Expanding the Lhasa Apso Gene Pool

 

This month is an exciting (and perhaps even nail-biting) month for members of the American Lhasa Apso Club (ALAC) who feel passion toward one side or the other on an issue that is now up for vote: The plan submitted by ALAC's Native Stock Committee (NSC) to open AKC's stud book for Lhasa Apsos. If ALAC members approve the proposal, we will have the opportunity to expand the Lhasa Apso gene pool in the U.S. by incorporating dogs from region of origin.

Two issues are up for vote:

(1) To allow the current breeding stock within the Gompa Lhasa Apso Preservation Program with intact United Kennel Club pedigrees full AKC registration. If passed, 12 Gompa dogs would enter the AKC Stud Book: four males and eight females, representing at least four generations of breeding from the original western imports. Information about the Gompa Lhasa Apso Preservation Program can be found at http://www.gompalhasaapso.com. The ALAC website also contains slide shows of the Gompa dogs at http://lhasaapso.org/nsc/.

and

(2) To allow use of the AKC Foundation Stock Service ® (FSS) to record region-of-origin Lhasa Apsos, whether the dogs come from the actual geographical area in which the breed originated or from another country that does not have a reciprocal registry with the AKC. The process for AKC registration (simplified for this article) includes an FSS application; a series of photos; and copies of import/export documentation, DNA profile, microchip identification, the pedigree to the extent it is known, and any background documentation that can be compiled to prove the dog is a purebred Lhasa Apso. Critiquing by a panel composed of an AKC judge, an AKC breeder-judge, and a long-time Lhasa Apso breeder is the next step.

Approval by two-thirds of the club's members is necessary for the proposal to pass.

The NSC has been working toward this effort for quite a few years. For example, the culminating experience of ALAC's national specialty 2004 presentation, "Tibet—Revisiting Our Past," was the presentation of five Gompa Lhasas who entered the room in the arms of ALAC members garbed in Tibetan costumes. We were provided opportunities to meet and greet the dogs. In 2009 and 2010, ALAC's Breeder Education Committee and Native Stock Committees co-sponsored seminars, "Expanding Our Gene Pool…Is It Possible?" (2009) and "Preserving the Future, Enlisting the Past" (2010). In addition, articles regarding the NSC work and proposal have been printed in AKC's Gazette and ALAC's Bulletin.

As a result of the educational opportunities the NSC provided, my mind was made up long before the ballots were mailed to the membership.  I have no qualms about letting you all know that I voted to approve!

Ballots need to be postmarked by March 5. I'll let you all know the results once they are announced.

Joyce