Kristin Dwyer

IMO while it is not wrong to charge more in general, where this sort of thing becomes wrong is as follows: a. The claim that something is 'rare' - particularly when it is not and/or when it is not an accepted colour or feature for the breed. This type of selling and claim is dodgy no matter what 'product' you are selling. b. When breeding for colour takes precedence over breeding for type/structure/health. If you breed for the good of the breed, and happen to get a dog with a more sought after colour or markings - then I see nothing wrong with selling it for more if people are willing to pay more. It is when things are done the other way around, or when they are falsely represented, or when a fault is passed off as something extra special that it becomes dodgy.

Thanks, i mite try this myself

sadly, there is not a 100% fix to this problem, that why i like in a house with floor boards, lol. Sorry, i couldnt be more help

The prices on Harls and Mantles is already high if you ask me. $2000+ Very few Harls/mantles are refused/excused from the ring based on markings alone. I can think of one in the last 4 years, that was based on markings alone - As stated by the judge. Many currently being shown world wide do not have the 'perfect' markings yet are still show quality. I think it's wrong to charge more, BUT if i wanted a perfectly marked one I would offer more to make sure I got it. :D Yeah for sure... I totally agree the price of them is crazy high. Mismark was the wrong choice of word - I know they're not excused from the ring, but was just referring to what you said, how many don't have the perfect marks, so was wondering whether you got one or two that DID have perfect markings and everything else was great, would that be ok? But you pretty much answered that anyway saying you'd pay more. I'd pay/offer more to own a perfectly marked one, but i would not charge more (if i bred one) as they cost the same to whelp and rear. 2 different things Buyer offering more vs breeder charging more. Yeah, i understand that. Aussie's can have Hypothyroidism and Pelger-Huet Anomaly (PHA) issue's . Please tell me off, if i am wrong and open to all info etc. This is from what ive read and been told by the Vet.

Harli/Mantle breeders charge the most, $2000-$3000 on average. Fawn/Brindle/Blacks/Blues $1500-$2000 is the average. Many not so ethical breeders seem to charge more then the well respected, long term ethical ones. fare enough, i was close enough . Great dane's are lovely dogs, i just love Mantles and Black's there my fav :D

What's your prefix, Kristin? Didn't you get blue merles because you used your blue merle Australian Shepherd as the sire? Yes, i did have an unplanned litter, by mistak. Not to stress both dogs are DNA tested (CEA, CL, TNS) and hip/elb done. Ozzie Has since been desexed. All the pups have now been desexed and are in amazing forever homes. Jason is doing outstanding and i couldnt be more proud of him. His is a reg Medical Assist Dog for an 8y.o boy with down syndrome.

I think it's wrong, they all cost the same to whelp and raise. Thats about the going rate for a Great Dane, isnt that right? tell me off, if im wrong.

I have a preference as both an exhibitor and breeder for coat colour. I love my black brindles and the less brindle and white I have on them the better. There's nothing wrong with that and I'm not alone but it's what breeders are prepared to sacrafice in order to get/maintain that colour preference that sorts the wheat from the chaff. I personally look for the best match for the dogs and bitches in terms of type, temperament, structure and soundness, the choice can be any colour, providing it's within the breed standard and will produce pups that are the same. For me that means no dilutes or any animal likely to produce a dilute but I'm open to the red, brindle, white, pied and everything else accpetable. No colour should cost more than another. Thats my adore black brindles they are just the best (so i reccen ). Thats what you want at the end of the type, temperament, structure and soundness, is it too had to ask for these days? haha

Thats a new to add to the book, never herd of a Black and Bi. However, beautiful!

And the really scary part is that they are NOT rare. I still can't understand how seemingly intelligent people can look through the adverts on here (just as an example) and see that of the 90-odd adverts 50+ will be for blue pups - and still believe the colour is rare. I think perhaps people allow themselves to be deluded so they can rationalise their desire to own something which costs way more than any sensible person would pay for an otherwise substandard item. Yeah, thats one thing i dont understand, like you! They are no were near "rare", every 2nd/3rd add "RARE BLUE STAFFY"S" however there EVERY WHERE to be seen! If ever got another staffy and breed her, and if she had blue's. I would sell them as the standard price like every other pup. Also another question: with a price difference again, however with main or limited pappers. Selling main reg pups for more because there more "beautiful"?

You're preaching to the converted where I"m concerned. What matters more (and what a lot of buyers can't seem to grasp) is temperament and construction. The colour of the coat is a nice to have if you have a preference but far too many folk make it their first priority and there are breeders prepared to fleece them to oblige. Yes, ill have to agree with you there. Its the sad that go for colour rather than temperament and type, ie some blue staffys, are get ripped any where from $2500 to $4000, i mean some of them ive seen look Amstaff's and look nothing like a staffy. Coloured BC's are very where now, i myself knowing a "so called breeder" who just breeds for the fancy colours with health, temperament right out the door. then trys to sell them for much as possable, and the sad things are is these puppies stuffer and the owners do as well. This person, has breed 6deaf dogs only in this one year she's been breed "pedigreed" BC's.

