The buyer is new to the Havanese community although she has champions in another breed.  The breeder she bought her male puppy from offered to mentor her and is extremely active with 20 years or so of showing experience and involved in other Havanese activities. Within two years the puppy became a Grand Champion.  When contacted about SA the breeder turned an unexpected cold shoulder.  I write in the hopes the breeder will do better.  She is known to be 'reputable'.
 
SA is an immune-mediated disease (the immune system attacks itself)  which not deadly by itself in this case but causes baldness, with other lifelong problems.  The origin is unknown.  Did I mention it is hereditary?
 
Q.  What is Sebaceous Adenitis (SA)?
A:  An Autoimmune (IMIDs), hereditary skin disease without cure. Causes Hair loss, scabby layer of skin that can get worse with lesions, extreme dandruff, etc. Stress can affect the disease. Eyes can be affected.  Testing can have false negatives and show no symptoms.

Q.  When did SA show up?
A.  Early 1980’s.

Q.  What is the difference between mange and SA?
A.  Although they can look similar initially, the cause of SA is unknown, the cause of mange is mites. There are other differences. SA starts on the head and goes down the spine evenly (symmetrically) on the body.

Q.  How is it diagnosed?
A.  Only by a skin biopsy/scrapping. Phenotypic test only (Symptoms at presentation). Test is known for false negatives.  Should be re-tested in 3-6 mos.  No DNA test.

Q.  Is it contagious to humans?
A.  Yes.

Q.  What are the signs of SA?
A.  Hair loss that are the same from side to side on the dog’s body, the hair texture             becomes dull and brittle, there is a lot of dandruff that doesn’t flake off easily, bits of matted hair show up on the body, bleeding shows up, starts on the head and goes down the back, itching, check ear flaps.  It has a musty odor.  It can have no signs as well.

Q.  What age dog?
A.  Young adults to middle-age (1-7) dogs are affected. It has been newly reported in dogs as late as 12 yrs. old.

Q.  What does it do?
A. Causes baldness. Affects the sebaceous glands. Cause eye damage. Secondary infections. Itching. Lesions. Scales. Causes the immune system to attack itself.

Q.  What is the danger?
A.  Causes intermittent bacterial or yeast-related pus in the skin (pyoderma - yuck) and dogs are subject to secondary infections. Eye problems. Stress is an issue.

Q.  Are there any signs prior to presentation?
A.  No systemic symptoms until presentation.

Q.  What is the treatment?
A.  Treatment to slow attack on sebaceous glands, treatment to comfort itchiness,                treatment for bacterial infection. Akitas are almost resistant to any treatment. Oral and topical treatments.  Eye exams.

Q.  Which breeds get this?
A. Havanese, Akita, Bernese Mountain Dog, Cockapoo,, German Shepherd, Goldendoodle, Husky, Labradoodle, Labrador Retriever,  Samoyeds, Springer Spaniel, Standard Poodle, Vizsla, and Welsh Corgi and more.

​Sire's Owner/Friend: "I was blindsided by it, had no clue the breed had a potential for this. There's a fb group that's offered options to help with coat maintenance. It's a costly disease to manage as most are only properly diagnosed by a Vet Dermatologist. Rx drug Atopica is expensive but very effective. Frequent oil soaks, non soap shampoo, topical spray and oils help the scales skin. Becky also added that SA is affected by stress and can damage the eyes, too.  She recommended taking the dog to a Canine Ophthalmologist for a baseline eye assessment."

References::
“SEBACEOUS ADENITIS.” Sebaceous Adenitis - Mar Vista Animal Medical Center, Animal Medical Center, https://www.marvistavet.com/sebaceous-adenitis.pml.

“Veterinarians & Emergency Vets: VCA Animal Hospitals.” Veterinarians & Emergency Vets | VCA Animal Hospitals, https://www.vcahospitals.com/. 

Collar:
Knowing your collar is a start. What kinds of collars are there? There are basic flat collars that go around the neck, a martingale collar, a choke collar, a metal prong or pinch collar, a smart collar, head collar, show collar, and harness. A collar can be braided, leather, plastic, LED, nylon, cloth, metal, brass, neoprene, flat, or rolled and embellished in a million ways. 

