A Tribute to CH. Clas Myrrdin's Morrigan HOF

Morrigan

Any Mastiff owner can tell you multiple reasons why their dog is special. Mastiffs have a way of worming into your heart and filling it. Once there, you are amazed that you never knew what you had been missing and you can't imagine life without them. The love and pride you feel will lead you don't roads you never would have trod.

Take the story of Morrigan. Jim & Laura bought her as a "pet" and as she grew into adulthood realized what a wonderful dog she had become. Jim felt so strongly about Morrigan's worth, that he began looking and educating himself about the breed in general. He also began a search for a Stud dog to breed to Morrigan.

Alone the way, he realized the important of health testing--which he did and Morrigan passed all her OFAs with flying colors--she also was tested for PRA. She had "cleared" all her pre-breeding screens. Now, he just needed to find the right stud dog.

Jim located Susie Farber of Caledonia Mastiffs and found her stud dog Ford, Ch. Caledonia Built to Last, and fell in love with him. He resolved to breed Morrigan to Ford and began an earnest campaign to convince Susie his Morrigan was worthy enough to breed to Ford. After some time, Susie agreed and the breeding was done.

From that first breeding, an amazing group of dogs were whelped. Most of these dogs were placed as companion dogs in family homes, but those who were placed in show homes completed their championships easily. Susie was so pleased with what had been produced that she encouraged Jim to show Morrigan and to consider breeding her back to Ford. So a few months later, Morrigan began to show and took a 4-point major. She was then bred for her second litter.

Although all had not gone smoothly with the delivery of her first litter, both Jim and Susie were agreeable to repeating the breeding. Morrigan was slated to be bred on her next heat, because she had developed Pyrometria after her first litter and it was the advice of the vet to bred her back to back. Eight months later, Morrigan's second litter was whelped and it was at this point I met Jim, Laura, and Family.

I had found this second litter advertised on the Devine Farm site and I was estatistic about it for Morrigan is a grand-daughter of my foundation bitch, Ch. Matic's Lady Madolin of Kiokee. For several years, I had unsuccessfully searched to find a puppy from this line and had failed. It was with great delight that I contacted Jim about his litter and he agreed to place with me a beautiful brindle girl, my Boudi.

From this second litter , we took four of these special puppies to the MCOA National Speciality in French Lick Indiana in 2006. We had a great trip, met some wonderful folks and received lots of praise for our dogs. We also had the pleasure of witnessing Morrigan completing her AKC Championship in 2005. Wonderful days for us all.

Over the last 4+ years, I have had the opportunity to develop a friendship with the Bennetts. I have also met and know a few of Boudi's "extended family" and their owners. From these associations other friendships have evolved. We all share a love for our beautiful Morrigan babies. I had the pleasure of having her visit and stay with me in our home, and if possible, I love her as much as Jim and Laura do.

Jim had planned on breeding Morrigan one last time, but unfortunately it was not to be. In 2006, Morrigan was lost at age 5 1/2 due to a probable cancer discovered at Auburn University Vet school. We all cried when Jim told us of his loss. Jim had stood by her side as they put her to sleep, he then lovingly brought her home to lay at rest overlooking his home and her family. Jim could console his grief with the knowledge that Morrigan's children and grand children would continue on to other wonderful accomplishments. Each day from the front doorstep of his home, he could look out to see her live on in each one.

In the past year, I have experienced the pleasure of breeding to two of Morrigan's sons--Oscar and Trojan. Each of them have sired beautiful litters out of my girls, Reba and Sara Lee. Each of these boys have sired a daughter who has the "Morrigan Mark" (as I call it) -an hourglass shaped white patch on the lower abdomen between the hind legs. It pleases me to see this in my puppies and to know that Morrigan lives on.

Jim's dream had been to put Morrigan into the MCOA Hall of Fame. An honor bestowed on MCOA members who own a bitch that produces five or more champions. After her passing, those of us who owned her puppies made it our dream, too. In 2005, Heather Boggs of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin had finished her Tug-- Ch. Morrigan's Tug O War. In 2006, Jennifer McKemie of Lithia Springs, Georgia had finished her Oscar--Ch. Morrigan's Cu Mac Shimidh and in 2007 she finished her Chocolate-Ch. Morrigan's Godiva. In 2007, Jim finished Trojan-Ch. Morrigan's Hector. Jim's Lily and Lexus were pointed as was my Boudi. At this point, we just needed one more champion.

