Sheridan

1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc) My family got its first kerry in 1989. I now have the beautiful Miss Mini as mine and Grumpy's companion. 2. Where and why was the breed first developed? One of the Irish farm dog breeds, as Merijigs notes in the 19th century. To add to the above, they were also what my dad called 'hearth' dogs because they would turn the spit and church the butter next to the fire. Indeed, I think this is a genetic memory because both my kerries love/d to sit in front of the fire. They have also been used as police dogs (like police officers, they like chasing). 3. How common is it in Australia? Not common. Queensland seems to be the biggest kerry state. 4. What is the average lifespan? Generally, 12-15 years. My first kerry was a pretty sick dog all his life. He died at ten. 5. What is the general temperament/personality? The most terrier of the terriers to my mind. They're firey, which many people think is aggression. It can turn out that way if they're not socialised well. My first kerry was not socialised (we didn't know any better back then). He loved people but loathed other animals. To add to the list Merijigs posted above, I will add rabbits. There is a video at British Pathe of kerries at a badger trial. When I saw it, I thought, yep, typical kerry. Mini arks up at the littlest thing but responds very well to gentle correction and a bellow of 'Enough of your jib, miss!' My late, sainted Guinness responded to 'Suigh síos, tú bastaird.' (Sit down, you bastard). They can be very protective. They are highly intelligent dogs with a 'What's in it for me?' attitude. 6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult? Mini is very happy running around the yard and chasing after toys if we're unable to go out. She's also perfectly happy just sitting. As long as they are with their people, the kerry tends to be a contented dog. But, that said, they do love their walks and can go and go and go. 7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with? I would be hesitant about a first time owner having a dog as prey driven as the kerry. As long as the dog is well socialised and trained, a first time owner could do well. I'd probably prefer someone with terrier experience, though. A badly reared dog is awful in any breed. They often get mentioned in DOL threads for non-shedding dogs but there hasn't been a 'What dog should I get? I want one that's non-shedding' where I've thought a kerry might suit. 8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods? Certainly, as long as the dog has been brought up this way and is well occupied during the day. 9. How much grooming is required? A weekly slicker and comb down to the skin with a monthly bath and trim should be good. I'd note that one of the hallmarks is the fall over the eyes. 10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)? Mini is unused to children and doesn't quite know how to react to them. Guinness was very gentle with them but as with any breed, children should be supervised. 11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of? Sebaceous cysts in the main, which in Guinness could become badly infected and had to be removed surgically. Most are unlikely to be a problem, however. Autoimmune diseases were a problem previously (Guinness had an autoimmune disease) but I haven't heard of this for years. 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) As Merijigs said. To that I would add that a breeder should be able to tell you what health problems have been in the pedigrees of the parents, if any, and what the breeder has done to overcome these.

My dogs won't fetch. One's nearly 14, the other is 6. They're like, 'What's in it for me?'

If you want fish in natural oil, the Woollie's Homebrand mackeral is in its own oil, I think. I feed sardines in springwater.

You fail to understand the difference between a lack of understanding and disagreement and your use of Ferguson to illustrate your position would be deeply offensive to anyone who has suffered child abuse.

Why? Because she thinks some breeders go to extremes? Must be a lot of PETA supporters out there, Jed, because there's a lot of people who think that, including various other breeders. You can bitch and whine all you like but saying that some breeders (note the qualification of 'some', Jed) have bred unsound and extreme dogs doesn't make one a PETA supporter. Unless, you're one of those breeders, I suppose. Jed, you seem to think I care. I am simply pointing out what Jemima has said. As to my opinion, whose else would it be?

I'm going to assume this is just you not admitting that Jemima posted she had a working flatcoat despite evidence that she did. I will also assume that despite evidence she doesn't like PETA, you won't admit that either. Whatever. As I suggested earlier, you were conspicuous by your silence at the time. Why don't you just ask her. It's not like she's not contactable. She said she had a flatcoat, or a couple, I've forgotten. I don't see that as proof she is not furthering PETA's aims. There are plenty on here, for instance, who have dogs and support PETA. Why would I ask her? She has stated publicly that she is not a PETA supporter. It doesn't matter what is said, for mine, Sheridan, it is what people do which speaks loudly to me. She is a PETA supporter. She is furthering PETA's aims. By her deeds. Words mean nothing without supporting action. It is walks like a duck .......................... And if she is not a PETA supporter, I am pleased that given normal circumstances she will live long enough to see how much her actions have aided their cause, and I sincerely hope she does. There are two things. 1. Jemima said she had working flatcoats. This is inconsistent with PETA's policy. 2. She has stated she does not support PETA. To my mind, you can accuse her all you like in this sort of snipey backhanded way or you can actually have a dialogue with her. That you don't wish to talk to her says more about you than it does about her. The words cowardice and insecurity come to mind.

