GSPDean

No - I haven't fed livamol. My two are both on premium dry (Blackhawk) and get plenty of RMB's along with added vegetables, sardines etc... I don't believe it would be diet in the case of my boy who has suffered a bit of discolouration. The fact that my female GSP does not suffer at all from it and is on the same diet also causes me to think that diet isn't as much of an issue. I think it's just a bit of genetics and environment (i.e. the slight sun bleaching from lounging around on the deck). It's interesting to hear about the mixed opinions about these matters. I suppose it's very dependent upon cause of the coat fade and this changes depending on the dog and the circumstances. I might give Livamol a go someday. It's not as though my boys coat is terrible. It's still healthy and shiny, just a shade lighter than it used to be before the Summer sun started coming out. It's only more noticeable when compared to my female when they're side by side as she is like dark chocolate. :D

Hi english.ivy. Unfortunately, I don't have an answer to your question, but I am interested to hear about other's use of livamol and whether they thought it was having a positive effect on their liver dogs coat colour. I have two all liver GSP's. One has no issue with her coat, the other lightens up quite a bit. I have a feeling it's because he likes to lounge around in the sun on our back deck... So, I'm interested in what others who use or have used livamol have to say about what they noticed.

Hi Sherel (and everyone). Thanks for your speedy response. I had a sneaking suspicion this guy selling the food was just spinning a yarn to earn an extra buck or two. I completely understand that the retailers set their own price. It's just a shame that some see the opportunity to add a bit on in an almost ad hoc fashion. Anyways, I'll email you Sherel.

Hi all! Just a quick query, what prices are everyone paying for a 20kg bag of adult? We have just finished our first bag and went back into the store for another and found that the price had risen by $3 in the last month (from $87 to $90). They said that their price has risen too and that they were finding it hard to keep up with demand. I know it's not a big change, and prices do change, but with two GSP's with healthy appetites it does add up... Interestingly, the store owner also commented that he had heard that the brand was going to change the size of their food bags along with some other changes, but he wouldn't elaborate any further. My two have been doing really well on Black Hawk, so I hope the food itself stays the same and it stays competitively priced. Anyone have any thoughts?

Another pointer family breed you might consider is a German Shorthaired Pointer (I am biased here - having two ourselves) . They fit in with most of your requirements. Good family dogs. They don't mind a bit of rough and tumble play, especially the boys. Their coats are very easy to maintain. A male weighs in at about 30kg and would stand at around the same height as your current dog. In terms of exercise, we do a daily walk and play a bit in the backyard with them. They also love a good run, but given the size of your property, this shouldn't be a problem - playing with your other dog and a good game of fetch perhaps? We have found they are better to be tired out with mental stimulation rather than just pure exercise. So fetch games and toys that ask more of them to win their food are good. We have two, both still very young and energetic. They are incredibly gentle with kids and love to be around the family. Their coats do shed, but a brush with one of those rubber grooming mits once a week seems to work wonders in getting rid of any coat they are shedding, which is usually very minimal. Good luck with your selection!