On March 9th, 2008, my Boudi, won her second 3-point major completing her AKC Championship making her Ch. Morrigan's Celtic Queen of Kiokee. This is also the day that beautiful Morrigan became eligible for the MCOA Hall of Fame.

I waited until, I left the show site to call Jim and our cell phone connections was terrible. After a few tries, we finally got connected so that he could hear me tell him that I had a "new Champion" in my van. For a few seconds, I heard only silence and I thought I had lost him again. With barely a whisper, Jim thanked me. I could hear the choked backed tears and I cried, too. In his search for a better phone reception, he had wandered over next to Morrigan's grave, and there he stood next to her as he got the news that we had all waited so long to hear. You could almost hear the thump of a satisfied tail. We both knew that where ever she was, she shared in our happiness as any proud Mastiff mother would.

So many events and so many people have evolved from that one single action of taking a Mastiff puppy home. Experiences and events that may have never happened except for that one decision. It's my belief, that all things happen for a reason. Morrigan was the conduit for so many life events for so many different people. Morrigan was meant for Jim, Laura, James, and Sidney.

Who says a dog can't change your life?

Cathy (Catie) Arney Kiokee Mastiffs

Dog Show Success

As owners, we feel pride when our dogs win; as handlers we feel relief, but it is as breeders that we feel satisfaction when our dogs win. We place our faith, beliefs, and hopes on the line every time we walk into the ring to show; the faith and beliefs we have in our breeding program and our dogs that we are doing what needs to be done to improve and breed the best. The belief and the hope that others will see what we see in our dogs. After almost 25 years of showing, I can tell you that anything can happen.



















Boudi Winning Winner's Bitch Under Judge Arley Hussin for a 3-point major!

For those who don't know, in order to get an AKC championship a dog must win a minimal of 15 points; and in it's wins two of the wins must be majors. Majors are wins where a dog is awarded a 3, 4 or 5 point win. Often getting those "majors" are all that keeps a dog from becoming a champion. Getting down to the wire and needing those majors has kept many a dog show person on the road in search of a few last wins. It has also made a few quit.

With the economy tighting, folks are being to show less and the dog show entries are down making it difficult to find shows where there are "majors". Combine that with the games some people play--I.E. Some folks enter and never show up--change their mind at the last minute. A few go the first day, get beat and leave. Some will show up, see who is entered and either pull their dog or leave if they don't think they can win.--and the owner/handler has a difficult time finishing a dog. A few of us old timers consider these actions to be "sour grapes" and just a case of poor sportsmanship and manners. It's truly a case of "when the going gets tough--the tough get going." One needs to have a strong sense of faith and belief in themselves and their dog to keep on entering and going to shows.

I have been in that position some time while showing Boudi. She is my big beautiful brindle girl that personifies all that is correct in a Mastiff. As anyone who has ever shown a Brindle will tell you--It often takes much more effort to finish that championship. Some Judges just don't like brindles and there is definitely a "color prejudice" in the Mastiff ring. Only the toughest of Mastiff owners show brindles. At time, It takes a stout heart and a tough hide to survive the dog show ring with a brindle. This past weekend we finally accomplished our goal--we obtained our championship.

We entered the shows in Hilton Head, SC and with the help of a few good friends--we built majors so as some of us could have a shot at finishing our dogs. It takes the cooperation of other breeders, owners, and handlers to show and finish dogs. NO one can finish their dogs by themself. We all must work together. We enter puppies to help make entry numbers often knowing that in most cases--they are not going to win because the older more mature dogs usually win. Each of us know that in time as our puppies and young dogs matured, our fellow exhibitors would be entering their young dogs so as to provide numbers enough for us to finish our dogs. As my grand mother would say" one hand washes the other." Thank you to all my fellow exhibitors for coming, showing and staying with your dogs. I couldn't have done it without you!

Boudi winning Winner's Bitch for her second 3-point Major and completing her new AKC Championship under Judge Robert Shreve

Boudi did go Winners Bitch both days giving her two very coveted 3-point majors and awarding her an AKC championship. By winning her championship, Boudi also help place her Dam, Ch. Clas Myrrdin Morrigan owned by Jim Bennett in Carrolton, Ga into the MCOA Hall of Fame as a top producer. For me, this is a doubly sweet victory for Morrigan is the grand-daughter of my own beloved Maddie. As I gave Jim the good news on Sunday, he was standing by the grave of his beloved Morrigan. Both Jim and I cried as I told him the news. This is a well deserved honor for a wonderful dog and owner and I am so happy that we could be a part of it.

