Alkhe

Unfortunately it's those people who have ruined it for everyone else, and necessitated laws like this.

I believe it's a rule (perhaps a council bylaw in some places?) that dogs aren't allowed within eg 10 or 15 metres from playground equipment - there may be something like that in place?

I'm by no means an expert on Pugs either, but I've seen some really healthy seeming individual dogs, and others that I just feel really sorry for, because they always appear to be having trouble breathing. For example, I know two little black Pugs that are both quite "athletic" dogs, who happily go running with their owners. But I also know two rescue dogs (who I believe are siblings), one of whom is just in a really sorry state. She's CONSTANTLY wheezing and unable to properly run around and play, and has real trouble in both hot and cold weather. Her brother isn't as bad, but neither "seem" as healthy or sound as other pugs I've met. It's not just brachy breathing either - I have asthma and looking at her just reminds me of when I'm having an asthma attack and am struggling and in pain. I don't know much about brachy breeds, but perhaps somebody is able to enlighten me (and the OP) as to whether there are particular respiratory problems etc, and whether this is all about the lines that you go for, etc? Also, does colour seem to be a factor in health? The more that I think about it, the black Pugs that I have met seem to be almost finer boned or even smaller than the tan ones - is that my imagination?

I hadn't thought about this until reading a thread on a forum prompted me to actually ask my partner and family what THEY thought would happen. It turns out that everyone thought they would be taking Maggie on, and all were more than happy to. But my partner was mortified that I ever considered leaving Maggie to my mum + sister, rather than to him.. he was halfway between angry and crying, that I didn't think he would take on full responsibility and ownership (bless him!). i've now clarified that with all people involved, that Mags will go to my partner if anything happens to me. Mum is backup :)

Oh wow, he is adorable!!! Your whole family is - congrats!

If you're after something that will deter intruders and make your wife feel safe, most large and giant breeds fit that bill. Also, black or dark coloured dogs seem to be more imposing and "threatening" looking. If I were you I'd base my search around characteristics I actually want in a dog, and go for a large breed that tends toward them :)

I didn't expect this to be such a feel good thread! It actually makes me so happy to read about a little dog that's come out the other side of mourning and is now having such a blast with a new friend

You always take such incredible photos :)

Are you sure your car isn't covered in bacon or something? :laugh:

The sheer size of some breeds means that they have longer (obviously) growth periods - it seems to me that nutrition during that period is crucial, and ensuring that pups are able to grow at a sensible rate. I suppose it could be said that they are thus prone to more health problems there. Some giant breeds are prone to hip dysplasia and arthitis too, but that's by no means exclusively a giant breed thing. Many breeds have huge instances of HD, in particular.

I go to Four Paws K9 Training in Keilor, which trains on Saturday. Can't recommend the place enough, I LOVE it - bit of a hike though, since there are places closer. But still, I drive past at least a few other training places on my way to Four Paws every Saturday and would happily drive further

Bike lights! All the dogs at my park have them, they're amazing. Lots of sizes and shapes to choose from Mine has a little red one that someone at the park gave us, which is great. She looks like a little alien running towards me.

I always want to recommend Toy Poodles to everyone, but have to remember that my quiet little girl isn't necessarily the most representative of them! Especially young poodles. I'd second a pug too, and while I don't know much about Tibetan Spaniels, they do seem (from what I've read) to seem like they fit the bill too. Also, they at least have the spaniel bit in common with CKCS!

Oh wow, just found this thread.. I didn't expect that ending at all! Sounds like the little girl's landed on her feet after all :)

My vet offers and suggests pre-anaesthetic blood testing too - the only person I know who had it ended up being very thankful they did, as their dog had some strange.. blood thing. Not sure exactly what it was, but it was lucky they had the blood work done!

Death Row Pets has some good stats: http://www.deathrowpets.net/ In 2009/2010, the Lost Dogs Home in Melbourne euthanized 86% of the cats (that’s 10,352 cats) and 26% of the dogs it received (that’s 3,242 dogs) in its North Melbourne and Cranbourne shelters.

welcome! All the things I would have said to your original post have been said, so no use repeating.. just wanted to say, stick around the forum! I have learnt so much from here, and am a far better dog owner than I ever dreamed I would be, and my dog and entire life are so much the better for it. There are lots of really experienced and dedicated people here, who will be able to answer any questions or issues you may have, or point you in the direction of someone else who can help you, if they can't. And I'm sure there are lots of people who would let you meet their dogs if you still need help deciding on a breed!

I've never ever heard of that - what a horrible condition! But no, not feeling sorry for him, feeling very happy that he has such a loving mama! :thumbsup:

Oh, I had no idea that he had any health issues! Is he seriously crippled?? Or is that an in joke that I have no idea about? What happened?

Thanks so much for that pic GeckoTree, that's brilliant! I think filing is probably the way to go with this little one now, thanks Jumabaar.

Oh my god, all your animals are so awesome! I had no idea that a little white kitty could grow into such a stunning adult - her markings are gorgeous. If only I wasn't allergic

Such gorgeous shots as always. I'm another creepy lurker who is a bit obsessed with your photography. I was actually at a gig on Saturday night and during a crap band, was flicking through facebook (or maybe it was DOL actually).. stumbled across that 'family portrait' and proceeded to show it to everyone there. So a bunch of Clagg fans in Melbourne love your dogs too :laugh:

I know there are lots of topics about nail clipping, but I can't find the answer to this question, so forgive me for starting a new one I've heard or read that if nails are left to grow too long, or are not trimmed/filed/etc regularly, the quick can actually "grow", or move further to the tip of the nail. Does anybody have any idea if this is actually true? I'm going to trim my sister's dog's nails tonight - they're far too long and I was watching her before, I think they're actually making her walk in a flat footed kind of way. I tried once before but ended up getting the quick and dealing with the ensuing blood bath etc, and she (dog) was completely freaking out so we just left it so as not to traumatise her further. The thing is, I didn't actually trim off that much at ALL. Even having trimmed that nail too far, it was still really long. If I'd trimmed that much off my own dog's nails I wouldn't have hit the quick. I know each dog is different, but that experience made me think that maybe Gretel's quick actually has gone further down the nail. I don't about nail physiology and whether that is even possible - can someone enlighten me? I just want to know exactly how careful I should be, for want of a better term. If I just trim tiny bits off it's going to take ages and she's a squirmer, and gets extremely distressed very quickly when I try and do it. I just want to minimise the angst for everyone. She's a little black dog, so all the her bloody nails are black.

Aaand another one! What state are they in? We could recommend some good rescues :)

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