oakway

It's just a shame that you didn't get photos.

I think the little old lady is bit to old to change her ways now. :thumbsup:

Be my guest :rofl:

Thanks for your replies. I guess it was this post that really piqued my interest: If even top class show and breeding stock are so vulnerable and require so much intervention, doesn't that speak to some sort of fundamental health issue that needs resolving? My two are working line dogs and I don't know anything about French Bulldogs which is why I'm so curious. I think I know what you mean. This doesn't just apply to Frenchies it applies to may of the Brachy breeds. I don't breed these breeds. I can only pass on what I am told about these breeds over the years. But I am sure if the dedicated breeders continue the problems will decrease. But I believe the problems will only decrease if people purchase off these dedicated breeders who test, test then test some more. This applies to any breed. I have been led to believe that the incidences of things that can go wrong are on the decrease. It will continue to decrease only by the efforts of these dedicated breeders. I don't know.......maybe the worst problem may lay with the breeders that don't test and sell surviving puppies to unsuspecting owners that may try and in turn breed the pups for profit and keep selling on un tested stock that when possibly bred together will only perpetuate the situation. My only advice is to go with the dedicated breeders that are doing the right thing in trying to eliminate the problems. It will take time there is NO overnight cure. From me who is still watching over a litter of four long nose pups that have NO breathing or health problems that I am aware of. Why am I doing it.......because I care and I love them. and that I take pride along with many others in producing a healthy well bred pup for others to enjoy also.

That's what I'm getting at. No matter how gorgeous and lovable this breed seems to be, clearly there appear to be certain health issues that need to be resolved for the benefit of the breed, people who breed the dog and people who own the dog so I was wondering what was happening with that or if nothing could be done at all. Extensive health difficulties/extensive health testing/low survival rates should really be ringing alarm bells to try to identify root causes rather than being worn as a badge of honour. Or is the 'rarity' what is also contributing to the demand and high price? By way of example, studies are done about the high mortality rates into Bernese Mountain Dogs and presumably steps are being taken to try to reduce the incidence of cancer. In working line Kelpies with ataxia, breeders are being asked to not cull the affected dogs, but not to breed from them and to provide data for research etc. But if this is being done, why are there still such extensive health issues? What is the root cause? Presumably when you mentioned the 24 hour care required for new pups, that was by ethical breeders breeding fro the best of the best. If one is breeding from the best, why is that extremely high level of intervention required? Not trying to be provocatively - genuinely curious! Because some of you may be purchasing off breeders that are not as particular as some. It has already been implyed that some breeders are asking the same price for non tested stock as the breeders of tested stock. Who are you going to purchase off the breeder that tests their stock or the breeder that does not. Both asking the same price. I know who I am going to purchase off. This applys to any breed that has testing available.

I am only discussing ethecial careing breeders that do the right thing and import the very best of stock from around the world that may be bred with. Those that only breed the VERY best to the VERY best. With every known test done. If they didn't they would not be getting the results they are.

Good heavens what more can the ethical careing breeders do, they are already testing for everything and x raying.

He he he ha haa haaaaaa :rofl: :rofl:

The breeders that are breeding now might not be breeding in 3 years time. I would wait until you were ready to buy.

Yes you are indeed quite correct.

Yep, been going through it for years. As I am the breeder/owner I am the one that calls the tune not the other way around.

My advice take the collar off and have the dog micro chipped.

It it is of any help Turkey necks are usually found in the Woolies I go to in the dog food section. Pre packaged in shrink wrap white. Turkey Drum Sticks and wings are usually found in the chicken section in the meat dept.

Open show starts at 4.30pm Championship starts at 5.00pm.

Isn't it more important that the food agrees with the dog and that the dog does well on it, not how large the end product is.

If you want something done, then go the TV, Radio and News Papers.

No, If you breed this breed you would certainly not want to have an employer. This is in SOME cases the breed of breeders that stay at home or are retired or have dedicated family members that are at home.

No it is far more involved than that. I have two very close friends that breed frenchies(I consisder top class show and breeding stock) and I can assure you they earn every penny they get. For the first 6 weeks you DON'T leave the pups, and I mean that, not even to go to the bathroom. You have a second person to watch the pups for you or you do it in shifts. The pups are well known for swimmers and if that happens you know what that means in this breed. That is hours and hours of supporting the chests and getting them through a very critical time. Also be prepared to lose at least 6 thousand dollers per litter if something should go wrong. What with all the testing, stud fees + direct insemination vet fees, c section and if something should go wrong, and I have heard of a breeder losing three litters on the run plus a bitch into the bargain. Add all that up and it runs into a real lot of money. (Mega bucks) Breeders of quality in show winning stock I take my hat off to you all.

Ive considered that, jsut not terribly keen on flying a bitch who is a nervous dog as it is, that far along in her pregnancy. Would you fly one of your dogs that far in whelp if it wasnt an emergency? Yes, she is only 7 weeks in whelp. Yes, we understand that you are upset, but you asked for answers and we are trying. Not everbody understand that where live can make it difficult. Is there any reason that another breeder could help you out by looking after her if you have to go away.

If it were me I would be putting the bitch on a plane to the nearest breeders that I was friendly with and asking that they look after her best interests. I am sure there are plenty that would offer to help if the call was put out. This way the bitch is under full observation and close handy to a vet.

+1

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Congratulations! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

Thank you very much for replies. Another series of (stupid) questions... - Is it common practice to buy puppies interstate? Is it easy to arrange? What is a ballpark price for shipping, say, boxer pup from QLD or VIC to NSW. Perfectally normal includes New Zealand Q Assuming that we decided that we would like to buy puppies from particular breeder what are the steps? - Get confirmation that litter is expected. - Put our name on waiting list A Speak to the breeder and they will fill in on any requirements Q - Visit breeder and pat/hug their doggies and confirm that future pups' parents are nice and well looked after. Can be difficult if breeder is far away. A Most breeders will not allow you to visit till the puppies are vaccinates although some do. Q - Wait for puppies to be born. A If the pups are not born the breeder will advise usually with photos. Q - Pay deposit A Some breeder do not take a deposit - Wait for 8 weeks - Hurray!!! Anything A The breeder will advise of any requirements. Freight depends on how far the pup flies and size of crate and weight of pup.

Couldn't agree more. The breeder who cares about the future life & welfare of their puppies/dogs, tends to be a person who cares about the welfare of their dogs, in all respects. Health, temperament etc. So a breeder who wants to know lots about how I (as a potential adopter) have cared for my pets & animals, gets a thumbs up from me. And who centres the conversation on the important things in caring for dogs. It's just lovely to find yourself on the same page as an experienced highly respected breeder when it comes down to the basics. I've found that breeders like this talk about their dogs.....using their call names....just like any dog lover tends to talk. It becomes very evident that they know their dogs well....& are close to them. And even tho' they might not use jargon words, like 'socialisation'.....they do it, in how their puppies are made to be close to people from birth and have all the experiences on their level of development. I've also found that breeders like this, have a deep interest in their particular breed & very, very happy to talk about it or point an enquirer to the good information. And when that breeder says, 'Now, if anything should ever go wrong....call me.' They're the magic words. I've got dogs from breeders like these & they've been a joy. You can only do your best to see that the buyers go home with the right puppy. In the end I believe no matter how hard you try it's what happens when the pup goes to its new home. The puppy will only be what the purchaser makes it.