Gidget (Kiokee Against All Odds) winning Best Puppy. She also placed 4th in the Puppy Working Group!

On Saturday, Boudi's daughter, Gidget--Kiokee Against all Odds- won Reserve Winner's bitch from the 6-9 month old class. This was Gidget's first show weekend and she hit it full stride showing the world that she is going to be a wonderful show dog. Gidget also won Best Puppy on Saturday and then won Fourth place in the Working Puppy Group later that day! What a way for a baby to begin their show career. Thank you to Crystal Landreth of Pisgah Forest Mastiffs for showing my little demon in the Winner's class and Best Puppy competition. I couldn't have done it without you! I can't want to see the Photo of the win!

It has been said, that "Joy shared is Joy doubled". For me, the best win is a win that is shared and I do share this win with all those who help make it happened. Crystal & Matthew Lambeth and Sara Elkin for your friendship and support; Jim Bennett for my Boudi and giving Morrigan a wonderful home; Kathy Roberts and Jennifer McKemie for your undying friendship and staunch support; Mitch, Leila, and Amiee--my family who has always supported me and shared my dream. You made this day very special to me. Thank you all.

Last July when Boudi and her puppies were so ill --I didn't know if I would see a day when one of Boudi's puppies would enter the show ring. To have Gidget survive was a miracle and to see the blossoming potential in her gives me hope as a breeder. To know that my win is also the win of a friend is truly sweet. This is why I own, breed and show my dogs. This is my definition of success.

Boudi Chillin' after a hard day at the dog show!

How Fast They Grow!!

Gracie, Hope and Gidget


Mastiff puppies grow really fast often weighing 75 to over 100 lbs. by 5-6 months. We joke about the "thundering herd" when we let them out to play in the yard. Try scooping the yard with three of them running full hilt around you. Eventually, someone is going to clip you behind the knee, run straight into you, or give you a cold nose in the seat of your pants!! Life is never boring when you have more than one puppy!


Cold sunny days seem to be a Mastiff favorite. They love the colder weather--it makes all of them want to run and play--even the old Grand-dams--Vidalia & Zena- seem to have more spring in their step! However they would much rather get out of the way and just lay in the sun.

All three of these girls are growing well and have sweet, warm loving temperaments. Gracie and Hope are now exactly the same size--one has to look very carefully to tell them apart!! I am so proud of Hope and Gidget--both have made wonderful recoveries from their earlier set backs and are growing well. Gidget is a bit smaller than Grace and Hope but I expect she will eventually catch up.





The Terribel Three--Grace, Hope & Gidget



What you got, Mom? Something to eat?



Guard dog duty--must bark at the mailman as he walks down the sidewalk.

An "American Mastiff" is not a "Mastiff"-

As a breeder of "English Mastiffs", I do get calls from owners of "American Mastiffs" looking to buy a puppy or to breed their dog to one of mine. That's almost as bad as asking the racehorse owner of a Triple Crown winner to breed to a plow horse. Unfortunately, there is a sea of misinformation about the differences and likeness of these two very different dog breeds.

The "English Mastiff"--also known as the "Mastiff" --is recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and was one of the earliest breeds to be recognized and registered by AKC. It is considered by many to be one of seven "basic" dog breed types. Many other breeds have foundations built from the Mastiff breed and are considered to be Molosser Breeds. I often described them as "kinfolk" to Mastiffs--Great Danes, Bull Mastiffs, Saint Bernard's, Greater Swiss Mountain dogs, Bernese Mountain dogs, Bloodhounds just to name a few. The Mastiff is an original and is a long established breed existing since before the Middle ages.

The "American Mastiff" is a designer breed recognized by the Continental Kennel Club and has only been in existence less than 25 years. It was created by crossing the English Mastiff with a livestock guard dog breed --Anatolian Shepherd. This breed's founder stated her purpose was to eliminate genetic health problems, increase the life expectancy, and to produce a "dry Mouth" mastiff. Also often advertised as an "improved" Mastiff and marketed as a potential "new Breed", it is in fact a cross-bred--7/8 Mastiff and 1/8 Anatolian Shepherd. Many an owner of an "American Mastiff" will inform you it is the SAME dog as an "English Mastiff" only born here in "America"--thus it's an "American Mastiff". I hate to be the messenger of bad news-- but that ain't so, folks.

