tarope

You sound like you did your research & found that there's 'a cancer common in GSDS'. Seems you weighed up element of risk in getting a GSD? Did you ask the breeder if it occurred in the depth & breadth of your pup's background? I expect there's no genetic test for the cancer you're talking about? There's no magic bullet genetic tests for most human conditions either. There's also a complex interaction between a certain mutation.... what other mutations exist... & the environment. So someone can carry a mutation but the condition never arises. Dog breeders can't be held to a different standard of disease prevention than that which is possible for humans. You ask any GSD owner have you heard of Hemangiosarcoma and the answer would be no and I'd never heard of it either until my poor girl died of it, but breeders know about it and are not going to tell puppy buyers that this Cancer is common in GSD's that there are no tests or symptoms until it's too late and it's always fatal and can get it as young as 5 years of age are they. And yet a quick Google links the risk of Hemangiosarcoma to the breed, notes that its not an uncommon cancer in dogs generally and links desexing to an increased risk of the cancer. So what would you have GSD breeders do other than to recommend buyers don't desex their pups? So Hemangiosarcoma is caused by desexing your dog is it, I must tell my vet so we can all have a good laugh and you've never heard of it either.

if there are no tests how can you blame a breeder for not telling you? If they had a dog affected by hemangiosarcoma it is quite possible it was never diagnosed, particulary if it was an old dog whose passing was somewhat expected. If you had a dog with Hemangiosarcoma you would know.

You sound like you did your research & found that there's 'a cancer common in GSDS'. Seems you weighed up element of risk in getting a GSD? Did you ask the breeder if it occurred in the depth & breadth of your pup's background? I expect there's no genetic test for the cancer you're talking about? There's no magic bullet genetic tests for most human conditions either. There's also a complex interaction between a certain mutation.... what other mutations exist... & the environment. So someone can carry a mutation but the condition never arises. Dog breeders can't be held to a different standard of disease prevention than that which is possible for humans. You ask any GSD owner have you heard of Hemangiosarcoma and the answer would be no and I'd never heard of it either until my poor girl died of it, but breeders know about it and are not going to tell puppy buyers that this Cancer is common in GSD's that there are no tests or symptoms until it's too late and it's always fatal and can get it as young as 5 years of age are they.

I was a Dobermann owner and Wobblers was the reason I never wanted another one and of cause the attitude of the breeder who claimed my girl didn't have it,and we've never had it but x-rays said she did and three vets said it's hereditary which it is. My girl died 10 years ago and there's still no test for it, so why would I want to go through that again. Don't get me wrong I love the breed, such big sooks and so gentle and no dog smell even when wet.... she slept in her dog bed in our room all her life and the last year or two because of the medication (lost all bladder control) I put her in the spare room but it was only for one night as she cried all night so I got some drop sheets. A health Dobe would be great and I hope all your puppies live long and health lives, will pm you.

I am so sorry for you as no one should have to go through that,the breeder wasn't so great after all and they say it's bad luck yeah right but it's not bad luck for the breeder they have your money don't they. My GSD girl also came from a great breeder and very well know, had many champions etc etc etc. My girl had good hips and an excellent temperament, even the vet said she's a very good girl and easy to handle also I was told you have a very well bred GSD but she still died of Cancer. A Cancer common in GSDs and luck has nothing to do with it and no one cares, I'm amazed breeders can ask $1500 for a pup knowing the health issues in their breeds.

If the hairdresser causes your hair to fall out then you have comeback and can even go on ACA or take them to court, but what happens if my Dobermann pup develops Wobbler Syndrome 4 years later....well nothing happens because the breeder claims never to have had this in their lines and no one else gives a stuff either. I see the club on their web site still claim Wobbler Syndrome only affects old dogs, yes right as 4 yrs is old isn't it.

How do you know that they have pedigree papers? Are you serious, do you think only BYB GSDs are dumped in pounds etc. Have a look at these GSDs. http://www.petrescue.com.au/listings/162375 http://www.petrescue.com.au/listings/159795 http://www.petrescue.com.au/listings/159560 http://www.petrescue.com.au/listings/157081 http://www.petrescue.com.au/listings/139787 http://www.petrescue.com.au/listings/135168 These are just a few to have found new homes but many others are not so lucky.

Over the last 7 years or so puppy prices have doubled, yet we still see the same health issues which in many cases result in death long before the dogs time.... so how can breeders justify charging $1500 well they can't as their guarantee guarantees nothing. How can some of you people claim that because people won't pay $1500 they wouldn't have looked after the dog anyway, there are plenty of papered dogs in pounds and rescue that people have paid $1500 for and still dump them.... you only have to look at the number of GSDs in rescue to know this. I have two rescues and they are treated exactly the same as any papered dog I have owned. When my TV went I didn't have sleepless nights and cry for weeks after because of the grief, then keep thinking about it every day since as I did when I lost my Beautiful GSD girl 17 mths ago to Cancer because TVs aren't family like dogs are. Years ago I paid full price for my Dobermann and I lost her to Wobbler Syndrome, some years ago I paid full price for my GSD girl and I lost her to Cancer and nothing has changed only the price.

Warning Warning Will Robinson, Beware of uni students with bloody clip boards especially in the Nanny state.

