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cocker, cavalier, cavalier, cavalier, tibetan spaniel, tibetan spaniel

Paedophiles and murderers sometimes don't get this much of a punishment I agree that is a long time, you can go to jail for less time for murdering and rape. And it greatly depends on how the hereditary disease has raised it's head, and what sort. Some diseases out there don't have reliable DNA profiling available, and when dealing with complete out-crosses you are at least taking a leap of faith. In some breeds, like mine, the majority of dogs around have all filtered down from a very SMALL pool of original imports, and it is reported that some of the distant relatives threw carriers of a hereditary diseases. Especially with autosomal genes that would mean that an affected dog could, in theory, pop up at any time in anyone's lines, should the breeder then get punished for that for 8 years? I think the issue that you have brought up is huge, but it's made up of smaller components. The whole code of conduct covers so much, that to break it down into every what if is hard. I think maybe the whole problem is enforcement. All the ANKC rules regarding breeding and even showing doesn't really seem like they enforce them. They probably don't have the legal ability or the staff. Im could be wrong though.

'LIKE' button pressed!!!

thanks for the warning, but its a bit late!!! lol, mine have been on comfortis for 2 months, and being bathed EVERY week, and i still find the occassional flea.

I actually love kids, but i would press 'like' if the button was available, because i think everyone knows how you feel

OUr cavie once ate a whole tray of silica crystal cat litter in his cat poo pursuit , broke a lock on the door to get to it (but he also jumps six foot fences) We was soooo worried, as I know silica is toxic as it swells in the stomach. But he was absolutely fine, no symptoms whatsoever. LOL!! We have now changed to natural litter and our cat is tray trained but every now and then it wanders down into this tree area and poops. the dogs smell it as soon as we open the back door,and dig it up and there is no getting it off them!!!! I always correct, but to no avail, they just gulp it down. They love it.

That's true... I think educating them is probably best for dogs in general... When I was little, we got a little mutt (Poco - Maltese X Silky Terrier) from a BYB because we didn't think there was anything wrong with it...we even bred from her because she had such a good temperament I wouldn't do that now - I know better ;) But back then, we didn't know better and it didn't mean we loved her any less...geez I used to pretend we were getting ready for a show so I trotted her around on her lead and brushed her and stuff... And now my little brother is her new pet So yeah..people would probably get a quality dog if they had the option, but a lot of people may not even realise there's a difference between BYBs & Registered Breeders... Well, yeah, before you were educated, not even you knew it! Im lucky as I grew up in a show home, so I have always known the difference, but i know that to the majority of the general public, a dog is a dog, a pedigree dog is a fancier version. However, most do not understand the differences between main/limited registers, registered breeders with ANKC and so called 'registered breeders' who are simply registered with the council. The number of times you hear 'oh she's a pure-bred, i just don't have the papers' should tell you. The public is spoilt for choice and unfortunately dogs are just another commodity and in most cases price is a big factor. Luckily there seems to be an increase in conversation, and education in the general public surronding pedigree dogs (some good, some bad, but at least there's talk i suppose). And because of the media outcry against puppy farms, a lot of people are turning away from pet stores, etc, and know to buy from a reputable breeder. Ive personally seen puppy farmers, designer dog breeders, and backyard operations with cross-breeds all advertising claiming registration from councils and whole host of other organisations) and with so many people claiming to be registered that confusion reigns supreme. So yes I believe being in the same forums with them is good, because your out there in the public sphere. Not many people know HOW to find a reputable breeder, don't know about dogzonline, or even the name of the ANKC.