The "AmMa"(American Mastiff) is a designer dog created to meet a marketing need within the companion/pet dog market. Although they do appear to be very similar to an English Mastiff and are often sold for the same price-they are not the same.

A pure-bred dog can offer his owners a specific size, shape, color and temperament and will bred true. This predictability comes from years of selective breeding for traits that are desirable and away from traits that are undesirable. This is one of the reasons that every AKC breed has a "breed Standard" a guideline of sorts that states how these characteristics should appear in that breed. Thus, dogs bred by that standard will appear and be more similar than dogs bred from a mixed or random population.

An AmMa can not and will not breed true to type because of an unpredictable mixture. One can only make a guess at what color, coat, body shape, height, temperament, head will be produced in the next generation. But more importantly, by mixing the English Mastiff with the Anatolian Shepherd--the predictability of behavior and temperament-one of the most essential characteristics of the English Mastiff--is lost.

Many AmMa owners discover marked aggressive traits in their young dogs at 8-24 months ; a period of canine development when all dogs go through a fear and dominance stage. Because of the influence of the Anatolian Shepherd which is a Guarding breed-- an inborn "guarding instinct" begins to develop and these dogs can become very aggressive toward strangers and if they have not been socialized and obedience trained, very difficult to train and control. These dogs can become too aggressive for the average owner to keep and they find their once loving manageable puppy has now become an uncontrollable dominate dog. It takes a very experienced "dog savey" person to handle a dog with aggression and dominance issues. Most dog owners are poorly prepared to deal with these problems in any dog much less a giant breed.

It is at this stage that Mastiff rescue is often called to step in to take these dogs from owners who no longer want or can keep them. Currently the AmMa Breeders' Council has no rescue program and the breed founder will not accept her own dogs back when contacted by Mastiff Rescue. If the dog has been surrendered to a shelter without the registration papers, Mastiff rescue can not determine 100% of the time if the dog is an AmMA or a Mastiff. Often the determining factor is a history of aggression (has bit a family member or numerous incidents of aggression) or the dog demonstrates aggression when evaluated by the rescue volunteer. This behavior alone makes it easy to spot the difference between an AmMa and a Mastiff.

I have had the experience as a Mastiff rescue volunteer with this breed. To this date, I have only been able to place one AmMa into a home--and it bit 3 time after being placed. The owner must keep this dog secured at all times. How do I know it was an AmMa? I had the CKC papers from the owner and it was bred by this breed's creator. (FYI--when we contacted her to see if she would take her dog back--she refused because it had been neutered and she doesn't take back neuters/spayed dogs).

As far as the claims to having superior health and longer life--the AmMa breed "founder" can not provide any documentation to support this claim. Even the tetimonials from her puppy buyers show dogs with life spans shorted by chronic diseases, cancer and other ailments. Where is that "improved" life span? The foundation dogs used--both Mastiff and Anatolian Shepherd--were not health tested and No records can be found of any Hip, elbow, or patella OFAs, no CERF exams, and no DNA PRA testing of foundation dogs. There is also no health testing on any dogs used in current breeding programs. The claims of superior health is based on "hearsay" and can not be substantiated at present. It seems that most of the "superior" health claims are based on "hybrid Vigor".

FYI- "hybrid vigor" only exist for the first generation in an F1 out cross breeding. Since AmMa are now into their 25th+ years of breeding--they are well past any influence of hybrid vigor. With out actual health testing--i.e. CERF exams, OFA of hips, elbows, patellas, hearts, and thyroid, and DNA testing-there is no proof. A few members of the AmMa breeders Council has begun to do some health testing of their breeding stock--but one generation does not "clear" a breed of health issues. Hopefully, they will also add temperament testing of Adult dogs. A CGC on a puppy is nice, but showing that your 2 year old dog passed is more impressive.

Many potential buyers flock to this new "breed" because they want to look and size of an English Mastiff, but they do not want the "drooling". Hate to break the news, but AmMa drool. too. Yes, some of them will drool less because they have a less deep muzzle--the bigger and deeper the head the more apt the dog is to drool. So if you breed a dog with a smaller more pointed nose, it will drool less. But think people, is 1/8 going to prevent a dog from drooling? Reason this thought out, folks. Besides, If you don't like drool--get a cat.