I'm going to assume this is just you not admitting that Jemima posted she had a working flatcoat despite evidence that she did. I will also assume that despite evidence she doesn't like PETA, you won't admit that either. Whatever. As I suggested earlier, you were conspicuous by your silence at the time. Why don't you just ask her. It's not like she's not contactable.

I wouldn't have said so and I don't think Jemima did either, having said that the approach was deliberate.

I noticed that when Jemima arrived, Jed, you were conspicuous in your silence. I kept expecting you to jump in with 'You're a member of PETA' and the rest of it. How about next time she's on you actually put that to her. I believe she'll point out that she has purebred working gundogs which pretty much disqualifies her from animal rights activism. Get your specs checked, Sheridan, and go and have another look. I noticed she didn't answer anything which didn't suit her, and I noticed she said she had flatcoats. You have said before she doesn't support PETA. I don't believe that. I didn't ask her again, I took your word that she told you she wasn't a card carrying PETA member. And as you had previously related what she said, I didn't suppose I'd get a different answer. Did you lie about that? And she couldn't be bothered answering any of the other questions she didn't want to, so, why bother? If it walks like a duck, looks like a duck, has feathers and quacks, it's a duck for me. We are what we give witness to, Sheridan. Where Jemima says she has a working flatcoat. We are indeed what we give witness to, Jed, but perhaps some of us can use the search function better than those who post, tripping over their feet in their haste to call others liars. - Jemima Harrison, 8 January 2009, LA Times.

I noticed that when Jemima arrived, Jed, you were conspicuous in your silence. I kept expecting you to jump in with 'You're a member of PETA' and the rest of it. How about next time she's on you actually put that to her. I believe she'll point out that she has purebred working gundogs which pretty much disqualifies her from animal rights activism.

Mine love it. Too expensive to feed as meals so mine gets it as treats.

And what legislation are the ubquitous 'theys' putting forth and in which state?

Cathaven, try to relax around him. Dogs are very good at picking up their owner's stress. Give him lots of cuddles and enjoy him. Keep us up-to-date as to how he's going, especially what the vet says.

Don't you get the schnauzer one?

Or fish. I feed Woolies home brand sardines and Eaglepack Anchovy and Salmon. No chicken in either.

Have to say that when my boy was diagnosed with kidney failure, I found the Americans, in particular, dead keen on supplements for everything rather than providing a sensible diet that had all the supplementary bits and pieces included, hence the suggestion for a homeopathic vet.

You could try a holistic homeopathic vet. Not sure if there's one in Qld, though. Much sympathy. I've had a dog that was oedemic, with pleural effusion. It thankfully resolved after a Lasix injection, though I only had him for a short time after that. The breathing sound at night was bloody horrible.

Sorry, but what's the point of this? Are we back to only breeders are allowed to comment even though this is a rescue topic? And are we now deliniating which breeders can comment based on how many litters they've had? The point of this is that when people get attacked on a public forum they like to defend themselves I guess. If they cant handle the heat they should stay out of the kitchen.Commenting on a topic isnt what that was about it was about commenting on someone's personal situation in public trying to degrade them and lay guilt trips on them. Blackdog is simply giving a tap back. Oh dear. All a bit too pot kettle black for me.

Sorry, but what's the point of this? Are we back to only breeders are allowed to comment even though this is a rescue topic? And are we now deliniating which breeders can comment based on how many litters they've had? You are absolutely right Sheridan - it was a rescue topic until others tried to turn it into some sort of guilt trip. All I did was post info to all responsible Labrador owners advising that the LRCQ was working with RSPCA to find suitable foster carers. Anybody able to assist could contact the Club via the details provided. And from that came a diatribe about breeder responsibilty, early age desexing, whether adults advertised on DOL should be desexed or not -blah, blah, blah. So when shots are being fired at responsible, long standing breeders I reserve the right to go on the defensive thanks. Especially when those shots are being fired by a "newbie" with the experience of only one litter. Would you prefer we all check with you first in future before posting? Indeed, blah blah blah. To all of it. And clearly the answer to your question is yes.

I think it depends on who's writing the article.

The Ebay supplier doesn't have any bambi ears but Smokey Pig does.

Sorry, but what's the point of this? Are we back to only breeders are allowed to comment even though this is a rescue topic? And are we now deliniating which breeders can comment based on how many litters they've had?

That would be Dr Littman or Dr Vaden? They're the experts. Poor baby boy. Toxic turkey. Yuck! I know it's wrong to eat Disney characters but they do like their bambi ears. My two are doing very well, except it's raining here and both are refusing to get their delicate little toes wet.

Liver issues? Allergies? Tell me more! Can commend the bambi ears, if you can get them. My two love them.

Mini was a very fussy eater when she first arrived. Totally uninterested in food. Now breakfast is the Best Meal of the Day! And Dinner is Splendid, Too! I feed Eagle Pack salmon and anchovy and canned sardines in springwater. She loves her fish. Breakfast is Eagle Pack and Ziwipeak. I also have an 'eat it or lose it' policy in this house.