hortfurball

Geez, Mymatejack, perhaps you should stop while you're behind. SO many assumptions, such complete and utter lack of empathy! Trying to cast this poor dog in a bad light when you have no clue! Where do you get off suggesting that it may have aggressively approached and 'yapped' at the attacking dog? The beach concerned is a popular off leash dog beach, and the media report wasn't at all ambiguous about the fact that the dog was facing its owners. From what I can gather it was attacked either from the side or the rear while its attention was on its owners. I'd ask my friends who happen to be close friends of the family but I'm not that insensitive! WHATEVER happened, nobody deserves to see their beloved dog torn apart in front of them and it would be nice if these threads didn't turn into "It must have been the small dog's fault" all the time, just because somebody made a guess as to the breed, rightly or wrongly. The dog was identified by the family, not the media, as being possibly an American staffy, it wasn't the usual media cry of 'pitbull! pitbull!' I'm all for 'blame the deed, not the breed' but when you point the finger at the victim in such a harsh manner just because one of a few breeds is mentioned, it makes the anti BSL cause look like some fanatical anti-small/fluffy-dog hate campaign. My dog is about as big as you can get, and a BSL target in some regions of some states, but I can still empathise with this poor family, and their poor little dog. RIP Elfie

:rofl:

I'm so sorry Cazstaff! What a terrible and unnecessary tragedy. My heart is just breaking for you RIP Buddy.

I think the name Bella has been popular since way before Twilight. My Ella wasn't named because I like the name or think she's my child, she was named for Ella Fitzgerald. Rolf came with his name. Joely (cat) needed an androgenous name because he's such a pretty boy. My ex boyfriend's new girlfriend's cat had my name of choice at the time so I couldn't call him Dante because it was just weird. Not saying Dante's androgenous, just that it's what I would have called him. India came with her name, but I like it anyway and she tends to get called Indi.

Silly! Quickest way is Freeway, Lakes Rd, Paterson Rd to Pinjarra, then the Pinjarra Williams Rd, and then you would be able to take a slight detour, and come romping in the shallows at the foreshore with us and amusing the locals :p or pretend you don't know us while we amuse the locals :laugh: We actually did that today because it was nice and hot. Makes people smile watching a great dane frolicking in the water for some reason. Maybe because they usually see them being so placid and are delighted by the sudden bounciness - Rolf turns into Tigger! Ooh! I need to know more about this puppy! How old? What colour? Girl or boy? Do they know of the existence of Great Dane Lovers Assoc WA and most importantly, can we dane-stalk them? :D

Was that meant to say FALL, or are you being cheeky again? :p

Oh yes, that was the zoomie one wasn't it? Thanks, it's a great pic Trying not to bombard with TOO many photos (says she who has a whole thread of them!) Ok I'll post one of the slobber face ones when I recover from my injuries. Going to rest and recuperate now...

Easy - the dog has characteristics desirable in the breeding program, whether it's a champion or not. Sometimes you might have a dog that, while not champion material in itself, has traits that will counter shortcomings in a line, and hopefully the pups will be an improved version due to this new blood. Anyway, figured that particular question was mostly aimed at me, but I'm really no expert, so will bow out of this particular debate. :) yep it was aimed at you and I think you're right in theory - just not convinced in practice its been the best method of selection. Nor am I, if you read my previous posts that would be clear. :) The theory is a good one, but interpretation can sway things, but then I'm not convinced breeding to your own judgment solely (with no peer group input/discussion/debate) is the answer either. Please note this is a generalised statement and not aimed at any individual.

Easy - the dog has characteristics desirable in the breeding program, whether it's a champion or not. Sometimes you might have a dog that, while not champion material in itself, has traits that will counter shortcomings in a line, and hopefully the pups will be an improved version due to this new blood. Anyway, figured that particular question was mostly aimed at me, but I'm really no expert, so will bow out of this particular debate. :)

Because if you don't show, what yardstick do you have to say that your dog is a good enough example of the breed to be bred from? A pedigree is only part of it. As somebody else pointed out, not all champions throw great pups 100% of the time, although the hope is always that they will, with careful selection of their mate. The theory is a good one. If you are trying to improve the breed, or maintain it at its best if there is little to improve upon, then you will want to breed from a champion rather than an 'also-ran'.The only issue arises from the interpretation of what is good/sound enough to become a champion. I'm not a showie either, but I've attended a few and researched my breed before I got my first, and have paid attention to the breeding/lines/pedigrees/health issues talk over the last few years to gain a better understanding of how it all works to help me in selecting a breeder. In the end I adopted a rehomed dog, but anyway....