Sorry, the English Mastiff is what I am after. Hi Andrew, Welcome. I was originally looking at Great Danes but after doing a pet dog selection test, the Mastiff ended up on the top of the list to suit our family and life style. Still love the Danes, but after plenty of futher research and photo surfing, I was hooked. They seem to be great with kids on a whole too. There's a great Youtube video of an infant with his mastiff. ***Word of warning & advice from one who's been burned, and very recently.*** It was difficult to justify to my family the $2.5 - $3.5K purchase price of a registered puppy. I found a BYB 16wk old on Trading Post for only $1000. The owners of the parents were very nice people and their dogs appeared to be well cared for, sound & content. I was assured they were both pure Mastiffs (they looked the part) but they had not been able to get their papers from the breeder. I have no real guarantee that she is pure. Alarm bells should have rung when my daughter and I couldn't approach the puppy at all without bribing with roast chicken - she was terrified of us. We brought her home Anyway, to cut to the chase. Over the coming months, Daisy-Mae will most likely cost me way more than the $2500 I saved. Ongoing behaviourist fees for her fear issues due to poor socialisation. Possible large medical bills loom as she may be already showing signs of HD and growth plates in legs closing prematurely. I have a real "reggie reject" albeit, that we've become fond of, and will do the very best we can for her. Find a reputable registered breeder whose dogs are hip/elbow scored, that socialise their puppies well from a very young age and that will offer you ongoing support after you take puppy home. I don't believe the feed costs are exhorbitant for an adult. Lola (avatar) is 50kg Dane/mastiffx and quite porky on only 2 1/2 cups Black Hawk a day with some chicken mince & chicken wing treat. Daisy-Mae's going thru it at the rate of knots while she's growing - currently on 4 1/4 cups BH with mince & treat. It's the basic vet costs that knock the wallet around. Not much change out of $400 :rolleyes: for annual vacc & heartworm injections. Not to mention quarterly worm tablets based on weight. I usually spend about $70-80 on these from vet for 3 bigguns. Surgery costs - not even going there!!! Hope I haven't put you, or your wife, off entirely. :rolleyes: If you go ahead, I'm sure, with the right match you'll be sold. I'm researching breeders and dogs again already for my next one in a few years when my oldies have gone over the bridge. Doing it right second time around. :) If you're not set on a puppy, there was an adolescent purebred male in the mature dogs for sale (re-home) in Qld you may be interested at looking into. All the best with your search and join the Mastiff thread even if you don't end up getting one. Trying to breathe life back into it just for lots more info, hints & tips and wonderful pictures. Shay Another great reason to find a REPUTABLE registered breeder!!!!! Im sorry for the disappointment you must of felt when discovering the problem - and im glad you are sharing your story so that others can see the risks that come with buying from anyone else, and that although you expend more in the first place, it can save you financially and emotionally in the long run. Do you mind if i cross post your story to facebook?

i get charged $85 + $10 for delivery, where do you get yours from?

Are we allowed to set up from 12??? might have to reassess tommorow cause right now it is BUCKETING down!!!!

Hi, I have only been showing for a year (although my family have been doing it ALOT longer) so i know how confusing it can all be. I use a whitening shampoo on both my dogs (although one is sable with white feet, and bib) and i find not only does it brighten the whites but it also lifts the colour of the reds and browns as well. I use the Oakwood Whitening the day before a show, and the Aloe Vera one on off show washes. I also use this great conditioner from them when thier coat is a bit dry, or it is a long time between show washes. But in the end, it is your decision. I know its expensive to try around without success, but i have veered away from Plush Puppy as it gave one of our other dogs a rash (im not suggesting it will give yours one, she just has very sensitive skin!) As for leads! Your right! Spoiled for choice!!! So far I have used EVERY type of lead there is (with the exception of prong collars) and this is what i have found. A straight lead, slip lead, etc is great if you have a fairly co-operative dog in the ring (doesn't sniff much, keeps focus on you, doesn't leap, etc). My male I show on just a simple straight lead from Snazzy Pooch leads, because he is just a darling around the ring. A martingale is better if your dog needs a little persuasion. (head higher, closer to you, etc) My mum shows her cavies on these types of leads, as they have the tendacie to pull away from her and it gives her greater control. A check chain is better if your dog needs a lot of persuasion, or is very headstrong. I use a check on my bitch that I show because she is the most outgoing, psycho, bouncy thing you could imagine. I have trained her on the check to the point now that she hears the check slipping and she behaves. Get advice and practice with this sort of lead before the show ring because you can look really awkward if you are timid about using the check or too heavyhanded. What sort of lead was she shown on before? I would start out with something similar in length and construction, and then slowly convert to what works for you. The Glamour show leads are beautiful and she makes all types of leads beautifully. But there are LOTS of companies out there that do similar things as well, so do your research and go with what suits you and your dog. The other basics I would say are a brush, good steel comb, a coat preparation spray for on the show day, a tidy outfit (doesn't have to be really fancy), shade, a crate or trolley with cover (or if your budget doesn't stretch that far a big sheet/blanket depending on weather) unless you are only going to benched shows, an exhibitor number holder, comfy flat shoes that you can run in, water bowl for the dog, and a smile!!!!! Im not sure for a sheltie what specific grooming tools you would need other than what i have mentioned, but i would imagine there is a fair bit of grooming so I woud imagine you would either need a sheet for the ground (so she doesn't get dirty while being groomed) a wooden plank for on top of your crate, or if you get a trolley, you can use that as your grooming table!!!! Hope you have a great time showing your girl!!! I love showing!!!! It has become the highlight of my week!!!