As you and I know GSD's are very Intelligent, so if you don't want them to get something you keep it out of reach especially Rat poison. What your boy is doing is normal and don't forget they are all different and some are much worse, my boy Rex didn't play bite never chased balls or play tug o war and always came when called. But at about 14 mths he started pulling clothes off the line, ripping mats and plastic buckets up, digging holes every where and would not come when called, he became very stubborn too. When I called him to come inside, he would just stand there and I'd walk over to him he'd just fall over and wouldn't get up so I went and got his lead and lifted his head to put the lead on so I could get him inside. He is now 10 yrs old and much better, but still digs holes every now and then and can be stubborn at times. Your boys weight is fine, my Boy is 37 kgs and I try to keep him between 36-37 kgs. He is fed 2.8 cups of kibble per day which is divided into 3 small meals as GSD's are at risk of bloat they are not allowed out a half hour before and after meals. Mine are also given a tin of sardines twice a week and every second day get a desert spoon of natural yoghurt and two desert spoons of canola oil for their coats. Why don't you allow your dogs upstairs, GSD's are family dogs and love to be with you but supervised of cause.

There are a lot of really stupid people around and if that dog bit the child, guess who gets the blame and is put to sleep. :mad

Congratulations on your new puppy, have fun. :D

I am so sorry for your loss. RIP Bella

Some vets don't even like animals, but they like the money.

I am so sorry for you, Hemangiosarcoma is a very nasty aggressive cancer and there are no symptoms till it's too late and is always fatal. I lost my beautiful Tara to this bastard of a cancer just over a year ago and it was so quick,she was only 8yrs 7mths old. You must not blame yourself because there's nothing you can do, this cancer is common in GSD's and when they get this the kindest thing to do for her is put them to sleep. Tara was healthy all her short life and I still can't believe she's gone and I still miss her and always will,but I know I did the right thing for her.

Let Farmers do what Farmers do and let the R$PCA do what it does best, which is collecting money from the stupid people who still support this bunch of morons. :)

Today if a cat comes into your yard and your dog kills it, it's bad luck and the owner can do nothing as cats are not allowed to wander just like dogs. I also would say nothing, how do you know what the neighbour might do to your dog as payback. This is incorrect in NSW. Cats are legally allowed to wander and there is no offense for them entering your yard. However the OP's situation would not be considered an attack in NSW as the legislation specifically states that there is no offense committed if the incident occurs as the result of a person or animal entering the property without permission. Where in the Companion Animals Act 1998 does it say cats are legally allowed to wander - it doesn't. You might want to read section 31 Nuisance cats as this is exactly the problem the OP has. As I said if a cat enters your property and your dog kills it, it's just bad luck. Also cats are required by law to wear a collar with an Identification tag at all times, but how many cat owners do this. I've read the NSW Companion Animals Act many times - I enforce it. There is no section requiring cats to be contained on their own property. There is no offence associated with a cat 'escaping' its property or entering someone elses property. If you believe this is the case please point me to the section that requires that cat owners contain their cats. There are particular places cats are prohibited (wildlife zones, food prep areas etc) but if the cat is not within one of those areas it (or I should say it's owner) has not committed an offence. I suggest YOU re-read section 31. Here it is for you. Please tell me where it says a cat is a nuisance if it enters someone's property or leaves its own property? And I suggest YOU re-read Section 31 Nuisance cats, you might not think cats that wee, poo and kill birds and small animals on other peoples property a Nuisance but I and many others do. It also doesn't say that if a cat enters your property and your dog kills it it's bad luck, but it's a fact. I also have a copy of the Companion Animals Act and I can't see where it says the people can get cat traps from the council and catch the cats,and take them to the pound but that also is a fact.

Glad I don't live in SA. because in NSW councils have no legal right to tell you how many dogs you can or can't have, some will try to stand over you but you just ignore them. :D

Today if a cat comes into your yard and your dog kills it, it's bad luck and the owner can do nothing as cats are not allowed to wander just like dogs. I also would say nothing, how do you know what the neighbour might do to your dog as payback. This is incorrect in NSW. Cats are legally allowed to wander and there is no offense for them entering your yard. However the OP's situation would not be considered an attack in NSW as the legislation specifically states that there is no offense committed if the incident occurs as the result of a person or animal entering the property without permission. Where in the Companion Animals Act 1998 does it say cats are legally allowed to wander - it doesn't. You might want to read section 31 Nuisance cats as this is exactly the problem the OP has. As I said if a cat enters your property and your dog kills it, it's just bad luck. Also cats are required by law to wear a collar with an Identification tag at all times, but how many cat owners do this.

What about a Collie Rough a very gentle dog but does need grooming, had one for 14.5 years or a Collie Smooth not so much grooming.

Today if a cat comes into your yard and your dog kills it, it's bad luck and the owner can do nothing as cats are not allowed to wander just like dogs. I also would say nothing, how do you know what the neighbour might do to your dog as payback.

The GSD has a very long list of health problems and for many there are no tests, so any breeder who claims to test for every health issue is telling a lie. The OP might consider getting a Rescue GSD, as there are many wonderful GSD's looking for a forever home.

I wonder if this person knows how to raise this "German Shepherd/Alsation cross" correctly given the fact she doesn't even know the breeds correct name. Maybe the dog might end up in the pound like so many others have.

If they don't like your dogs, tell them as others have said either stay at a motel or just don't come. It's your house your dogs,and your dog hair. :D

People dump dogs for many reasons but the worst of all are those who dump old dogs. These poor dogs have been loyal pets all their lives and are treated like rubbish. When dogs get old they require on going medication and of cause special care,not to mention dental but some people simply don't want to do this and is cheaper to dump them.