Austerra

perspex (or clear roofing eg laserlite) on inside of fencing so you still have the view of the pool (for ambience and safety reasons)

Keep a watch on DOL listings you will probably find a pug on limited reg for pet home or one slightly older that has been run on in hope of showing/breeding but hasn't quite reached the mark, the only thing it may take a while just keep looking. At least you will know what you are getting.

Maybe talk to a local groomer and see if they could organise a meeting with a couple of their regular clients who have poodles in basic puppy clip (or even with Cocker x Poodle owner before the dog is clipped!!) Where are you in Victoria? If outer east I may be able to help on this one.

Then go check out Swedish Vallhunds! That's what the photo I posted is, only he's the wrong colour and they are meant to be sable. They are around the same size and are also cattle herders. The Lancashires are about 1/2 weight of Vallhunds at approx 6 kg and only 25 - 30 cm in height. Actually very happy with my Aussies & Kelpie, but the Lancashire Heeler just caught my attention as hadn't even come across this breed in books before. When I volunteered at RSPCA a dog came in that the vets had decided was a "corgi x husky" , one look for anyone that knows breeds could tell it was a Swedish Vallhund.

Some breeds you can definitely see how and from what they have developed. Nice to see GSD that looks like it has power in its hind quarters and not like it has something stuck up its bum! Bring back Rin Tin Tin!!!

Thanks for all your comments. I think they would be very interesting to see here, as i've had kelpies for 25 yrs and now aussies (terriers not yankee sheps) I think they would suit me perfectly.

thanks, had already visited this site. They remind me of a little xbreed I had years ago, that was a kelpie x foxie x dachshund x something. Thought maybe some Brit expats may have some personal knowledge of them.

Julija Kinghorn of Southern Cross Animal Stars (animal behaviourist) based in Rowville http://www.southerncrossanimalstars.com.au/

Thanks for sharing, some very interesting changes over the years. It is amazing what hairdryers and product can do to a coat nowadays

Lancashire Heeler - I recently came across this breed in a British book, does anyone know of them? Eg temperament, trainability, ever seen in Aust?

Ashley Reid at Clyde has group classes on Tuesday nights at 7 pm as well as one on one private sessions (www.showclasses.com.au) or I believe Lee Cogley takes classes at KCC Park on Thursday nights (check with VCA).

Mad About Pets in Ferntree Gully, Melbourne. Have few products of this brand in stock, may be able to get others, just need to check on supplier.

I have medium size one for my Aussie terrier, love it. Great for small dogs but was going to put one in to fit my kelpies but once PIM door fitted would have to walk sideways to get out door when opened, no hope of getting washing basket through. We have wooden framed sliding doors though, they don't slide open as flush as metal framed doors, so larger sizes may be okay in the latter. Stockists are listed on website I think, or email them. We are a stockist at my work but we are in Melbourne.

These bowls are available in stainless steel as well.