chaostheory

I work with dogs professionally - as a dog groomer and doggy daycare owner- So see my fair share of these dogs.

Recently, I have seen a bigger swing towards purebred dogs in my area. Vizslas, Japanese spitz, schnauzers, red setters, daschunds, pugs and frenchies of course etc. But the oodles are definitely still very trendy. And this is where most of it started- I think In my area in particular the oodles became a bit of a status symbol. As well as being "completely hypoallergenic", healthy because of "hybrid vigour", available immediately from some pet store or online 'breeder' and practically magical creatures who essentially just have a well marketed sales pitch behind them.

My favourite crosses seem to be the standard poodle x golden retriever and cavalier x poodles as they seem to produce the more attractive, calm yet social ones. As many of the others are more often than not in my experience a bit neurotic. Though of course there are exceptions. Most of those I see, do still shed! Most of them, have health issues and no "hybrid vigour"

I'm not against cross breeding BUT I'm against the way that almost all of these dogs are bred. Eg. No health testing, no regard for the parents conformation, breeding for colour, coat or size. And am definitely against their price tags.

What baffled me more was the day I overheard someone proudly saying they will be getting a cavalier x cocker pup. WTH is the purpose of that cross?! I bit my tongue there.

My friends always come to me about dogs- so I have successfully educated and steered 3 families towards well bred purebred dogs now ????

I can only speak from my own experience but I truly think part of the reason why people buy these crosses (cav crosses in particular) is that the health problems are scary, really scary! Especially in regards to cavaliers. I came so close to getting a cavalier but some reading around on the web and a particular documentary was enough to scare me off. I looked briefly at a cav cross but ultimately decided that the places breeding them were unethical and ended up more confused than ever. I think it's unfair to assume that everyone buying a x is doing it for street cred, I think many of them believe they are doing the right thing.

I love cavs my sister has two, and they are the sweetest most beautiful dogs, but honestly I don't think it's a surprise that people come across heart problems, shorter life span, syringo, etc etc in their google search.. and come to the conclusion that maybe a cross would be a safer option..

Most of the ones I have met have been very friendly dogs.

As someone who was recently in the process of researching and deciding what kind of dog to get and where to get one from, I found it a very difficult process.

For all the information about how wonderful pedigree dogs are there is also information regarding the health issues which is very scary and off putting for a newbie to read. I can see why people choose cross breeds if they (perhaps mistakenly) believe they will get a healthier dog.

Where I am I actually see a lot of very strange looking french bulldogs bought their trendiness for exorbitant prices from dubious places.

A GRIFFON!! I have two (both from puppies) in an apartment, and dog sat once which meant I had three griffons in an apartment! I think they are so under rated and easy to take with you everywhere. I wish I saw more around. Rough if you don't want shedding, smooth if you don't want grooming :)

They are next level clingers but even when I had one and he was left alone for a full day he would just sleep on the couch. They are very affectionate and get along with everybody.

I was worried about having a dog in an apartment, but to be honest in my opinion it's very doable and not much different than having a dog in a house. It just takes a little bit more work and preparation. A balcony, courtyard or dog loo will make your life a thousand times easier for toileting.

Absolutely gorgeous!!! Thank you, I really appreciate hearing your experience with them. They're not very popular in Australia, or at least I haven't seen many, but they are so cute!

I never come across others unless I actively go to the meet ups. Which of course we do...

A GRIFFON!! I have two (both from puppies) in an apartment, and dog sat once which meant I had three griffons in an apartment! I think they are so under rated and easy to take with you everywhere. I wish I saw more around. Rough if you don't want shedding, smooth if you don't want grooming :)

They are next level clingers but even when I had one and he was left alone for a full day he would just sleep on the couch. They are very affectionate and get along with everybody.

I was worried about having a dog in an apartment, but to be honest in my opinion it's very doable and not much different than having a dog in a house. It just takes a little bit more work and preparation. A balcony, courtyard or dog loo will make your life a thousand times easier for toileting.

Awww Bubba and Miro are too cute!

I second a pet loo if you don't have a patch of grass, mine for her first 4yrs of life was pretty much an apartment dog and it was so good having her toilet trained to one. We have now moved to a townhouse with a small grassed yard for her benefit but to be honest she only uses it to toilet and sunbake.

The pet loo was especially helpful when he was a puppy, he chooses not to use it anymore. He will hold on for 8 hours little champ.

