Titanium

My old Dane got it when she was younger from the pre-school kids when there was a bad "outbreak"(for want of a better word" at the school many years back. She adored the kids even though they gave her the S*%ts! She was not the only dog affected through the school so the vet was right onto it. AB's and yacult sugar free every day until her poo's started firming up. She was very sick for quite awhile, but I swear by Yacult! She loved it too :D

Applecross vets for testing. Steve Metcalf.

You are correct in thinking he could get her pregnant. And its very responsible of you to be thinking about this in such a way. We had a small x breed bitch on heat break its way into our fenced property in the middle of the night to get to the boys... two entire giant breeds. She had slipped between the wrought iron post fencing.. a good effort on her behalf as she had a giant head. Fortunately the boys sleep inside (24/7) and so she, and they, were safe. Its not a senario I thought I would ever have to deal with, but some bitches will do anything to get to the boys! So yes, until your fencing is secure, keep and eye on your boy if he is entire and you will be doing the neighbourhood hussy's a favour

You are welcome! Feel free to ask any question, any time :D

Hi Mando, Im sorry for your loss. I'm sure you miss your Dane alot. You are right to be worried about this potential litter as the merle sire will be on Limited Register as it is not a recognised standard colour. Limited register is not for showing or breeding. This then means that the litter will not be registered with the states canine council as both sire and dam must be Main Registered. You will not have a pedigree pup. Your main concern with this would be that if the breeder is not complying with canine council regulations and standards then it would be highly doubtful that they would be health testing their dogs either. All colour choice aside, your sire and dam should be hip and elbow scored (very low scores preferable!), thyroid cleared as normal, and heart tested for cardiomyopathy. A vet check doesn't cut it ;) A good breeder can easily show you all results and will infact be quite proud of them! Alot of money and thought will have gone into this testing and then any subsequent mating to ensure healthy pups are produced. A free pup from an unregistered litter will be exactly that. Free....at the time. How much are you willing to spend for veterinary treatments because the parents have passed on problems that should have been tested for prior to breeding? How many tears are you willing to shed as you watch your new puppy struggle with health problems? Your new best friend and family member deserves the best start in life that it can get, and you are only going to get that in a pup who is from a registered litter and with health tested parents. The bonus is lifetime support as well!! Good breeders spend at least 2 years worth of worrying, and testing and spending what amounts to a large amount of money for testing and showing so they know their dogs are the best they can be before they think of breeding their dogs. They do this so you dont have the worries or heartache or expenses that could have been avoided. And they do this with pride. Do some more research, and email and phone registered breeders. Be a pest with your questions, because the more you ask the more you learn. And a good breeder should have the answers ready for you with paperwork to back that up. You have started out the right way with your questions :D Now keep asking more ;)

Great answer! I think it would be great if all breed standards were clear about aggressive temperament and 'guardian' was clearly defined. If 'primitive guardians' are to be bred to attack anything the dog interprets as a threat, I think that needs to be made clear, and government needs to put limits on the ownership of such dogs. Changing the standard doesn't solve the problem where breed standards are clearly against unprovoked aggression and breeders are either careless or actively breeding for aggression. That's a hard problem to solve . . . but an important one if dogs are to continue being a part of life in urban and suburban areas. I find the question of ankle biters (<5kg breeds) more confusing. Ferocious little buggers that are unlikely to do serious harm (although I know of one JRT sheep-killer) aren't the problem. Cleary "primitive guardians " aren't an issue either So the actual Poll then infact should be about WEIGHT and not aggression??? ;)

I have not voted as I feel the poll does not have enough information available for me. Although a Breed Standard may be worded a particular way - the actual accepted and hence described temperament of a breed may be worded completely differently. For example I am going to quote easily found descriptions of temperament for a popular Breed. Keep in mind these quotes of temperament were literally the first two found online and not a search for negative traits. Furthermore I have nothing against this particular breed. This is example only. "The official AKC standard for the breed describes the xxxxxxx as “A graceful, alert, swift-moving dog with saucy expression, compact, and with terrier-like qualities of temperament.” However, some xxxxxxx carry “saucy” and “terrier-like” to extremes and are grumpy, haughty, or downright nasty when provoked – and provocation may come easy. The tendency to be temperamental, a reputation for being suspicious of everyone but his owner, and a clannish dislike of any breed but his own makes the xxxxxxxx an unsuitable pet for households with small or boisterous children." and "The breed tends to be fiercely loyal to one particular owner and in some cases may become over protective of the person, especially around other people or animals.[12] They do not always get along with other breeds,[11] and tend to have a "clannish" nature. This breed is under 5 kg. Ultimately I feel that the onus is on good breeders and owners alike for the disposition of their dogs and hence politics has no place in reference to bans on breeds. "Deed not Breed" and "Be Careful What You Wish For" springs easily to mind.

Because SwaY made me ;)