Am AmMa is supposedly 7/8 English Mastiff--so what have you improved? How have you improved the genetic makeup and health issues? Come on folks--just think for a minutes; if one begins with untested dogs, a couple of whom have unknown pedigrees (the breed creator did not even know for sure what breed the dog was!), and they NEVER test their dogs for health problems---how can you say they have "less" health problems? I will point out that it's a fact IF you don't test and look for and detect health problems--then you can state you don't have any health problems and that your dogs are "improved".

The Mastiff Club of America (MCOA) is opposed to the cross breeding of any pure bred dog for the purpose of whim and fancy. These mixed breed dogs are not less prone or exempt from know genetic diseases and problems BUT more prone to the diseases common in both breeds. An AmMa offers none of the advantages that owning a purebred Mastiffs has to offer.

Avoid the temptation to purchase a "designer Mastiff". Please do search for a reputable Mastiff Breeder who can educate and provide you with the health information of their dogs. The addition of a dog into your family should be a lifetime commitment--not a purchase based on owning the latest "new" dog breed. In some cases, your nearest animal shelter could provide you with the same designer dog at a much cheaper price.

Do be a prudent and informed buyer. Learn about our breed, visit breeders, go to dog shows and meet other owners, and research information for your self. Please do a careful study and consideration of all aspects of dog ownership BEFORE you get a dog. Make sure any dog you bring home is the right dog for you and your family.

There is only one "Mastiff"--it is an original with an established, documented history. All others are just cheap, inferior imitations. There can be only one.

I will be most happy to answer any questions about my statements and personal opinions.

Those of you who wish to own and breed American Mastiffs--I respectfully ask that you step up to the plate and take responsibility for the dogs you breed and own. Microchip your puppies before sale so as to permanently identify them; accept back the dogs you have bred when their owners can no longer keep them. Contribute to Mastiff rescue to help met some of the cost incurred rescuing and caring for your dogs. It's your right to breed them; so now become responsible for what you have produced.

Please feel free to contact me at Kiokeemastiffs@embarqmail.com.

JMO--Why Breeders Should Health Test

I receive quite a few inquires about my dogs. One of the most frequent questions is, "Do you Health test. Why?"

I view health testing as a screening tool. When we OFA our dogs' hips, elbows, patellas, hearts, and thyroid we can eliminate dogs from our breeding program with these problems. ALL dogs should be DNA tested for PRA or be cleared by parentage before breeding. ALL dogs should have a CERF exam to detect other genetic eye abnormalities. By eliminating dogs with health problems, the odds for producing dogs without health problems should increase each generation.

Is it a 100% guarantee? No, it's not; some health problems can be recessive and one will never know they are there until the right two dogs are bred to create it. Yet, myself and many other breeders feel this is much better gamble for us as breeders and for you as buyers than buying a puppy from untested lines. Could you spend $5-6,000 to replace both hips in a dysplastic dog? Would you be able to care for a fearful dog blind from PRA? Would you be able to care for a dog with epilepsy?

Any dog breeder who tells you they have no genetic problems in their line is a liar. American Mastiff ( a cross breed-7/8 English Mastiff and 1/8 Anatolian Shepherd- not AKC recognized) breeders state their dogs are free of health problems often present in English Mastiffs. Yet when asked to prove this statement, they can not produce health testing to back up this statement. Where are their health testing results? There is no evidence to document any health testing done in foundation stock (as the founder claims) or in present dogs used for breeding at the "primary" breeding facility of the considered "founder" of this "breed." When asked to produce documentation and list the Mastiffs she used as her "foundation stock"--she has refused. She can provide no documentation that her "American Mastiffs" are bred from dogs clear of genetic problems or that she has health tested any of her dogs.

Can one truthfully state they know of no problems--IF they don't test? Is a 100% guarantee you will find NO problems if you DON"T health test; but your dogs are not FREE of health problems--you just don't know what you have! ALL dogs lines have genetic problems. It's only through health testing that we can detect, isolate and breed to decrease genetic problems. An ethical breeder will truthfully disclose any known health problems in their lines to puppy buyers and breed to eliminate those problems.

No breeder or owner can look at a dog move and "know" whether they have hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, or patella problems The same with cardiac Problems, eye problems, and vWB; but a simple exam by a qualified vet can Clear and "verify" the health status of your dog. No dog should be bred if it has genetic health problems. This is why ethical breeders health test--so as to eliminate dog with health problems from their breeding programs.

Anyone can pull up this information on the OFA site for any OFA tested dog. An informed buyer can verify the health testing of the parents, grand-parents and any other dogs they wish.
The OFA site is listed as a link here on my blog--please do verify the health information on any of my dogs.

