brintey

Hi Emma, I haven;t read most of this thread, but I have both a Pyrenean Mountain Dogs and a Leonberger. IMHO they are the most beautiful breeds around, but I may be a little biased. Leonbergers don't drool but they are messy drinkers. My Pyr really only drools at dog training - the thought of those treats in my treat pouch is too much for her! Leonbergers can be more full on pups than Pyreneans - they are generally more active - but they are easier to train, and want to be with you all the time. Pyrs are Livestock Guardian Dogs - they may generally be less active but they do love to patrol and bark a warning bark, this means not letting them off-lead and bringing them inside at dusk and dawn. That said they are easier dogs to own than dogs like border collies, alaskan malamutes, siberian huskies, even my sister's lab is more full-on. Both are a fair bit of grooming. The costs involved only start to get high when you factor in medications and vet expenses. Food-wise, my giants actually only eat as much as my 22kg rescue greyhound. My Pyrs have lived to 12, my current one is 8.5 and going strong. This is my first Leonberger, she is only 3, however her grandmother is still doing reasonably well at 10, and her great grandmother only recently passed at 13. But some do die young.

Hi, I don't want to frighten you but my Dad's cousin who was in a similar situation was murdered... He tried to help out a young woman who was a drug addict, she got her friends involved when it was clear he was an easy touch, and when he ran out of money, they turned violent... Please go to the police before it escalates.

Pyrs: If the dog is there, it's "You know those Maremmas that guard the sheep? This is the french version." Or if I am describing them to someone (and this comment is especially for Espinay2 http://www.dolforums.com.au/public/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) "Imagine a giant white golden retriever." Leos: With Leos the name intrigues people, so most of my 10 second summation is: "Leonbergers. From a town called Leonberg. In Germany. Bred to look like the lion on the town flag." People who are dog-savvy always want to know what they were bred for - although they are suitable for a variety of tasks, they were bred essentially as pets, so I always say "the designer dogs of the 1830s, bred so little girls in Victorian dresses could lounge against them in paintings..." No one ever asks me strange questions about my greyhound, everyone seems to know what she is!

My Pyrenean Mountain Dog's name is Sasquatch (Sassy). If she had been a boy it was going to be Moth, short for Woolly Mammoth. My Leo's registered name is Fire Ant, and I've always thought the shaded sable Leonberger colouring looked a little char-grilled, so I called her Singe. I wanted a pretty feminine name for my blue greyhound so she is Amethyst. She gets Ammo for short - not very feminine so that one didn't work out as planned :) I have never called a pet with a person's name as my name is Sally and growing up I met quite a few cows named Sally!

Caucasian Ovcharka Pyrenean Mountain Dog Leonberger Pyrenean Mastiff Sarplaninac

Tweety, I would ring Southern Star and have a chat about the bloodlines if you are worried your new red Sarplaninac is not pure. This gentleman was very helpful when a Sarplaninac came up in a Sydney pound a few years ago - I'm sure he could steer you in the right direction.

AFAIK They are not quite as big as a Leonberger but come in the same Ay Ay sable, which is basically anywhere from cream to red with a black overlay. The Sarplaninac is not a recognised ANKC breed at this point in time. I think that Southern Star Sarplaninac http://southernstarsarp.com/index-old.htm are the owners of the original breeding pair.

Yes sorry I get OzShow in digest form so it comes through about a day late!

There has been a change of rings advised on ozshow due to flooding - hopefully the attached PDF comes through OK! Ring Plan Agility-Conformation-11 Feb 12.pdf

I think it was their attempt at a VERY bad French accent! :laugh: I must say though, I found the information they gave wasn't too correct and worryingly so in the case of the Pyr where they list it as Barking: LOW!! Pyr bark: Low Leo shedding: Little Greyhound energy: High Some prospective puppy buyers are in for a huge shock, or else my dogs are broken LOL

Hi Clyde Sorry I only just saw this! I keep my current one inside before sunrise and after sunset - these are her prime barking times. Otherwise I just yell "No!" a lot LOL. Actually it helps a lot if I go and look at what she is barking at, once it has been acknowledged that it is not a threat she calms down a bit.

I have had Pyrs as pets for nearly 20 years - their challenges are the coat (a fair bit of grooming)and the barking. If these are not a problem I would recommend either Espinay on this forum or Faye at Despreaux (Fordogs link), both very helpful and knowledgeable. Both my Pyrs have been quite people-focused and trainable, but probably not your ideal obedience dog!

Nothing really in Groups one or two, sorry! To compensate I have chosen an extra from the other groups Gundogs: Irish Red & White setter Nova Scotia Duck Tolling retriever Welsh Springer Spaniel Field spaniel Hounds: Greyhound Irish Wolfhound Borzoi Saluki Working Dogs: Border Collie Australian Shepherd Finnish Lapphund White Swiss Shepherd (longcoat) Utility: Pyrenean Mountain Dog (European type) Leonberger Pyrenean Mastiff Alaskan Malamute Non-Sporting: Keeshond Standard Poodle Dalmatian Great Dane

They shed about the same amount as a border collie (there is just proportionately more hair because it's a much bigger dog). Still, probably not the breed for you if you are after low shedding.

