SparkyTansy

James 9 weeks 3 Months 3 years Ari 2 days 9weeks 9 months 2 years

Thanks PC - I didn't think so but having never seen a field in the flesh i wasn't exactly sure on size... I saw a dog being tabled once that isn't usually tabled - i can't remember what it was now but gees it was funny at the time!

sorry to jump into this thread but wanted to ask poocow - fields aren't a tabled breed are they? Well done to all of you for getting out there and giving it a go!! I am still a nervous wreck showing my own dog after 6 years of it... you all seem to be doing rather well!!

Thanks again everyone... Jenny was always the lady, a typical, stubborn lady , but beautiful... so gentle and such a true definition of a greyhound...

Thank you all - it means so much to me

We gave Jenny her wings tonight... She was going to 11 in January. Old age hit her very quickly and her body just couldn't keep up with her spirit... We know it was best for her and I stayed with her to the very end, and she was such a good girl. See you at the bridge Jenny, run free and do as many zoomies as your heart desires... Sparky and Tansy will look after you and show you around.

Yes you are right Nekhbet I guess the difference here with Weims anyway is that in Germany only those who have proven to be dedicated to the breed, and plans to work it, or has experience in working it, is allowed to own a Weimaraner... Here, anyone can own one. I am not defending the breeders who have watered it down, as such, but just think in general it was inevitable given their evolved working history from blood tracker/hunter to bird dog... Some of the instincts hold up though... not saying my weim would be suitable at all for protection work but she certainly has some interesting characteristics which i would say are more a fluke of the lines as you put it

nope. I cant see any aussie weims being able to cope with it at all most I have seen do not have the temperament at all. Considering they are not bred primarily for it I would think the ones that are doing it are the flukes of the lines, of course I could stand corrected. you are right, they werent bred primarily for it but they also weren't bred primarily as a bird dog either... weims were bred with three things in mind, companion, hunter (blood tracker and bringing down large game) and protection... You are right I think there are few if any weims in australia that would be able to handle the work but I have heard that the German ones are something else altogether... i was just curious if anyone had come across one before who could do the job... they breed them softer now just like many other breeds out there.

this has been a really interesting thread (and I am surprised that i only found it today, since the topic has been quite popular in the last few days!!) I look forward to seeing the results published simply out of curiosity... Just wondering if anyone who has been involved in training personal protection dogs ever seen a weimaraner in action? I believe they are used quite a lot in Germany or they were... not sure if they are now. I would say the temperament of most in Australia wouldn't lend themselves well but the working ones in Germany might..

A great topic It's probably already been said, but when my sister got her OES she had lots of great information come with it... Information included: *A bit of a diary entry about the pup, how it behaves with it's mother and littermates, its favourite things (in our instance Charlie loved water - and still does) *photos from birth to 8 weeks of him (with littermates and individual) *5 Generation pedigree, with photos of parents, grandparents etc *Copy of the breed standard (and in this case a breed standard extension) *book recommendations *grooming tips *Diet sheet He also came across to WA with his section of faux sheepskin (kind of like drybed i think) that the breeder cut up into sections but was originally in the whelping box. In addition, lots of photos are always wonderful. I also think that a form for the breed club in their state is a good way to encourage activities with their pup (of course there isn't always a breed club, but if there is i think its a good idea) My first pup came with a show lead (because he was intended as a showdog) Second pup came across with his special blanket and his original colour puppy collar (green velvet) on the crate Last pup came across with puppy blanket and puppy information file similar to the above plus some health information.

I've come in really late to this conversation (and havent read all the posts - sorry!) but my Spartan was diagnosed with atopy and he had the skin tests and was found to have reactions to grasses, some insect bites, and a few pollens and moulds... but he was also diagnosed with a chicken allergy (through an eliminationi diet) He had the skin testing, and there was an improvement within a couple of months. He came off any cortisone dose within a year, and his injections stopped probably about 2 years ago. He only ever has minor relapse during the season changes, particularly this time of year when all the pollens come out, but the biggest problems we have is with some of his food intolerances which can affect his skin (he appears to have food intolerance to a few meats, with an allergic reaction only to chicken). Spartan was really good with his injections and his special treat after each injection was always a minty of all things!!

here you go a metal crate (you can usually buy them with sectioners too)

What doesn't my dog like I think is the question... but the absolute worst i came home to was munching on a full bag of brown sugar... the floor was hell to clean up!!