I am proud to state that in 25 years of breeding, I have NEVER produced a dog that developed bilateral hip or elbow dysplasia nor have I ever BRED a dog that had bilateral hip/elbow dysplasia. I have never bred a dog that developed epilepsy or PRA. There are not many breeders who have breed over 20 years that can make those same statements truthfully.

I am appalled at the breeders who breed dogs with bilateral hip and elbow dysplasia, PRA, and epilepsy. There can be no justification for breeding dogs with known health problems; I don't care how much you paid for the dog, or how much you spent showing and obtaining it's AKC Championship, or who it's sire and dam are; these are not reason to justify breeding a dog with health problems. As a breeder, if two of your dogs are bred and they produce puppies with these health problems--why would you REPEAT the same breeding? The breed would be better off if you spayed/neutered the dogs and never bred them again.

I have very little respect for breeders who do not health test. I have no respect for breeders who bred dogs with or to dogs with known health or temperament problems. These type of actions do not lead to the overall betterment of our breed. To create a "designer breed" and then claim it to have "superior" overall health because of "hybrid vigor" and lack of "genetic problems"and use no health testing to establish this claim is a lie.

It is the ethical duty of all breeders to breed to improve the overall health, longevity, temperament, intelligence, and trainability of any breed. Our goal should be to produce dogs that are trainable, have an increase life expectancy and less health issues, and are a joy to live with as family companions and pets.

In the long run that's better than a Best in Show win any day. Of course, that just my opinion.

Fading Puppy Syndrome--Canine Viral Herpes

As a breeder, there are always obstacles and difficulties in raising any litter of puppies. A fellow breeder once commented to me that Mastiff puppies are born with a death wish--that at times no matter how hard one works to raise them that some are going to be lost. Any Vet will tell you that a 30% death rate in a litter is AVERAGE. As a breeder, I find that totally unacceptable--so I work hard to raise every puppy we whelp.

For the first 3 weeks , breeders work to keep their puppies fed and warm. Their eyes open, and soon it's time to begin soft food. We allow ourselves a sigh of relief; we can feel a sense of relief for our first big hurtle is over. Then overnight, the puppies begin to lose weight; they don't eat or even nurse, and then they begin to die. One by one they simple "fade away" and Fail to thrive.

Often a vet can find no active disease or health reason for puppies to Fade. A very over looked possible cause is Canine viral herpes. For a breeder, it's an unbelievable nightmare. Often by the time the diagnosis is made, all the puppies have died or become too sick to survive. CVH shuts down the immunity system of the puppies allowing secondary infections to set up and often it;s theses secondary infections that kill the puppies. The puppies fail to respond to routine treatment; they present with symptoms similar to distemper or Parvo but will test negative.

Canine Viral herpes often is brought into a breeders home by a visiting dog or even your own dog who has been to a show or boarded at a kennel. One may even may contract the virus at doggy day care or the dog park. It's usually not a life threatening illness in an adult dog; a healthy dog will have a runny nose and mattered eyes for a few days. A Owner may attribute these symptoms to seasonal allergies or even a "cold." Without any special care the dog gets better in about a week. However during this time, it can infect every dog it comes in contact.

When this virus is introduced shortly after you have bred a bitch (the first 3 weeks), she will absorb her puppies. If introduced in the second 3 weeks (week 4 to 6 of her pregnancy), she will abort or prematurely deliver stillborn puppies. A bitch exposed in her last 3 weeks of pregnancy may deliver her puppies, but they will be undersized, weak, and often exhibiting poor ability to nurse. A breeder may become frustrated at the overall poor quality of these puppies. After a few days, they begin to die off one at a time, and a Vet may attribute it to "fading Puppy syndrome."

We can expose our dogs unintentionally to this virus and bring a breeder's worst nightmare into our homes. To make this lost all the more potent; in Europe there is a vaccine approved and in use to prevent CVH; however, it is unavailable to Vets and dog owners here in the United States. Two simple vaccinations given to your brood bitch can eliminate and prevent this disease from occurring. However according to sources at Merial ( the company who produces the Vaccine in Europe), FDA approval in the US may never occur because this vaccine will not "fit" the USDA requirements for Titer rise.

