The Best of the Breed at the First Official Championship

By Hilary Diack

With a rapidly increasing base of enthusiasts in Egypt it was only a matter of time before this much admired dog breed came into the spotlight with its own championship and show. The weekend of the 27th and 28th of February saw NEWGIZA plateau abuzz with activity as 100 pedigree German Shepherds competed for trophies in the first event of its type in Egypt. Cairo West Magazine spoke with organizer, and President of the German Shepherd Dog Club of Egypt, Hashem El Dandarawy.

CWM: What can you tell us about the club?

HD: The German Shepherd Dog Club of Egypt has been a member of the 67 country-strong organization Weltunion der Vereine für Deutsche Schäferhunde (WUSV) since 2007. The GSDCE is dedicated to training, showing, breeding, rescue, education, handling, health and genetics, law enforcement, therapy, search and rescue, micro-chipping, and everything related to the German Shepherd dog.

How does the club ensure that breeders comply with maintaining the standards set?

The club monitors and protects breeding standards to ensure standards and strong bloodlines. We look at the bloodlines of the sire and dam and investigate the papers. DNA testing is carried out in Germany to authenticate all pedigree dogs. It is important to note that inbreeding is not permitted. We also test any dog that is planned to breed, again with DNA, hip scoring, elbow scoring and temperament assessment.

What categories of German Shepherds were competing at the show?

Primarily we have two main categories, imported dogs and Egyptian-bred dogs. Then we break it down into long-haired and short-haired types, then into male and female, and age groups. Prizes are then awarded by category, but of course there is the ‘Best of Show’ cup, along with the ‘Dandarawy Special Cup’ with a cash prize for the best locally-bred dog. We include this to encourage local breeders to raise their standards and develop their breeding program.

What are the judges looking for in a dog?

The dogs are judged first on being sound, in good health, with good teeth and no bone problems, such as hip dysplasia. They must be fit, and move well. They are judged on their confirmation, color and pigmentation, as well as gender-related attributes. It should be noted that excessive size is not a plus, the dog should be within the accepted size range as set out by WUSV.

You mention imported and Egyptian bred dogs, which countries are dogs imported from?

Although traditionally German Shepherds originated in Germany, with this being one of the most popular sources, there are excellent dogs being bred in Italy and Argentina. And, we can proudly add that the Egyptian-bred dogs are now coming up in the ranks.

Do Egyptian dog owners generally have a good knowledge of dog care?

First, let’s not say ‘owners’. The dog, as a living, intelligent creature with feelings, should be considered an integral part of the family. Anyone taking care of a dog should really be referred to as a ‘dog parent’, as the responsibilities involved are much as would be covered in raising a child.

You need to consider a healthy diet, healthy environment and regular exercising, along with the necessary vaccinations. Even when a dog is a happy member of a loving family it still should have sufficient training to ensure it understands the ‘etiquette’ of living in a social environment. This has to be ongoing to be reinforced. A happy well-behaved dog makes for a happy ‘dog-parent’.

With the growth of residential compounds and more open space we see an increase of people with German Shepherds, and equally their knowledge of correct dog care is improving. The biggest mistakes we see are actually overfeeding and insufficient exercise. A healthy dog should be mainly muscle, not fat, and needs at least three long exercise sessions a week in addition to at least three ‘toilet’ walks per day.

So, who were the winners this year, and what can we look forward to in 2016?

• Tony Vom Contra, Short-haired, Male, Open Class – owned by Mr. Mutaz Ibrahim
• Flenstag Mona, Short-haired, Female, Open Class – owned by Mr. Mohamed Moustafa
• Alam Vom Team Panoniansee, Long-haired, Male, Open Class – owned by Mr. Belal Adel
• Ilsa Primo Grande, Long-haired, Female, Open Class – owned by Mr. Ahmed Fawzy & Ms. Ania Rzepecka

The next event is the GSDCE working trial in April 2015.

Two Centers Providing Expert Care in Cairo

By Hilary Diack

We all know what a great help physiotherapists can be when we need to restore our bodies to fitness after an accident or illness. Sometimes it may be ‘tough love’ but the end result makes the discomfort and effort worthwhile. So, when a much-loved family pet is in the same situation, what can we do? Cairo West Magazine went to Hashem El Danadarawy  of  EASTWIND Wellness and Fitness Center in 6th Oct., and  EmadEldin Kamel of Happy Paws in Mokattam to learn more.

CWM: Please tell us about the physiotherapy program at EASTWIND Wellness & Fitness Center.

HD: The center was founded in 2011 in cooperation with Physiodog-Academy and provides all related fitness activities for a healthy dog, from weight control and endurance activities to muscle building. The fitness service is provided through the sponsorship of SUPER DOG supplements. It is located at EASTWIND Kennels, a 10-feddan facility in 6th Oct.

What was your reason for setting up the center?

I believe that the physical wellness of dogs is a highly neglected issue due to a lack of awareness in the dog community.

What are the most common treatments requested?

The EASTWIND supervising vet along with the case-referring vet, decide the most suitable therapy for the dog. The therapy could be a post-operative procedure or a preventative one depending on the age and condition of the dog.

What services do you have?

The center offers two types of services: physiotherapy and rehabilitation, and a fitness program for physical toning and muscle building. The physiotherapy treatment covers functional and exercise rehabilitation through soft-tissue techniques, joint techniques and electro-therapy. The center also offers hydrotherapy sessions with the use of hydro-treadmill and exercise pool.

