cassie

Just a thought and it may not help, but have you considered contacting Dr Chris Girling? He's a vet (an excellent vet) who breeds Dogues, so perhaps if it's something quite specific he may have an idea? He's in country SA so a phone call or email, obviously :)

I personally love it, and think what better way to advertise our beautiful purebreds.

Is he alone at any other times? Maybe he's used to you being around all the time that he feels uneasy when you're not?

Huge congratulations on the naked one! :D

Ha! Well there you go. Thanks I didn't know that. Yes it was an SA breeder. (The extra cost of $400 bit was rubbish though, I'm talking for limited registration.) For the record, that's not the reason I labelled them as unethical, FAR from it. But thanks for filling me in Espinay and Natsu chan :)

Espinay it was 2006.

It does happen. Back when I knew better I bought a pup from an unethical registered breeder. After two weeks of having pup at home I asked when his papers would be arriving, and was told he didn't have any. If I wanted papers I would've had to let her know earlier, at an extra cost of $400. His litter sister was shown so at least some of the puppies from that litter were registered, but not him and at least one other that I knew of.

Together, my OH and I earn a good combined income. Earlier this year we bought a house together, then shortly after that his brother passed away. OH was grief stricken and unable to work for about 4 months, and since he works for himself, if he doesn't work he doesn't get a cent. We went from a good combined income to me supporting us and the dogs on my single income. I was paying the entire mortgage, all the bills, all of our food, running two cars, everything for the dogs, etc. I dipped deep into my savings which really hurt me, as I like having that money there as an emergency buffer. Then we got a ridiculously large power bill and Sumo hurt his leg and needed X-rays both in the same week, and I'll admit to breaking down and crying. I could just see no end to it all. Thankfully, we found a way to get through it and struggled on, and now we're out the other side and building up our savings once more. I think everyone goes through tough times and you do have to prioritise the things you need over the things you want. We generally don't deny ourselves much at all but during this period we were forced to, and we learnt that we don't really need all the extras to be happy. And you know what, the experience makes you stronger. I feel for anyone doing it tough, it's not enjoyable at all.

110kg Saints (fit, healthy specimens, not overweight) do exist, but we're expecting Sumo to be around the 90kg mark once matured. They don't fully mature til around 4 years old. He is the best cuddler ever :)

Hi everyone, thought I'd post an update on my little Sumo man :) We've been out of the show ring for a while due to the silly boy injuring his leg, but thanks to lots of rest and some supplements he is now healthy again :) He has his next couple of shows in two weeks time so looking forward to that. He is 7 months old now and over 60kg.

Hi everyone, thought I'd post an update on my little Sumo man :) I mentioned he'd injured his leg a while back and was limping, well thanks to lots of rest and some supplements he's back as good as ever. We've been out of the show ring for a while, but he has his next couple of shows in two weeks time so looking forward to that. He is 7 months old now and over 60kg.

I almost went with the Greyhound brush but something just kept calling me back to the Chris Christensen website! So a lot of money later, I have a package on the way with some new shampoos and other products, as well as a brush :) PS I have NEVER spent that much on a brush or shampoos etc for my own hair!

I think that's just the problem though, people (the average Jo Bloe) don't want to look hard. They want a puppy NOW, they don't want to go on a waiting list, especially when they can't be guaranteed a pup. They also don't like to be asked a million questions about what they intend to do with and how they intend to raise "their" puppy. Think about it, the pet shop owner is HAPPY to sell them a pup! But with most breeders you have to prove you're worthy and knowledgeable enough for one of their pups. To the average lazy person, I can see the appeal of a pet shop pup who is ready to go right now no questions asked.

Thanks :)

I'm so sorry Mysticpaw, I've been following this thread. RIP dear Ricky xx

Thanks for the responses. Is there anywhere in Aus you can buy the Greyhound brushes (online or in store)? I've only found them in overseas online stores. Thanks.

Is that the same as tolerated?

I always thought it meant allowed, but not desired. So if there were two identical dogs, but one had the "permissable" something, then the other would beat it. Then again now that I think of it, I think my above explanation would also apply to the word "tolerable" or "tolerated" so I don't know how to differentiate between the two. Look forward to the discussion!

I've seen them! They're awesome! If they're on sale now I just might have to have them! :D

If you are the only one of your breed, yes you win BOB unless the judge refuses the award (which they can do, rare, but can happen) due to immaturity. Then you'll have to go back in for Best In Group and provided the BIG or RUIG winners are not from the minor class, you'll also have to go back in for Minor In Group.

As the title states. I don't want to spend an absolute fortune, under $40 would be perfect. Buying for a Saint Bernard if it makes any difference :)

IMO Akitas are quite a competitive breed to show. A good Akita is a sight like no other, and my gosh can they move!!! But if you didn't specify your desire to show when you first got your pup then it's highly likely you received a "pet only" pup - absolutely nothing wrong with him in terms of being a dog, but he may not have the ideal conformation for showing.

I'd take double the Saint drool for a coat that wouldn't shed, but still looks and feels as it does :) OH is the opposite, he said he'd take double the amount of dropped hair to eradicate the drool :laugh:

Any SA visits on the cards for the future? :)

Good luck Lhok and Treble, will be keeping an eye on this thread to see your outcome. I'm sure he'll be ok.