Monday, September 29, 2008

If you could have your dream dog...

What breed would it be, what would you do with said dog, and where would you obtain them?

My personal first pick would have to be the Karelian Bear Dog, a breed I've long admired for it's courage and striking facial expressions. At left, we have my absolute favourite Karelian stud, Ilo, of Runningbeardog Kennels of Upper Michigan. It's a very nice facility with a few dogs that are well maintained. I would /love/ to have one of his offspring and work it in Tracking, since these dogs do have a very strong sense of smell and a very high prey drive. These are NOT couch potato dogs and are best suited to life with a job. I've met three Karelians in my life, all of whom were in the mountains at my campsite, doing their job and holding the bears off.


Next, we have my second favourite dog, the American Indian Dog, a lesser known breed that has been around for centuries. This dog is a worker and would also do best in a working home. I've always been attracted to their beautiful coat varieties. I haven't yet found a suitable breeder, but would definitely invest in it. I'd like to show these dogs in a more active sport, such as Flyball or Frisbee, because they do have a strong prey drive and a good working head.


Maybe I'm just a sucker for the working/herding types... What do you think? :]

49 comments:

cherryblossomshiba said...

Shiba Inu!
I'm such a spitz sucker, lol!

Anyway, more detailed being, a female black tri colored shiba inu, bred by Cintara Kennels [http://shiba.2ya.com/], by their amazing stud Cookie- god is he gorgeous! I'd love to do agility, I know shibas arn't the #1agility dog but that's what makes it fun. ;]

Anonymous said...

It's interesting that you mentioned the American Indian Dog... aren't they a fairly controversial breed? I might be mistaken, but I remember a while ago there being a fuss about them on another dog page I was reading (like, years ago). Because apparently the breeding practices have been kind of shady (introducing wolves into the breeding program, for one thing). Anyway, I'd be interested to know what you know about the breed, all I can find is "dogbreedinfo.com" and breeder websites.
To answer your question... I have always dreamed of owning an Anatolian Shepherd Dog. I think they are gorgeous and I love the personality, but I don't have anywhere to put one or any livestock for him to protect besides guinea pigs... I also like Dobies, and I love Akitas (I've had 3). I like Working Group dogs in general. :)

SquirrelGurl said...

I'm partial to the herding breeds... I would love to own a border collie and compete in disc dog and herding events. Australian Cattle dogs are pretty awesome.

I have always wanted a husky or a malamute as well, but I don't think they would particularly enjoy the humid summers here in Maryland, I know my sheltie doesn't!

p.s. I also secretly want a German Shepherd... one that was darn good in obedience, maybe tracking. I love the way those dogs look when they are intent on something!

Jess said...

I'd have to go with Greater Swiss Mountain dogs. I'm not in the position to get a new dog any time soon, so I'll just dream for now. :) They're such happy, family-oriented, gentle breed. And I'm a sucker for molossers.
Belgian Malinois are second... Not too sure why, other than they're just so loyal. And energetic, so dunno if I'd ever own one.
Ahh, a girl can dream.

Flo said...

I can't pick just one. :) I'd love to own a Rottweiler, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, Bernese Mountain Dog, Bouvier de Flanders, Beauceron, Malamute, Giant schnauzer, or a large working line, level backed bi color GSD. I have a thing for big black dogs, and I happen to use a 95 pound Lab mix as a service dog. Eventually I'll need a successor dog. Duncan's 26.5 inches at the shoulder, and he's almost too short.
Ideally, I'd be getting a Bouvier from a DVM breeder in Des Moines (nice dogs!). However, my current service dog is a shelter rescue, so I may never actually go buy a purebred dog if I can find a friendly, big bodied, smart dog that needs a new home.

Amaocha said...

