8/1/08
With deepest regret we report th eunexpected passing of Kathleen Eimil, long time breeder of Mayfair Norfolk Terriers. Kathleen was an esteemed member of NNTC and a founding member of the NorCal Norfolk & Norwich Terrier Club. She freely mentored new people in the breed and worked tirelessly toward a healthier breed through her efforts with the Canine Health Foundation and CHIC. Kathleen will be greatly missed by those who knew her and people coming into the breed in the future will miss out on knowing a great lady and friend to Norfolk Terriers.

Our club was honored to have Kathleen judge our last combined specialty in July, 2008. Exhibitors were privileged to spend those days with Kathleen. Little did we know it would be our last time to share our laughter and passion for the breed.

The last Norwich and Norfolk Terrier Club specialty at Montgomery County, 2008 is dedicated to Kathleen, as is a Health Lecture series sponsored by the new Norfolk Terrier Club. NorCal is also dedicating their April, 2008 specialty to Kathleen.

7/18/08
History was made as BNNTC held its last combined regional specialty in San Antonio, Texas on July 12, 2008. Congratulations to the winners and thanks to all who have supported our specialties since 2003.

A new era approaches as our club is mandated to divide into two separate clubs by our Parent Club, The Norwich and Norfolk Terrier Club. The new Texas Norfolk club will be The Bluebonnet Norfolk Terrier Club and the new Texas Norwich club will be the Lone Star Norwich Terrier Club. We sincerely hope you will continue to support our breeds by joining our respective clubs and supporting upcoming projects and specialties.

During the transition from a combined club to two separate clubs, the BNNTC web site will continue as a combined site. Eventually it will become two separate sites, one for each breed. We hope you have enjoyed our site and will continue to visit often.

4/28/08
Several Norwich and Norfolk breeders and owners are working with Dr. Sharon Center, a Professor of Internal Medicine at Cornell University. She is conducting a study to find genes responsible for a fairly common congenital condition in small breed terrier dogs. This condition causes the circulation of blood through the liver to be re-routed either on a microscopic level or through an actual large shunting vessel. The microscopic problem is most common and when the trait is present, 95% of dogs have absolutely no health problem. However, she has determined that the more severe condition (portosystemic shunt) and the microscopic condition (microvascular dysplasia) are genetically related. She is trying to develop a test to eliminate the trait in small terrier type dogs. Her group thinks that this trait may be an ancient mutation that pre-dates segregation of small dog breeds. Thus, they hope to find a mutation that may allow development of a broadly applicable screening test for breeders to use. Some Norwich and Norfolk owners have volunteered to help with the genotyping of this trait and want very much to support this project. We are aware that occasionally we see dogs with portosystemic shunts in our breed. We need to study a large number of related dogs to help hunt for the genetic marker. Dr. Center needs a couple of small blood samples from each participant dog. She will measure serum bile acid concentrations (a liver function test) in blood collected before and after a meal. She extracts DNA from whole blood rather than using oral swabs as the latter source of DNA is not of sufficient quality for discovery genotyping work. Dogs with the microscopic abnormality (microvascular dysplasia), are most common, and in some breeds prevalence rates are as high as 60-80% have been shown. Dogs carrying the trait have high serum bile acid values, yet, most will have no health issues. Dogs with the larger shunts (portosystemic shunt) have very high bile acid concentrations and usually are ill and detected when young pups. Dr. Center's group would like to collect samples from related dogs in single pedigrees including dam, sire, grandparents, and sibling offspring. More than 2 offspring are required for genetic linkage studies. She also would like to collect DNA from dogs with portosystemic shunts as stand-alone samples. If you are willing to participate in this study, please contact Dr. Sharon Center through her e-mail address: sac6@cornell.edu. She will need to contact your veterinarian for help in sample collection.

(4/21/08)
From members Jeff & Karen Partington: I have to brag about this last weekend out doing earthdog. Murphy, who got his Master Earthdog title last year has been working on the Rocky Mountain Earth Dog clubs Iron Dog title: It requires that the dog complete and qualify in a master test and a senior test on the same day...five times! Well Murphy got his Iron Dog title this Sunday. In fact the AKC rep was there and taking pictures. she was very impressed. He got a beautiful plaque. And to make it more special, our Mattie, got her Junior Title also on Sunday.

BNNTC held its Annual and Election meetings in March, electing a new set of Officers and Board Members. The club also approved a slate of Officers and Board Members for the new regional Norwich and Norfolk clubs, to take office at the time BNNTC dissolves and the two new clubs are ready for the approval process. The new Norwich and Norfolk Boards will act in the capacity of Organizational Committees until such time as they officially take office. New Officers and Board Members may be found on this site on the Contact Info page of this site.

