K9 Perspective was initially produced as a print magazine for a New Zealand audience. A later change to digital format instantly presented K9 Perspective to readers globally and future content (issue 4 or later) reflects the magazine's international readership.

New magazine on the scene

WITH the launch of this exclusively canine magazine comes a desire to give New Zealanders a source of information that is local - you can buy the goods, services and products advertised through your vet, pet shop or local businesses; laws and bylaws described are New Zealand ones; natural or veterinary medications are available here; and all the pedigree stock featured will be New Zealand-bred or owned unless otherwise stated. In short, our aim is to assist all serious New Zealand dog owners and breeders with information that should make care of their canine friends easier. And for those who share their lives with a non-pedigree but just as loveable mutt, we hope to make your life easier too. In short, we want New Zealanders to enjoy more informed, more responsible and more considerate dog ownership.

Perhaps one magazine is not capable of changing the attitudes of those who don't care, those who are ignorant of their pet's requirements, or those who put their own financial reward above improving the health of their chosen breed, but if we can improve the lot of at least one or two individual dogs then we will indeed have begun to make a mark, though a small one, on the attitudes of average New Zealanders towards their dogs.

In this issue we make a start on the subject of canine genetics - if you do not know an X chromosome from a Y one, then this is the place to start ... but if you have some basic knowledge, you will still find some information that is new or that you had forgotten ... and Dr John Armstrong presents his article in a way that is easy to understand and assimilate.

Inbreeding is a subject that brings controversy out of the closet. Dr C Sharp's article on the disadvantages of both inbreeding and line breeding will make many breeders stop and rethink their stock management practises. Dr Sharp is convinced that many breeders are inbreeding their stock to a point of saturation where both dogs and bitches are disinterested in breeding and litters are reduced in size and health.

The identity of genes that carry genetic diseases, or their linked markers, is a list that is growing almost daily - for a number of breeds now tests are available (though still only in US) that will give them clear, carrier or affected status for the tested disease.

Read whether your breed is on the list and if it is, the best way to have your stock tested. I hope this magazine can bring you, the readers, the articles and information you want to read about. To that end I would urge you to phone, fax or write and let us know what you want to know. We would be happy to talk to you and to assist with any problems you are experiencing in the health or training of your dog or dogs.

In future issues we will be looking at dog foods, both commercial and home-prepared, and bringing you news of the most interesting and informative canine websites and vocations where dogs are of high priority.

We aim to cover subjects as diverse as greyhound or husky racing; duck, deer or pig hunting; the show ring; obedience; agility; service dogs of all types; pet dogs; working dogs and trials; and all the various branches of each group. If you know of an interesting event coming up in the next few months, let us know!

I hope through these pages that even the most informed readers will gain some knowledge and some extra confidence in the rearing and handling of their dogs, and that those new to the constant lifelong companionship offered by their canine friend will learn to be considerate and trustworthy owners. - Elezabeth