The Lovely Gellie, RIP sweetheart
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Bonaforte's Identical (Monozygotic) Twins
It has now been confirmed that these Bonaforte girls are monozygotic, identical twins and born 3 years prior to the South African puppies - a verified breed first!
The article about identical twin Irish Wolfhounds puppies in the press in August 2016 spiked interest, when the BBC reported on a case of identical twin Wolfhound puppies being born in South Africa, following a vet assisted Caesarean delivery, and later tests proved that the twin puppies were indeed genetically identical and this appears to be the first recorded/proven case of monozygotic twin puppies. The article, written by Melissa Hogenboom, goes on to explain that although non-identical twins are not uncommon in some species, genetically identical (monozygotic) twins are thought to be a far rarer occurrence by the scientific community: It seems unlikely that identical twin puppies are particularly common. "It has taken so long for us to find a monozygotic pair, so they are probably rare," says Carolynne Joone of James Cook University in Townsville, Australia.
Lab Test Results confirming the Identical Twins
Lab tests on the ‘Bonaforte Twins’, who were born naturally at home at Broadholme House Farm in 2013, have now confirmed that those 2 puppies are also monozygotic, identical twins.
Every puppy born at Bonaforte is special, but when the E litter joined the world on 1st September 2013 there was a heightened level of excitement as 2 of the puppies were attached to the same placenta and we immediately knew they were twins (but not necessarily identical). The twin puppies (Bonaforte’s Ella and Bonaforte’s Eloisa) were significantly smaller than their litter mates, but they were always inseparable and always appeared to be identical.
In fact, they were so devoted to each other that it became obvious they could never really be parted form one another:
“whelping them was an amazing moment, one I shall never forget. From the moment they were born they displayed the "Twin Bond”. They always played together, away from the rest of the litter and always slept together. It was magical to watch them. We decided from the start they must live their lives together.” (Carla du Rose)
They eventually grew to be similar in size to their siblings and by a strange twist of fate they found their forever home together with the most special of owners - even though their owners had no idea they would actually end up with not 1, but 2 Wolfhound puppies! Maureen Nicholls and Ann Welford have been lovingly caring for the 2 girls, whom they named Ellie and Poppy, for over 3 years and the Bonaforte Twins remain as devoted to each other as they are to their owners. Even now it is almost impossible to tell them apart, even for their owners:
Bonaforte's Identical Irish Wolfhound twins
“They really still do everything together; they wee together, poo together, even sniff together. If by some unusual chance they are in different rooms and one is getting a crafty cuddle the other one appears, as if they know that the other one is getting attention. We can tell them apart if you really look but the main way is Poppy always has a red collar and Ellie has what ever is next nicest (don’t think she minds). We took them to the groomers once and when I got back she was so upset as she had taken off the collars and did not know who was who and was worried I wasn't going to be able to tell which one was which!” Maureen Nicholls, owner
The main reasons that identical twin puppies are so uncommon is partly because they are rarely genetically tested to evidence the possibility and also because they often do not survive: “It is thought that identical twins are rare because, when two foetuses share one placenta, they do not get enough nutrients from the mother and are therefore less likely to survive” (http://www.bbc.co.uk/earth/story/20160830-first-identical-twin-dogs-discovered). The twin puppies form South Africa were delivered at a veterinary surgery and therefore it was the suspicions of the vet that led to further investigations and testing and when litters are born at home it is possible twins will go unnoticed by the breeder. Carla however was fortunate to spot that the two puppies shared the same placenta, and keenly watched as the Twin Bond between them grew.
When reading this week’s Our Dogs breed notes, I was reminded of the old saying “if you can’t say anything nice then don’t say anything at all”
I buy the paper and read the notes for interesting items relative to the breed, so the information about the Society winners was very welcome (though in the case of the puppy bitch winner incorrect). What I found surprising was the “critique” of the breed note writer from her position of watching ringside. Her hideous and unwarranted comments were faked with satire, and will certainly not be the flavour of the month amongst the exhibitors and many others in our breed.
