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International Federation for Eurasier Breeding (IFEZ)

IFEZ Conference 2023

On October 28, 2023, after a four-year break due to the coronavirus pandemic, the International Federation for Eurasier Breeding finally held its in-person conference in Stuttgart.

Unfortunately, six registered representatives from Germany, England, and Switzerland were absent due to illness and car damage. A Viko made it possible for at least some of these people to attend. The new database from TG-Verlag was the main topic. Functions compared to our old database, potential participants, and costs were all discussed in detail. All clubs present confirmed their continued participation in our data community.

This time, the questions and discussions surrounding breeding focused on complex elbow diseases and tumors (stomach). The "binding nature" of the breeding ethics agreements for the clubs was also discussed controversially.

A special item on the agenda was the thanks of all active members of all clubs to Georg Petermayer, who created and maintained our previous database according to our wishes for more than 20 years and is now unable to continue this work due to illness. Renate Kösel, who has supported Georg Petermayer since 2011, was also given special thanks.

Next year, meetings will be held online to conserve resources, and a face-to-face meeting is planned for 2025.

The IFEZ Conference 2022 on October 22nd

This year's IFEZ Annual Conference had to be held online again due to the coronavirus pandemic, much to the regret of all clubs. Participants from all clubs met on PCs via Teams to discuss current issues related to Eurasier breeding.

The first very important topic was the renewal of the shared database, as our previous database administrator is no longer available for health reasons.

The "Database Group" reported on its work:

Many different programs were reviewed, tested, and evaluated. Our requirements, especially for supporting planned Eurasier breeding, are high, and so in the end, only two program providers remained. Both will present a detailed program demonstration online in November. A decision will hopefully be possible afterward.

The second important, yet very regrettable, piece of information was that the founding member of the IFEZ, the Zuchtgemeinschaft für Eurasier e.V., is in the process of dissolving after fierce internal hostility from a relatively small group.

The third focus was on Eurasier breeding:

- Detailed information on the topic of "gastric tumors" in dogs, and specifically in Eurasiers. New research and results are reported.

- Elbow dysplasia appears to some to be a predisposition worthy of urgent attention, as it causes great suffering to both dog and owner and is genetically complex. Unfortunately, not all clubs yet test for ED, although this would be desirable.

- Genomic inbreeding (COI) in Eurasiers is quite high at almost 20%. This can only be detected through DNA testing (EMBARK), which is easily too much for a database program.

- Other specific topics will be discussed, such as the awarding of certificates, puppy exchanges between clubs, requests for stud dogs, import and export regulations, and much more.

Although the online meeting, thanks to the good management of IFEZ President John Stegman, led to an intensive and fruitful exchange of ideas, all participants hope that we can meet again in person in 2023.

Brief Minutes of the 2019 IFEZ Conference

Beat Kempf, President of the Swiss Eurasier Friends (EFS), and current President of the International Federation for Eurasier Breeding (IFEZ), welcomed the IFEZ attendees with a brief statement on the fundamental intentions of the IFEZ.

The first main part of the conference consisted of information and questions about innovations and problems within the IFEZ clubs:

In an initial round of discussions, the IFEZ clubs presented the personnel changes within their club's active membership. Although there were some significant changes, it is very positive to note that they were able to attract younger people to take up "office," i.e., to work in a Eurasier club.

The questions and problems surrounding the membership of the Eurasier Society UK (ESUK) in the IFEZ (which has been dormant for a year) were discussed and evaluated in detail. Since the IFEZ requirements have not been met for more than 12 months, a final reasonable deadline for fulfilling these obligations was set. ESUK will be automatically excluded by the set deadline if the repeatedly stated requirements are not met by that date.

The questions and problems surrounding the Eurasier Society UK's (ESUK) membership in the IFEZ (which has been suspended for a year) were discussed and evaluated in detail. Since the IFEZ requirements have not been met for more than 12 months, a final reasonable deadline for fulfilling these obligations was set. The ESUK will be automatically excluded by the set date if the repeatedly stated requirements are not met by that date.

Because the English club "ESUK" failed to fulfill its obligations as an IFEZ member by the set deadline of November 20, 2019, IFEZ President Beat Kempf notified the club's board on November 23, 2019, that the Eurasier Society UK, by resolution of the IFEZ full members, is no longer a member of IFEZ with immediate effect and must refrain from corresponding communications/advertisements.