Thanks, most of them have been taken by other people at the playdates we go to, except for the ones at home. Rolf ran past us at the first beach playdate we went to and flung sand up into the zoom lens of the little camera, jamming it, so now I only have a huge old thing that I usually leave at home. The latest beach ones were taken by a friend on a Panasonic Lumix (waterproof) hence risking it over the ocean. Most of the really great photos are taken by Jo Wild, who's a Perth based photographer specialising in dogs and children and very generous with permission to post these casual shots. :)

Thanks DD, he's a helluva lot of sook! :laugh: The girl is currently in foster on a large property with other danes, so she's ok for now, just needs that one on one attention that she'll get when she has her own home. I posted on behalf of the foster mum. :)

Latest Rolfie pics, for anyone interested. :) Taught him to jump up and stand with his paws on my shoulders - may live to regret this as he now does it spontaneously when super excited Catch me if you can! Really not sure about this 'going in the water' thing - "Muuumm! You're too far out!" (with his friends Nera and Oscar) Love this pic! Determined to get to me regardless of his apprehension :) Made it! (look at his expression, darling boy!) I know this is a long shot, but does anyone know of someone in Perth who might want to join the great dane madness without having to go through the puppy destructo phase? There is a young black female (2 1/2yo) who is looking for a home at the moment, she is lovely and gets on well with other dogs at playdates, but needs to live without a canine companion. She is a good girl who would like someone who is home a lot and will treat her like a princess. Well behaved if shoes and remotes are out of reach ;) and great recall.

Hi and Happy New Year to all you West Aussies! Pie, you went to Dwellingup and didn't stop in Mandurah and visit? No fair! I want you to meet my new baby, and see how Trixie's grown. Speaking of which, I know you guys all see each other fairly often at training/obedience/trials, but would anyone be interested in a DOL social dog meet like the one we had at Piney Lakes ages ago? Bugger, just read the last few posts and realise I missed a beach meet happy birthday Ruby! Rolf's a wuss, went for his first swim about a week ago but there were only miniscule bumps, not waves. He only came in cos he didn't want to be separated from me, LOL! Great swimming beach at North Rockingham! Very protected bay so very flat with just tiny wavelets. I know this is a long shot, but does anyone know of someone who might want to join the great dane madness without having to go through the puppy destructo phase? There is a young black female (2 1/2yo) who is looking for a home at the moment, she is lovely and gets on well with other dogs at playdates, but needs to live without a canine companion. She is a good girl who would like someone who is home a lot and will treat her like a princess. Well behaved if shoes and remotes are out of reach ;) and great recall.

It's natural to have dogs within one breed with variations in features, and natural for some of these variations to be 'exaggerations', but for one of these to actually win at a show sends the wrong message. If they make you shudder, should they be winning? Even if there are only a handful that do? That sends the message to the breeder, and the other breeders involved in the same breed, that those exaggerations are desirable. I think the judges ought to take a long hard look at themselves, and how they are shaping the dogs, and how that is affecting the purebreed community. Their influence, by awarding (and rewarding) certain traits, is why we are having this debate in the first place.

The bolded bit is one of the best things I've read in this entire thread. The only part I disagree with somewhat is "no amount of education can teach people..." If you'd added the word 'some' before 'people', I''d regretfully have to agree though. That's because they are usually in foster homes with breed specific rescue groups. My breed is not one to be encouraging every Tom, Dick or Harry to own, or you'd have wild Scooby Doos rampaging all over the place giving danes a bad name. Just this week, a purebred girl was handed in to the vet to be PTS because the owner was busy with 4 young children, didn't have time for the dog and she kept escaping due to insufficient fencing. The vet happened to be a great dane lover and talked the owner into surrendering the dog instead - she's a pussycat in her foster home and will make the RIGHT owner a perfect pet. You can't seriously advocate breeding more pedigreed dogs to flood the market so that they end up in the sort of unsuitable homes I wouldn't wish on a pound pup! No, educating those who care enough to learn is the answer. And making damn sure that for those who don't there are laws that control how dogs are bought and kept. No one has the right to have a breeder's pup. They have to satisfy the breeder that they will give it a good home. And some breeders have earned the right to be distrustful - the hard way. A prospective Whippet owner who expects the dog to behave just like a golden retriever has earned the initial distrust a breeder might display. If education won't work then "sorry but no" is all you've got. Actually I think most people are pretty specific about exactly what they want in a pet. People are swayed by big brown eyes and by cute bundles of fluff but it doesn't always work out. The long term homes are those who acknowledge what sort of owner they are capable of being, and get a dog that suits those needs. I'm a lazy groomer, I have two sleek coated dogs. I admire fluffy or full coated dogs but I would never get one in a pink fit. Likewise, the sort of dog that appeals to me doesn't appeal to everyone. People may say they 'just want a dog' but when they go to the shelter, they'll still be selective - "not that one, it's too tall/hairy/noisy/active/ugly, I want the little cute creamy coloured one with the pretty eyes" because THAT is what appeals to them. I'm under no illusions that should my kelpie x end up at the pound, she'd probably not stand a chance, and yet she is one of the most wonderful creatures I've ever had the pleasure to know, regardless of her many faults! :D Pet selection is a very individual thing. Not just any dog will do, although a range of dogs fitting the criteria might do.

