mita

Well, I have to answer that question with....'Actually, I had to make the registered breeders take any money at all for the exquisite, healthy and lovely -natured retired Aus Chs.' They only wanted the best of forever pet homes for their dogs who'd done their bit for the development of their breed. And how did the first breeder make a 'call' that our home would be a good one? We once rescued a little mixed breed puppy, thrown from a car and she became our much loved housedog for nearly 23 years. The breeder said that good pet owners, in her eyes, were those who loved and cared for any dog. Statistically, registered breeders like this who take good care of their dogs, home them responsibly after socialising them well...are keeping dogs out of pounds & shelters. And there's a scientific study to support that. It's not just about good breeding practices, it's about welfare, too.

I agree the notion of owning purebreds as 'snobbery' needs addressing. And I have heard in some sources that adopting a purebred condemns a 'shelter' dog to die. But that wrong thinking does not come from the majority of the ethical Australian rescue groups who take care of homeless dogs.....all dogs, because they are dogs. I've yet to hear any of those rescuers I've had dealings with, do or say anything judgmental about purebreds. And, tho' I try to assist when any rescue has what looks like a purebred tibbie.....I'll assist with any dog they have that needs special attention. Last time I donated money towards surgery, I don't even know what breed or mix the little one was. Nor do I care. I trust entirely the integrity and practices of that rescue. The only comments I've heard come from sources that assist homeless dogs....concerns the churning out of novelty mixes for a commercial pet market. Couple years ago, AWL in SA combined voices with the SA Kennel Association to point out that the shelter was being inundated by obvious 'produced' mixes. Interestingly, our tibs' highly experienced groomer made a comment after grooming our new p/b tibbie for the first time....'In my opinion, the purebreds stand out a mile in comparison with the produced 'mixes'....quality of fur, proportions, even temperament.' I had to tell her there was proof for her 'good eye'. This tib's close relative had just won at B of B at Crufts. The purebreds, which are bred and raised by the responsible, ethical registered breeders....actually prevent dogs being dumped. The evidence is in (a Q'ld study) that this type of registered breeder socialises their dogs and puppies better.....so they are less likely to develop the behaviours that lead to dumping. And they are also far more likely to have control over the number of litters they produce, so have less accidental ones than unregistered breeders. Once again, the good rescues also step up to the plate. Anyone who's been following the NSW rescue that's been saving pregnant mother dogs....& raising the puppies, then desexing the mother....will see the same sound practices at work in raising well-socialised puppies....& socialising the mother dogs. I don't like the idea of some kind of division being drummed up between rescue and purebred dog breeding. The best of both are exemplary & have my respect.

And so you should be proud of Rolf. He's gorgeous and the pic of meeting cats for the first time is priceless. I'd love him to pieces, too. :)

Re the Kelb tal-Kacca (plural is Klieb tal-Kacca). The Maltese Gun Dog Top right in the OP. Here's another article from the Times of Malta that deals with it. Lovely pic of Maltese man with his dog, Sasha. He's working towards a registry & breeding of these dogs on Malta with a view to getting it recognized as purebred. He believes the Kelb tal-Kacca may have evolved from a mix between the Kelb tal-Fenek and a French or Italian Pointer. (English is widely spoken in Malta. It was formerly administered by the British.) http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100405/local/dog-owner-gunning-for-breed-purity.301312

I have a Maltese background. The dog that's in the top left is the Kelb tal-Fenek which is the National Dog of Malta. That particular pic is on a Maltese stamp & coin (the model dog's name was Ra of Attard). English translation is 'Rabbit hound' because of its use for hunting. Some of these native Maltese dogs were taken to the UK and finally became an accredited breed with the Kennel Association. The Maltese name was dropped and replaced by Pharaoh Hound... even though these dogs had nothing to do with Egypt. But they were of a type like various native hound breeds around the Mediterranean region. So it's not surprising that the Kelb tal-Fenek looked similar to dogs depicted in art work in ancient Egypt. In the meantime, the native Maltese Kelb tal-Fenek has continued to be bred, raised and used for hunting by farmers (& others) in Malta, within the original gene pool. There was a good article in the Times of Malta newspaper that asked if that original gene pool is shrinking or not. And also the issue regarding any export of the native Kelb tal-Fenek. Written by Jan Scotland. http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20040720/letters/the-national-dog-of-malta.117338 There's a reliable website devoted to the native Kelb tal-Fenek with pictures & info. http://www.kelb-tal-fenek.de/indexeng.htm The dogs in action with their Maltese owners here: http://www.kelb-tal-fenek.de/action.htm

