WreckitWhippet

I subscribe to the theory if they aren't there at 10-12 weeks, then there's no point keeping the dog. I fully expect that dogs will suck one or two up on cold days or when nervous as very young pups and will forgive that knowing that as they get bigger they can't suck them up. A dog that doesn't have two descended testicles by 12 weeks of age isn't normal and given that there are so many out there in the breed with just one (and even none ), I wouldn't bother to keep a dog that took months and months for them to both come down and certainly wouldn't be breeding with it. Whilst it might be quite common in the breed, it's not something that the breed community should be forgiving and forgetting about. Bitches that produce dogs without two fully descended testicles shouldn't be bred from again and we should also be taking a good look at their female progeny and considering removing them from the gene pool too. It's just my personal opinion of course and there will be others who disagree with it but what's the point of producing a cracking looking litter, with a fault like that.

There's no point blocking someone when they need to be corrected. If you didn't correct her, every new comer here would think that all bull breeds are inherently dangerous and that every owner must desex their dog in order to be able to control it.

He's not going to develop the muscle mass and otherwise hold the ripped condition that he would if he were entire. If you are happy with him remaining entire and can responsibly care for him, then there is no need to desex him. If you are planning on it, leave him until at least 18 months to 2 years before doing so. This will allow for maximum growth and development.

It makes no difference if it's an off leash area, all dogs are still required to be under effective control. Your best bet is to identify and write letters regarding individual dogs and their owners. It may take some time but you need to mention the words " duty of care" and fearing for your safety and that of your dogs. There's no need to muzzle your own dogs, just keep them on leash. Carry something to crack the approaching dogs with or use your boot if necessary. The owners will soon get the message that their animals behaviour is not acceptable.

Thanks I'm really looking forward to it

Prey drive makes it fun and rewarding to chase small dogs, cats, birds, kangaroo's or whatever. I doubt your dog has suddenly turned nasty, he's just had an exciting experience. Keep him on a leash until you can sort it out. Small dogs are now of more value to him than you are, they are more rewarding, so you will have lots of work to go, so that he can ignore them and focus on you.

Whippets due the 16th

It's not better from a health point of view, it's just more rot that you are happy to shove down owner's throats Charming as always, Please take your axe and grind it elsewhere. I've known plenty of older rescued dogs who have health issues because they weren't desexed. No axe to grind, just sick of people touting desexing as the cure all. Males that are desexed have a higher incidence of HD than those that are entire. The only thing chopping testicles off prevents is testicular cancer, apart from that, there aren't any "health" benefits to be gained from desexing. Have you ever stopped to think that maybe the "health" issues you are seeing in the rescues stem from receiving less than ideal care and adequate vet attention throughout the dogs life ? You're also quick to blame "aggression" on being entire and push the neuter/spay barrow as the solution.

It's not better from a health point of view, it's just more rot that you are happy to shove down owner's throats

One is a boy and one is a girl, so there's no need for the owner to rush off and desex anything. Desexing is not going to instantly cure what could potentially be a bad situation, however given the dogs have met and from the sounds of it all they want to do is play, then it's unlikely to result in aggression. Stafford bitches do not normally fight with male dogs of any breed or cross, once they have been introduced. If she was going to rip him a new one, she would have done it when the first met. My suggestion would be to take them both for long walks together and keep them separate for the first couple of days. Get them walking side by side and comfortable with each other and let the initial excitement wear off. Then bring them home and let them off together supervised in the yard. We have introduced many adult Staffords into the home without incident.

The website of the SBT Club Of Northern NSW is a credit to them

Yes, I see your point. I can also understand the thinking behind keeping breeds 'unpopular' but the harsh reality is that the purebred dog is the loser with that thinking. How so ? If there are enough breeders, who are breeding with the dogs best interests and the "breed" at heart. Along with that comes enough potential owners who also understand and can fulfil the breeds requirements. That to me is win, win all round. Dedicated breeders, excellent owners and happy healthy dogs. I can think of one breed that has virtually gone down the toilet due to those cashing in on it's popularity. There has been irreparable damage done to it and the breeds reputations. You need look no further than the "blue " Stafford. The purebred is really the looser when those with the $$ signs in their eyes begin to cash in.

I agree that there needs to be increased marketing regarding the health and predictability of pedigree dogs, but I suspect with that will come an increased demand, which again the ethical registered breeder cannot meet. Increase the demand and the registered puppy farmers step in and attempt to fill it. They are already there cashing in, it's a catch 22. I know lots of breeders that would rather their breed stayed "unpopular" to a certain degree, as it's not in the breeds best interests to have the void filled by the unscrupulous.

We can't meet the demand now, so what's the point of convincing more people to look at buying from registered breeders, it's only going to end in disappointment for the vast majority who won't wait for one.

You've purchased a cross bred

He needs to ignore her for the most part and take her for walks on leash. The more he tried to talk and pat, the less likely she is to come around. You might have to put the leash on and hand her over for walks. There's no point trying to win a dog over.

Send the pup back and get yourself another that will at least come to you in good health.

Great now people are spreading the hysteria locally as well.

I would be less concerned about will she eat it and more concerned with, will it allow her to grow and develop at an appropriate rate for the breed. Consult your breeder, they are the one's with the experience in growing giant breed puppies and may not think it's best

yes it's been done but all this thread has done is fuel the hysteria

Copy cat

If they are from your yard cut the grass, if they are from being exercised off your property then you might need to rethink where you take him and avoid long grass, stick to mown parks and lawns or exercise by swimming

Yes dog fighting happens, yes dogs are stolen. Dogs are stolen because people can't be bothered to earn a $ and pay for one, it's much cheaper and easier to steal someone else's. They are also stolen because they are suitable for breeding, why buy yourself a dog or bitch when you can take someone else's. Dog fighting exists but not to the extent that this facebook scaremongering makes out. Bait dogs aren't big or vicious, any old dog will do for that, so it's unlikely your friends dogs would be targeted for that reason. The best thing a dog owner can do is make sure there dogs do not have access to gates and fences that face the street. Keep them behind your house and out of public view. Lock all gates and kennel runs when you are not home. Perhaps it's time for people to stop spreading the hysteria and we'll see less stickers, ribbons and the like on fences.

You need to complete a membership application and undertake a breeders exam ( it varies from state to state ). You will also need to have dogs and bitches that are ANKC main registered. You might also like to think about why you want to breed, what does this particular dog or bitch have to offer the gene pool, how do they compare to the breed standard, how will you improve on the quality of dog that you have, do they have correct temperaments. Are you prepared to find yourself a breed mentor and work towards making a positive contribution to the breed ?

It's just facebook hype and bullcrap.