The Ark - you will have to check the rules for the grounds... in my state it is appropriate to leave your gazebo up if you are showing all three days over the weekend, but our grounds are locked andsecure at night. I think sometimes, though, we are warned that the reticulation will come on and so not to leave Tarps on the ground. I don't have a gazebo though so i am not 100% on this rule and it may vary from state to state. Perhaps ring the show secretary?

Try this Linky for WA Show Pet Supplies... it isn't on the website but if you send an email they might be able to get you one...or might have some in stock.

YC i can understand why they hold your cert for BIG if you have to compete for BIS, but i don't see how or why they can hold your cert if you get a puppy in group waiting for a puppy in show, regardless of whether you got the BOB as puppy in group/show isn't eligible for points...

1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc) Owned and showed one since 2002 - now have two special boys, 7 and 3. 2. Where and why was the breed first developed? Breed was developed in England... but the early references I have copied from Faolmor for the Irish setter, as all the breeds were developed once they hit britain's shores differently however, the English Setter breed we see today was developed by a man named Edward Laverack using two dogs named Ponto and Old Moll of whom he purchased from Rev Harrison, who had been breeding the line for 35 years and there is claims that Ponto and Old Moll were the best he ever bred... The term "Belton" to describe the particular colouring/markings on the English Setter which is a name that has stuck today, was used around this time. Laverack published a book in 1972 which is still around today, this was considered to be THE book on the breed and was the basis for the creation of the English Setter Standard. The bench setter, or the setter we see in the show ring, is known as the laverack setter, which is of distinctly different type of a strain commonly known as the Llewellin type, developed by Mr Purcell-Llewellin in the latter half of the nineteenth century, which is a type which was purely focused upon field ability, whereas Laverack wanted both field ability and beauty in the field. This Link is a fantastic source on the history of both the Laverack and Llewellin types. 3. How common is it in Australia? Not overly common, and never as popular as it's cousin, the Irish Setter. 4. What is the average lifespan? Around 12 years. 5. What is the general temperament/personality? They are known as a Gentleman by Nature... and that they are. Softer and more gentle than their Irish and Gordon setter cousins. They can be lazy and laid back and most of their exuberance happens in their early years, and they do grow up a lot quicker than the eternally young Irish setter. they cannot be easy to work, being that they usually look for a reason why they should bother, and if they can't find one, they simply dont bother... of course, it varies from dog to dog, and some dogs will be excellent in certain disciplines. My older boy was smart and food motivated, and was excellent at obedience... my youngest showed a tendancy towards birds and setting from an early age, of course this was only extended to sight setting - he hasn't had the chance to air scent and nor am i sure he would! yet, many setters show a tendency towards birds at an early age which if nurtured, can have them working for it if desired. if not nurtured, it can often switch off. 6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult? Many would say that they are fairly high energy, and they may well be, but I got two fairly low energy setters, if that is the case, because they can take or leave exercise. Once they both hit about 18 months, they were very easy to live with, had little tendancy to be naughty and were happy with a daily walk of about 30 minutes. I could never trust either of them off lead to have a reliable recall, so mostly they do not go off lead. They do not often chase a ball but some of them do show this tendancy, but they were not originally bred to retrieve, and perhaps in some, this instinct to watch the item but not retrieve it has been retained! 7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with? They are not easy puppies - like many gundogs, they will test the boundaries again and again. Destruction was at it's highest between 6-12 months (and in my case i lost many items including hoses, reticulation, grass, dog beds the list goes on). I think that you must be prepared to cope with that, you must acceptthat it will happen... they are not an easy first dog - they are not always biddable like other breeds such as a goldy or lab, and seem to have that "what's in it for me" attitude towards most things. However, they are the most loving, gentle and sweet natured dogs, and like a fine wine, only get better with age. 8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods? yes and no... once they settle down, yes they most certainly can, but for the early part of their life, they can be incredibly destructive. They do prefer company although not necessarily for play, but mostly just for companionship. however, like most gundogs and particularly most setters, they should be with you when you are home... they like to be involved in everything you do (I have one who likes to follow the broom and "help" by sitting in the dirt pile and wagging his tail ) 9. How much grooming is required? Depending on coat type, they can be quite easy to maintain, or difficult. a weekly brush would suffice, and showdogs would require a lot more in the way of grooming and preparation for the ring. One thing I have found out about is the dreaded "spay coat" which setters suffer - the hair goes fine and whispy and matts and knots a lot more. Many people keep their pets feathering short which can keep it under control... NEVER, EVER clip the topcoat of a setter. The fine hair on the ears should be brushed and checked regularly, and the feathering between their toes trimmed regularly. 10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)? English Setters are excellent family dogs - gentle and calm around children - particularly when brought up with them... they seem to have a natural affinity with children. their lack of rambunctious behaviour renders them quite trustworthy not to knock anyone over, but they can be strong, and strong willed, so firm leadership so that they understand boundaries is a must. 11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of? English Setters are probably most commonly known to suffer from skin problems, although this is less common that it was say 20 years ago, it will crop up now and then. they seem to have sensitive stomachs as well, although not sure if these two things are related, and of course, this isn't every dog. Other hereditary problems which are tested for are of course Hip Dysplasia, and Deafness. Both are not overly common, but again can crop up. There are many setters our there who may not have been diagnosed with deafness or partial deafness simply because they do not give it away, but it does happen. 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 per the above, the breeder should hip score, and their score should be less that 19.35 (Ithink the breed average wasthat in 2006 - may be less now). BAER (ear testing) of pups could also be done although this is not done as much in australia but is a common practise in the US. Skin problems are difficult to track and unfortunately not all breeders are forthcoming when it comes to the history of their lines, or simply that they might not be aware of any pets who suffered from it... and a photo... i hope it is the right pic!

