Tiara

At some point I read something about the links between pigment and temperament (this article was specific to GSDs) and addressed the issue of dilutes in the breed. I can't find it at the moment but it was quite interesting.. the dark dogs typical of east German bloodlines seemed to be the basis of the article, having been known for their sound nerves and working ability. Anyways, on the issue of rare and unusual colours being integrated into standards.. I honestly don't see a real, solid reason for it all. I think the acceptance of unusual colours is the last thing most breeders should be worried about (Esp. in a breed like the GSD). When the most crucial aspects of the standard are being met by the majority of breeders then I can see why it's okay to push the inclusion of livers, partis, blues, tricolours and whatnot.

I've only ever been around SBTs for longer periods of time and can say that they're fine with eye contact. They don't seem to be phased by anything, very sturdy and confident. I have met a few ASTs with a more "bouncy" temperament most seem to have an aloof disposition (even young pups). (btw this is not criticism of the breed i am actually quite partial to the calmer, dignified character i've seen in AmStaffs)

Hey all, I often look after a few SBTs and was wondering what the differences in temperament are between the two breeds. The Amstaffs that i've met seem to be a bit more "serious" and quiet, and a little on the aloof side with new people. Staffords on the other hand seem *very* friendly. Again this is from what i've noticed.

She's gorgeous! May I ask what her lines are?

Having been to Europe and visited rellies that are in the Veterinary field, I found that they were shocked when they heard that desexing is standard procedure here in Australia. I definitely agree that the mentality towards dog ownership is very different there, and in a very good way, too. People also seem to have a good understanding of the need for training, as well as the dog's purpose (eg: working dog, gundog etc.).

Omg, Thoughts and prayers with you Jed!

GSD Dobermann Brittany Cocker Spaniel Stafford AmStaff Samoyed French Bulldog Golden Retriever Eurasier (edit because I can't count)

I was at the nationals too, and I have to say that I did see some dogs that i thought had 'hock issues' and over angulation, but like Ish said, the judges took notice and placed them further back.

Done

I thought the same thing Danois. Doesn't look terrlbly whippety to me either. Looks kind of kelpie x to me from that pic. Maybe it's just that photo I think he might be a Sheltie/Whippet mix. Hope he finds a home soon! edit for spelling.

Yep they are GSDs. Miley's dog looks like a longcoat white shepherd to me.

Really! My mum had one when she was young. I never knew they were in Australia.

The old Nokia N73 has a great camera. 3.2MP, and a really good phone too. Carl Zeiss lens.

He's soooo cute Um... I think Ridgeback/Bullmastiff, perhaps some Dane.

He's adorable! I'd love to have a Brittany one day, they're gorgeous.

Speaking of jumping Malinois...

Not usually, althought if it is hot and they've had a drink they can be wet around the mouth. Some lines also are more "wet" ie more loose skin around the mouth and these tend to be a bit more slobbery (if thats a word lol) but over all, they aren't drooly. Cool, thanks

Black Magic ETA, Black Diamond

Do you actually know what the Rottweiler standard lists as the correct heights for the breed? Yes, I most definitely have Rottweilers here who are well over 52cms - they are in the correct height range for the breed standard instead. They also have pedigrees going back longer than your arm, so I can assure you, they certainly are pure. Please don't comment about a breed when you clearly don't know the correct information for that breed :D Sorry but who are these registered breeders that are crossing, Nannas??? And where did you get 52cms from? How is a Rottweiler over 52 oversize? Where are you getting this info from?!

Are Boxers a drooling breed? edit sp.

Probably a puppy mill pup :D I was in a local pet shop one day buying guinea pig food and saw a couple show up, calling themselves "breeders". They had two litters of Cocker Spaniel pups for the pet shop :D

I understand what you're saying....even tho' people might jump to the conclusion it's elitism. No, you're being practical. Many of the pure breeds have distinct behavioral traits....as well as conformation...that make a breed unique. All of which should be preserved. And only owners up-to-speed with what they are....& who are prepared to work along with them....should own that breed. This is pointed out re tibetan spaniels on the international Tibbies Net site, where the best of the international breeders gather. Here's the page where they ask people to consider, this may not be the breed for them: http://www.tibbies.net/right_breed.html It is I don't see anything wrong with it. Well bred pedigreed dogs from dediccted breeders ARE better than mongrels and owners of pedigreeds (word? ) should be proud to own the dogs they do. Everyone appreciates a well bred animal, horse owners walk their stock with pride, a fit healthy thoroughbred, beautiful Arabian, impressive Percheron, striking Appaloosa - they all enthrall, inspire and capture the imagination - same with an awesome Newfoundland, elegant Borzoi, spritely hound, devoted Tibbie, handsome Labrador, or pretty Yorkshire ... Cross breeds are no more than a disgruntled dog owner's effort to achieve the attributes of an ideal dog that they first became aware of through a pedigreed pure bred. Yes problems can come from status symbols, but i think more problems come when we don't have the pride to stand up and away, on our own merit ;) NB: to borrow an analogy from greytmate - we've been marketing pedigree dogs like fords when most of the populace dont want anything more than a datsun. So let them have the datsuns, ford and holden hybrids no one remembers those cars anyway no more markdowns to fit in with common perception - bentleys, mercedes, porsche, lamborghini (lol which dog are you ) Great post lilli, i completley agree. @ the bolded part, but so true.

Beautiful Lappies I remember meeting a lappie puppy at the beach when i was little, gorgeous little fluff

I know the dog. My house is about 5 minute walk from that very salon. I see the husky there all the time. never on a lead, always lying around in the salon. Poor kid, poor dog I agree, the salon owner and the parents are at fault. The child shouldn't haven't been walking around without being supervised. Not fair for the child or the dog. Poor husky is probably going to get pts

So technically, there wouldn't be too many real ones left anyway? not at all, still plenty of good breeders with great bloodines. So back to my whole point - LEGALLY there shouldn't be any though if you take into consideration the length of time since the origianl ban and then BSL restriction on breeding and requirement to have all APBT and their crosses desexed? I'm not so silly as to believe that restricted breeds aren't imported. I understand that owners of APBT love their dogs but isn't blatantly flaunting the law on sale and breeding only harming the cause? And i'm pointing the finger at those who breed purely for profit by advertising overpriced pups with no guarantees and promoting their dog's fearsome reputation. Every photo that accompanies such advertisements shows chained dogs (with bloody heavy chains), and highlights the dog's prowess as a 'protector' - These 'Breeders' are the reason the breed has such a hard time promoting the attributes of the breed - rather they focus on promoting the APBT as a fearsome dog, and a cash cow, because the wankers that are breeding them attract further wankers who don't understand the dog's tenacious nature and can't handle them properly and create ill tempered poorly socialised dogs who unfortunately do attack and create more drama for the legitimate pet owners. I don't think it can be argued unfotunately that the breed attracts undesirable types due to their history, and how they are portrayed by the media including movies and tv programs - if it's a guard dog or its barking ferociously or tring to attack somoene out the front of a criminals home - its a PB. APBT owners are fighting an uphill battle. Exactly. If the owners and breeders of APBTs want people in the community to view their dogs as friendly, family friendly etc, why on earth do they present their dogs like that? Putting a chain and spiked collar on your dog doesn't help build your breed's reputation, especially when people are already scared of them.