BTCA Minutes, 1982-1985

Winkie (W.E.) Mackay-Smith's papers, date mostly from the 1980's, although there is some material from as early as 1967 and from as late as 1997. The collection provides a more in-depth look at some of the Bull Terrier Club of America's concerns and politics during the 1980's, a particularly active and turbulent time for the Club. The membership was divided and there were many conflicts. Elections were hotly contested. The editor of Barks was fired, in a controversial move by the Board of Directors. The Welfare Foundation was initiated. Bull Terriers were in the news because of the Spuds Mackenzie beer commercials and media-fed public panic about Pit Bulls, with whom Bull Terriers were often confused. New research into canine genetic defects had the potential to influence Bull Terrier breeding programs. In addition to her copies of the minutes, the series consists of correspondence to Mackay-Smith, drafts of articles by Mackay-Smith, articles by others clipped by Mackay-Smith (with a particular focus on genetic issues), correspondence on zinc metabolism syndrome (zinc deficiency) and other genetic issues, materials regarding BTCA elections and the Welfare Foundation, and materials related to Mackay-Smith's work for the BTCA on luxating patellas, the Bull Terrier video, the Illustrated Standard, and Silverwood.