I understand this subject has come up most likely 200x's before (im sorry!). However, why do people base the cost of a dog to there "colour"? I find it, there just after the cash and a money making scam. Why shound a dog cost more because its a rare colour? Isnt the same breed/type/temperament at the end of day? Its just like when i have my first litter of Border Collies this year, i got a 2 blue merle's in the litter and i could of ripped people off for there $$$. Then why should i do that, there just as even as my other puppies in my litter. Plus i would so much rather, a sweet loving family home where they are treated like every other dog and not just more its looks or fancy colour. Whats your view on this?

yeah I used to grab sample packs for my rat and mouse mix! I have Ratties too! Mine were rescues-well that's how it started, they were escapees from somewhere & were running around the resort where I work and giving the guests the heebie jeebies. My boss was going to put down Ratsak so I asked him to hold off and I would try to catch them, they were very hungry so it was relatively easy. One died after a year or so and her friend was lonely so I had to get a replacement, then the other original became sick and I had to have her PTS so had to find another rattie companion. I am the worlds least likely rat owner and it causes much eye rolling from my adult children!! Very under rated pets in my opinion...and so smart! I think we may have to rename it, haha. Ive got a very simlier rat mix to yourself as well. Thats good of you that you rescued the ratties and gave them a loving home, and thats funny about your adult children . Well, if i got my 70y.o grandfather to pat rats, every one has a chance! Although he wouldnt amit to patting them. You would busted him, with hands in the cage going "here cutie", hahahahahahahahahaha :D I would of never known, that there would be rat fan's on this forum, . Here's my website, if you wanted to have a look . Im still adding alot of things, ie rat profiles etc. www.RatHappyRattery.webs.com

Awesome another Rat fan in the world . Do you still have any ratties? Unfortunately not :D I miss them terribly (had up to 10 at one stage, plus the same number of mice lol). Unfortunately my first female Border terrier has a very high prey drive and as they passed away of old age or illness I decided not to get any more. My last 2 were rescue boys who I had to rehome because she just wouldn't quit. So while I have her, no more ratties for me :D I'm lucky, I happen to have a 10 month old puppy right now Yeah, Im a breeder of pet ratties and i own about 15. haha. Yes, i would have to agree with you, i myself would love a little terrier for show, obedience and a most of all a much adored pet. However, to scared they will hert my rattie's as my mums dog have killed one of rats :p . (i understand for sure). However just too scared for my litter fuzzies :D . or do you think, if i raised its the rats it would be ok? but, wouldnt its temperament to hurt kick in one stage or the other?

All the pet stores I go to still have heaps on the floor - news to me that it has been removed for months... Someone should tell the stores that.. Yes, very much agreed. My pet shop's have heaps still available in all the different types as well. Why has it been been taken off the shelves for?

Do you know anyone who has a puppy at this time? just put in a birth date say april 2010, and give it as gift to them, as christmas is coming hard and fast.

yeah I used to grab sample packs for my rat and mouse mix! The book is actually quite nice. Haven't really read it but it's got some lovely photos and sections for 'records' and milestones for your puppy. Awesome another Rat fan in the world :D. Do you still have any ratties?

Same here, im just adding it to my rats dry mix, .

I Own 5 beautiful dogs 2 Borders, 1 Australian Shepherd, 1 Koolie x and 1 Tibetan Mastiff. Food is easy, it only coats me about $35dollors perweek to feed the lot of them. It includs raw meat, veggies, rice, fish oil tables, and dry dog food. Walking, i take my TM and Koolie for a 40min walk in the mornings because there slow and were out easy, haha. Then i take my two BC's and Aussie for an hours ride at night after work. When i have days off, and weekends, i take them all for a walk together at the park and let them off lead. Plus, on sundays i do Obedeince with them all, plus herding thursdays for all of them part from my TM. Also do flyball train on wednesday nights. almost forgot, they also take turns for walks to pick up the kids from school. So we keep busy

Hey all, Just thought to share, there is a free offer of "3kg bag of Eukanuba Puppy Food". Its cost's around $40 dollors, so i would jump on it while its still running. http://www.eukanuba.com.au/en-AU/EukanubaC...ning/index.html Hope i could help Kindest Regards, Kristin

Outstanding photo's! That is 100% staffy right there for you .

I understand where you are coming from, if it wasnt from one of dogs "Kai" i would of left this world a long time ago. Ill also be getting a tattoo of him of left leg so he will always be by my side. ;D

Thank you for that, his an awesome dog. His just outstanding with everything he does... Showing, herding, obedience, aglity and even better a family pet. Although all my dogs are the same like, its great to see what they were breed to do... "WORK". My TM Cherry, even try's to herd, with out much luck... haha. Yeah, i thought so as well... thanks to conform with, ill stay with my shepherd then ;).

Thats great to here, and i will add... he in a fine looking boy and i love his type. He love's great not just for the show ring, however herding as well. I just love it when; dogs can do what they where breed for...

Thank you for that, his an awesome dog. His just outstanding with everything he does... Showing, herding, obedience, aglity and even better a family pet. Although all my dogs are the same like, its great to see what they were breed to do... "WORK". My TM Cherry, even try's to herd, with out much luck... haha.