I like the various Japanese spitz-type breeds, Shiba Inu, Akita Inu, Hokkaido-ken, etc...
I love that independent and intelligent streak they have... What I'd do with them? Bring 'em along to the barn and invite them to ride the trails! Not to mention I'd try out different things to see what sparks the actual dog's interest the most... That's also important!
Of course I'm always a sucker for Siberian Huskies :P
And next to the above, I'd go for a standard poodle, I highly admire their intelligence and the interaction they can have with humans. I'd teach it tricks and also I'd train it to jump (and take it swimming with me :P) I'm not too familiar with the Portuguese Water Dog but the individuals I've met were quite interesting (personality-wise)
I also love the terrier group! I don't know I guess I don't have a specific dream dog, there are so many I like for different reasons!

deidaraisabang said...

I"d like to get a purebred rednose APBT again...our last one was one i rescued and he was just gorgeous. of course, just having another purebred pit would make me happy, as maybe then i can have that little mini carriage built and have my dogs pulling it (i wouldn't ride tho....)

mommyof3 said...

Great Dane. I had one for a short time, got her from a free listing on CL, a BYB actually posted an hour after her bitch had pups, she supposedly had no idea her bitch was pregnant (even though she had an intact male with her??). They had 12 pups, and the owner didn't want to go through the hassle of screening homes, selling, etc.. so posted the whole litter for free on CL. I immediately responded, told her I wanted a pup, and a friend wanted one too, I'd always wanted a Dane, but couldn't afford to buy a well bred one. So we went to pick out our pups when they were 5 weeks old, we picked the only 2 brindles, a boy and a girl. The rest were a brown merle, not a desirable color at all. So at 7 weeks old we picked them up, brought them home. Fell in love, to say the least, but we could tell that they had not been socialized at all, had spend their whole 7 weeks on a patio in filth, never being held. They were terrified of everything. We had 4 other dogs, so after a while, our pup became more social, but was always very timid. We had her until she was about 8 months old, we ended up rehoming her to another more experienced Dane home, due to foreclosing on our house, I was starting to freak out about not being able to find a rental house that would allow 5 dogs. So we found her a new home, and she's doing great. The part I hate, is that we DID end up finding a rental with a great landlord who doesn't care how many dogs we have. We could have kept her, and it breaks my heart. But we still keep in touch, and get to see her occasionally. I belong to a local Great Dane meetup group, and take my Bassets to the meetups, it great fun, there are typically 20+ Danes per meetup, and I love to watch them play and run. Someday when my kids are older and my older dogs have gone to a better place, we'll rescue an older Dane.

T. Laurel Sulfate said...

I'd like to have an ex-racing greyhound. I fell in love with them when I was a veterinary assistant.

PapSett said...

My dream dog: I already have him, right now.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v20/PapSett/Ace%204th%20of%20July%202008/121212-R1-008-2A_3_008.jpg

Stonemist Nick of Time, 3 year old male Gordon Setter. He has 9 points toward his championship (*with 1 major) and 2 legs toward his Junior Hunter title. But more than that, he is silly and goofy and sweet and protective. He sleeps with his front legs wrapped around me. I love him like I have never loved another dog, or likely ever will.

He came from Stonemist Kennel in Lynchburgh VA.

GoLightly said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
DogsDeserveFreedom said...

personally I'd go with an english mastiff :)

golightly, regarding your question about Cesar Millan ... Cesar is too hands on for me. I like to use positive, rewards based training ... teaching the dog that they 'want' to do these things rather than that they 'have' to do these things. Though that is my personal opinion.

Unknown said...

I am definitely more of a cat person, but I love Pembroke Welsh Corgis. I love their faces and their attitudes and their size. Perfect dog for me without too many severe genetic health problems in the breed.

little gator said...

Ny husband grew up with Coonhounds and won't consider anything else. WHich isn't bad since they fit what I've always wanted. All our dogs have been Coonhounds or mostly-Coonhound mixes.

THey'r elike Bloodhounds but more streamlined, without the skin and eye sissues Bloodhounds get form having extra-loose skin.