That's a good point it's an opportunity for education. The OP's already tucked away some info about vaccination to impart next time they meet up in the Off Leash park. Actually that's a perfect place for sharing in a friendly way. The little puppy, like all our puppies, has a lot to learn and we all gain from advice on how best to do it. And specially if being exposed to the hurly burly of a dog park is good way to socialise at that stage. RSPCA Qld has a Behaviour Helpline.....no, it's not for dobbing people in. It's for owners to ask questions about behaviours that come up... of the people who specialise in training. I stumbled on it recently, when trying to get some information about settling a new dog with resident cats. I liked the tone of the person I spoke with....attentive, helpful and didn't make me feel like a dopey klutz. Is there anything like that in NSW? Actually the Q'ld training person I spoke to, was very happy for me to pass on their contact details to someone in Victoria. A resource like that, would be helpful for the puppy's owner.

Years back our big-for-standard, red Sheltie girl, Shelley, would go to boarding kennels for a week or so. She had a big personality to go with it! . Think 'Lucy' in "I Love Lucy'! :) We picked her up one time and the kennel supervisor said they'd had a gentle little Sheltie boy who'd been there for 3 months while his family were overseas. She thought he was getting really depressed & this was his last week. So, to cheer him up, she'd put Shelley in with him. I didn't dare ask how it went. The gentle Sheltie boy must have been taken aback when a big, manic Sheltie girl appeared in his kennel. Poor little bloke! Almost 3 months away from his family.....then a week with mad Shelley!!!

The Registration Form I filled in for the RSPCA Qld Million Paws Walk, had the following on it: CHECKLIST FOR THE DAY Your pet should be: .Fully vaccinated & healthy .Non-aggressive .On the lead at all times .Registered with your local council I could tick off our 2 dogs for all those....& will check before we go on Sunday. So we'll be going, as intended, unless there's an outside chance of some injury or unwellness on Sunday morning.

A scientifically controlled study showed that Green-lipped Mussel helped improve arthritis in dogs. The report describes how it was given to the dogs. http://jn.nutrition.org/content/132/6/1634S.full

Great information from the Australian Federal Police on dogs in law enforcement service. They make the point that how the dogs are cared for, is very like all our dogs. Like lots of play with their handlers and making them happy & healthy. Explains why dogs are so good at the jobs they help police with. Title is National K9: Still the Policeman's Best Friend. http://www.afp.gov.au/about-the-afp/our-organisation/~/media/afp/pdf/n/national-k9-police-best-friend.ashx

Onya, thundercat. With people like you around, it's impossible to lose faith in human nature. The older staffy sounds a real sweetie....and still alive, thanks to you.

I agree.

You're right. 'Slips' happen and it's good to have a Spelling Nazi cast a final eye over text, before it's released. Good on you, oakway, for making a move to get it fixed.

My tibbie girls are both ex-showdogs who've had a litter of puppies before being desexed. So they believed that Mothers Day meant breakfast in bed and presents for them. They were joined by the similar tibbie girl next door....so I had 3 Mothers looking for recognition and goodies. Which gave them no time at all to worry about their human 'mums'. So nothing here, either.

Some of the best dog stuff I've found is on the websites of individuals/organizations who have specific expertise where they're required to put their money where their mouths are....and shape up publicly in the real world. There's more to what they do than simply 'blog' out into cyberspace. Like, excellent information on the social development of dogs, is on the Rottweiler Club of Victoria's website. Also great information (tho' North American based) on longevity statistics for the various purebreeds is on a qualified vet/academic's site. And a neat summary on the positive goals that the best of purebred breeders work towards, is on a Swedish breeder's website. 'Stuff' like this, has educational value.

Pudsey also seemed to thoroughly love doing that great routine. Happy face and eyes only for Ashleigh. Well done, the two of them.

