lappiemum

I'm afraid you both have far more confidence in the system that I have.....

breeders registered with the VCA are easier to target than puppy farmers and back yarders - all their records are there in the one spot, nice and convienent....

How about midnight, as a variation on black? Suggestions: midnight sun (or son) midnight hour (our our) midnight oil midnight cowboy midnight muse midnight runner and ofcourse, the midnight special

Ask melissa - she will have some dates - she'll probably love to have an update on Luuka too ;)

Wolfenpup - I would simply never enter under that judge again. In entering my dog, I expect a level of competancy in order to judge my dog. If I do not believe they handle my dog, or my breed, with any knowledge or professionalism, I take note and do not go back. if people ask me later about that judge, I would tell them of my experience. The decision to enter, ofcourse, is still completely up to them

We'll be there - and I have a baby puppy.....

AAAAAAWWWWW!!!!!!! Thats just sooooo adorable! (even if poor mum looks buggered!) Now how about you???!!LOL

aw bugger - the week forcast has Tuesday down as 34 degrees - which may or may not go higher.... Tuesday Mostly sunny Min: 18°C Max: 34°C UV: Extreme At least sat is still forcast as a lovely 23!(and mostly sunny!)

Congrats to Ziva, and to you Elsa I'm looking forward to seeing baby pics!! And you will have to give me a blow by blow account later - hopefully we'll be going through the same thing in a few months time!

oh man, I keep coming back here waiting with baited breath....LOL Be a good girl Ziva, don't keep us all here waiting for too long!LOL

Hi Jess- Your friend should read the following: http://www.dogzonline.com.au/pedigree_dogs.asp http://www.dolforums.com.au/index.php?showtopic=90139 (you'll need tissues for this one) http://www.vca.org.au/Content.asp?ID=171 http://www.vca.org.au/Content.asp?ID=143 There is also a frequently asked questions on pedigree dogs from the VCA site, which I have copied below: PEDIGREE DOGS – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Why should I buy a pedigreed, purebred puppy? Purebred dog breeders put a lot of time and money into ensuring their puppies are healthy. Careful records are kept with the pedigree of each dog and many breeders even go to the trouble of using artificial insemination from purebred dogs around the world to ensure the bloodlines in Australia stay strong and varied. Purebred dogs have consistent, predictable characteristics. Are crossbred dogs healthier? NO. Crossbred dogs are unpredictable in many ways, including health and particularly inherited defects. Purebreds are tested for issues known to affect the breed to make sure only healthy dogs are bred with. Many diseases are being eradicated through the careful breeding practices of caring, dedicated breeders. Crossing breeds creates a genetic lottery with unknown results that therefore cannot be tested for in advance. Do crossbred dogs have better temperament? NO. This is one of many ways in which purebred dogs are more predictable. When you get a crossbred dog you don’t know how it will turn out. Responsible breeders make sure they use animals with good temperament in addition to health checks. Purebred dogs are just as loving and playful as any other dog, and a predictable energy-level means you can find a dog that fits easily into your lifestyle. Are crossbred dogs non-allergenic? NOT CONSISTENTLY. When you create a crossbred puppy out of one breed that sheds and another that doesn’t, there is just as much chance that your dog will shed as that it won’t. And there is no way to tell when the puppy is young what its adult coat will be like. Once again the only way to guarantee a non- or lowshedding coat is to purchase a purebred puppy with a consistent coat type. What about designer dogs? Designer dogs are just crossbreeds with a fancy name. They have the same unpredictability as any other crossbred dog in terms of heritable disease, coat type and temperament. Are purebreds for showing, and not house pets? NO. Most dogs bred by DOGS Victoria breeders are chosen to be much loved family pets. People choose purebred dogs because they can select a predictable pet that suits their lifestyle. When you hear the word purebred do you think of a poodle with a lion clip? A hairless Chinese Crested Dog? Those “showie” breeds can make great pets, and don’t forget that predictable purebreds include Labrador Retrievers, Schnauzers, Cairn Terriers, Beagles and Border Collies! Do breeders breed to win shows? NO . . . and YES. Each breed has a written standard that defines the perfect specimen of a breed. No dog will ever be perfect, but the standard serves as a guide for breeders to keep the consistent characteristics that make purebreds so predictable. All dogs should be able to function in their day-to-day life whether they are a house pet, a show dog or a working farm dog. No responsible breeder wants to create an unhealthy or unhappy puppy. Judges reward dogs for being physically and temperamentally sound. Extreme exaggerations do not result in award winning dogs. If breeders produce dogs that are healthy, well socialised, functional and a good representation of the breed then they WILL win. And they will produce puppies that make excellent family pets with long, healthy lives. Rescue Option: Is def worth considering, but does have pluses and negatives. If your friend wants to get a rescue, she can either go through the pound (note - most of the dogs in pounds are usually mixed breeds) or rescue, which may or may not be pedigree depending on the rescue. Its up to her, but she must keep in mind that particularly with pounds there is often very little info on the dog's history, so she must be prepared for any surprises (for example, the loveable small dog she bought home may be a chronic escapee!!). The advice above re crosses applies no matter where your next furfriend comes from. Having said that, I have had crosses as well as pedigree dogs in my life, and have loved all of them! Hope this helps.

I'm the same Pam, won't be there until 8.30 ish. Luckily someone is minding me a gazebo spot but no idea about the car park, or anything else for that matter As long as it doesn't bucket down, you should be ok. You may have to park across the road, but I haven't seen it at a point where there wasn't parking available. Got my numbers yesterday too

ohhh, now we're all waiting with baited breath.....!

Go Ziva!!!

Will see her at Ring 5 then! (there's a couple of lappies this time around! :D ) How's your girl going btw? All systems ready to go??? Check the thread in Breeder's for updates Lots of Lappies!!! And I'm gonna miss them HAve been - just not today!

Will see her at Ring 5 then! (there's a couple of lappies this time around! ) How's your girl going btw? All systems ready to go???

probably not, although it can't hurt to ask....

Just wondering, if anyone has their numbers yet?

Seriously cute!!!!LOL

Thats a shame - will keep my eyes open in case they do have another, I'll bring two puppies

LOL Sorry - maybe you could get them to work in cohouts.....LOL I can def recommend Peter - just be prepared to be told your dog is perfect, and you are the dufus (in a nice way, ofcourse!)

sent them an email on Monday - no reply. Will follow up with a phone call next week. Lappiemum - tehy are actual papers - they have a prefix. Ah, guess they may be in some trouble then...

Haven't seen anything gazetted yet, have been looking myself. But if you are new to showing and interested, Peter Frost does show training at Bulla every Wed night from 7pm to 8(ish), and is very good.

Only if they are a registered breeder.

Don't forget, papers may not be registration papers - they could be vaccination/vet check etc. Or they may actually be registration papers, but the buyer has to pay extra to have the dog's paperwork. Either way, screams dodgy breeder.