The club's zone of influence encompasses the
North Island of New Zealand and it's activities are held within this area.
However, membership is open to bully lovers resident anywhere in the world. Feel
free to visit our website below and find even more information about Bull
Terriers! Activities include one Championship shows and one Open shows a year,
plus ribbon parades.
Major shows are held centrally, so that members
do not need to travel the length of the country to compete. Ribbon shows have
been held in Wellington, Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga and Taranaki. You can
download a club membership application form from the club website www.northislandbullterrierclub.co.nz
Health Concerns The club is very focused on educating the public
about health issues that can affect the breed. A stated objective is to promote
happy, healthy Bull Terriers at all levels of ownership. Although this breed is
very hardy - there are some hereditary problems associated with it, therefore
it must be every breeders aim to take responsibility for reducing the incidence
of these problems by testing their dogs before they are bred from, and
providing puppy buyers with written evidence that parents have been tested and
cleared of the following diseases;
Heart murmurs Patella Luxation Bull Terrier Hereditary Nephritis (BTHN) A
clearance on veterinary letterhead
would state the name and age of the dog tested and a physical description of
the dog. A photograph may also be included, and/or a microchip or tattoo
number. It would state that auscultation, or an ultrasound of the heart found
no abnormalities and that the patella’s were firm and could not be luxated.
BTHN testing takes the form of a urine test, sent to a laboratory to get a UPC
ratio reading. You would expect to read something like - "Urinalysis gave
a UPC ratio of ___". A reading below 0.50 is generally accepted as normal,
although a reading below 0.3 is desirable. These three tests need to be kept up
to date - within 12 months before any breeding. Ask to see proof that the
parents of the prospective puppy do not have these health problems - don't be
content with promises!
Occasionally
a deaf puppy is produced, and sometimes a bilaterally deaf pup (deaf in one
ear) will be born. The club's declaration of honour directs members not to
sell or breed from these dogs. Massey University has set up hearing testing
(BAER) for litters from around 5 weeks of age, and although this is not
compulsory it is an added bonus when buying a pup. In the 1990's another kidney
problem was found in many Bull Terriers in Australia and New Zealand
called Polycystic Kidney Disease. Fortunately, breeders were
quick to test for this and it has been virtually eradicated. Since then most
Bull Terriers imported into NZ are tested before breeding, but many domestic
lines have already been cleared. This 'PKD' should not be mixed up with BT
hereditary nephritis (BTHN) when checking out clearances of the parents of your
prospective puppy. BTHN is specifically tested for with a UPC ratio number. The
following link provides a good article outlining the reasons why breeders need
to be honest and ethical in their testing and breeding practices. The
breeders code of silence.
Temperament is
another very important consideration when purchasing a puppy. You will usually
get to see the mother when viewing a litter and occasionally the father. If
they are outgoing and friendly, their pups will probably also be outgoing and
friendly. After sales service is something you should expect
from your breeder and some type of assurance regarding what you can expect if
your puppy develops a health or behavioural problem. More information about
buying pups, including what to expect concerning your puppy's NZKC
registration papers can be obtained by contacting the club secretary.
Contact
Details
P O Box 44
Waihi
Phone: 021 022 67466
Email: northislandbullterrierclub@yahoo.co.nz
www: northislandbullterrierclub.co.nz
Committee
Contacts
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