Posted with permission from Pam Seifert with regard to Liver Study in Norfolk Terriers:
Some of us are working with Dr. Sharon Center, a Professor of Internal Medicine at Cornell University.
She is conducting a study to find genes responsible for a fairly common congenital condition in small
breed terrier dogs. This condition causes the circulation of blood through the liver to be re-routed
either on a microscopic level or through an actual large shunting vessel. The microscopic problem is
most common and when the trait is present, 95% of dogs have absolutely no health problem. However, she has determined that the more severe condition (portosystemic shunt) and the microscopic condition
(microvascular dysplasia) are genetically related. She is trying to develop a test to eliminate the trait
in small terrier type dogs. Her group thinks that this trait may be an ancient mutation that pre-dates
segregation of small dog breeds. Thus, they hope to find a mutation that may allow development of a
broadly applicable screening test for breeders to use. Some of us have volunteered to help with the
genotyping of this trait and want very much to support this project. We are aware that occasionally we see
dogs with portosystemic shunts in our breed. We need to study a large number of related dogs to help hunt
for the genetic marker. Dr. Center needs a couple of small blood samples from each participant dog. She
will measure serum bile acid concentrations (a liver function test) in blood collected before and after a
meal. She extracts DNA from whole blood rather than using oral swabs as the latter source of DNA is not of
sufficient quality for discovery genotyping work. Dogs with the microscopic abnormality (microvascular
dysplasia), are most common, and in some breeds prevalence rates are as high as 60-80% have been
shown. Dogs carrying the trait have high serum bile acid values, yet, most will have no health issues.
Dogs with the larger shunts (portosystemic shunt) have very high bile acid concentrations and usually are ill
and detected when young pups. Dr. Center’s group would like to collect samples from related dogs in
single pedigrees including dam, sire, grandparents, and sibling offspring. More than 2 offspring are
required for genetic linkage studies. She also would like to collect DNA from dogs with portosystemic
shunts as stand-alone samples. If you are willing to participate in this study, please contact Dr. Center
through her email (putting the words "Norfolk/Norwich Liver DIsease" in the subject heading as she gets
thousands of emails per month) HYPERLINK "mailto:sac6@cornell.edu" sac6@cornell.edu. She will
need to contact your veterinarian for help in sample collection.

Additionally, from Nan Aderson:
Dr. Center developed the bile acid test at Cornell. She was recently awarded an AKC CHF Grant (No. 963) for genotyping small breed dogs with portosystemic vascular anomalies and microvascular dysplasia (liver disease). Part of the abstract for this grant states "We have discovered significant linkage between the PSVA/MVD trait and genetic markers on one chromosome in a large kindred of Tibetan Spaniels. Findings have been confirmed with flanking markers and demonstration of similar linkage in Cairn Terriers, Maltese, and Havanese.....Candidate genes associated with abnormal vascular development in humans will be explored."
My understanding is that this disease affects all pure breeds. This is a great opportunity for the Norfolks and Norwiches to be part of this ongoing research.

(3/14/08)
BNNTC members Patsy Wade, Betty Bossio and Jan Birchall attended the Crufts dog show last week in the UK. One of the largest dog shows in the world, Crufts offers a unique opportunity to see hundreds of different breeds with competitions for more "breed specific" purposes (such as weight pulling) than any other venue that I know of. It's a spectacular even that goes through four days of jam packed activity and crowds. Congratulations to Jan Birchall's Ch. Birchbay Dreamcatcher, handled by Betty Bossio to 3rd in her class in the Conformation ring.

(2/5/08)
According to the Virologist at Colorado State University, up to 50% of dogs attending shows have been exposed to Canine Herpes Virus, which is deadly to infant puppies. See information on this virus at http://www.avma.org/public_health/influenza/#canine

(1/26/08)
NNTC has voted to divide the Parent Club for Norwich and Norfolk (The Norwich and Norfolk Terrier Club) into two separate breed clubs (The Norwich Terrier Club and The Norfolk Terrier Club). As a result of this vote, BNNTC and all regional Norwich and Norfolk accredited clubs must also divide into two separate clubs. As this process evolves, we'll report back to you.

Make your plans now to attend TOPS 2008: a new, 4 day All-Terrier Summit of performance events scheduled in Colorado. Includes Agility, Obedience, Rally and Earthdog. Summary and further Details.
If you have any problems following the above links, navigate to www.tops2008.net

(10/17/07)
NNTC has mailed members a new ballot for Division of the breeds into two separate breed clubs. Ballots are to be returned to the Corresponding Secretary as instructed on the ballot.

(9/17/07)
BNNTC members Jeff and Karen Partington's Norfolk "Murphy" earned his Master Earth Dog title this past weekend. Congratulations on Murphy's accomplishments!

SOLD OUT!! The Nor'West Norwich & Norfolk Terrier Club puts together a Calendar each year. The photo's come from our yearly photo contest, and Photo/Playday. Our Calendars are a convenient small size - 5x7 closed, and 7x10 if hung. The price is $14.00 which includes shipping.

This year's calendar is all Norwich except for Miss January, a cute little Norfolk.

These make great Christmas gifts, order early as they go fast.

(8/5/07)
From the Nor Cal Norwich and Norfolk Terrier Club: Next year our second specialty will be held in conjunction with NCTA in Sacramento on April 11, 2008

From Carol Suggs: In 2008 the Great Lakes All Terrier Association will join the
International Cluster. Their show will be held on the Wednesday
afternoon/evening of the Cluster. The Cluster will run from
Wednesday, February 20th to Sunday, February 24th.