What I like is: short haired. medium/big size, affectionate, not too active, natural ears and tail, no short legs, no smoosh face, or other extreme physical aspects. I make an exception for long houndy ears beacuse they come with the breeds and they're cute, though fragile

Healthwise Coonhounds can have hip dysplasia but usually don't. Bloat and ear problems are the most likely ailments in these breeds. Ear problems include the usual middle ear stuff any dog can get, plus their big thin ears tear easily. They often have scarred or torn ears form playfights with littermates.

They are stubborn and noisy, but that's ok with us. And they can be hilarious.

When we get older and want a smaller dog, it willprobably be a Beagle or Beagle mix.

Tuulia said...

About Karelian dogs, I think they're not bred to keep the bears away, but for hunting the bears. And I strongly recommend getting one directly from Finland where they come from and you have a very wide and well-bred selection of good, solid dogs. (Needless to say, I am from Finland. I'd never get a Karelian myself, but I'm not a hunting dog person.)

I would probably get a collie (rough) or a Great Dane. I like collies' temperament, but they can be a bit shy. I like Great Danes' gentle temperament, and the challenge of training them. If I were to get a dog now, I'd get one from Europe, mainly because they have a wider selection of smaller champion dogs used for breeding. I don't know enough of the American breeders to have an opinion on them (and there certainly are bad European breeders too), but the European system is what I know best.

CNSpots said...

I'm lucky enough to have my dream dogs already - my Dalmatians! I've always loved the breed and always wanted one. I will always have one, God willing, because they are such wonderful animals. My second choice would be an English Mastiff. Unfortunately, they do much better as house dogs and my husband refuses to have a 200 lb. dog in the house. We already have 3 Dalmatians, 2 Australian Shepherds, & a soon to be rehomed American Eskimo puppy so I can't really blame him as they come and go as they please....most of the time they prefer to be outside on our 40 acres, but sometimes they just want to come in and be couch potatoes.

Drumm said...

I've actually got all of the breeds that I have always wanted - Afghan Hound, Borzoi, Doberman, Greyhound, Saluki, and Silken Windhound. Though I do show and lure course, I am mainly involved in rescue. Laurel, there is nothing like a rescued Greyhound. You will not regret adopting one! I love the sleek Sighthounds, but have always wanted a Dobe. I was able to rescue one after Katrina hit, and have learned that I'm glad I only have ONE. He's FAR more active than the hounds who sleep 18hrs a day.

Though typically Saluki are "aloof", most of mine are far from it and will glady hug anyone who will let them. There's nothing like looking out over your pasture and watching that double suspension gallop of a brace of Saluki or Borzoi (or Silkens...) hair flying and them running for the sheer joy of it. My Affie is a puppy mill rescue, and is kept shaved to look like a giant Chinese Crested :-P

Sarah said...

The herding breeds and the terriers are my guys. Spirited, independent, smart, agile and athletic, sized nicely, and beautiful temperaments. I love their energy and their honesty -
they don't have any bullshit in their makeup. It's all very straightforward with a collie, say, or a Scotty. Alert, focused, aware and interacting.

I think the setters and spaniels are beautiful and lovely in personality, but I hate their body language - that full-body assault they launch when they meet someone, all that crawling all over you. Gorgeous dogs, though.
I've never owned a very small dog, but I like the small breeds, too. They're cute, loving, and handy. And they are extremely fun to dress up, judging by the little outfits in the pet stores.

LegendsLiveOn said...

Pipspohiepip:

Yes, there is a debate currently ongoing as to whether or not a wolf species was introduced to their lineage. I, for one, would not doubt it, as their appearances have varied greatly over time. However, I would suspect that it is more of a 'dilute' mix than anything, putting wolf in to manipulate looks and the aloof and indepent disposition the AID is known to have.

Tuulia:

I have not witnessed the Karelian in action bear-hunting, but have seen them chase and scare bears away from campsite and other residential areas that may arouse a bear's interest. They try to keep them out of our garbages and homes by letting the dogs loose to chase (and usually tree) them, and after this, the emotional trauma caused to the bear is enough to keep them from returning.