And just for fun – what color? With or without a nameplate/tag or I.D. built into the collar some way? Bows? Flowers? Bandanas?  With these choices comes the question of quality, material, and understanding exactly what is needed.

As mentioned before there is a choke collar commonly used for training that comes in a chain, rope style, or leather. The type of chain can affect how smoothly the action of the collar is or if the collar moves in a jerky manner. There are many different kinds of chain choke collars such as a Jewelers or curb link, flat link, thick Cuban link, rhinestone lock buckle cut link, fur saver link, snake link or basic round, simple link collar. In addition there is a vast amount of ornamentation possible with these collars. 
 ​
A martingale collar is also known as a no-slip or limited-slip collar and is a popular choice.  This is our go-to for training until the puppy has been "trained" then they graduate into a harness. A harness offers several bonuses including something no collar can give, a gentler way to quickly scoop up your dog in an emergency like a dog attack scenario.  

Harness: 
If a harness is the buyer’s choice then where the clip is located is critical. I recommend a lightweight mesh harness with a wide chest strap and a clip on the back. It should fit close to the body neither too tight or too loose.  The clip on the back is ideal for Havanese because in an emergency situation there is less damage done to the esophagus or trachea and the spine, neck, laryngeal nerve, fore or hind legs. If the clip chest instead of the back and you have to pull your dog to safety you will create a situation where your dog could bite you due to the sudden chaos of the situation. 

Clasps:
There is a variety of clasps used in harnesses and collars from a break-away clasp, side quick-release clasp, side or slide release clasp, and buckle (prong) clasp. Like collars, clasps come in a variety of materials from rustproof, waterproof, metal to plastic. Usually near a clasp there is the ring where the leash attaches. 

Leash:
A traditional training leash is 4ft.-6 ft. long with a looped handhold at one end and a fastener at the other end. Be aware leashes come in many lengths and multiple widths. Materials include nylon, rope, braid, leather,  flat/ribbon, and other choices, colors or prints. It is possible to buy attractive matching leash and harness sets. I do not recommend retractable leashes. I prefer a 1/2" leash for these small dogs because the leashes carry a weight to the dog's neck area. 

Leash fasteners come in many configurations: trigger snap, bolt lock (most common), bolt snap or round eye bolt snap and bolt snap with swivel head (most popular), double-sided bolt snap hook, lobster clasp hooks, antique brass style bolt locks or simple lanyard hook (strongly not recommended).

Treat Pouch, Tote, or Bag?
A treat pouch is an easier and less messy way to carry training treats. A treat pouch is a bag that attaches to the belt via loop or carabiner clip usually. The pouch ranges from a simple design to an ultra-fashionable material and styling statement with conveniences such as additional pocket(s), zippered compartments or even a hinged opening, etc.!

Treats & Caution
We like freeze-dried dog treats with ingredients that you know and not umpteen syllables in what seems to be, a foreign language. We mentioned in a previous post that when it comes to training we use freeze-dried beef lung and freeze-dried chicken. Make sure that your treats are made in the USA. The pieces should be the size of a blueberry or cheerio. When training, it is better use a set specific treats to give your dog something to look forward to. We say set, because if you mix it up from time to time it keeps it interesting for your dog. 

Frame of mind:
The trainer’s frame of mind, voice, and attitude. Your dog picks up on your emotions and can reflect them back. It is a waste of time if you come into training bothered and not focused on making this time a positive experience for your dog. By positive, or ‘crafted experience,’ I mean to purposely and patiently teach your dog with gentleness and an upbeat attitude. Bear in mind, this is a new adventure for your dog. Make it fun with plenty of praise and age or experience-appropriate responses for the dog with treats and petting to create an experience the dog enjoys. 

Impact:
This enjoyment leads into the next session as one for the dog to anticipate fun versus dread. If it is fun for the dog, hopefully, it is fun for the trainer and the lessons move more quickly and smoothly. Also please be sure the walking surface will not burn your dog’s feet.
​

References:
“7 Best Harnesses for Small Dogs [2022 Reviews]: Tiny & Terrific!” K9 Of Mine, 9 Oct. 2019, https://www.k9ofmine.com/best-harness-for-small-dogs/.