The modernized IFEZ website is largely complete and very well-designed. After final revisions, it can certainly be launched at the beginning of the year.

The conditions for club representatives to participate in conferences, for example, via Skype, were discussed.

The second main part of the conference again covered many topics related to the Eurasier:

The moderate amendment to Standard 291, presented by the EKW (in consultation with the KZG and ZG) and approved by the VDH, is again pending approval by the FCI.

Hyperthyroidism is one of the autoimmune diseases that have a strong hereditary component and develop gradually. Testing of the various thyroid values is carried out in all clubs for as many animals as possible, but is mandatory for breeding dogs. The problem of comparability of reference values from different laboratories was discussed. Not all foreign clubs can have their results evaluated by Biocontrol. An anonymous assessment of all values recorded so far is highly desirable.

Brief Minutes of the 2018 IFEZ Conference

Beat Kempf, President of the Eurasierfreunde Schweiz (EFS), welcomed the numerous attendees of the clubs of the International Federation for Eurasier Breeding (IFEZ) and began the conference with a positive, motivating short presentation for a successful future of the IFEZ. Intensification and modernization of both internal processes and external image are necessary and will be addressed as the main topic of the conference.

The first main part of the conference was the components of the "Path to the Future of the IFEZ":

The data of the IFEZ clubs will be stored in a cloud, encrypted, of course, and can then be processed offline using the existing software. The newly created access and authorization options are also important.

Due to the changed database options and the GDPR, the IFEZ membership agreements will also be revised.

The IFEZ website is getting a new, modern look. After final revisions, it can be safely launched at the turn of the year.

The English club SEA (Southern Eurasier Association) was accepted as an associate member of the IFEZ after a detailed presentation by Vice-Chair Brigitte Mordan-Grimm.

A second main part of the conference was many topics related to the Eurasier:

The moderate amendment to Standard 291 approved by the VDH has been submitted to the FCI for approval.

Hypothyroidism is one of the autoimmune diseases that have a strong hereditary component and develop gradually. Testing for the various thyroid values is carried out in all clubs for as many animals as possible, but is mandatory for breeding dogs.

Other health topics addressed included: eye diseases in general, glaucoma, lumbosacral transitional vertebrae, epilepsy, breeding problems – such as unsuccessful matings, and the recommendation to use as many different stud dogs as possible.

The discussion on all these topics was lively and engaging!

After completing the usual formalities, a special highlight followed on Sunday.

On Sunday morning, Dr. med. vet. Eberhard Manz, CEO of the Generatio laboratory, presented the diverse possibilities of DNA analysis. (Most Eurasier clubs store blood samples at Generatio.)

The conference was accompanied by many intensive personal discussions between the club members, who, throughout the year, are usually only able to exchange information and discuss matters by phone or email. It was an all-around successful meeting for the benefit of our beautiful breed.

Gisela Aach, IFEZ Secretariat

The IFEZ Annual Conference 2017

Prof. Dr. Kurt Kotrschal of the Eurasier Club Austria (ECA), acting President of the IFEZ, welcomed the attendees of the clubs of the International Federation for Eurasier Breeding (IFEZ) in Stockerau near Vienna, where the ECA had invited them for 2017. As a special guest, he welcomed Professor Dr. Heiko Scholz, the Chairman of the Kynological Breeding Association (KZG), who expressed his interest in the work of the IFEZ by participating.

Dr. Kurt Kotrschal briefly introduced the agenda and summarized the past year's discussions regarding the database and its possible replacement in a few sentences. The discussion about the future of the IFEZ was also addressed, both topics of which should be discussed constructively not only at the conference, but also in the future.

The first part of the conference was devoted to the application of the Eurasier Club Italiano (ECI) for associate membership in the IFEZ. After a review of the documents submitted by the ECI, confirmation of the successful data exchange by Mr. Georg Petermayer, and a brief discussion that followed, the ECI was unanimously accepted as an Associate Member of the IFEZ.

In the second part of the conference, many topics related to the Eurasier, the database supporting breeding, and the future of the IFEZ were discussed:

The revised version of Standard 291, approved by the VDH, is now again submitted to the FCI for approval.