CaitStClair said...

A Border Collie is high on my list, but I don't know if I'll ever have the right environment. Here's hoping!
I fell for Rhodesian Ridgeback and currently have a mix.
Salukis fascinate me.
Corgis crack me up and I'd love to look into them. I haven't known too many. Those short legs would have to be able to keep up with the big dogs!
And of course, Redbone Coonhounds are SO beautiful! I love all hounds actually. My friend's Black and Tan was the smartest, sweetest dog I've met.
As to where I'd get any of them... I'd love to buy the pick of the litter from an amazing breeder, but I have a really hard time reconciling that with all the rescues out there. I'd probably look into breed rescues and hold out until I found one.
Then again, I've rather got my fill of dealing with rescue issues right now. A nice, non-traumatized puppy would be so tempting!

may said...

Hey dog-gone fugly, I loved your post on the FHOTD comments, summed up a lot of what I wanted to say. I just wanted to mention one thing to you here though (it would get lost in the shitstorm over there).

"c) These dogs were bred for stamina, not unlike Greyhounds."

That's not actually true - Greyhounds are SPRINTERS, not stayers.

may said...

I think the American Indian Dog breeding program is incredibly shady. I sure don't want a half-feral mutt! They are not a traditional breed - reserve dogs could be seem as "traditional" American Indian dogs, but they're generally just GSD/Pit/Rottie/Lab/Husky mixes.

Anyhoo, on topic. My dream dogs are as follows:
Dalmatian, European-bred GSD, Chinese Crested, and Alaskan Klee Kais. I've already been fortunate enough to own a well bred GSD and several CCs, and they are amazing dogs.

Mel, Foxtail Farm said...

For my personal dogs, I prefer the 35-50 pound range. However, at some point I would like to get some Anatolian Shepherds to guard my goats. I had an Anatolian/Pyrenees cross (father was Pyrenees, mother was Anatolian) as my first LGD, and he was amazing. Unfortunately, he was from a BYB (definitely learned my lesson from that one!) and had several health problems, culminating in a fatal osteosarcoma at age two. I have a Pyrenees now guarding my goats, and while he's ok, I much prefer the Anatolian personality.

Someday, I would love to have sheep and a properly trained border collie to herd them. I think herding trials would be a lot of fun.

I'm also interested in search and rescue in the far future, after I'm through having children and they're older. I think it's likely that I would try to find a suitable dog from a shelter, but who knows?

little gator said...

caitstclair-I've had 5 houdns so far. The Plott was very sweet and mellow which is not typical of Plott. I've been told that the houndier-looking Plotts tend to be that way, and she was one.

BLack and Tans are the sweetest I've had, though I've never had a Redbone. Both our B&Ts loved me best, and both Blueticks loved my husband best.

My B&Ts were more mellow and goofy.
MY Blueticks very intense and very smart and demanding.

The Blues were fanatical one-person dogs. They both loved me lots but compared to the way they responded to my husband I didnt exist. We even called one of them "the other woman." The other is nicknamed "Demanda."

Sara, my B&T heartdog, was very dominating and exceptionally gentle. She knew she could get almost anythign she wanted by making me laugh.

Coonhounds have an undeserved reputation for stupidity. They are not good at obedience because they were bred to be independent in a hunt. They don't translate love into obedeinec as some other dogs do. And they are so good at problem solving it can be scary.

On the other hand, my only male (a B&T) was the dumbest dog I've ever known. I've known some very smart male B&T's and the females even more so but not Dopey Rik. Once I waved a sandwich inches from his face and said "all gone" and he believed me.

BUt then, he was never homeless, and being a stray makes for very clever hounds. I think that's why my smartest dogs have been former strays. And I think Rikki was just unlucky in the brain department, cause I knew some incredibly smart close relatives of his.