I don't think many of the giant breeds would be as active as a border collie. Some young Leonbergers are pretty active, especially the girls. They don't drool, but they do shed a bit - no more than a border collie though.

Currently: Pyrenean Mountain Dog, Greyhound, Leonberger In the past: 9 border collies ( 1x cross 8 x pure), Australian Silky Terrier, 2 Irish Red & White Setters, Pyrenean Mountain Dog, Alaskan Malamute Coming soon: Another Pyrenean Mountain Dog

Hi TessnSean, my Leo girl Singe got a BIG in August at a big Sydney All Breeds show. Leos have won BIS over in NZ where there are more of them (same bloodlines as here). It's true Leos don't win here very often - we are a numerically small breed - but we are out there trying! (The DOL pointscore is a good incentive for those with rare breeds to keep showing, as even though I am mostly the only Leo showing in Sydney there are four or five regularly shown in Victoria at the moment and this is a good way for us to compete.) As for the Gr Ch title and rare breeds... we are never going to have 25 point challenges so that makes no difference to me (why not specify that the BIG/BIS qualifying award must also be a minimum of 25 points to even up the playing field?). Judges do seem happier to award rare breeds class in group/class in show - could these not count also if the competition was more than 20 dogs? That would then be equal to a 25 point challenge in the more popular breeds.

Hi Chris and Rhett, I have giant breed dogs and have just bought a Solvit pet ramp (a telescoping type ramp as mentioned by poodlefan). The Newfy show people put me on to it so it should be sturdy enough for an Irish setter. They are lightweight and easy to carry and store. I got mine from ebay.

we aren't sure if we are going to go rescue or puppy yet, just see what suits at the time i guess! My rescue greyhound came to me as a puppy (occasionally some rescues have puppies, I don't know how frequently they pop up though). Good luck with your search for a new family member!

My 3 year old greyhound plays quite well with my quite boisterous young Leonberger and my 60kg Pyrenean mountain dog. The greyhound rescue I dealt with knew she was coming into a household with large active dogs (at the time I also had an Alaskan malamute) and selected her personality to suit.

