schnauzer

Jane, What a lucky dog he was to be rescued and loved by you. Look up at the night sky tonight and you will see his star shining - another angel in heaven. RIP Herbie.

I am so very sorry for the loss of your beautiful boy. Godspeed. May he live forever in your heart. RIP Elliot.

What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc) I have owned minis for 25 years. On the committee of the Breed Club and run the breed rescue 2. Where and why was the breed first developed? Minis were bred in Germany primarily for ratting 3. How common is it in Australia? They are very popular as a family pet. 4. What is the average lifespan? 13-15 years 5. What is the general temperament/personality? Wonderful temperament, very much the clown, easy to train and love their family. A good companion dog and excellent guard dog. Excell in obedience and agility. 6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult? Daily walking (1/2 hr at least) is necessary as they are a fairly active breed. 7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with? As long as they joined an obedience club, and got good advice and mentoring from their breeder. 8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods? I wouldn't recommend a solo mini, if the family is all working full time. 9. How much grooming is required? Brushing daily/several times a week, and clipping approx. every six weeks. Show dogs are stripped. 10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)? Generally they are terrific with small children, but kids and dogs should always be under supervision. Fine for a disabled person as they are a wonderful companion, as long as the dog had regular daily exercise. 11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of? PRA, hereditary cataracts 12. When buying a puppy, what are the things you should ask of the breeder? (eg what health tests have been done (if applicable) and what is an acceptable result to those tests so the buyer has an idea of what the result should be) I would ask to see parents of the puppy for temperament, and if they have eye certifcates.

Ulstrasound by specialist for my old boy was $400. earlier this year. I am not sure where your vet is getting the $2k from? A specialist consult is usually around the $100 - $200 mark and then go from there with treatment and tests. Maybe she was thinking at the end of all the treatment he could end up needing...? Thanks for all the well wishes, I can't stop thinking about him, but I am trying to keep myself occupied. I hope that he recovers quickly Shmoo.

Ulstrasound by specialist for my old boy was $400. earlier this year. I am not sure where your vet is getting the $2k from? A specialist consult is usually around the $100 - $200 mark and then go from there with treatment and tests.

Shmoo, my best wishes and prayers for Sweep's speedy recovery. He is just gorgeous.

I am also in this difficult position. My 13 year old dog has multiple problems and is also blind, but seems happy and likes his little walk each day and loves his dinner and treats. He can get up and down comfortably, find his water bowl and sits in his basket. I regularly have him assessed by my vets in case I can't see "the signs". I know the day will come sooner than later, and like you, am dreading it. I will choose quality of life over quantity, and when the quality is gone, he will get his wings.

Aspergillus is a fungus that can destroy bone and go into the brain. Treatment is very expensive, and can require surgery. A friend recently lost her dog with Aspergillus.

Hi Tims Mum was the dog tested for Aspergillus? I think it can only be detected with a cat scan?

Hi poocow, Try Challenge Dog supplies in Pittwater Road, Brookvale. They have huge variety and very reasonably priced.

I use Jaguar, Roseline thinning and Wahl and like them all. Sorry, I have no idea what length you would need for a Field Spaniel though.

Minis hate the rain. My gang will hang on for ages until I tell them "outside". I bought my old boy a raincoat, as he takes ages sniffing around and gets very wet - much better with his coat on. Persevere and as Becks said take him out with the brolly and wait until he goes, then reward him.

Hi Clyde, She in the very best of hands . Max also did my boys surgery and he was fantastic afterwards. The only problem was trying to keep him quiet.

Hi Clyde, So sorry for poor little Gertie. I had a schnauzer who did both legs - but one just after the other. It was a long time recuperating -he had to be confined in my laundry, but surgery was very succesful. Best wishes for her Gertie's speedy recovery.

Happy Birthday Ollie. I hope his guardian angel stays with him for years to come. Fantastic news that he is doing so well Staffyluv.

Thanks Raz, will keep the link. Erny, I agree with your post. Every business needs to make a profit to survive in these difficult times. It is ones perogative to go elsewhere if they don't agree with certain procedures in a vet practice. My own vet has stayed open for an extra 45 minutes after closing whilst I rushed an ill dog there - for me personally, that is worth every cent of any mark up on drugs.

hey he's in Sydney, Schnauzer. The drugs were great! I was so off my head I didnt care how much he charged Well worth it I would say. Nothing like not knowing whats going on.