Wow! Scary stuff indeed. Yes, you're right, I missed this. Time for a revivalist movement to counter THAT kind of craziness don't you think? I'm surprised anyone but a handful of extremists would buy into that sort of fanaticism. Well some of us are going the OTHER way. I started with mutts and have moved to a purebred, there's hope yet. Edited to shorten quote, seeing as it's right above!

Crisovar, none of my comments were aimed at you personally so please don't get personal back. There were comments that this sort of thread always dissolves into a shitfight. I'm simply wondering why, as it doesn't help when people get hot headed. Those who call for a balanced view are those who should continue to speak up, for it is THEIR message that is helping rather than hindering. Those who can't post objectively when someone posts a video such as this are not helping ANYTHING.

Unfortunately, AR in it's many guises, is centred on promoting the demise of the dog, via any and all means, including supposed lack of health and inbreeding. Most of the "dog" organisations, AKC, CKC, etc are defending the dogs, but breeders/fanciers also need to defend at grass roots level, which is what is happening here. No one is defending the dodgy - we are refuting an overall view that all pedigree dogs as unsound, badly treated and being bred by careless and selfish breeders who care only for show wins, not dog welfare. And who are becomimg more unsound and used by the year. Which is simply not true. But if WE don't spread the message, no one will. I don't know what AR stands for so am missing the gist of your first sentence, but I'm not quite sure why any group would have an interest in the demise of the dog. Do they hate dogs? Or do they hate the idea of companion animals? Either way, surely it'll never take hold - too many dog/animal lovers in the world. I think you missed my point a bit. I don't think you are defending the dodgy, just warning that it may appear that way to some if you're not careful how you (the collective) present your arguments. Sometimes I think it can do more harm than good. You need some very good spokespeople to represent the body of reputable breeders, whose message can't be misconstrued. The odd few who are doing the wrong thing are tarnishing the rest of you, there's no argument there, but is it not within the means of the governing bodies to stamp on this so that the reputation of breeders can rise to what it should be. If the AKC, CKC, KCGB, ANKC, FCI and UKC would unite and clarify the breed standard of those breeds targeted, or require judges to examine their decisions, then the whole debacle could be reversed within a few years of selective breeding, at least the easily visible aspects of it. Yeah, I know...in a perfect world... OP joined in Sep 2011 On holidays and bored then :laugh:

Ok, I missed that, sorry, but comments like this don't seem designed to start anything: I'd say perhaps just a rather rash newbie. :) I did the same, came in guns blazing :laugh: But do you not realise that by protesting so vigorously, it appears you are defending/condoning the very few who are not doing the right thing? The video, taken on its own merits, would not convince anyone that all purebred dog breeds are damaged beyond repair. It is actually relatively well balanced, if a little off track in some areas. The average reasonably intelligent person will see this. Those who are more easily led will see what they want to see, regardless, and will take all the outrage as confirmation of guilt across the board. If the purebred dog community acknowledged that not ALL breeders are perfect, but that most of you are doing the right thing, in my opinion it would be a much more effective way of promoting purebreeds. Just my two bobs worth.

Ah, love a good conspiracy theory! Perhaps people lurk here and only feel compelled to join when the urge to contribute becomes too strong, such as in a topical and emotive thread like this one! That's because nobody has a problem with the average traits, only the ones so extreme they have become ridiculous. I do wonder why everyone here gets so upset by these videos/threads that do not target your kennel, or even most of the time your breed. There are a whole lot of breeds that were not singled out, and some were praised. All the representative breeders involved in these should give yourselves a congratulatory pat on the back for having the dogs' best interests at heart and staying true to the standard. In regards to coat, even I can see the hairspray and combing involved in the 'modern coats' in the video. I went to a couple of shows to see the danes and remember watching with some amusement the poodle people next door 'fouffing' their dogs' coats with hairspray and backcombing. Also, there is absolutely no evidence that the 1915 examples weren't clipped and that the full coats of today weren't prevalent back then. I think the biggest mistake in the video was to bother even mentioning coat.

Most adorable non smile! :) Such a handsome boy. Yeah I know, elegance personified isn't he, conehead and all! :laugh: Love my big goofy boy! Pav Lova, they are too cute!

Wow! Who would pay $550 for a moggie not including chip, desex and vaccination? Isn't the going pet shop rate about $15 or am I way out of touch? I tend to just go to City Farmers and Pet Stock which don't sell puppies or kittens so I might be 10-15 years out of date.

Still loving this thread! :) Friend caught a beauty of Rolf the other day...I had to remove some people from the pic so please excuse the poor attempt at replicating the background. Edited cos my language skills suck sometimes!

You added the GSD! :D Yeah I noticed that :) I had a look what everyone else had posted after I'd guessed and saw that you'd bolded the correct guesses. Was surprised not to see any GSD guesses for that one. The other obvious ones all got picked. The ones I got wrong I would NEVER have got!