Lee-Ann

What I'd like to know is whether bull breeds are getting better or worse over time, and if they are getting worse or not improving, whether the bad element is concentrated in some lines. I am no expert on bull breed history, but it does seem to me that the average temperament has probably gotten more social since the days when dogfighting and bull and bear baiting were popular sports. If the bad name is coming from, say 10% of the individuals, and the temperament problems are concentrated in certain lines, the solution is to regulate the problem lines, not the entire breed(s). The Staffy is neck and neck with the Labrador for numbers of pedigree registrations in Australia. I can't believe SBTs would be that popular if most of them were inherently problematic. Many people know little or anything about the dogs they pick. I speak to people regularly in my rescue work and one of the common things I'd told by the owners of Staffies is that they were picked because they were great with people. People haven't thought to worry about whether or not the dog is good with other dogs and rock up to the dog park .... Most people are normal dog owners, they don't always have enough experience to know what to look for in a dog. This is why there is so much dumpage of dogs generally, because people didn't know that the lovely border collie they picked wouldn't be happy sitting in a garden 24/7. The pounds are full of bull breeds and crosses thereof, maybe it's because their owners didn't know they'd need good fencing and can't or won't fix it, I'd be interested in some research being done. Agreed, lots of owners out there that don't spend time educating themselves, learning and understanding what their animal needs or requires to be a content and stable pet. sounds to me like there are a lot of unstable, uneducated owners out there.

Gus is gorgeous Steph! It must be great to finally have your pup. As for me my wait is getting a little less. A breeder that I have approached has just had puppies. They will probably be black and tan in colour and also chocolate. I thought a black and tan puppy would be lovely but then who knows if I like a chocolate puppy in personality then that'll the be one I choose. It really will just depend on who has the personality I'm looking for. I've started planning my loungeroom and will be getting a crate for the pup and I will be making an area for the pup to spend the first few days in so she isn't too overwhelmed. I'm a little undecided as to whether I might move her/him into my bedroom at night for the first couple of nights. What did every one else do? The other alternative would be for me to sleep in the loungeroom for a couple of nights until puppy feels comfortable. I am off to Pet Barn today to do some puppy shopping.... very exciting but I find myself so undecided about some many things, like the type of bed etc etc. But I'm definitely getting a crate so that's one less thing.

I have puppy envy lol :laugh:

OMG she's gorgeous.... :)

Well said!!

Congrats fairystar, welcome to the puppy wait.

Melina Bea & Cassie your puppies are just gorgeous!!

Congrats to those who have gotten their pups, they are soooooo gorgeous and I am sooooo jealous!! OMG I have so long to wait I spent the morning watching Min Pins on You Tube lol too cute and learnt a couple of more things about them. I'm also reading "How to Raise the Perfect Dog"....

This thread is so great. It's great to hear what other people are doing for their pups, how you are all preparing. I read that socialisation article it was excellent and it was what I wanted to do with my dog, sociliase as much as possible I have family members with dogs so I really want my dog to be able to interact with them as well as being friendly to any other dogs it meets along the way. I hope all you guys that are getting a new pup soon share some pics as well! :)

Welcome Lee-Ann, I've had a MinPin previously, he was a fun little dog, although there was NOTHING little about him. I don't know how many times other dogs tried to dust him up. (I don't think they thought he was another dog ) He took it all in his stride. :D My BIGGEST not fun thing about him was an atrocious recall. Simply awful. The handful of times he snuck out the door way as people were going in or out were breath holding moments. We did get him to a point where he was more responsive, and then he would do his..."They beat me" act. Which we had never, ever done. :laugh: That's a long wait for you! I've been waiting 5 weeks so far, and I have 14 sleeps to go. I'm getting a Rottweiler. :D (Her name shall be Willow) How Funny, we too had tossed around the idea of getting a Rottweiler we absolutely love the breed, and I'm sure in the future we will get one, I definitely love Rotti's but we had to take into account several things that made us decide that a smaller dog would be more suitable. Four months is a long wait, there is a breeder that has puppies ready soon, but I wanted to really prepare the kids and the house etc. Now thinking of a suitable bed and space where to put the little puppy. Whether to build a pen or just isolate the pup in one room? Any recommendations would be helpful. You are lucky not long for and you will have your fur baby

Hi Well we finally decided the time had come to adopt a puppy. I had done some research and have been waiting about 12 months to finally decide on a breed that we believe would suit our family. We decided on a Miniature Pinscher. I have approached breeders this week and a breeder has indicated that they will have a litter in July and pups should be ready by September. OMG! I'm so excited. Although I have been a dog owner in the past it's been 6 years since I had a dog and our hearts ached for a long time after we lost our last dog (she was a Pit Bull). So now I am waiting, excitedly reading about bringing home a puppy, refreshing my knowledge :D It's like starting over, I'm trying to absorb as much as I can, and although I have just about exhausted reading absolutely everything about the breed I'm always on the look out for more information. But I think I have the breed information down pat now it will be bringing home a puppy and guiding her. Also preparing for the puppy to come home, lots to organise, but I just can't wait. So the count down begins...... 4 months to go.....

I just adore that picture too. A beautiful man and taken too soon. My thoughts are with you.

I use to feed Rommel Iams/Eukanuba, he loved these ones and his coat really looked fantastic. I also fed him roo meat, chicken necks/wings or carcasses, raw egg and yoghurt. Just to give him some variety as well.

Happy Birthday Brax, you beautiful boy. Everyone here is thinking of you. Lee-Ann & Family

What a beautiful boy. So sorry to hear that he as passed on, it must be so difficult for you and your family. RIP Brax.