In July of 2007, I experienced CHV in my two Mastiff litters. Nothing the vet or we did could save 9 of the 10 puppies from the first litter. As I was reeling from the loss of these beautiful babies, my second litter at age 6 weeks began to show the same symptoms. Within 49 hours, I lost my only male from my second litter. It was at this point, I put out a plea to my fellow Mastiff owners via the Internet for help and input from anyone who had experienced the same problem with a litter.

It was through networking, with the Mastiff community and the input various breeders gave me that I began to develop a treatment plan. The virus had completes destroyed my puppies' immunity system leaving them open to any and all infections. I began my puppies on a combination of Clavamox and Metronidozole antibiotics, subcutaneous IV fluids ( Normal Saline and Lactated Ringer's) to prevent dehydration, Kayro syrup to maintain blood sugar, and Pro Biotics paste to help correct and re-establish intestinal Flora, and serum injection from one of my older dogs.

Research on the Internet lead me to try a very controversial treatment to save my puppies-the use of serum from one of my older bitches. A previous study done in England had shown that by giving puppies the serum of an older dog, a passive immunity could be passed onto the puppies. One should pick an older dog who is healthy with an intact immune system, whom has had an exposure to other dogs ( a retired show dog is an excellent example), and one who has possibly already been exposed and has developed an immunity to CVH.

CVH is a ubiquitous virus and is part of the kennel cough complex--it is extremely common, so trying to prevent it's spread between adult dogs is pointless. Transmission occurs through direct contact--simple nosing, licking, sniffing, drinking water from a common container, etc--and may also be passed through sexual contact. The ability of an infected dog to maintain antibodies is variable--some infected dogs after a few months show no antibodies and others will have an antibody level persisting for many years. An active infection will cause a four-fold ride in antibody levels within a 10-14 day period. So the highest titers will be in dogs exposed within a 3-4 week period.

I had an older bitch who fit this bill, Vidalia. She was exposed at about the same time as my litter dams, had showed a few minor symptoms but had been fully recovered for several weeks. My rationale was that she would have the highest level of antibodies to this virus. As a previous show dog--she may have also been exposed to the CVH on an earlier occassions and a re-exposure would have cause an additional rise in her titer. Thank Good, my vet was willing to try this approach, for it worked.

I began the serum injections and saved one of Boudi's puppies--my Gidget. I lost the male from Mona's litter, but save all 4 of the girls with 3 of them never getting ill. Hope was the sickest, but turned the corner in five days , began to improve and is now growing normally. (P.S. Hope completed her AKC Championship at 1 year and 15 days and is maturing into a very lovoely, completely normal bitch. Sister Gracie has also almost completed her AKC Championship annd is completely normal. Gidget is on the small side, but completely normal.)

It's an experience I hope never to repeat. Ironically, if I had been in Europe, two simple vaccinations for each of my girls would have saved all their puppies. We need this vaccination here in the United States, but due to red tape and years of paperwork via the FDA and USDA we may not see it here for another 10 years.

If the commerical breeding kennels began having a mass outbreak of CHV in their breeding facilities, I bet we would have approval of this vaccine within a few months instead of years. Money talks and the average hobby/show breeder does not produce enough "business" for the vaccine companies to make money. What ever happened to helping others? We need a researcher for canines much like Jonas Salk was for the children of the world.

I do have my "miracle Babies"--Grace, Hope, and Gidget. Go to their blogs and see my wonderful, loving babies.

All In the Family

We are so please to present some of the "rest of our Family"--dogs we have bred that are loved and owned by others. A few are show dogs but most are just wonderful loving companions. So here they are doing what they do best--just being Mastiffs!

CH. Kiokee Stonehouse Sir Oliver Twist

What a show week for Ollie! Ollie was entered in the SSMF supported entry shows Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in Priceville, Alabama and won Winners dog all three days! You just can't stop a winner when they are on a roll! These pictures tell it all.

On Friday Ollie went Winners' Dog under Breeder Judge Teresa L. Hudspeth for a 4 point major (his second major).


On Saturday, Ollie went Winners' Dog and Best of Winners for his second 4-point major of the weekend under Breeder Judge James Hudspeth.

On Sunday, Ollie went Winners' Dog and Best of Winners for 2 points finishing his championship under Judge Robert J. Sherve at the age of 22 1/2 months in only 3 weekends of showing!

Ollie's first win (at 19 months and his second time in the ring) going Winner's Dog, Best of Winners and Best of Breed under Judge Don Teague for a 5-point major.