Good question. Who are these Dog Blog 'writers'? Just because someone writes a 'dog' blog (which anyone can), it doesn't give them any special qualification to have expertise in some, or all, areas relating to dogs. They're better called 'bloggers' and bloggers are people who write subjectively from their own experience. Which is fine. But anyone looking for the checks and balances of science in the average blog, is likely looking in the wrong place. Scottish author, Andrew O'Hagan wrote: "The internet has created a kind of global stupidity contest...' Bit harsh, but a tiny grain of truth. :)

Double post! It was that gorgeous face that did it! :)

T. teach Reuben to blow a great big raspberry at them. :) He's got Movie Star looks!!!!

I meant ANKC-registered purebred dogs, when I agreed with Sheridan. I put it in the context of having good experiences from dealing with ANKC-registered breeders who do well. As to the comment that Kennel Association breeders put too much emphasis on 'looks'. Here's the mission statement of the registered breeder who bred one of my pet dogs: My goal is & I feel dedicated to, breed with healthy animals, only breed with animals that have good temperaments, and frame them as close to the breed standard as I can, to give lives to (breed label) puppies that have the best chances for a good long life and a loving home for the rest of their lives. Notice how health and temperament come first? Also the emphasis on the dogs being loved as companions in homes. This breeder comes from Sweden and her dog won Best of Breed at the 2012 Crufts in London. A far-sighted and discriminating Australian ANKC-registered breeder had already imported a couple of her dogs.....which included my lovely natured girl.

And what I pointed you to was what was in that individual article. The case it makes fails a reality check. The article compared a sub-group of purebred dogs who've not been bred well (which exist)... with a generalization that all dogs from the rival organization will invariably be fine. Do you know what a generalization is? It's a claim that all will be the same....without evidence. So a generalization is unrealistic. Yes, it's unrealistic to say that all dogs from that rival organization will invariably be fine. I ADDED a sub-group of pure-bred dogs that have benefitted from being bred well. That's what should be compared with a sub-group that haven't. Both actually exist. As opposed to a generalization that all dogs from the rival organization will invariably be fine. As well as any generalization that all dogs from the ANKC registry will be fine. Yet that OP article made the first claim. While I've never seen anyone from the purebred world make the second claim. I'm with Sheridan that purebred dogs should be promoted in a sound and realistic way. Frankly, I'm in awe of those registered breeders who follow their Kennel Association's ethical guidelines and who have accumulated extensive knowledge and experience. I've met breeders like that and have their great dogs as a result.

Let's put it in his own context then. You say he's picked on a minority of animals who have health issues. But according to the OP, he also says that people should buy from the other association which he names & all will be well. If so, he's just compared a sub-group against a generalisation that all will be well buying from his recommendation. Notice anything that's not comparable about that? A sub-group compared with a general group? I've just filled in the registration form for RSPCA Qld's Million Paws Walk. It asked where we got our dogs from. 'Breeder' could be ticked....or 'Other'. I chose 'Other' and wrote "REGISTERED Breeder (with the State's Canine Control Council) who follows the ethical guidelines of that body and who socialises their dogs well and raises puppies in a homestyle manner". Another coincidence, I first heard of the Q'ld Canine Control Council & how pet owners could adopt purebreds from members who keep their dogs humanely, in a very old RSPCA Q'ld magazine. I quoted it, on the form....& thanked them for that information which we've since always followed. What did we finish up with? Desexed purebred dogs that are happy, healthy, well-socialised and with excellent temperaments.

I doubt if Law School would even take me! :) but the central issue seems to be lack of any current contact address for the owner. Could such a contract include wording that 'notice of intention' will be sent to the address provided by the dog's owner (or representative) to the kennels? It's not a kennels' job to play missing persons detective to find an updated location they haven't been told about....within a reasonable time frame.

Good on you for pointing out the mature purebred Cavaliers (beyond puppy stage) available for adoption from registered breeders. In the Dogzonline Breed Community pages. (By coincidence....& not in relation to this thread)....I was just looking up the mature tibetan spaniels for adoption as pets.) All our tibbie girls have been adopted, as adults, from registered breeders....who proved to be spot-on in how they matched their dogs & provided information and support.

....with a pic, too? Hint, hint. Lucky little Peke to be spotted by you.