badboyz

I have a GE Care credit account set up. My first choice vet does not accept this, but another good local vet as well as the nearest ER, do accept it for payment. It has about a $10K limit. If one of mine needed a huge amount spent on it, I would consider PTS as a viable option, depending on the individual circumstances, of course.

You need to put powder between the wrinkles of a shar pei to stop skin problems apparantly.

So pleased to hear that Jed is now well and truly on the mend . Thanks so much Toohey for keeping us all in the loop

What fabulous photos Poor tree!

I posted a link to the Qld show schedules on page 9 post #123. No cost to go and watch, just don't talk to the exhibitors while they are preparing to enter the ring. Better to catch them when they are relaxed and sitting around their gazebo's and crates. I am surprised at your "revised" top 5 - none of which have been recommended for your situation, except the whippet. All highly active and intelligent (read: easily bored leading to high potential to be destructive) breeds. You seem very determined to stick with breeds based on looks alone, despite asking for suggestions. I sure hope your wife is more patient and flexible than you suggest she is.

I too was going to say a beagle may not be a good choice for you Lambo. As sweet and delightful as they are, they are also extremely mischievious and not particularly obedient. They are a dog bred to live and work in a pack situation, so will not be happy with being alone at all. Here is a link to dog show schedule for Qld: http://www.cccq.org.au/Show-/-Trial-Forms.aspx

I don't think this was the point of Bug's post at all. I think Bug was simply (and wisely) reminding all who responded, that there are 2 sides to every story and to be careful about jumping in so quickly with disparaging remarks about another breeder, without knowing any facts first hand. Nothing against you at all.

Two breeds come to mind. Firstly the Collie rough or smooth coat if you are worried about the hair, could be very suitable. Being a working dog they could easily handle the hour jogging, but they do have an off switch and are very sensitive to their families needs. A breed with beauty, intelligence and stamina if needed. A shar pei could be worth considering, though you would have to choose carefully to get one that is just right as their is a lot of differences of type. They have the strong look of a Rottie, in a medium package. They are usually not overly destructive or clingy and are very intelligent. The hour of jogging could be a bit much, but some types are definately more athletic than others. Many say they are not for first time owners, but I have found them much easier to live with and far easier to train than any other breed I have owned (including a wei, beagles, chihuahuas). Good on you for doing your research. Take your time, meet the breeds, talk to different breeders and I am sure you will find a fabulous new family member.

Pipal, well soaked puppy food is a perfectly suitable diet for the baby pups. It can be mushed up like a porridge so they do not choke on the hard bits, until they have their teeth and get the hang of chewing. I would not recommend you adding extras like baby cereal or weetbix or arrowroot - it is not necessary and they will get more than enough cereals from the puppy dry food. Do not add milk either - again unnecessary. A little raw mince would be a welcome addition. Natural yoghurt would also be very beneficial. Worm them now and again in a couple of weeks. Pups (and mum too) should be vet checked and vaccinated at about 7 wks. Good on you for taking them in and I agree it would be far better if you can manage to keep mum & pups safely in your yard. Pics would be most welcome.

I actually don't disagree with Bug on this one. We do only have the poster's point of view and should not be condemning another breeder just on hearsay. I know I have had people come to see a litter of pups, and they have been disappointed when some or all are sleepy and not wanting to "perform" for an audience. It is not because they are unsocial or sick, they are just sleepy. Puppies do not play on cue. Some will sleep while others play. I for one will not invite anyone to see my pups before 5wks of age. Also I have a breed that can have eye issues, and may have pups with eye tacking, at the time. I do not hide this from people and it does not mean the pup is sick or will be more likely to have issues later - in fact I have found that those tacked very early in life seem to have less issues later than in pups done at a later time. We do not know if the breeder was tired, had a bad day, or just weary talking to new over-anxious puppy buyers. We do not know if the op arrived on time or and hour late - throwing out the breeder's plans for the day. I know it annoys the bejeebers out of me when people say they will be here at a certain time and I go to the trouble trying to organise feeding/cleaning etc so that everything is in order for their arrival, only to get a call an hour later saying - ooh sorry we are just leaving now!!!! To the OP, you have every right to ask any questions you wish, preferably before you put down a deposit. I am not saying you are wrong in what you say, and the pup may well have been sick/the breeder questionable, but there may be other circumstances at work too. Hopefully you will be able to treat this as a learning curve and be better prepared next time.

I prefer no earlier than 12mths, regardless of breed (including my little chi who had only one testicle). There is a physical difference in a dog desexed before maturity, and I like my dogs to look and be the best they can be, even if just a pet.

Same thing virtually happened with me today. The neighbours have asked to let their horses graze on my grass in the unfenced part of my property, as they have none. I said they were welcome, but please only when they where home in case there was an incident of any sort. They have used electric tape as temporary fencing. My dogs are fine with the horses being there just beyond our fence. Today they were barking up a storm, and I went out to find one of the horses had gotten out under the tape and wondering off. I go to tell the neighbour - and sure enough no one home!!!! :p This horse is not keen to be caught. Luckily the neighbour had just popped out and drove in the driveway while I was still wondering what to do, and waving a carrot at her trying to get her to come to me :D

Oh how sad! So sorry for your and your parents loss. It wasn't your fault it fell Baifra, she probably would have eaten it whenever it fell, as it is meant to smell attractive. Lucky that Belle didn't get to it also. I've recently lost my heart dog too, and though I know it was just a tragic accident, it is hard to keep the what-if's at bay.

Clearly a well loved little man. He is adorable. Keep up the excellent work with training him and you will have a lot of fun with Elbie.

Beautiful song choice tdierikx! Singing along here (sorry all, I know I'm not very good!)

Popping in to the waiting room...my isn't it crowded. So glad to hear there is some improvement with our Jed! I brought her a box of chocolates, but as she is not ready to eat them yet, perhaps we can all share them around and I'll bring another for her later. Just watch the dogs don't get any! Keep improving lady, won't you!

Congratulations on your beautiful babies. I am glad it all worked out well for you and your girl.

I have relit my candle as well. Keep strong Jane. My thoughts are with you daily.

I rarely come into the photos thread, but have really enjoyed looking at everyone's photos. I, like many have few photos of me with my dogs, but this one I like was taken at a pei picnic in August last year, as part of a group shot. Me with Dylan, Charm (RIP ) & Jazzy

Yeh... I win ... I win!!!!

Oh just gorgeous photos of beautiful joyful children. Wouldn't it be heaven to feel like that again.

My first thought was the Tang Dog, supposedly behind the chow and shar pei breeds. Here is an article which my help you: http://kennellonfumun.kotisivukone.com/9 eta. click on: plate 3.1 samples of tang dogs eta: http://dogbreeds.bulldoginformation.com/ch...dog-breeds.html never heard of the first breed, but they are amazing.

My chi's got very picky for a bit too, rejecting all sorts of brands, including the royal canin chihuahua, which they loved for a little while. I have been successful with Purina Lamb & rice adult formula. They have been happy with that for a while now and the pieces are small too. My dogs are fed mostly raw, but they do like a little dry too. Definately worth a go.

Hi Bridie, do come into the chihuahua breed thread: http://www.dolforums.com.au/index.php?show...948&st=2040 and you will see more photos of healthy weight chis to compare you girl too. My Fable is about similar age to your girl, though longcoat, but you can see her photo there as well.

Maybe you need a second question asking is a pitbull an Amstaff??? I think the results would be very different.