Ollie is from our Vidalia and Willie Litter. He is pictured above winning Winner's Dog for a 5 point major, Best of Winners, and Best of breed under Judge Don Teague his second time in the ring! To make this Best of Breed win all the more sweeter--It was over several special including 3 national ranked dogs. Quite a nice win for a 19 month old dog. Ollie certainly made heads turn that day! Needles to say his owner, Geri Hillgress of Canton, Georgia was speechless.

Ollie also went Winner's Dog for three days back-to back wins for two 4-point majors, and for a 2 points win to finish his championship at the Priceville, Ala. shows which were also SSMF supported entries. Anytime a dog can stand toe to toe with other Mastiffs from across the southeast and win under two breeder judges--you have an exceptional dog. What a great way to finish a championship!!

Ollie is Geri's first Mastiff and first show dog. Geri did all the right things--she took him to puppy obedience classes, socialized him and raised him to be a good canine citizen. He is a happy go lucky boy in the ring full of piss and vinegar. He is a handful but he is expertly shown by C. J. Farve, PHA. Than you CJ for ALL your hard work! Your expertise made Ollie look his best and you made both Geri and myself very proud of Ollie.

Ollie was co-bred by myself and Karen & Micheal McBee of Stonehouse Mastiffs and is a wonderful tribute to his late sire, Ch. Stonehouse Steamboat Willie. Although he was bought to be a "pet", Geri and family recognized what an exceptional dog Ollie is and agreed to show him. Boy, are we happy she did!!

Thank you Geri and family for giving our boy a wonderful loving home and letting him show the Mastiff world that a beautiful, funloving family Mastiff can be an exceptional show dog.

Stonehouse Wes By Gosh Virginia

Here is Wesley winning Winner's Dog, Best of Winners, and Best of Breed for his first 3-point major under Judge Dr. Harry Smith, shown by his owner and co-breeder Karen McBee.

Here is Wesley winning Winner's Dog and Best of Winners for his second 3-point major under Judge Dr. Ronald L. Spritzer shown by his co-breeder, Catie Arney.

Wesley is a littermate to Ollie and is owned by Karen and Miceal McBee of Stonehouse Mastiffs. Wesley is a combination of his sire and dam's best qualities. He is funloving and a bit hard-headed, but tempered with a loving and kind demeanor. Karen and Wesley visit local schools, where Wes is a "reading" dog. Wesley makes the third generation of school therapy dogs owned by the McBees.

I am so very proud of this lovely boy. We expect to see him finish his championship.

Kiokee's Mirra Image of Morrigan

Mirra winning her first points at 6 months of age under Judge Jean Fournier
Mirra is our pick puppy from our Reba (Kiokee Get "Er Done) and Oscar ( Ch. Morrigan's Cu Mac Shimidh) litter whelped 3/7/2007. Mirra is pictured above winning Winner's Bitch, Best of Winners and Best of Opposite Sex ( over an adult special) . She is being handled by her co-breeder and co-owner--Jennifer McKemie of Lithia Springs, Georgia. Mirra is also proudly co-owned by Sandra McCurry of Snellville, Georgia. This was just Mirra's second weekend out on the show circuit. What a wonderful win to begin a show career!

Kiokee Athena

Athena

Athena is also from our Reba & Oscar litter. She is owned and loved by the Tammie & Dean Anderson family in Bellevue, Nebraska. Although placed as a family companion dog, Athena is blossoming into a therapy and obedience dog. Tammie enrolled in puppy classes--just as we advise and instruct all our puppy buyers--and discovered the absolute joy of a true working dog.

Athena showed herself to be an outstanding student; so much that Tammie and Athena are now enrolled in the Bellevue Obedience Club and have begun Beginner's Classes. Her puppy class instructor and her Vet have recommended her to enroll and begin training as a therapy dog.

Jennifer, Leila, and I are so very proud of this lovely girl. Athena is just what we were hoping to produce when this litter was planned. Our goal was to produce dogs with good conformation but that were also intelligent, trainable, and loving to all. Beauty and brains--what more could you ask for in a dog?

Thank you Tammie & Dean for raising your girl to be a good canine citizen.

Kiokee Lionhearted Cleo

Cleo at 6 months of age

Cleo belongs to the Hampel Family here in North Carolina where she is the beloved family companion and pet. Cleo is out of our Mona and Max litter and is a litter sister to Paris, Hope, and Grace.

If you have any questions about our planned breedings, please contact us at kiokeemastiffs@embarqmail.com. Thank you. Catie Arney