In 2008 the International Cluster will be moving into a new
500,000 square feet facility at McCormick Place. It is across
the street from it's current show site. There is a 2500 parking
space garage attached to the site, which gives direct indoor access
for the exhibitors.

(8/3/07)
From the Nor Cal Norwich and Norfolk Terrier Club: The Lake County Kennel Club will have their Inaugural Show on Friday, August 17.
The Mensona Kennel Club will have their shows on Saturday, August 18, & Sunday, August 19.
The Nor Cal Norwich & Norfolk Terrier Club will have their Specialty Show on Sunday, August 19. The Best Western Hotel, in Rohnert Park is offering a 10% discount for the NCNNTC Members.
Call & make your reservations ASAP - #707-584-7435.
The N.C.N.N.TC. Members & Guests will be celebrating the Specialty Show at the Cattleman's Restaurant in Santa Rosa, CA on Saturday Evening, August 18.
No Host Cocktails at 6:30 PM.
Dinner will be served at 7:00 PM.
There will be a Raffle Drawing for Norwich & Norfolk Terrier Items at the conclusion of the dinner.
Come JOIN us for the BIG Celebration!!!!
On Sunday Morning, at 8:00 AM, the N.C.N.N.T.C will have Starbucks Coffee, Orange Juice, & Breakfast Pastries/Donuts available for you to enjoy.
Norwich & Norfolk Notions will be available for sale.
NEW NCNNTC Club T-Shirts will also be available.
The Norwichs & Norfolks Ring Time is scheduled for Sunday Morning, at 10:00AM.
Check www.infodog.com for the ring assignment number.
Our General Club Meeting will be Sunday, August 19 after the Norwichs & Norfolks have finished in the ring.
If you have any questions, please email me at BrendaNCNNTC@aol.com.

(6/13/07)
From Member Carlynn Ricks: Darcy achieves his destiny as a terrier - playing Toto in Wizard of Oz. OK, so he isn't a Cairn, but very few in the audience will know that. The Fredericksburg Theater Company is presenting the Wizard of Oz the weekends before and after July 4. Dorothy, Emily Phillips, a lovely 17-year-old, and Toto are in love, which is good since his main job is to follow her around the stage. Another thing he has to do is bark on command. That's tough, since I've spent my life asking him not to bark, but he's learning. The Munchkins are enchanted, but are diligently abiding by my request to leave Toto alone until after the show. (Darcy at 11 is a little crotchety.) It's great fun to watch your dog from a distance and people tell you how cute he is!

(4/17/07)
For those of you planning to attend the Great Western shows in June, Pam Seifert offers the following flight information:
Those of you coming out to Southern California for the
Roving National in June might want to start making
your travel arrangements. Jet Blue flies into Long
Beach Airport non stop from several locations
including New York, Dulles, and Chicago. If you fly
into Long Beach you'll avoid much of the LA traffic
both in and out of the airport (including long
security lines at LAX) so your dog will be in the
Sherpa about an hour less.
For those of you unable to find anything flying into
Long Beach, LAX and John Wayne Airport (in Orange
County) are both about 30 minutes away. LAX is huge.
John Wayne is a nice airport, much smaller than LAX
and the list of airlines using it are at this link.

Burbank and Ontario Airports are also under an hour
from Long Beach, however flights are usually more
expensive (but might be worth checking). Please take
note of arrival time and try (for your own sake) to
avoid rush hour if you're using any airport other than
Long Beach.

(3/27/07)
Fri., 6/22/07, Long Beach KC: Norfolk and Norwich judged by Beth Sweigert; Terrier Group by Wm. Powell
Sat., 6/23/07, KC of Beverly Hills: Norfolk judged by Wm. Powell, Norwich by Andrew Kramer, Terrier Group by E. Bivin
Sun., 6/24/07, NNTC Roving (Great Western), Norfolk judged by Andrew Kramer, Norwich by Sally Baugniet, Terrier Group by Peter Green

(3/12/07)
Congratulations to member Jan Birchall and Handler Betty Bossio on the Crufts Best of Breed win for the Norwich Ch. Birchbay Sir Galahad! This may be the first Texas Norwich to win the coveted Norwich BOB award at Crufts. Galahad competed against 9 dogs and 21 bitches under Breeder-Judge Lesley Crawley.

(2/28/07)
Congratulations to Sally LIttle on her upcoming nuptials. Sally Little becomes Sally Brandt on March 3rd. Our best wishes to you, Mrs. Brandt!

2/9/07)
ANTA has their new 2006 Norfolk Terrier Pedigree book available. If you haven't got one of the earlier pedigree books, you're missing a lot of historical information on Norfolk pedigrees. To order, go to: http://www.norfolkterrier.org/pedigreebookorderform.html

(2/7/07)
Congratulations to member Jan Birchall on her Norwich, Ch. Birchbay Sir Gallahad, achieving #1 Norwich in Group Points for 2006. Gallahad is handled by member Betty Bossio. Good job!