Yeah do they have cheap brown-tiger AV? I may need it next snake breeding season. I'll pay cash for mates rates. Oh yeah I need cheap GA for next time I go to the sleep dentist. His costs a thousand bucks. Worth every cent but it would be nice to save a penny I could do with some valium for next time I go to the dentist too. "Sleep dentist" Raz?? Sounds too good to be true!!

Wow. And you baulk at vet fees to keep your animals alive? bravo. Here's a stupid question - if you have friends who are vets - why dont you just ask them what their markup is and to justify it??? Hi Raz, If poodle3081 has friends that are vets - problem solved. She can get medication at cost price. I do get my medication cheap. How do think I know the mark up? Then I don't understand why are you complaining, when the rest of us are paying full price?

Wow. And you baulk at vet fees to keep your animals alive? bravo. Here's a stupid question - if you have friends who are vets - why dont you just ask them what their markup is and to justify it??? Hi Raz, If poodle3081 has friends that are vets - problem solved. She can get medication at cost price.

Not so much the wealthy, but only for those who can afford it - like anything in life really. I'm sure there'd be tonnes of people out there who'd love to have their own horse, but they don't, because they can't afford the costs. My agistors don't give me a discount on my horses board and feed, they offer a service for those who can afford to use it. That's their price and if I can't afford that weekly cost, then either I shouldn't have a horse, or I need to find somewhere else. Is that not reasonable? Is it fair for someone to take on the responsibility of a pet knowing they can't afford it? I do belive it is a privilege to own a pet and not everyone's given right. Either you can budget for the costs, or you can't - it's really that simple. If the average person owns a pet, what is the most costly vet procedure they could be expected to pay? Would anyone out there know this? They could pay anything! In this day and age with the things that specialists can do, they could pay up to $20k! The average person should have insurance, that way, when something unexpected occurs, money won't be too much of a problem Insurance what a solution. The vets will charge more because you have insurance, the insurance company needs to make a profit. Great for the consumer. Are you for real poodle3081? You complain about "mark ups" etc. and when Stormie suggests pet insurance (which many people do have ) you also complain that that now your vet will increase their prices because you have insurance? You seem to have a vendetta against anyone making a profit. I run a business and yes, I do make a profit - should I feel bad about that? No, because it allows me to have three dogs and a nice lifestyle.

I never feel "ripped off" at my vets. You obviously are going to the wrong vet poodle3081. As many have said in this thread, a good relationship with your vet is priceless. At the end of the day, vet practices are a business. They have staff, insurance, overheads, rent, etc etc. They work long hard hours and often do a very difficult job.

Seriously - how many people shop around for the cheapest prescription? You spend the extra couple of dollars driving to the suburb 6 suburbs away. I agree PPS. Value the relationship with your vet and it is reciprocal. They are not so worried when I see another vet for anal glands though! And there are always going to be people who whinge and moan and focus on the dollar figure and not the service that comes with when they should be grateful that they have that person on their team doing everything they can to help your dog get better including leaving their family during the night several times to go and check on your dog, going to lectures in their personal time to learn more about your dog's condition and spending time just hanging out with your dog when they're seriously ill just so they're not alone. I agree with PPS and Danois. My relationship with my vets is paramount, and in my opinion they are worth their weight in gold. There is always a vet available to speak to me on the phone in a crisis, and give premium care and compassion. IMO you can't buy that.

It wont be the clippers but i guarantee the way you are holding. I gather you have a mat for pup to stand on?? But most of the time its when i turn the clippers on he makes the jump onto my shoulders. Yeah I have a slip free mat which he stands on I agree with Becks. It would be best to get a professional groomer/your breeder to show you how to clip him for the first few times. When the puppy "puts his paws on your shoulders" gently place him back on his four feet and repeat your "stand stay" command. Also use this command when brushing him. He will get used to it. I do reward for good behaviour on the table and I do not use a grooming noose either, just teach my dogs to stand quietly. It will take a while but he will improve.

Pandii, I am so very sorry for your loss. What a magnificent boy. RIP Tyson