Page 25 - Absolute Final 13 Spring 2025 Newsletter

averaging 20% plus; it’s no wonder all having a negative effect on the
we are now seeing the consequences population size and the rate of
with overall poor fertility. Even the inbreeding going up, creating a
(highly misleading & inaccurate) 3 or vicious circle (aka an extinction
5/20 generation complete pedigrees vortex) which will eventually lead to
as per the KC’s website are now a population becoming extinct.
showing some COIs in the mid to high
teens. Of the approx. 34 current affix
holders, only 12 people have bred
In terms of health, effects of more than 1 litter in a 3-year period
inbreeding begin to become evident with less than half a dozen managing
when COI’s reach around 5% - levels at least 1 litter a year. This is now
of 5-10% having a modest reflected in the number of exhibitors
detrimental effect on offspring. But and dogs currently seen in the ring.
over 10%, a significant loss of vitality With everyone getting older and no
in offspring & an increase deleterious new, younger people being
recessive mutations begins to show. interested, it really doesn’t bode well
Resulting in smaller litters, higher for Keeshonds being a viable breed
mortality rates and genetic defects – in this country.

Anji Marfleet Health Coordinator Kitxe

As predicted, last year we failed to reach the 100 mark with 2024
proving to be the worst year ever for the number of Keesies being born
in the UK since the 1940’s. There were 15 litters born, resulting in just
56 puppies – 35 dogs and 21 bitches and of the 15 litters born only 5
were of a decent size (1x8, 3x7 & 1x6) and there were 5 singletons.
Of the dogs being used at stud last year, only two boys were being used
for the first time, 2 males each sired 3 litters and there were 5 repeat
matings. Even more concerning there have been at least 12 misses (7
maiden bitches & 2 unproven boys) and 20% of litters born (3) were by
C section.
I’m writing this mid-April and this year is looking to be just as bad, if not
worse. So far, in the first four months of 2025, there have been just 4
litters resulting in 16 puppies – 9 dogs and 7 bitches and a whopping 5
fatalities, which is almost 30%. With only a couple of litters ‘in the
pipeline’, it really doesn’t bode well.
Enquiries for well bred, carefully reared Keesie puppies are still being
received, with most puppies sold within a week or so of being born.
Hopefully knowing that there’s going to be wait for a puppy could result
in that there are fewer impulse buyers?

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