sixjollydogs

:D When selecting a dog, insure you go to a breeder with a dog show proven record and talk to your local vets as to their experience with dogs of that breed and from that breeder. One word of caution on Goldies....if bred right they are fabulous dogs...but I have read that some bad ones are cropping up due to bad breeding. (and of course that is true for any breed)

I have a dog that I believe is pit and border collie. She is very sweet, very smart...VERY STRONG....and alpha with other dogs. I was told in obedience class to use a prong collar which I always resisted because they looked like torture instruments. The instructor had an extra which she put on Sophia. It worked wonders and Sophia showed no discomfort at all. I am very very careful and never ever pull or yank. I have been told that they are actually safer than choke collars if used properly. I would like to know what others think. I have also gotten a Gentle Leader and now use that.

:( I just could not read your post...although it is a wonderful and should be read by all . I have read it before and it did make me cry. What makes is so sad is that there are so many wonderful pets that are betrayed by their owners who decide they are no longer cute and cuddly and "get rid of them". :evil:

:D The best,IMHO, is the dog you save from your local shelter. If you want a purebred...try a standard poodle.

Hulk I found a good article that may be useful to you. It is a research article from the US CDC (Center for Disease Control). They did a study on dog bites and dog fatalities. According to the report, 80% of dogs referred to a trainer for aggressive behavior were intact male dogs. ...and over 70% of the dog bites were intact males.

I will agree that a cocker is big enough to do some serious damage..particularly to a child or small person.....and yep....toy poodles and the other toy breeds are going to consume a body if they are hungry enough. But as to killing someone(other than possibly a baby)....think that sounds like something from the super market tabloids :wink: Ok guys....lets see those stories about the packs of maruading poms and toy poodles 8)

The German Shepherd Dog varies in color, and most colors are permissible. Strong rich colors are preferred. Pale, washed-out colors and blues or livers are serious faults. A white dog must be disqualified. I need some help from CarolsK(s...I copied the above from the AKC book. As I understand you, you can register the dog...but not show it in conformation. Why is that?

As I understand it, the main issue with white animals is a greater susceptability to skin cancer. (and perhaps deafness???)

Unless you have a REAL story for the National Enquirer....the dog may do the deed...the pups pay the price....and the owner's of both are the ones I would call irresponsible. (speaking of under-the-fence breeding)

Someone had a post elsewhere about what colors/dog coats pits and mastiffs have so I though that might make an interesting topic. Here is what I understand: 1. I read on a rottie site that red rotties should be avoided as the color does not meet the standard and is a sign of in-breeding. There are long-haired rotties...but not desirable either. 2. Parti-colored poodles can't be registered. 3. White GSD's and boxers can't be registered either.

Hmmmm...yep Natures Miracle works pretty well as does vinegar...also try mouthwash. Believe it or not some vet school did a trial and found that mouthwash worked. I read this a number of years ago so can't remember what school it was. Also, has the pup been neutered? The urine of an intact cat is much stonger so perhaps the same is true of dogs. I am sure there are some folks here that can tellus it this is true.

Their is an epidemic sweeping the US that results in death for millions of cats and dogs every year. It is not cancer....it is irresponsible and uncaring folks that allow their animals to breed. Hulk...I am not saying you are one of these folks...but dogs can and do get out. You sound like a very caring person so please reconsider not having your dog neutered! Please consider the following which I obtained from a vet who works with the largest no-kill shelter in the US" Number of cats and dogs entering shelters each year: 8–10 million (HSUS estimate) Number of cats and dogs euthanized by shelters each year: 4–5 million (HSUS estimate) Number of cats and dogs adopted from shelters each year: 3–5 million (HSUS estimate) Number of cats and dogs reclaimed by owners from shelters each year: Between 600,000 and 750,000—15–30% of dogs and 2–5% of cats entering shelters (HSUS estimate) Number of animal shelters in the United States: Between 4,000 and 6,000 (HSUS estimate) Percentage of dogs in shelters who are purebred: 25% (HSUS estimate) Average number of litters a fertile cat can produce in one year: 3 Average number of kittens in a feline litter: 4–6 In seven years, one female cat and her offspring can theoretically produce 420,000 cats. Average number of litters a fertile dog can produce in one year: 2 Average number of puppies in a canine litter: 6–10 In six years, one female dog and her offspring can theoretically produce 67,000 dogs. Maybe if these folks actually spent a day on the killing floor they'd understand just WHAT they are contributing to! Margaret Muns DVM Staff Veterinarian Posted: 5/21/2002 8:05:42 PM | IP: Recorded