The following health topics were addressed and discussed:

First-time diagnosis in a Eurasier – dysplasia of the ligamentum pectinatum (eye disease); experts from the DOK (Dortmund Ophthalmological Association) are being consulted.

LÜW (lumbar transitional vertebrae) is being increasingly detected. It is not yet possible to assess whether this will pose a major problem for breeding, although one participant reported significant problems with an affected dog.

A research project initiated by the KZG is underway at the Veterinary University of Munich to identify markers for hypothyroidism.

The repeatedly advocated practice of neutering without medical justification can and must be curbed through intensive information for dog and Eurasier owners, for example, via digital media.

Various causes for the partial increase in stillbirths were discussed. There was no discernible trend toward a single cause within the clubs.

The ideas and proposals for the future of the IFEZ, developed by a working group during an intensive discussion over the past year, were presented. A key point was access to the IFEZ database with its extensive information resources for breeding managers.

Fundamental discussions on a reorientation of the database revealed many different options, such as developing suitable software, adapting existing programs on the market, or even modernizing the existing program and providing differentiated access options.

After completing the usual regulations and handing over the presidency from Dr. A special highlight followed at the end of the conference, with the presentation of the first lecture by Dr. Kurt Kotrschal to Mr. Beat Kempf, Chairman of the Eurasierfreunde Schweiz (EFS).

Prof. Dr. Kurt Kotrschal, Director of the Wolf Science Center near Vienna, once again gave a very interesting and entertaining lecture on the wolf-dog-human relationship.

The conference was framed by many personal, intensive discussions between the members of the associations, who throughout the year usually only have the opportunity to exchange information and discuss issues by phone or email. It was an all-around successful and enjoyable meeting for the benefit of our beautiful breed, with one disappointment: The planned and prepared visit to the Wolf Science Center in Ernstbrunn, led by Dr. Kurt Kotrschal, for Sunday morning, had to be canceled, much to everyone's dismay. Storm Herwart reached Austria precisely on Sunday morning, and all parks in Lower and Upper Austria were closed as a precaution. A real shame, but it was simply force majeure.

Gisela Aach, IFEZ Secretariat

The IFEZ Annual Conference 2016

Prof. Dr. Kurt Kotrschal of the ECA, Eurasier Clubs Austria, welcomed the numerous attendees from the clubs of the International Federation for Eurasier Breeding as President of the IFEZ and stated: "Talking with one another about our Eurasiers and careful breeding and exchanging experiences is a very good practice."

The IFEZ is a stroke of luck; with its extensive database, it creates many opportunities for the scientifically based breeding of healthy Eurasiers for all clubs. We can be proud of this. The representatives of the Czech Club, who were present for the first time as interested guests, were particularly welcomed.

In the first part of the conference, many topics related to the Eurasier were discussed:

The moderate amendment to Standard 291 approved by the VDH is now pending approval by the FCI.

Dandy-Walker-Like Malformation (DWLM) can be easily managed in breeding without compromising genetic diversity thanks to the existing genetic testing, which is recommended or required by most clubs.

Hyperthyroidism is one of the autoimmune diseases that have a strong hereditary component and develop gradually. Testing for four different thyroid values is strongly recommended for all clubs for as many animals as possible, not just breeding dogs.

Gastric torsion has been observed more frequently recently, but there is no specific clustering, e.g., familial.

Other health issues addressed included: degenerative myelopathy, glaucoma, eye diseases in general, lumbosacral transitional vertebrae (type 1 is currently still possible for breeding), epilepsy, heart disease, patellar luxation, and breeding problems – such as unsuccessful matings. Regarding many of these issues, all that could be said was that, fortunately, there are no new cases. Nevertheless, all those responsible for breeding do not want to let up on their attention regarding the various aspects of Eurasier health.

The second part of the conference included a lively discussion about the tasks and opportunities of the IFEZ in the present and, above all, in the future.

Critically assessing the situation and repositioning ourselves, possibly even in a different way, for the future requires everyone's efforts. The IFEZ and its goals must be made even more widely known; it must be more effectively "marketed" as a quality brand for Eurasier breeding, both through the strong clubs and through PR measures on the IFEZ website, on Facebook, and possibly other media.