sas that is true my vet was probably only guessing... just like we guess that it could be inherited... anyway, I didn't go ahead and breed with my dog... I also never said it was ethical to breed a dog with skin issues, I said it's been done in the past hence the reason why there are certain breeds prone to the issues. The fact remains though, that food allergies are more rife now than they were 10-20 years ago... in an age where our dogs food is made and dried into little unnatural nuggets, where meat is pumped with all sorts of rubbish, even if the mode of inheritance is high, something else is causing the surfacing of food allergies to be more likely NOW than they were... especially since we also see a lot more allergies in humans as well.

yes dont allow him to graze - a grazing dog is dictating when it wants to eat... to be in control you should be dictating when he eats. If he doesn't eat it, take it away.

This happens with mine now and again - they just go off chicken carcass/wings and I just stop feeding them for a week or so then go back to it... usually it works itself out.

Ninoid I am so sorry for your loss... your words were beautiful and your devotion to her incredibly evident... My Sparky and Tansy girls will no doubt have a bit of a game with Miss Molly at the bridge. Hugs to you and take care x

I second Ester C rather than plain Vit C... it is a buffered form of Vit C You can get it in health food stores and chemists

perhaps see if there is a website for them or call up a store and ask them... Hope Saki is ok

None the less, thyroid issues are noted to occur in the breed. yes definitely I have seen it. i hope that they will be able to find a good solid link between thyroid and skin issues and perhaps even make it testable but i can't say i have looked into it very far to see if there is anything they are researching...

Just to add to this, skin issues can crop up after a very long time and from a totally unsuspected source. My breeder said they hadn't seen issues for 10 years or so... the line that my boy came from was a complete outcross out of a new imported line and one of their older lines. Both dogs in question plus their parents showed no sign of skin issues. It is safe to say they considered that they had bred it out of the line until it cropped up, seeing as they hadn't seen it in 10 years. I am guessing, just like other genetic issues such as hip dysplasia, it is polygenic and hard to trace. You can do all the research in the world but you are never going to know if the gene is going to show up, and if it does you have to deal with the consequences. Finally, as far as I am aware, out of Spartan's litter, he was the only one with the problem. His sisters were both fine, and went on to breed healthy puppies with no skin or thyroid issues. His other brothers were pet homed but i had contact with one of them and they had no skin issues. I am also going to say (controversially or otherwise) that it is probably likely that breeders have in the past bred dogs with minor skin issues due to perhaps not considering issues it could cause down the track, and placing conformation or lineage over health... another person involved in the breed i have spoken to said that skin issues were very common when she was breeding in the 70s... I am guessing that there were many breeders who eventually put a focus on it hence many English Setters not having the issue today - and yet it can still crop up and there is just no controlling that unless you stop breeding the breed altogether...