Afghan Hound: Sir Walter, Airedale Terrier: Abbey Akita: Kyojin, Kuma American Staffordshire Terrier: Tua, Max, Juno Australian Cattle Dog: Elvis, Matilda, Katie Australian Cattle Dog X : Frosty Australian Shepherd: Banjo, Archie, Lottie Australian terrier: Bailey, Brandy, Jasper Australian Kelpie: Revan, Abby, Bluey, Cahill, Franky, Izzy, Safire, Milky, Kinta, Banjo, Rosie, Skye, Emerald, Gem Australian Kelpie X:Toby, Cooper Basset Hound : Gemma Bearded Collie: Charlie, Bonnie, Bailie Belgian Shepherd (Groenendael): Fleming, Ivy Bichon Frise: Jag Bichon Frise X: Harper Bloodhound: Earl Border Collie: Roy, Molly, Kirra, Rory, Rumor, Diesel, Kobie, Emma, Kenzie, Maggie, Ella, Shelby, Jayde, Ashli, Mia, 'Bubba' Border Collie x: Anna Borzoi: Oberon, Boris, Sonya, Kurgan, Ursula, Apollo, Atlas, Adonis, Argus, Alektos, Arinyes, Athena, Aphrodite, Aidos, Andromeda, Ares, Alexander Boxer: Bruno, Nelsson Brittany: Zora Bull Terrier: Bonnerville, Atlas Bull Terrier (Miniature) Lainie Cane Corso: Ali Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: Bree, Ingrid, Jersey, Lacey, Fern, Floyd, Indy, Arnie, Joey, Renae, Bailey, Murphy, Maggie Chihuahua: Chelsea and Pansy, Heidi, Bertie, Moose, Archi,Pepe, Squirt, Limpet, Jasper, Bella, Dobby Cocker Spaniel : Maggie,Jesie, Bonnie, Chelsea Dalmatian: Appollo, Cleo Dogue De Bordeaux: Moose & Chevy English Cocker Spaniels: Jesie,Bonnie, Chelsea English Setter: Spartan, James English Springer Spaniel: Buddy Finnish Lapphund:Halo, Vienna, Jaana,Magnus,Aurora-Rose,Niina,Paddington,Maximus, Ahsoka, Fable, Demi,Varda, Asha, Boots, Echo, Alera, Annika Flatcoat Retriever: Moraig French Bulldog: Lola, FeeBee, Alexis, Claire, Lilly German Coolie: FlashBazil, Latte German Shepherd: Java, Odin, Tlaloc, Rebus, Indi, UnoBuffy, Bronx, Sabre, Kynan German Shorthaired Pointer: Pip, Coco, Polo German Spitz (Mittel)- Amber Golden Retriever: Onslow, Matilda-Rose, Chester, Genie, Ella, Rosie, Bruce, Chloe, Chaos, Ruby, Sasha Great Dane: Sparkles, Whitney Greyhound: Harry, Kiff, Sally, Clyde, Ryan, Amethyst Griffon Bruxellois: Mocha Hungarian Vizsla: Flynn, Rogan Irish Terrier: Kate, Duke Italian Greyhound: Bella, Tari, Blaze Jack Russell Terrier: Ringo, Nandi, Chief, Louis, Matilda Japanese Spitz: Emmy, Angelo Keeshond: Jedi Labrador Retriever: Lestat, Bailey, Tia, Mieka, James, Harry, Lily Rose, Leonberger: Singe Miniature Fox Terrier: Cleopatra Miniature Long Haired Dachshund: Mini, Rover Miniature Pinscher: Mischa, Cleo Newfoundland dogs: Annabelle, Katy, Lukey Norwegian Elkhound: Odin Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriver: Nova, Darcy, Jovi Papillon: Blaze, Minka, Portia, Tyson, Coco, Tonka Pointer : Kite Audrey Poppin konrad, Badger Poodle (Toy): Chilli Poodle (Minature): Caroline Poodle (Standard) Merry & Pippin, Poppy & babies. Pug: LotusFlynn, Elyse, Ted, Misty, Elly, Poppy, Sally landers,Archie, Beau, Haidee, Millies, Ivee, Jack Pyrenean Mountain Dog: Sasquatch Rhodesian Ridgeback: Meisha, Bakari, Boss Rottweiler: Roxy, Feonix, Radar, Neo, Abby, Dyzney, Fame, Jag, Nellie Rose, Baylee, Dee, Zephyr, Mini, Diesel, Fire, Flint Saluki: Bella Samoyed: Mistral, Alchemy, Yngvie, Dante, Bundy, Kamikaze, Fergus, Kato Schnauzer (Miniature): Maximus, Coconut,Betty,Jigga, Riva, Amy, Indy, Amber, Grace, Guy, Blue, Connie Schnauzer (Giant): Tara, Darcy Shar Pei: Askari, Acheron, Asante sana, Sirius, Chippy, Christina, Diezel, Shih Tzu : Gizmo Siberian Husky: Akira, Tikaani,Romeo,Baby.Riddick,Indie, Esky Staffordshire Bull Terrier: Kiara, Zola, Diesel, Kaos, Brutus, Monty, Chaos SWF: Zoe Rescue Bitsa: Keely, Fred & Ginger, Ozzie, Tess, Maverick, Bosco, Kyah, Charlie, Astrid, Mala, Bella, Tiny Tim, Jen Jen, Lilly, Judy, Mini, Pixie, Ozzie, Dozer Welsh Corgi (Cardigan): Shandy White German Shepherd: Casper White Swiss Shepherd: Rakim, Whippet: Herbie, Buzz, Lewis, Rommi, Daphne, Elliot, Mindy, Whiz, Arizona aka Zassy Weimaraner: Ariane, Lulu, Louie West Highland White Terrier: Penny, Mac, Daisy, Mac, Sarah, Andy

After returfing twice (and aerating and top dressing twice a year) I gave up and put in fake grass. My lawn area is under a lot of big shade trees anyway so having a nice green lawn was always going to be an uphill struggle. Bonus is now that I have less housework to do as the dogs are not bringing mud and dust inside on their coats.

Breeds I've had in the past: Border collies Pyrenean Mountain Dog Irish Red & White setters Alaskan Malamute Aust Silky Terrier Labrador Siberian Husky German Shepherd cross Breeds I've currently got: Pyrenean Mountain Dog Leonberger Greyhound Breeds I want in the future: More Leos and Pyrs (my next dog will be a show Pyr, then I plan to keep a Leo bitch from my current girl) Another rescue greyhound - what absolute sweethearts they are! Pyrenean Mastiff Like others I had a much longer wish list but I've ditched a lot of breeds because they are too small for me or too short-lived.

Hi Giraffez, I bought a small horse dressage whip which I take walking with me - almost every unleashed aggressive dog in my area is small,so it is perfect for my situation. It is lightweight and I have attached it to the shoulder strap of my houndbag so I don't need to carry it. I do look a bit like a ninja with it though.

Hi Megz, To be honest I see the risk I take taking my dogs out to a dog show as being the same as the risk I take taking them out for a walk - or anywhere in public, really! I would have assumed that if I allowed my dogs to break the law in any way that I would be dealt with under the appropriate State law (CAA in NSW). I don't expect to be covered by the Club for anything.