Alyosha

That Pharoah and the crossbred pups were part of a large scale, multiple state based rescue mission. There were other dogs involved. No, not a good background, but a genuine rescue that was known about by a good many folks. Just so happened that the most suitable and available foster carer was in that area. ;) A lovely girl, and lovely pups with much more stable and biddable temperaments than may be expected (father is a lovely natured boy as well). Highly recommended for anyone suitable who may be looking for a sighthound pet.

Hips and elbows must be scored. I don't know about others.

Tell her if he sires pups that turn out to have genetic or health problems she may be sued one day... ??

Glad the vet is happy with it. Sounds so familiar - mum being completely over the pups that is... My girl still dashes inside to the puppy pen in the evening, then comes face to face with them all and turns to run!! She still feeds them morning and evening but isn't very happy about it. Hopefully she's drying up... We're lucky as our 12 month old male and their aunty (dam's half sister) have taken over the role of mothers so they are getting more attention that ever!!

It doesn't look too inflamed. Hopefully it's an older duct that had a little abscess and it's just draining now. Sometimes a small pocket of infection can be come and gone before we realise it - and the gunk still finds it's way out later - like a pimple.

Wow. First time in a long time Borzoi have been numerically strong!! I knew there was another reason (apart from the obvious gorgeous factor!) that having 12 pups in one litter was good and not just exhausting!!!

It happens Jetpoint, despite our best efforts. It is great that you spotted it so fast. I'm sure it will clear up quickly. Have fun keeping the poopies off it!!!

Can you let them feed and keep them off the damaged teat? Might save it from getting scratched or hurt. eta - temp sounds good.

If it's burst out at a site other than the nipple it may have been an older one, which was festering inside and has now worked it's way to the surface. Does she have a temperature at all? If she's well and happy in herself and you're able to keep it clean I'd be inclined to see your trusted vet tomorrow. But that might be just me, not much of a fan of emergency centres. She may need antibiotics, of she may even have had a pocket of infection which is self-resolving. Icky as it looks.

Lappies leading? Not for long... Airedale Terrier: Abbey Akita: Kyojin, Kuma American Staffordshire Terrier: Tua, Max, Juno Australian Cattle Dog: Elvis, Matilda Australian Shepherd: Banjo, Archie, Lottie Australian terrier: Bailey, Brandy, Jasper Australian Kelpie: Revan, Abby, Bluey, Cahill, Franky, Izzy, Spfyre, Milky, Kinta, Banjo Australian Kelpie X:Toby, Cooper Bearded Collie: Charlie, Bonnie, Bailie Belgian Shepherd (Groenendael): Fleming, Ivy Border Collie: Roy, Molly, Kirra, Rory, Rumor, Diesel, Kobie Border Collie x: Anna Borzoi: Oberon, Boris, Sonya, Kurgan, Ursula, Apollo, Atlas, Adonis, Argus, Alektos, Arinyes, Athena, Aphrodite, Aidos, Andromeda, Ares, Alexander Boxer: Bruno, Nelsson Brittany: Zora Bull Terrier: Bonnerville, Atlas Cane Corso: Ali Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: Bree, Ingrid, Jersey, Lacey, Fern, Floyd, Indy, Arnie, Joey, Renae, Bailey, Murphy Chihuahua: Chelsea and Pansy, Heidi, Bertie, Moose, Archi,Pepe, Squirt, Limpet, Jasper Cocker Spaniel : Maggie,Jesie, Bonnie, Chelsea Dalmatian: Appollo, Cleo Dogue De Bordeaux: Moose & Chevy English Cocker Spaniels: Jesie,Bonnie, Chelsea English Setter: Spartan, James English Springer Spaniel: Buddy Finnish Lapphund:Halo, Vienna, Jaana,Magnus,Aurora-Rose,Niina,Paddington,Maximus, Ahsoka, Fable, Demi,Varda, Asha, Boots, Echo, Alera Flatcoat Retriever: Moraig French Bulldog: Lola, FeeBee German Coolie: FlashBazil, Latte German Shepherd: Java, Odin, Tlaloc, Rebus, Indi, UnoBuffy, Bronx, Sabre, Kynan German Shorthaired Pointer: Pip, Coco, Polo Golden Retriever: Onslow, Matilda-Rose, Chester, Genie, Ella, Rosie, Bruce, Chloe, Chaos, Ruby Great Dane: Sparkles, Whitney Greyhound: Harry, Kiff, Sally Griffon Bruxellois: Mocha Hungarian Vizsla: Flynn, Rogan Jack Russell Terrier: Ringo, Nandi Japanese Spitz: Emmy Keeshond: Jedi Labrador Retriever: Lestat, Bailey, Tia, Mieka, James, Harry, Lily Rose, Miniature Long Haired Dachshund: Mini, Rover Newfoundland dogs: Annabelle, Katy, Lukey Norwegian Elkhound: Odin Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriver: Nova, Darcy, Jovi Papillon: Blaze, Minka, Portia, Tyson, Coco, Tonka Pointer : Kite Audrey Poppin konrad, Badger Poodle (Toy): Chilli Poodle (Minature): Caroline Poodle (Standard) Merry & Pippin, Poppy & babies. Pug: LotusFlynn, Elyse, Ted, Misty, Elly, Poppy, Sally landers,Archie, Beau, Haidee, Millies, Ivee, Jack Rhodesian Ridgeback: Meisha, Bakari, Boss Rottweiler: Roxy, Feonix, Radar, Neo, Abby, Dyzney, Fame, Jag, Nellie Rose, Baylee, Dee, Zephyr, Mini, Diesel, Fire, Flint Saluki: Bella Samoyed: Mistral, Alchemy, Yngvie, Dante, Bundy, Kamikaze, Fergus, Kato Schnauzer (minature): Maximus, Coconut,Betty,Jigga Shar Pei: Askari, Acheron, Asante sana, Sirius, Chippy, Christina, Diezel, Shih Tzu : Gizmo Siberian Husky: Akira, Tikaani,Romeo,Baby.Riddick,Indie, Esky Staffordshire Bull Terrier: Kiara, Zola, Diesel, Kaos SWF: Zoe Rescue Bitsa: Keely, Fred & Ginger, Ozzie, Tess, Maverick, Bosco, Kyah, Charlie, Astrid, Mala, Bella, Tiny Tim, Jen Jen, Lilly White German Shepherd: Casper White Swiss Shepherd: Rakim, Whippet: Herbie, Buzz Weimaraner: Ariane, Lulu, Louie West Highland White Terrier: Penny, Mac, Daisy