Blueticks were a splitoff form the English breed. I;ev never known an English well enough to say what they're like, and I don't know why but I can't warm up to Walkers. My dogs have been mostly rescues so I judged dog by dog, checking out any available Coonhound whatver the breed.

We almost took a Foxhound once but she was huge(90+ pounds), 6 years old and totally untrained. Sweet, affectionate, charming, and so bouncy on a lead I knew she was too strong for me. I was afriad 6 years of being allowe dto run wild in a hutning pack would be too much of a training challenge given her size.

Kelpie said...

I'm not normally a dog person (irrational when I'm fine with horses, but dogs make me want to wash my hands a few...hundred times after touching them), but I adore salukis, shiba inu, and the various breeds of wolf-like sled dogs. If I were to get a dog it would be one of those, or an APBT. (I figure the APBT needs more good owners and rescuers, and I'd be willing to lend my hand.)

Also, good comment on FHOTD. Doubt it will do much good; Fugly makes a lot of good points in a lot of areas, but she is inconsistent in her thinking in a few places -- including this topic -- and I don't think anything will make her aware of it. For breeds she likes or is okay with, both horses and dogs, she tends to support breeding as long as it is of good individuals. Breeds she hates of both horses (Nez Perce horses for example) and dogs (pit bulls, obviously, but also another dog breed she spoke of in a topic long ago I can't recall...maybe cane corso?), she seems to think should not be bred at all. This is pretty standard emotional behavior for humans, though, and I doubt logic will change her mind.

...I guess all you can do is keep making the same comment in her comment section every time she does this. Maybe it will inform the people who aren't so emotional on the subject.

Well, that's my two cents!

Laura Skillern said...

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever.

I've always had Border Collies and I prefer working breeds with active dispositions.

I adopted a mix of unknown origin a few years ago that I like to call my "knock off Toller." She looks enough like one with a big goofy retriever personality and all the get up and go of the best border collies. She's quickly becoming a great agility dog.

My Knock Off Toller

Drumm said...

Dog-goneFugly and May,
As a rule, yes, Greyhounds are sprinters... however, until you have seen an OFC Greyhound (that's Open Field Coursing) you might think otherwise. Yes, thier burst of speed is short lived (45mph generally for 5/16th of a mile but can hold out for 3/8ths and 5/8ths) compared to that of... say... Saluki, Sloughi, and Azawahk's (40mph for 2 miles), but a good OFC hound can bound after desert hares for quite some time.
Well conditioned ASFA coursers ready for the II (International Invitational) will run a 900+ yard course in the morning, again in the afternoon, then a breed run off, then a BIF run off. 3600 yards in one day, only to get up the next morning and do it again.

For those who have said you love Saluki - go adopt a monkey. If you can put up with a monkey, you can deal with a Saluki. Mine never cease to amaze/amuze/humiliate me. They are talkers, so if you want a quiet dog, don't get one. If they want out of a crate, you will not find a crate that can keep one contained. They are very cat-like and love high places. I have put beds on top of crates and stacked a crate on top of another crate (with a bed on top of it) to accomidate them since they prefer sleeping up high like cats do. Forget a well manicured yard, you'll have foxholes and caverns by the time a 'Luki is done. Ah, but for all they're hard work, there is nothing like waking up to a Saluki yawl in the morning, or their devotion. 2nd week of June at the Ky Horse Park, SCOA National Specialty along with the Pyramid Event for Egyptian Arabs. Best place to see many Saluki!

Barb said...