The third part of the conference was dedicated to presenting new ideas and possibilities for designing a new form of data management. A working group presented the already well-prepared project for an open online database.

Data exchange is, after all, the core business of the clubs collaborating within the IFEZ. Since these ideas were presented for the first time, a very lively discussion developed around the availability of the Eurasier data:

Individual users, only clubs as users of the database, different access levels, is a restriction of the user group being considered, control instruments for data accuracy and, above all, data security, ensuring standard-compliant breeding, and controlled breeding of the still young breed – these are just some of the sometimes very controversial points. This discussion will now be continued in the clubs.

The project work will continue and will be on the agenda again next year; no decisions have been made.

After the usual formalities had been dealt with, a special highlight followed at the end of the conference. Prof. Dr. Kurt Kotrschal, Director of the Wolf Science Center near Vienna, gave a very interesting but also entertaining lecture on the spiritual kinship of dog and human.

The conference was framed by many personal, intensive discussions between the members of the clubs, who are usually only able to communicate and communicate via telephone or email throughout the year. During the meal, the dog walk, and the evening, many topics related to our wonderful Eurasiers were discussed in more depth. It was an all-around successful and enjoyable meeting for the benefit of our beautiful breed.

Gisela Aach, IFEZ Secretariat

The IFEZ Annual Conference 2015

The annual conference of the IFEZ, the International Federation for Eurasier Breeding, took place this year at the host Finnish club in Helsinki. It was the 20th annual conference and was excellently organized by the president of the Finnish club, Ms. Satu Rossow.

These conferences are always the highlight of the IFEZ's working year, as all representatives (chairmen, database representatives, and breeding managers) of the member clubs meet, wherever possible. In extensive discussions in the plenary session, many cynological topics related to the Eurasier are finalized and new topics are added to the agenda.

Personnel changes in the clubs were discussed, so that cooperation between the clubs can always take place with "personally known" people throughout the year.

The intensively discussed topics in 2015:

Brief information on the revision of Standard 291 initiated by the three German VDH Eurasier clubs; FCI approval is still pending.

The NGEH (Nordic Group Eurasier Health), an associate member of the IFEZ (membership currently suspended), reports on its experiences with the NEK and the NKK. The discrepancies (claimed "improper competition" for the NEK, although no "club" was founded or even intended) are difficult to understand, as both the group of dedicated Eurasier owners and the IFEZ are committed solely and exclusively to healthy pedigree Eurasier breeding. In this respect, the reactions of the "Nordic associations," which are committed to the same goal, are incomprehensible for the time being.

The clubs' approach to breeding inquiries from individual breeders and puppy inquiries from outside the IFEZ was again discussed and adjusted, as the response rate for health data often leaves much to be desired. All clubs should proceed in the same way. Any breeding recommendation for a club other than the club's own requires the signatures of both breeding directors.

The IFEZ will update its public relations work in the coming months; a small working group has been formed for this purpose.

Health and breeding topics:

The isolated health issues already addressed in 2014 were revisited.

The DNA tests, some of which have now been implemented as standard practice, were explained, and initial results were shared. This opens up opportunities to make Eurasier breeding even more careful than before with regard to potential health problems.

The requests for additions to the IFEZ database, already considered in 2014, were clarified and approved for the 2016 data exchange in order to further improve the entry options for diseases/findings/insights.

Status/results of thyroid examinations in the individual clubs, an annual topic to keep this disease under control.

The question arose as to whether all clubs should conduct a complete eye screening. The discussion will continue. In some IFEZ clubs, this is already mandatory for young dog examinations.

Individual cases of previously unknown diseases were mentioned: hemangiosarcoma, symmetrical lupoid onychodystrophy.

For the first time, the conference was extended to Sunday morning, as decided in 2014, to accommodate the wide range of topics.

The Eurasier Club Austria, ECA, is thankfully assuming the presidency for the next two years, as the Zuchtgemeinschaft für Eurasier e.V., ZG, was currently unable to do so. The ECA will host the 2016 meeting in Stuttgart.

During the breaks and in the evening, the participants sat together in rotating groups to discuss topics of particular interest in more detail. Everyone is already looking forward to the next meeting in 2016, with as many participants as possible.