I must admit that like everyone I enjoy watching judging and like everyone I have my thoughts on placings etc. but in this case, the breed note writer was NOT the judge. No one paid for her opinion, it was merely that of a bystander and whilst I afford everyone the right to their opinion and it is a part of the day out at a show, but it was not her place to use the breed notes to give her personal opinion on the dogs on the day, particularly before the judge’s critique is published.
We have a breed which is numerically small and at a time when many shows and judges are struggling to attract entries, those people who take the time to pay to enter their dogs should surely be encouraged rather than being disparaged by a breed note writer sitting ringside. After all whilst we all may have our opinions they are only valid to anyone else, including readership if they have been actually asked for. When reading this week’s Our Dogs breed notes, I was reminded of the old saying “if you can’t say anything nice then don’t say anything at all”
In a breed which is vulnerable and having longevity issues, all our 7’s and over deserve respect. We should be welcoming and praising them, especially the ones who are active enough to make it into the show ring.
HERMINE VON DER SILLERQUELLE - will be 10 years old in December 2016
In addition we need to be examining their pedigrees and be asking the breeders and owners questions about rearing, diet and exercise. Looking at siblings and progeny, because to have these veterans in our breeding is a positive step forward.
There is absolutely no excuse why a breeder should not share these certificates and the information they contain with you, other than to either hide the results, or they don't test in the first place.
Heart test certificates are filled out by the qualified Veterinary Cardiologist and given to the breeder/owners at the time of the examination and the results discussed. Please be aware that all three methods of examination are required and the Vet carrying out the examination needs to have specialist qualifications. If you truly love this breed and care about its future please only buy from responsible breeders who heart test and those who will share their hounds heart test results with you. You will need to see a valid certificate for both the Dam and the Sire.
All our Irish Wolfhound puppies are vet checked: heart, lungs, mouth, eyes, rear hind flection test and general health check, shunt tested, and their vaccination programme has been started.
Copies of our Irish Wolfhound Heart Test Certificates.
What you are looking for on the Heart Certificate are ticks in BOTH the NORMAL boxes on the lower half of the certificate. This is the all clear of a healthy hound on the day and one which can be used for breeding for 12 months from the date of testing. See below the certificates for both the Dam and the Sire of our litter and this will give you a good idea of what you are looking for. To be on the safe side we heart test all our hounds every 6 months. Do not accept an out of date certificate.
The meeting of the Canine Alliance came up with a 10 Point Action Plan for the Kennel Club to consider, based around a scheme that does what it is supposed to do and ASSURES the puppy purchasers that every step possible has been taken to ensure the stock is healthy:
More emphasis to be placed on the health of the breeding stock – suggestions for the inspectors to ask more rigorous questions regarding breeding plans etc
That the MyKC web pages add a function to allow breeders to identify which dogs they actually own, which are spayed or going to be bred from and so on
The addition of a puppy buyer based accolade – to be based on realistic feedback provided by the purchasers regarding their experience
KC to ensure a list of requirements on the day is clear and available for ABS members prior to inspection
Public education needs to improve – the KC need to ensure that the public have a far better understanding of the health issues and testing that is undertaken by responsible breeders
The KC must ensure that relevant breed tests are made mandatory – some breeds currently have no recommended or mandatory tests in place and this could be discussed with, for example, the breed clubs and other interested parties
Consider allowing ABS members to withhold registrations if they are implementing a spay/neuter endorsement/requirement as part of their sales contract. Registrations to be withheld until presented with the appropriate certification that this has been carried out
The KC require all breeding bitches and stud dogs – to have been micro-chipped/tattooed – to undergo a basic/rudimentary health test with a vet prior to being bred from. This will ensure that those breeds with no recommended health tests do, at the very least, meet with a demonstrable level of health prior to breeding
Placing a clause in the registration information given to new puppy owners- advising them to contact the KC if they experience a problem – this would complement the current process of inspections.
That the KC takes steps to properly recognise foreign health test results and to include these on the website/registration certificates
The Canine Alliance will be writing to the Kennel Club with these proposals and will be asking to meet up to discuss these in more depth and, in the meantime, we will be looking at a series of regional meetings.
To read more click here: Canine Alliance 10 Point Action Plan for ABS