed is important to the future of our breed. To obtain an accurate picture of the health of the breed, we need information on all dogs, not just dogs showing in conformation, participating in performance events or existing in breeding programs.
Having a picture of the health of our breed helps to: (1) dispel rumors of diseases that are not issues for our breed; (2) identify potential genetic diseases before they are widely distributed in our gene pool; (3) if necessary, focus our attention to development of diagnostic DNA tests. Standard Schnauzer folks have already established a fund with the Canine Health Foundation to support research into diseases affecting our breed. It is essential to have data for a large number of dogs and it is as important to have data on healthy dogs as it is dogs with health problems.
The Health Survey Taskforce has attempted to be responsive to the suggestions and concerns expressed by the members.
- The survey instrument is similar to that of the Canine Health Foundation; it is short and focused, modified to meet specifics of our breed and available in several formats here on the web – see link below).
- The protocol for conducting the health survey has multiple steps to insure the confidentiality of the respondents and their dogs. This includes employment of a third party to serve as a firewall between the Health Survey Taskforce and identifiable data. All material is sent to Mr. Larry Hopkins, an individual who is not a member of any dog club. For information regarding Mr. Hopkins, see http://www.LKHopkins.com. He has served as data recipient for several breed club surveys and was highly recommended. Examples of his support are at http://www.LKHopkins.com/PBGV/ and http://www.LKHopkins.com/ascsurvey/. Having all surveys sent to Mr. Hopkins insures confidentiality of the respondents and prevents the possibility of identifying respondents or dogs.
- The survey does not include any questions dealing with respondent demographics – state of residence, time in breed, number of dogs owned, etc – that might suggest the identity of a participant.
- Each survey form has information for a maximum of 4 dogs, making it appear that no one owns (has owned) more than 4 dogs.
- Mr. Hopkins is not maintaining a list of individuals who submit surveys; envelopes are destroyed and emails addresses are deleted without recording names or addresses. Thus, there is no residual information to identify participants at any time in the future.
- The Taskforce is committed to providing a report of the results of the survey at the 2008 national specialty (see the April Newsletter for some early information). To provide time for data analyses, we need to have surveys submitted by July 1, 2008.
The survey forms may be downloaded in either WORD (e-form WORD) or rich text (e-form rtf), completed electronically, and submitted via email or printed and completed as a paper copy (pdf-form).
Simply click on the desired format above to obtain a survey form.
Most surveys are returned within the first weeks of distribution - take the time to complete the survey before tomorrow becomes next week becomes next month becomes .........
Achieving the benchmark of data for 1600 dogs requires the effort of all Standard Schnauzer owners and especially the dedicated commitment of breeders to obtain information from owners who have their puppies.
We need to make this project a success. Success is not solely a large number of surveys; there is also the personal satisfaction that comes from knowing that you have made a significant contribution towards maintaining the health of Standard Schnauzers - A mission for all owners
If questions, contract the Health Survey Taskforce: Dr. H. Mohrenweiser (mohrenweiser@wvi.com), Diana Wall (JFUN100@aol.com), Annamarie Appel (schnauzer@citlink.net), Dr. Diana Barber (irondogs@earthlink.net).
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