Fred Lanting was the featured speaker at the SMCNA 2004 Annual Meeting. Fred is recognized around the world has an authority on judging dogs, having been invited to judge dog shows in 30 countries. Fred is also considered one of the premiere German Shepherd breeders having produced over 50 litters and dozens of champions.

Fred divided his presentation into two parts, How to Analyze a Dog's Structure and Hip Dysplasia. Fred explained that having good structure i.e. having the proper angulations and alignment of the bones is important because it directly affects how well a dog can fulfill the function it was bred for. Our breed needs to be able to run for long periods of time. A dog with proper structure will expend less effort to cover the same amount of ground as a dog with poor structure thus allowing it to run for longer periods of time.

Fred's love for German Shepherds probably had a lot to do with his intense desire to know everything there is to know about hip dysplasia. Fred published a book on dysplasia several years ago and his new book will be in stores next month. Hip dysplasia is a complicated disease, however, our ability to predict the disease in both adults and offspring is improving. Fred also offered a detailed explanation of the difference between OFA's hip extended evaluation process and that offered by PennHIP. Based on his research, Fred believes that the PennHIP process provides the breeder with much more reliable information that can be obtained at a much younger age.

After the presentation, we went out to the Hill's farm where Fred offered to critique everyone's dog. This hands on experience was really helpful for many of us to relate what he was saying in the classroom and apply it to real life. When you look up "dedicated dog breeder" in the dictionary, you will find a picture of Fred Lanting. He is tireless in his pursuit to produce high quality, healthy dogs and it was an honor to have him speak at our convention.

ADDITIONAL BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION

BREEDER:

• First purebred dog: Toy Fox Terrier, 1937
• First purebred litter (Smooth Fox Terriers): 1945
• First German Shepherd Dog 1947; active GSD breeder since 1966
• Also bred Whippets in the 1970s, Shibas in the 1980s & `90s
• Owner, top-ten conformation and top lure-coursing Whippet.
• Importer/owner of the #1 Shiba outside Japan for many years.

SHOW EXPERIENCE:
Started handling in 1966; many times show chairman. Trained and titled many dogs in Schutzhund/VPG and IPO competitions.

JUDGING EXPERIENCE:
About 30 countries. See information in other column. Approved all-breed judge in Trinidad, Colombia, Bolivia, China, Malaysia, Uruguay, Brazil, & other countries including some U.S. registries such as UKC.

CANINE AUTHORITY:
Lecturer in about 30 countries on Gait-and-Structure, Canine Orthopedic Disorders, etc. Formerly instructor at Senior Conformation Judges Associations Institute, and W.Va. Canine College (including member of advisory board). Worldwide canine behavior & structure consultant. Security & training consultant/analyst for Asesores Caninos (Colombia), and other countries. Expert witness in litigation, in most canine topics. Author: The Total German Shepherd Dog, Canine Orthopedic Problems, technical and science books, books of poetry, etc. Writer of innumerable articles in dog magazines. Columnist for many magazines and websites in the U.S. and abroad; frequent contributor to a wide variety of publications. Serious scholar of canine anatomy and health; assistant in veterinary surgery; guest lecturer at many veterinary schools.
Many articles on www.siriusdog.com and www.fredlanting.org

MEMBER or former member:

• Schäferhund Verein (SV-WUSV, world governing body for GSDs), Germany
• GSD Club of America (including Board of Directors and WDA)
• GSD Club of Northern Alabama (charter member & president)
• States K.C.; also charter member & founder, Dixie Dog Club
• NCA: Natl Canine Assoc (alternative to AKC)
• ACB: Kennel Club of Bolivia (all-breed judge, cynology advisor)
• NSCA; Shiba Club of America (officer and delegate to SKC)
• United Schutzhund Clubs of America (member, the elite SchH3 Club)
• Japan Kennel Club (also approved JKC judge)
• Nihon Ken Hozonkai (Nippo) Japan breeds society
• Hong Kong & China Dog Lovers Assn.
• Judge & Official Inspector for UKC, NAPBTC: American Pit Bull Terriers.
• LOdre de Bon Temps, Nova Scotia