You can add Borzoi to the no test required list. I don't test, and have not personally heard of either HD or ED in the breed here in Australia. An additional aspact when you're dealing with sighthounds in general in poor tolerance of general aneasthetics. A big issue indeed as they can and do drop dead and or not recover and die within a few days. A big risk to take in order to test for a condition that isn't known to be causing any health issues. i don't do GAs unless it is life threatening (the only exception is rescues and desexing, and I have nearly lost one of them - greyhound).

Not a unique occurrence unfortunately. People need to be hyper-aware of danger if they stop to help an animal on the road, whether it's big or small, or obvious or not. People can be very, very oblivious or distracted sometimes when driving. It only takes a second or two to go very badly. Same goes with swerving to miss an animal on the road. I've seen it turn out the worst way. And people cannot be brought back once gone. Roads may be something we deal with every day, but they are also one of the most dangerous environments we ever enter.

sorry - Lilli, do you ever come across Tazis or Taigans in Kazak? Sorry again - just had to ask...

I know breeders with more dogs than that and their dogs get far more (not just on a par with, or a little bit more) attention, love and care than the average backyard pet. Generalisations don't work when there are such a wide variety of people keeping dogs. And I agree with others on the thought of purebred litters making pound dogs miss out on homes. I wouldn't adopt a crossbred pound dog, regardless of whether there was a litter of dogs I wanted or not. Even on the very rare occasions when one of my breed turned up in a pound - I would rescue and re-home. I'm particular about individuals and bloodlines and I like what I like. I shouldn't have to settle for something else because of a guilt trip about dogs other people bred carelessly being stuck in pounds needing homes. Sorry if that sounds callous.

I think there is an overlooked element in this VCAT puppy farm case. The VCAT has made the decision based on legal principles. That's what they have to do. The emotion side can't apply. Whether we believe it should or not is irrelevant. I feel for the Council in this case, it will be a regulatory nightmare for them. But they will need to deal with it through correct channels, not necessarily emotive ones. That aside, doesn't Oscar's Law want to ban the sale of puppies online?? So how does it get promoted on this website, which promotes purebred dogs, and provides a service for advertising those dogs online?? I have pups advertised online at the moment? Does that make me an evil, commercial, profit driven puppy farmer??? I like the basic ideas behind things like Oscar's Law. But I think many of us have learned over time that it's not the basic idea that is concerning, but the other less promoted agendas involved in these things that sneak in under the radar. PETA is a prime example. "Yay - let's promote anti cruelty etc etc". Then comes the less obvious agendas of anti-companion animals... and worse... I am against commercial puppy farms. I have been in some really bad ones... been there, seen it, smelled it. Certainly don't support it. But I have said before and will say again - additional regulations are only as good as the regulatory enforcement infrastructure supporting them. Otherwise they only serve to regulate the honest people, who are not in the wrong to start with. It's all well and good "insisting" that the Govt regulates the industry, runs education campaigns etc etc. Where does the money come from to do it? Economies are fragile enough at the moment... EFS

Hip and elbows? None in my breed either, but I test. I've not been aware of hip and elbow issues in my breed. But intolerance to general anaesthetic is pretty common in many sighthounds. So test and risk it for little to not known health issues? Or not? Personal preference again. I tend to think sometimes we test because we feel we should be, not always because it's warranted or useful (not saying that about you at all Sway - just breeders in general terms). I don't risk GA's for anything that's not life threatening - except desexing in rescues. And I very nearly lost a foster grey from a quick GA for castration.