Hulk I know you want to do what is best for your dog...but think about it....who really has the best knowledge about what is best for your dog? Vets spend a lot of time is school and I would trust their judgement...if you feel you can't...would find another vet. As to the stats....here is what I could find. It is adapted from an article written by Dr.Jennifer Kelsey,M.D. She is a doctor at Johns Hopkins. She lost her dog to cancer and wrote this article: Here is what she wrote( please note that the studies she used are old...from the '60...evidently no newer ones: 1. about 4 dogs in every thousand will get cancer 2. there are three types of canine cancer versus one in humans 3. dogs with undescended testes have a much higher rate as are dogs with hernias 4.Purebred dogs ae twice as likely to get breat cancer The greatest protection from spaying is if the bitch is spayed before her first heat. 5.Dogs living in homes with very high outdoor currents nearby were nearly seven times more likely to develop lymphomas 6. Bone tumors occur most often in large breeds with NEUTERED dogs and bitches having TWICE THE RISK. One study indicated that neutered/spayed had a higher risk of bladder cancers. You can read the study by going to wwwravenwooddals.tripod.com/cancer Some more interesting data: Dogs in one study who had flea tick dips were 27 times more likely to have bladder cancer. (with changes in formulations, this may no longer be true 2. The second most common cancers in dogs is testicular cancer at 16%

As do most folks, I have my prejudices as to what breeds are best. I think the truth is though...the best breed is the one that suits you. With this in mind...why do some folks feel the need to post disparging information about other breeds of dogs? I am not talking about specific concerns...just general bashing. Think that is just childish and rude.

Hulk Admitedly my prejudice towards neutering and spaying is well-estblished....but I do believe there is a sound reason for neutering. Would you please explain why you do not want to get your dog neutered...other than the fact that you think vets are just doing it for the money. (also...think about it...if your dog were sick or hurt...who are you going to let treat it...the vet or "a few friends at the office")

If the dog is vomiting for more than a day or so...take him/her to the vet. The Pepto may try the symptoms but not the underlying cause.

I think is is wonderful that you consider your dogs your friends and want to do what is best for them. I do believe;however, that what is best is to have them neutered. I am not trying to be smart about this...but asking a couple of friends at work really does not balance out the research that DOES show that unneutered/unspayed animals do have a higher incidence of:(got to the aspca for a lot of good data on this) 1. testicular cancer 2. pyrometra in females 3. more prone to wander 4. getting out and creating more pups Perhaps we could answer this best if you would outline why you do not want your dogs neutered/spayed?

Please do not accuse others of not knowing the facts....perhaps the facts where they live are different from where you are. Yes, success is being made....but still far too many healthy DOGS are being killed. I live in a small (11,000) town in a rural state ...and out pound destroys about 30 to 40 dogs a week. The Humane Society is always at twice its capacity.

People who post about something that others feel is inherently wrong should expect that they will be told this. They should not be told in a manner that is rude or "lecturing". Telling someone that what they wish to do is wrong...at least in the mind of the person writing the reply is not wrong as long as the rules of courtesy are followed....after all isn't the purpose... to learn? What I think is unfortunate is all those posts underneath a cover of anonimity. If you believe your view point is right...then way not claim it? I can't say that I have as much respect for those who will not put their name to what they say.

Sasha I understand why remarks about bad pits bother you...but here IMHO....is what I think it part of the problem: 1. No one ever died or was seriously injured from the bite of a toy poodle, chihuahua or other small dog. Lots of these are so poorly bred that they bite...but don't make the news, 2. Lots of so-called pit bulls are not pit bulls...after all...who is making the judgement on the type of dog? 3. Poorly bred or socialized pits. My dog is part pit and would never hurt anyone...but she is also very alpha...and needs to know who is in charge.

Would love to hear more about bull dogs. I have read and been told that many of them can't self-welp...but perhaps this is not right. What type...French or English? Think I have seen pictures of a Johnson Bulldog in Dog Fancy. Love to hear from you.

I am the guardian of 6 dogs...all rescues....so am guessing as to breed: Sophia is my alpha dog...she is border collie with....?......perhaps pit bull. Chauncey.....looks like a long-haired rottie Candy......GSD and doberman Xena....gosh who knows...most likely terrier with a malamute far back. Walker....her brother...but looks nothing like her....looks like a malamute...has the double coat Penelope...a dog we got in a cruelty case...most likely a goldie. Does very well in my advanced obedience class.

Really don't know...danes are nice but rather short-lived as are many of the large breeds. If you get one...be very sure to talk to your vet about feeding. You can cause some major health problems with the large breeds by feeding the puppy too much of the wrong thing....can cause growth problems

I think there are two issues here. The first is that 4 weeks is really too young for them to be removed from their mother. You will need to be extrza careful on feeding. Consult your vet for particulars. I don't know anything about the Dogo...but the giant shnauzer can be a great watch dog. Whatever you do, as soon as the dog is old enough, get it into a good obedience school. If they have them where you live, puppy kindergarten is great as it helps socialize the young pup.

Someday we are all going to have to think of a topic that does not generate any controversy.....hmmmm....how about....which direction does the sun rise? Seriously, there are strong opinions on so many issues involving dogs. Sasha, I don't doubt that you love your dog...but a question.....why crop....other than looks? ...and I am not meaning to be critical of you. I do wonder why folks do this procedure which serves only to create an image the owner wants. Putting an animal under anethesia in itselve involves a certain level of risk. I think the US is one of the few places where this is still legal. Would like to hear thoughts on both sides? Does the surgery cause the dog post-surgical pain? Does it lead to ear problems since the inner ear is more exposed? What are the thoughts out there.