Dogcollarsharnessesandleashes. “Types of Dog Leash Fasteners.” Dog Collars Harnesses and Leashes, 18 Apr. 2022, https://dogcollarsharnessesandleashes.com/types-of-dog-leash-fasteners/.

Karen AndersonUpdated by Margeaux Baulch Klein, et al. “The 10 Best Small Dog Harnesses: Your Complete Guide.” The Dog People by Rover.com, 12 Nov. 2021, https://www.rover.com/blog/reviews/small-dog-harnesses/.

Nicole CosgroveNicole is the proud mom of Rosa. “10 Best Dog Harnesses for Small Dogs [Reviews 2022 ].” Hepper, 27 Mar. 2022, https://www.hepper.com/best-dog-harness-for-small-dogs/.

Phenix, Annie, et al. “What to Do When an off-Leash Dog Approaches Your Leashed Dog.” Dogster, 2 July 2021, https://www.dogster.com/lifestyle/what-to-do-when-an-off-leash-dog-approaches-your-leashed-dog.

“Spot the Difference: Front Clip versus Back Clip Harnesses.” Andrea Arden Dog Training, 18 Oct. 2016, https://andreaarden.com/dog-training/spot-the-difference-front-clip-versus-back-clip-harnesses/.

Stregowski, Jenna. “Which Dog Collar Is Best for Your Dog?” The Spruce Pets, The Spruce Pets, 21 Mar. 2022, https://www.thesprucepets.com/different-types-of-dog-collars-1118613.

“Understanding Dog Training Collar Injuries.” VetInfo, https://www.vetinfo.com/dog-training-collar.html.

Vuckovic, Angela. “How to Discipline a Dog without Hitting, Advice and Tips.” Petfeed - Pet Care Tips, How-to Guides, Funny Stories, Comics, and Videos, Petfeed - Pet Care Tips, How-to Guides, Funny Stories, Comics, and Videos, 16 Nov. 2021, https://blog.petcube.com/dog-training/. 

How?
Preservation Breeders consider the breed's future and it's Type. Patricia Craige (Trotter) defines ‘Type’ as being what “differentiates one breed from another. It is the collection of all the characteristics and traits that make a given breed different from others. It is the essence of the breed in looks and behavior, ability and function.” 

It is little wonder the serious breeder looks to differentiate him or herself as a Preservation Breeder in the face of increasing short-term breeders, increasing mixed or boutique breeds, and the decreasing historical purebred dogs.  It is a sobering attempt to protect fading standards or oversee necessary changes, to grapple with possible extinction from different fronts, and the guardianship of these dogs for the future.  We aspire to be Preservation Breeders.
 
Why it is important? 
There are no awards, standards or qualifications to be met at this time in order to be called a Preservation Breeder. It is a term regarding a plan of action according to a specific breed's present-day development with its future in mind. It takes a multitude of factors in mind like:

• Breeder education
• Current state of health
• Mentorship
• Purposeful and intentional breeding
• Knowledge breed-wide flaws, genetic issues, and susceptibilities to various diseases in relation to single and multi-generational health

NPS:
The National Park Service, or NPS, offers a model for the preservation, restoration, reconstruction, and rehabilitation of historic properties. This guideline could be applied to the dog breeders, AKC, and dog clubs to preserve present breed identities for future generations. One example is for the breed to retain near-original appearance and instincts. The same traits for which all serious breeders strive for.

Sharing the knowledge:
Breeding for each purebred needs should be looked at as an international community rather than a fractured one. In order to be a success it has to to be accessible for anyone willing to test their breeding stock.  Ideally, it'd organization with a basic foundation to encourage participation, accountability, and improvement at multiple levels rather than exclusivity.  Mentorship should be required not as the new member problem for sponsorship but as a mandatory rotating pool of accessible existing members available for mentoring new members.

The idea would be a worldwide consortium for each breed and their breeders to maintain continuity. It also requires having a solid plan for the future while while protecting:

• Genetic diversity
• Genetic testing
• Transparency
• Keeping an eye on the coefficient of inbreeding
• Protecting important genetic traits
• Minding genetic faults. 