Have fun and good luck!!

Good idea Sway, but too many variables for me to figure out how to answer it just yet. I would only have one litter every couple of years. But I don't think that every breeder should do as I do. Also some breeds have smaller litters and some larger. So a breed that has just two or three pups, they might have a couple of litters a year. But if you have ten or more you may stick to one or less!! I don't health test. There are no heath tests relevant to my breed (thankfully!!). Does that make me a bad breeder? I suppose some would say so and maybe I should try and find something I can test for... I worry about blanket restrictions being placed on breeders. In every hobby there will be bad apples, but more restrictions only affect those who care to abide by them. And bad apples rarely do that. I'll be interested to see if people think it can be so easily set out in black and white terms.

It must be hard Astese. I forgot as well - we have just had a litter from a maiden at three years old, she is at peak health and fitness etc - strong as an ox! But she had 12 pups... And it has been really hard work for her, even with lots (and lots!) of help. I have looked at her quite a few times and wondered how much harder it may have been if she were older. You never know for sure I guess. It would be much simpler if we could just place an order for three or four pups!! Or two even!?

Short answer - yes. Long answer, in many ways, and not always by fostering. I have fostered many dogs over the last few years, sighthounds of various breeds as well as poundies including crossbreds. But this year I haven't, as I had a litter planned. I can't risk my bitch or pups. But... I have still helped with things like transport and some temp/overnight care etc. Plus networking can't be overlooked. Being in contact with other breeders and owners open to rescue, as well as rescue groups and foster carers can be vital for helping dogs in need. Like SSM said, there has been a spike in sighthound rescue and I have been banging my head against the wall for being unable to foster at such a busy time. But the networking makes it work, I offer what I can, whether a little or a lot. Then through communication with others we all pull together to help dogs that need it. I also know of folks who can't take in fosters for reasons like renting, dog limits etc. They can still be passionate and help out in so many ways.

Ours are between 800 and 1500. But that upper end is pretty rare and 1000-1200 for a show-potential pup would be more usual from my experience.

I have known a few maidens bred at that age and older. A few have been ok, some have never conceived (whether that was normal or age related wasn't determined, but time runs short for repro work). And one I know struggled physically, and was never quite the same. She passed away after a general anaesthetic a while after and I always wonder if it was old age, the GA, or the stress of the litter. All three I suppose. I think 6 would be my cut-off age for a maiden, and I'd prefer between 3 and 5 (bearing my breeds slow development in mind).

We have a large four berth Toledo - it's an older model, late 90's I think. It's always been very good. Except in June coming home from Brisbane it leaked like an absolute b***ard. I discovered that when the road is really wet or the rain really heavy the water sprays back upwards and under so that it gets into the ventilation slots in the sides and doors, as well as up through the bottom of the window at the front. But I shouldn't complain too much, it was really, really torrential rain - the rain that flooded and closed the Pacific Hwy. But trying to get all the way home with coated dogs and sodden bedding... Not much fun. It will be something I look to avoid when I get a new one in the next few years though - I'll want solid sides instead.

Has anyone much experience with bitches rejecting pups in that first few days that may be due to the pain caused by uterine contractions whilst feeding? I wonder because it's quite unpleasantly painful for many humans, and I have watched bitches show obvious signs of discomfort during early feeding. Could it be possible that some bitches quickly learn to associate feeding pups with bad pain? It seems a very obvious form of aversion training really. Something that may trigger an aggressive reaction rather than there being something wrong with the pup? I've heard some people use aspirin for bitches during that period as well. For struggling babies I like feeding Impact Colostrum Supplement from Wombaroo. And this most recent time when we had no milk I supplemented (tube feeding) with Divetelact at the increased dilution rate - 1 scoop to 60ml - with generous Impact in it, also vitamin C powder - Sodium Ascorbate. Mine had started getting quiet but only the smallest 2 had got quite weak, they were recovered within 24hrs.

Mine are using paper too Jetpoint. They are still inside at night - but only for a few more days!! Too big!! With the paper, we just placed it in their pen, and then constantly remove the wet/dirty bits. They seem to get the idea on their own, and didn't go on the sheets/blankets after a few days. If I put down quite a few layers, the underneath ones will only have a few slight damp spots when I pick up. If I leave them and put dry paper on top I think they can smell the wee underneath and they tend to come back to that spot. To start with I had paper over much of their play area, and was able to reduce it to one side/corner over about a week. They prefer grass now, but use the paper pretty reliably indoors which is reassuring. It's a simple thing that can be replicated in their new homes if necessary, and they will be familiar with the idea.