Gisela Aach, IFEZ Secretariat

The IFEZ Annual Conference 2014

The annual conference of the IFEZ, the International Federation for Eurasier Breeding, took place again in Stuttgart on the last weekend of October 2014. It was the 19th annual conference.

These conferences are always the highlight of the IFEZ's working year, as all representatives (chairmen, database representatives, and breeding officers) of the member clubs meet, as far as possible. In extensive plenary discussions, many cynological topics related to the Eurasier are finalized, and new topics are added to the agenda. A presentation on a topic of cynological interest by an expert speaker complements the agenda this time.

Personnel changes in the clubs are discussed, and new leaders are introduced, ensuring that cooperation throughout the year can always take place with "familiar" people.

Key topics for 2014:

NGEH (Nordic Group Eurasier Health), an Associate Member of the IFEZ, reports on initial experiences and successes.

After extensive preparatory work, the ECI (Eurasier Club Italiano) applied for membership in the IFEZ and was accepted as a Cooperating Member with immediate effect – the IFEZ community warmly welcomes the Italian Eurasier friends.

Norway has left the IFEZ.

The qualification of particularly diligent Eurasier breeders, including those in the IFEZ-associated clubs, through the IFEZ certificate; the minimum requirements were revised in 2014.

The working practices of the clubs regarding breeding inquiries from individual breeders and puppy inquiries from outside the IFEZ were again discussed and adjusted, as the return of health data often leaves much to be desired.

Health and breeding topics:

Glaucoma, a common disease among Eurasiers in France – To what extent are the populations of other Eurasier clubs also genetically affected? Dr. Serge Rosolen and his colleagues report on their research and initial findings.

Requests for additions to the IFEZ database were discussed to further improve the entry options for diseases.

Status/results of thyroid examinations in the individual clubs.

DM (degenerative myelopathy), an initial information session.

Procedures and initial experiences with the genetic tests used to date, e.g., S-locus, E-locus.

Can any focal points be identified among the known causes of death among Eurasiers across the IFEZ? The findings are not consistent. Tumors occur frequently.

The Suomen Eurasier Kerho, the Finnish Eurasier Club, is hosting the meeting in 2015.

After dinner, various groups meet to work on and with the database.

The wide range of topics encouraged intensive discussion among all participants during the breaks, during, and after dinner. Of course, such a conference day could always be a few hours longer, but it was a conference that left all participants with new ideas and insights about the Eurasian breed for the new "IFEZ year" 2014/2015.

Gisela Aach, IFEZ Secretariat

The IFEZ Annual Conference 2013

The annual conference of the IFEZ, the International Federation for Eurasier Breeding, took place again in Stuttgart on the last weekend of October. It was the 18th annual conference. These conferences are always the highlight of the IFEZ's working year, as all representatives (chairmen, database representatives, and breeding managers) of the member clubs meet in person. In various discussion groups and in-depth plenary discussions, many cynological topics related to the Eurasier are finalized, and new topics are added to the agenda.

Personnel changes in the clubs are always discussed, and new leaders are introduced, so that cooperation can always take place with "well-known" people throughout the year.

The main topics in 2013 were:

The NGEH (Nordic Group Eurasier Health), an association of very committed Eurasier owners, is applying for associate membership in the IFEZ.

Qualification of particularly diligent Eurasier breeders in the clubs associated with the IFEZ through the IFEZ certificate, minimum requirements

The working practices of the clubs regarding breeding inquiries, including those from outside the IFEZ, especially the possible transfer of data, were discussed and adjusted.

Health and breeding topics:

Previous results of the new crossbreeding of the original breeds – a project of the EKW and the ZG with advice and support from the VDH.

Status/results of thyroid examinations using the EFS (Eurasier Friends of Switzerland) as an example

The unstable hindquarters in Eurasiers – a fault that excludes them from breeding.

Ataxia/Dandy-Walker syndrome, rare brain anomalies in Eurasiers. Presentation of the research project at the LMU Munich.

Glaucoma, an eye disease that is currently being discussed with regard to the French Eurasier population. Where are there any anomalies within the IFEZ clubs? Coordination of breeding procedures.