 
Disease and inbreeding or lack of genetic diversity presents serious threats to any breed’s future.  As the study of “canine genetics advanced, more connections between phenotypic traits and the incidence of disease are being revealed.” -American Kennel Club

Obstacles:
Some breeding has been ‘market driven’ meaning that for perceived beauty with such things as shorter muzzles, extreme sloping toplines, or achieving smaller sizes just to name a few that increase health problems or disasters. The topline with German shepherds in some cases has moved so far from an older standard as to endanger the breed with hip and back issues just to achieve this different standard.
 
Some breed dangers lie in the profitability of winning in the ring and ultimately what the judges propagate as breed standard or the vision of perfection of a breed rather than how and why that breed was developed.

As protectors of the breed, addressing judge misguidance is a daunting and taboo subject that many veer away from, especially in some of the very institutions charged with caring for these dogs’ well-being but damaged by these unhealthy standards.  There is a lot of money involved.  A lot of time was invested in creating a name/distinction for these animals/kennels. 

Worst Case Scenario, Solutions, and Accountability: 
Breed extinction is a very real possibility and a reality for some breeds. Extinction must be addressed and an alternative, achievable universal breeding guideline should be instituted in the existing breeding practices with regards to a global standardized list that covers breed disorders, genetic diversity, health testing, and the coefficient of inbreeding (COI). It also should examine and address accountability by those who continue to breed known faults for profit, continuing generational disease, faults, and ill-health from delivery issues through the gamut of life-long canine maladies.  

Flaws in the system:
There is no transparency. Health certificates offer validity for that moment.  Pedigrees offer no health information to the breeders who may or may not withhold health information.  Every aspect of canine health is under the microscope for a preservationist breeder.  A bounty of blue ribbons does not excuse continuing a bloodline rife with Juvenile cataracts or worse.  Truly, it is the lifelong quality of our puppies' health and adherence to breed traits that determines whether one is a Preservation Breeder.
 
Consequences
​While Havanese are not facing extinction, there are several breeds that have problems just living without human intervention, like the use of surgery. I read an article pertaining to bull dogs having to have nose jobs just so they could breathe.

“Not surprisingly, a study published July 29, 2016, found that the English Bulldog no longer retains enough genetic diversity to correct life-threatening physical and genomic abnormalities. This means breeders cannot use the established population of purebred dogs to reverse the trend of extreme and painful exaggerations such as crippling dwarfism and respiratory deformities - traits that uninformed pet owners find appealing . . .  The demise of the breed may not be a good thing for Bulldog-lovers, but it will thankfully put an end to the malformed and painfully crippled modern Bulldog we recognize today.”   Article was written by Jane Brackman, Ph.D.

Want to know more? Check out these recommendations:
Institute of Canine Biology and their Facebook Group: The latest canine news, research and science of animal breeding.

"Born to Win, Breed Succeed" (2009) by Patricia Craige.  Patricia  Craige Trotter is an All-Breed AKC judge, author, and legendary breeder of Vin-Melca’s Norwegian Elkhounds.  Just one of her accolades is being the only person to win 10 breeder-owner-handled Top Ten All Breed status at Westminster. ​
  
References: 
​Beuchat Ph. D., Carol. “A Call for Preservation Breeding.” The Institute of Canine Biology, 2 Apr. 2016, https://www.instituteofcaninebiology.org/blog/a-call-for-preservation-breeding.

Beuchat, Ph. D., Carol. “Coi FAQS: Understanding the Coefficient of Inbreeding.” The Institute of Canine Biology, 4 June 2015, https://www.instituteofcaninebiology.org/blog/coi-faqs-understanding-the-coefficient-of-inbreeding.

Borenstein, Seth. “UN Report: Humans Accelerating Extinction of Other Species.” AP NEWS, Associated Press, 6 May 2019, https://apnews.com/aaf1091c5aae40b0a110daaf04950672.

“Brachycephalic Syndrome – Owners of Flat-Faced Dogs Beware!” Preventive Vet, https://www.preventivevet.com/dogs/brachycephalic-syndrome-flat-faced-dogs.

Nicholas, Dr. Jason. “Brachycephalic Syndrome – Owners of Flat-Faced Dogs Beware!” Preventive Vet, 9 Sept. 2016, https://www.preventivevet.com/dogs/brachycephalic-syndrome-flat-faced-dogs.