In agility? Absolutlely. He will also need to be desexed to be registered as an Associate (but I see that he is). In conformation? I'm afraid not. If you're looking for an activity to tide you over before agility, how about Obedience? Associates can do that. oh phew thank you! No I didn't think he could be entered in breed etc but for a second there I thought our agility dreams has been crushed. Aren't breed shows what you were talking about entering in your original post, "until you can do agility"? yeah im a bit confused too, i thought that's what the OP meant as well. its a shame the breeder didn't explain all this at sale.

They are beautiful. I have never seen that colour before either - but it is beautiful!

Im not going to comment on any particular breed. My breed is one that is rarer, and so there for is still very like that of its distant ancestors that have been guarding the monasteries of Tibet for thousands of years, although I do sometimes see a tendency within the breed to reward heavier coated animals sometimes, despite what it says in our breed standard. I believe what is rewarded in the show ring, will ultimately be the type that is popularly bred. That then filters down to the non-shown dogs in popularity, etc. So the key is all the wonderful, hard-working judges. For what they put up will ultimately be where the breed is going. There are very few breeders that will breed against the type that is successful in the show ring, for no reward. Also a part of that is that the dogs that win are meant to be the most like the breed standard - whose interpretation is often up for fierce debate and controversy, so therefore you would think the dogs that are winning would be examples closest to that standard.

It is very cute. Love it.

With news coming in thick and fast of all the show changes/cancellations, I haven't seen anything about Medowie (which is actually at Hillsborough) Does any body know what is happening, or the likelyhood that the rain may affect this weekends shows up there?

As question suggests I a m looking for the follow up to Pedigree Dogs Exposed, anyone know where to watch it online?

Thank you all for your replies. and the links to the other ones on this issue. it seems to be quite decisive in some circles doesn't it?

Do any of you guys show bitches when they are in season? I know by the rules you are allowed to, but im trying to decide if i feel comfortable enough to do it? So do you do it? Any horror stories?

I agree with the above - terriers would be a no no no... in terms of other options, an older cavie might be ok, but not a young one - as they were bred originally as spaniels they tend to love chasing birds - mine are obsessed with it, even ones just flying by, one girl even points. Other than that, in relation to your non-shedding, and less exercise request, and not needing to be brushed everyday maybe something shortcoated (i have recently started to love italian greyhounds, but not sure if there temperament would stand up to it!) or other than that maybe a pug! they make great family pets!

I love the affens, I can't wait to meet one in real life. A little surge of excitement comes everytime I see the two entered up here, but so far they have not shown up! One day

this is why we need desexing contracts, and mandatory desexing for all those used for show/breeding purposes, etc. get the bitch to a vet, and then try and kidnap her and the pup (if its lucky enough to survive), if the bitch has finished its labour and still doesn't know what to do, hand rearing will be the only way. but get the vet to advise if the bitch has finished or not, and give advice. Please tell me he's not a registered breeder? edited to add, thank god he got some veterinary advice! hope all goes well for the baby mama and her pup.

I don't know if a Cavalier would be right particularly as a pup. maybe a mature one that has already been trained would be better.