Whenever I chuck my two outside in the courtyard they press their faces up against the glass like 'what the hell?' :laugh:

A GRIFFON!! I have two (both from puppies) in an apartment, and dog sat once which meant I had three griffons in an apartment! I think they are so under rated and easy to take with you everywhere. I wish I saw more around. Rough if you don't want shedding, smooth if you don't want grooming :)

They are next level clingers but even when I had one and he was left alone for a full day he would just sleep on the couch. They are very affectionate and get along with everybody.

I was worried about having a dog in an apartment, but to be honest in my opinion it's very doable and not much different than having a dog in a house. It just takes a little bit more work and preparation. A balcony, courtyard or dog loo will make your life a thousand times easier for toileting.

A few months ago I added a second little griff! As you can see they clearly despise each other..

It didn't take me long to forget how crazy puppies are :)

The smooths are just the best, I love their facial features and the looks they have. He is so photogenic! How much does he weigh?

Last time we were at the vet he was about 4.2kg

I would love to get him a friend, maybe in another year or so..

17 months!

ten months old! time flies

Considerate dog here!

Haha! I just showed my mum this cute picture and as she hadn't yet put her glasses on she said 'is that a piece of cooked chicken?'. Ummm no lol.

He's been mistaken for a cat so why not a roast chicken :laugh:

Considerate dog here!

A sad but timely story, my friend had her bull breed puppy stolen from the backyard this week, with the owner home, the pup went out to play for 15 mins it's disgusting, be vigilant

:(

Thanks guys, I think at this point he will stay indoors when home alone. Reasons being I don't know this new area too well and I know how 'trendy' small brachy breeds are. My family originally from the country where our dogs were kept outside all day but they weren't the cutest scruffers (to an outsider) and would bark their heads off if anyone walked by. New puppy is very quiet little guy and would run straight into the arms of a stranger.

I'd be very wary to leave a small dog outside inner city. I've seen quite a few drug addled creepers that loiter around residential streets, would make me very paranoid.

Hi not sure how to quote on my phone but as said earlier I work from home most of the week so he has free indoor/outdoor access majority of the time. Might be a case of waiting until he is a bit bigger/older. :) theft is my main concern, as he is so cute.

Cheers guys. Pretty much echoing my thoughts re both issues. I had not even considered an eagle taking him off. He's penned in the laundry when home alone which isn't the most exciting area but beats being eaten by an eagle...

He's the best!

Hey guys all going very well here! Toilet training nearly complete with the odd miss every now and then. Puppy is just perfect and everything Id hoped for. :) :) after all that talk about apartment living I have actually moved into a place with a fenced backyard. My question now is at what age could I leave him in the back yard with access to the unused garage when no one is home. He has been staying in his pen when home alone but now is getting bigger and more active and I think he would enjoy having outside access when the weather is nice. I do not have a doggy door. Although the fence is high and I have met the neighbours on two sides my main concern would be theft... (Is this something that even happens) Thoughts?

Also vet has pushed for him to be desexed at four months to which I said no as I think it's too young. Now I am hesitant about getting him desexed at six months as he is still so small.. would love to know the general consensus on that too.

Link to Instagram with some pictures, please remove if not allowed:

Www.instagram.com/bubbabrabancon

Hey guys,

Exciting update! I now have a little male smooth griffon pup at home with me. So far he is an absolute joy <3 and gets better with every day. He is a little over 8 weeks old and a very smart outgoing guy.

Cheers guys, my local vet offers free classes, but I am skeptical of free. :p

Hi guys,

Can anyone recommend a puppy class around Melbourne (Richmond) with the intention to move onto obedience. Although I am happy to travel for a good one. :)

So adorable <3

Hi guys, hope you had a good xmas. Bought a bunch of dog toys for myself for xmas... for my non existent dog.

I am hoping to meet with a breeder over the next few weeks. However today I did send off an application for a rescue just under a year old that caught my eye and I would like to meet, so we shall see what comes of it. :)

Last one I swear lol. Mine sleeps like this all the time, very much Velcro dogs.

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Sooooo adorable! More photos for my collection :laugh:

<3

I want one too!!

Soooo cute! I have a folder on my desktop called griffons, and it's getting pretty full of photos I've collected haha

squeeee!!

Just to play devil's advocate and because I obviously think they are gorgeous, how about a Chinese Crested? Mine are very quiet at home, mainly only barking when the doorbell goes. They are smart little active dogs, but also very cuddly.

How could you resist this ;)

Although I have to say Griffons are just adorable too!

Beautiful! Looks like a pony :) I'll keep them in mind on the off chance that I don't get on with the griffs ;)