ktig

I haven't owned any of those breeds, but my grandparents had 3 rough collies not so long ago and they were just gorgeous dogs - tolerated my sister and I climbing all over them when we were younger (under supervision of course!) I remember a lot of grooming and washing, but to be fair 3 long coated dogs of any breed would create that. My grandparents trialled all 3 of them in obedience and if I had more space, I'd have one in a heartbeat, just beautiful dogs!

I love the name percy! It was on the short list I had for my little guy before he arrived - I ended up calling him Paddington, but I think percy would be a perfect name for a cavy!

fantastic article! Thanks for sharing.

Probably not a lot you can do about what colour it will come back - if it was really deep it may scar and stay that lighter colour, if it was shallow, it'll probably come back the darker colour.

poor little fellow. People just astound me how they can do these sorts of things.

They look just gorgeous

I started from day 1 with this little fellow, he's coming along nicely and is lightyears ahead of most of the other dogs in his puppy obedience class. Mind you, he's still a puppy and can be as crazy as any of them at times - thank god for having a sense of humour and a fair bit of patience! It's all about making learning fun....

I did my pup's for the first time this week...scared me because they are black and the last dog I did had white nails so I could see what I was doing. He was an angel though, so I don't think it'll be a problem...

*laptop cord - which seems to be a popular choice by the looks of things. *shoes *cushions and blankets stolen from the lounge * snails and slugs *shudder*

When my pup arrived it was a saturday afternoon and I had him at the vet first thing monday morning. He was 9 weeks old, and not due another vaccination for 3 weeks, but it was good to get him checked over, to see he'd travelled okay, especially as he'd come from interstate on a plane. I would have had him checked over even if he'd been coming from locally though...for both my and my breeder's peace of mind.

this. And if they do go into your room, don't let them on the bed. ever. you've got to be completely consistant or they'll never get it.

naw...so cute!

This was me with my last dog. My new pup is fine, in fact, he loves everyone and everything which is a pleasant change, but I'm still on edge with offlead dogs or those that get too up in his face as this was what caused my last fellow to become dog aggressive.

better them knowing what they want over getting a dog that they wont groom and who ends up matted and horrible. I hate grooming and brushing and this is a deal breaker for me, i dont want a dog that has a long coat as i am not huge into brushing. +1 I agree with both Teebs and Aussielover that it's better that people are realistic about how much grooming they are prepared to do. An active family with 3 kids will likely find it easier to incorporate exercise than grooming into their dogs day. I'd rather walk/ train my dog than spend heaps of time grooming it. I picked a breed accordingly. Yes, he sheds a little, but I have to vacuum my house frequently anyway because I have messy kids. Dog hair is least of my complaints! For the family the OP is speaking of though it sounds like allergies are a concern so their needs are more specific regarding coat type. They may have to compromise and be prepared to get a dog whose coat does require more grooming. Yes - I am glad they are realistic about it too. I think they are aware that low-shedding doesn't necessarily mean low maintenance. Yep - my sheltie's coat doesn't require a lot of grooming (especially when we aren't showing) but when she blows her coat.... just lets say - I could vacuum my hard floor twice a day and it would still look like I hadn't vacuumed in a month - especially right at the moment - she is blowing her coat big time. I am brushing her each day to get rid of it all, in the hope of having less on the floor - but she still leaves fur behind. Mind you - I do love that she doesn't shed much at all for the rest of the time. I had a miniature fox terrier growing up (suspect it would be a tenterfield now...) and he shed all year round. Short little hair everywhere that got stuck in everything. I should ask them more questions about what they are after. What are havanese like for grooming? Can anyone tell me about an Aussie Terrier? I'll mention corgis. There are some lovely ones here in SA. Keep the ideas coming. I am not very knowledgeable about dogs outside of the working dog group. I think it's great they're realistic about what grooming they're willing to do. Nothing worse than a matted unbrushed dog...I've got a mini schnauzer no-shedding wasn't really on my list of requirements for a dog, but I must admit it's been a bonus and I can understand why people are looking for that, and lets face it as long as people are aware that low shedding does NOT equal no grooming, what is the problem? If you are researching breeds seriously, of course it would not be the only thing you'd be ticking off when deciding what to get. As for the mini schnauzer would absolutely recommend them for a family. He's a fun loving little guy, very friendly, great with kids, smart and provided you get them clipped regularly grooming's no problem as long as you're willing to brush through their beard and legs every day or so to prevent matting.

Interesting idea...things to try with my little guy who definately gets frustrated if he can't work out what I'm after. thanks!

so true...

done. some interesting questions there!

I've just got the one, he's only a puppy and I'm loving being able to really spend the time with him training wise, and for the ease of just throwing him in the car and taking him everywhere with me. My parents have always had 2 dogs, and I think a few years down the track I'll be ready to add a second dog to the house, but for now I'm loving it just being me and him.

Paddington and I head off to our first obedience class on thursday - should be an absolute circus, but I'm looking forward to it! Good luck to the two of you...

Fingers crossed for Earl that everything goes well and he's back home with you safe and sound really soon!

My little fellow loves the rubi shoes too I've lost a few of them to him...no other shoes thankfully. Other than that he's not fussy, any toy will do, although anything that squeaks is better!

my pup and two of his littermates came to sydney on the same plane - they were all in seperate crates. They were only 9 wks old at the time and were very relieved to see each other again once they arrived!

I was just about to suggest the same thing. I've picked up a few very cute collars. Took a little while to arrive, but I've been happy with them once they did and we've had a lot of compliments. It is addictive though!

When looking for my little guy I had really no expectation as to what colour it would be, I had a preference for a male, but that having been said I didn't mind if the right dog for me was a girl. All I needed was a friendly, easygoing temperament and the breeder knew I planned to compete in obedience and agility. So for me temperament and confirmation was way more important! As it is, he turned out to be a colour I hadn't really looked at or was particularly taken with in the breed and now I love his colouring!

They are all super cute!