Eurasier breeding outside of traditional clubs, using the example of "non-FCI clubs" in Germany and Austria – a phenomenon unknown in many countries.

Handover of the presidency from the Eurasier Club Weinheim to the Suomen Eurasier Kerho, the Finnish Eurasier Club, on January 1, 2014.

The wealth of topics encouraged intensive discussions among the participants during the breaks, during, and after dinner. Although such a conference day could always be a few hours longer, it was a conference that sent all participants into the new "IFEZ year" with new hopes, ideas, and insights about the Eurasier. The IFEZ Forum offers those entitled to participate another opportunity to exchange experiences throughout the year, in addition to the usual email exchanges.

Gisela Aach, IFEZ Secretariat

The IFEZ Annual Conference 2012

The 2012 annual conference of the IFEZ, the International Federation for Eurasier Breeding, took place in Stuttgart, traditionally at the end of October. It was the 17th annual conference.

These conferences are always the highlight of the IFEZ's working year, as the respective club representatives (board, database, and breeding) meet in person and can conclude many pending topics in extensive discussions and debates, or even add new topics to the agenda. Personnel changes within the clubs are also always addressed, and new leaders are introduced.

This year's main topics were:

What forms of membership are possible for "FCI clubs" or clubs/groups in umbrella organizations cooperating with the FCI in the IFEZ?

Different traditional dog breeding philosophies in the Nordic countries, but also overseas – how can we reach a consensus for the benefit of reputable Eurasier breeding?

Qualification of particularly diligent Eurasier breeders through the IFEZ certificate.

Discussion on possibilities for "modernizing" the IFEZ database to meet current requirements in the medium and long term.

The procedures for handling breeding inquiries, including those from outside the IFEZ, were discussed and adjusted.

Health and breeding topics, such as the thyroid examination required by almost all IFEZ clubs, artificial insemination, DNA databases, diabetes, stud dog exchange, and much more, were discussed in detail and largely resulted in resolutions.

Are there necessary changes in club work due to the influence of the internet?

Eurasian breeding outside of traditional clubs.

and much more...

The depth of topics kept the participants discussing further during the breaks, during, and after dinner. Although the conference day was once again "too short," it was nevertheless a very productive conference, sending all participants into the new "IFEZ year" with new ideas and challenges. The IFEZ Forum offers beneficiaries the opportunity to maintain intensive contact and exchange ideas throughout the year.

Gisela Aach, IFEZ Secretariat

IFEZ Conference 2010, on the last weekend in October

Mr. Peter Möllenbruck, President of the Swiss Eurasier Association "IGES," hosted this year's conference in Stuttgart.

Already on Friday evening, the day before the actual event, many representatives of the IFEZ associations met to discuss the IFEZ database work, the very core of our association. The question arose as to whether a "modernization" might be necessary, and whether the new technological possibilities might be indispensable for our application. The associations will continue to monitor this topic in the future! Making the data available online will be discussed in the association's committees.

Saturday was the main working day for the IFEZ association delegates.

After some organizational considerations and decisions, an exciting item on the agenda came:

The English Eurasier Club ESUK and the Norwegian Eurasier Club NEK presented their club, their breeding strategies, and ethics, and applied for membership as associate members of the IFEZ.

After reviewing the documents submitted in advance and a brief consultation with all IFEZ full members, Peter Möllenbruck welcomed the two applicant clubs as new members. Their admission to the IFEZ was approved unanimously.

One focus of the discussions was, of course, health and breeding issues for Eurasiers. An interim report on the thyroid screening was presented; the normal values of our Eurasiers may be in the lower range of the reference values table – further evaluation is required here.

A further, very detailed mutual exchange of information regarding any differing breeding guidelines in the various clubs and umbrella organizations was also provided and discussed in detail. In the future, for cross-club matings, the club leading the bitch will always set the rules. Of course, the breeder concerned must be involved accordingly.

Many other questions concerning the breeding of our Eurasiers were discussed with enthusiasm, sometimes even late in the evening after dinner.

It was a very intensive meeting, which, incidentally, also served as a way for everyone to get to know each other and exchange experiences.

All clubs are looking forward to the next conference in 2011 in Switzerland; the IGES has found a small, dog-friendly conference hotel in Arbon on Lake Constance.