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Nothing worse than sick kiddos (furry ones included) Hope he's okay.

That's a lot like what I had in mind, Stan's mum. Not long enough though. This is a dangerous game I've gotten into. I can see myself ending up with several perfect collars. Better than getting caught short I suppose. Thanks again everyone.

I agree with you for the most part, mixeduppup. It's definitely a tough one. The worst child hater I knew was a Mini Foxy. There are gems and there are turds. Just like people. I do think there is an amount of certainty in something from an experienced, long established, genuine breeder though.

I should add that I find ACD to be lost least often to snakes, yet responsible for dispatching the most. How or why is anyone's guess.

Some dogs in general are nippy with kids and animals. Working dogs aren't always pets and some working lines (cattle dogs, border collies for example) would never be suitable for small children or in pet homes. Their breeders will be the first to tell a prospective owner that. A good breeder will know what sort of consistency of temperament they're producing and will not put an unsuitable dog into a pet home. I'm sorry and saddened by your experience with the breed. I wish you could have met a few that I've known. There's nothing more precious than your children and a good ACD will love and protect them like their own. Totally unbiased, of course!!

I've known a few that fit the bill. I've also known others of the same breed that don't. It's a tough one. I don't envy you! The old way was going through as many as it took to find one that suits. The rest "ran away" (died of lead poisoning). That's frowned upon and not spoken about these days. I sure did plenty of frowning as a kid when I was old enough to know what was really going on. How dog friendly the nags are will help or hinder you in training a pup. I don't think you can beat an Australian Cattle Dog

G'day Megan, thanks for popping in. Unfortunately excess hardware in >45 degree heat and <-5 degree cold isn't appropriate no matter how good it looks or what it costs. We mitigate potential discomforts in any way we can. I must have come across as sounding a bit stingy with my value for money comment. I suppose I am by some standards. I do like to put a "dollar per use" value on things.

They look well made, strong and practical to me in the pictures, Huski. I do have some Amish leather bits and pieces around and I know they work and work and work. The craftsmanship is excellent and the leather is "plough the fields in this for 50 years" grade. Yes, I know there isn't really such a grade :laugh: What I'm trying to articulate is that I know that it doesn't stretch and thin as quickly as other soft leathers and is definitely "work" quality. But, you already knew that. Money back if you're unhappy with the quality - you can't ask for more than that. I'm sold.

Thanks minimax but again, I can't see a clear view of the buckles anywhere. I can see the rings and they are certainly a nice design. I must be a bit pedantic with these things! Living in a harsh climate I don't want any more hardware on a collar than is necessary. They look great but in general are not what I'm looking for. Like I said, I won't have "studs" on them (I'm sure there is a more technical term for these). I can't tell you how great it is to have a community of people to ask these questions :D

Thanks very much for the suggestions :) I should mention that I'm dealing with an extremely intelligent and strong bitch that will open up cheap rings, snap plastic and undo anything else by rubbing it the right way on a tree/fence/brick work as soon as your back is turned Failing collars are not conducive to solid training. Poor quality collars caused this issue in the first place. It's really very difficult to buy anything leather online without being able to feel the quality of it, isn't it? I did like the look of the "no frills" collar by Ruthless Leather but for $135 I can't even see a mention what type of leather they are or even a picture of the buckle. Call me stingy but I have bridles with a lot more quality leather and workmanship in them than this and they don't seem good value in comparison. These look the part I suppose but the k9pro leather ones seem more "transparent online shopping experience" to me. Call me sceptical. All suggestions very much appreciated. I am not much of an online shopper.

Thanks very much Ness I appreciate the link :)

What good quality collars are others using on their large breed dogs? I can't count how many web collars I've been through and they are never a fit that I'm satisfied with. I prefer good quality leather collars but won't have "studs" on them. Any recommendations? We are talking big e.g. 48cm round plus enough to secure under the keeper. Appreciate any suggestions.

Persephone is correct, if it were poisoned you would know about it. Wing tips would be a peculiar choice for baits like glass etc and evident on inspection. Don't get me started on 1080 nasty, nasty stuff.

G'day Andrew. In people terms, my take on this is that Caesar was on the receiving end of a good scolding for inappropriate behavior and bad manners. There's nothing quite like an older dog to teach a young one some canine etiquette. I expect he will be slightly more attentive when approaching other dogs in future, otherwise you can expect more of this from those with little patience for this type of behavior. I would have him on a lead until he has more km on him i.e. life experience - training/socialisation. Good on you for walking away from this and asking the questions. I get the feeling you're thinking hey, how could we improve on this? How can we do this better next time?