Do you have a qualified vet overseeing all therapies?

Through a program of education offered by Physiodog, three of EASTWIND’s therapists have received a two-year program certification and we expect EASTWIND to be a fully accredited center by mid-2016.

CWM: Emad, what can you tell us about Happy Paws?

EK: We are a rehabilitative and canine health center located in Mokkatam.

What are the main benefits for a dog receiving rehabilitative therapy?

The goal of physical rehabilitation therapy for animals is to improve the quality of life and decrease or completely remove pain by strengthening and supporting the small muscles.

What type of injuries and systemic problems do you most commonly encounter?

Hip dysplasia is common in German Shepherds and Rottweilers, and torn ligaments in the knee are common in Retrievers. We also see joint dislocations and muscle separations in many cases.

Does the therapy also have positive psychological benefits for dogs?

Yes of course, some cases that come to us don’t trust people or other animals, but through our program the dog’s personality can be changed. They can become calmer when interacting with other dogs and also friendlier with people.

How long is the average course of treatment?

Each case has its own treatment program, according to the condition we receive the dog in. But we can say most cases can be treated within three months.

What treatment facilities do you have at Happy Paws Center?

– Therapeutic laser and cryotherapy

– Acupuncture and electro-acupuncture

– Treadmill and underwater treadmill

– Hydrotherapy swimming pool

– Clinic

– Open area of land for running and walking

– Behavior rehabilitation and training

– Gymnastic ball and trampoline

Please note that soon there will be a digital x-ray, with layout within four seconds, and 3D sonar for veterinarian use, in addition to a special MRI machine for dogs and cats.

How long is required for each session?

Rehabilitation sessions with therapeutic laser and cryotherapy to decrease pain and inflammation take 15 minutes each, per day. A session with acupuncture takes from 30 to 45 minutes a day, according to the level of the injury. Infrared waves need from 15 to 30 minutes a day, and rehabilitation sessions with hydrotherapy (swimming pool, underwater treadmill) from 25 to 30 minutes, each case has its own program according to the level of injury. We also provide rehabilitation sessions with impacted spring treadmill for a maximum period of 45 minutes per day. Rehabilitation sessions with electro acupuncture for muscle stimulation should be 15 to 30 minutes per day, according to the condition of the injury.

We have special rehabilitation sessions with gymnastic ball and trampoline for paralyzed or blind dogs lasting 45 to 50 minutes.

Do you have a qualified vet overseeing all treatments?

Yes, we have qualified specialist veterinarians coordinating all therapies.

Are you still soaking an Easter egg in dye or just painting them? This Easter, take your eggs one-step further with these different decorating techniques.

Black & White Easter eggs

Instructions:

– Cook a dozen white eggs.

– Then decorate each with a different black and white pattern.

– Use 2 different thickness of markers or paint, and make an effort to vary techniques for each pattern.

– The overall effect is clean and modern, with a little bit of whimsy from the less than perfect hand drawn patterns.

Tattooed Easter Eggs

Temporary tattoos are pretty great. They look quirky and fun, especially when you’re dealing with tattoos of dinosaurs, insects, and generic action heroes. So why not give those Easter eggs a little tattoo love? Turns out, it’s just as easy to put temporary tattoos on eggs as it is to put them on you!

What is Fitstop?

Fitstop is a fitness center owned by two partners Kanzy Abdallah and Dalia El Sheikh, both certified fitness instructors with more than 15 years’ experience. Fitstop offers several workout options, including Zumba, TRX, abs, and cardio, in addition to the kids’ classes and mummy classes that have become very popular. Instructors teach high impact and low impact classes but their main focus is on spinning and Pilates classes, which are the core of Fitstop. The Fitstop team believes in the combination of these two classes and considers them the most effective and efficient workouts when grouped together.

What are the benefits of combining spinning and Pilates?

The Fitstop team aims at clearing up any and all misconceptions about fitness. They say fitness is not only about lifting weights and running long distances, it’s about having the correct balance of everything including  cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance and flexibility –which prevent injuries.

There are many benefits of combining spinning and Pilates classes as they both give different results and affect the body in diverse ways. Spinning works on the cardiovascular endurance, strengthening the legs, building muscle tone and reducing the risks of injury. Pilates is more about shaping your body, strengthening it, improving posture and flexibility in addition to boosting stamina and releasing stress.

How long are the classes? 

All classes are one hour long but most clients take spinning and Pilates classes back-to- back for two consecutive hours as they believe that these two classes complement each other.

How many calories will a person burn in a class approximately?

The amount of calories burnt varies from each person to another, however spinning burns between 500 to 800 calories a session while Pilates doesn’t burn that many calories. It doesn’t exceed 150 calories as it’s not a calorie-burning workout; it’s more about strengthening your body and shaping it.

People who start usually maintain a diet for six weeks and workout in parallel. Fitstop really aims to change people’s lifestyle by teaching people to exercise for a healthy body, not just quick weight loss, maintenance is the most important thing about exercising.

Are there different levels for the classes?

At Fitstop, the team is always very keen to create a non-intimidating and non-competitive environment. They have different levels in the same class and they say that that’s the beauty of it, because they can always see the elevation and improvement of each person, everyone is there very helpful!