I am one of the fortunate ones, and am living with my dream dogs, Great Danes. I met my first one when I was 10 or 12, and that was it. I got my first one when I was in High school - I even took her to college with me, and lived off campus so I could do so. I've never been without a Dane. Even when I was between my personal dogs, I've fostered over 50 of them over the years for rescue.
I've lived with, kept, trained and owned a lot of other dogs too - representatives of all the basic types and groups. I've loved them all, but keep coming back to the Danes.
They are not for everyone - their size alone requires more adjustment than a lot of people can or will make. Although they are pretty easy going as a rule, and easy to train you MUST spend some time training them preferably in a class situation. This is a breed that can weigh over 100 lbs. by the time they are 5 or 6 months old, so you gotta establish some rules FAST!
The only thing wrong with Danes in my opinion is that they don't live long enough. 8 to 10 years on average. The last Dane I lost was nearly 12. We are working hard (well, some of us in the breed anyway) to improve overall health and increase their life span. Bloat is one of the biggest killers of Danes - it does run in families but you have to be vigilant with all of them, all the time. Heart disease and bone cancer are other major causes of death.

Pachebelle said...

I love dogs, all breeds pretty much, and my list of 'wants' is long. ;)

I own several of my dream dogs already, as I live on a farm and have a very patient and indulgent husband who also enjoys animals. We have two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, a Doberman Pinscher, a German Shepherd, and a Sheltie. The Dobe and GSD came with me when we got married.. the Sheltie came with him.. the Cavs are recent additions but we adore them. Super little dogs.

I would like to own a Komondor, a Tibetan Mastiff, an Irish Wolfhound, a Beauceron, a Bull Terrier.. and if conditions were perfect and I lived in a place with high fences, a Fila Brasiliero. I enjoy protective breeds, and have owned several. They can be challenging, but I find them rewarding and bright, very loyal, and easily trainable.

Morgan Elizabeth said...

I'm a sucker for herding/working dogs too :). German Shepherds and Tamaskans are my favorite breeds I think. I do love huskies and Belgian Malinois too.

Morgan Elizabeth said...

I forgot to mention Malamutes :). I just love them!

Lightwing said...

Sighthounds. My first choice would be a Pharaoh Hound, but they're almost impossible to find in the US so my next choices would be an Ibizian or a Saluki. Possibly a retired racer. Unfortunately, I live in an apartment right now.

I'd also love another boxer, but after losing my first to seizures when she was just 8 was tough. I also love Rotties, Bostons, Pugs, almost anything from the herding group, and Cavaliers (if only their brain-swelling-thing would stop making them tear off babies faces... oh wait...).

Unknown said...

The vet I worked for previously has a client with two American Indian Dogs. They were the smaller kind that look more coyote like. http://www.indiandogs.com/gallery.htm

They are both super super sweet dogs and absolutely gorgeous. They both had multiple health issues though. Are those issues hereditary? It's really hard to say. The one had major urinary tract issues with lots of bladder infections and I'm blanking on what was always wrong with the other one but it was a different issue altogether. I do know that they both spent a lot of time with us having various tests run including multiple ultrasounds for the one with the bladder issues.

Those were the only two I've ever personally interacted with so I can't say how representative of the breed they are. If it wasn't for the health issues I saw with them I'd probably want one. They really are beautiful sweet dogs.

Anyway...My dream breed? A Scottish Deerhound! I would beyond love to own one someday. I just think they are gorgeous. Plus of the ones I've met their personalities are so laid back and I love that.

Meaghan Edwards said...

I've wanted a German Shepherd since I was 10 or so . . .

Would love to have another Scottish Terrier. They have such character. I had one for ten years and he went to the Rainbow Bridge last October after a brief illness; there isn't a day that goes by when I don't think of him.

APBT is another. I fell in love with them ten years ago when I started volunteering at the SPCA.

Always had a thing for Borzoi, too. Speaking of sighthounds, I would love to have a retired racer, too.

Rotties are another.

noshoes said...

Crow-
FHOTD mentioned cane corsos? Do you remember which post? I've been falling behind lately reading that post and must have missed it.
I have a gorgeous formentino cane corso who is an absolute doll. The sweetest dog ever with people and other dogs alike. I don't know the whole story but heard two of his littermates had to be euthed for aggression issues. I've been doing obedience classes weekly with mine since he was 4 months old (he is now 15 mo) and cannot stress enough to everyone the importance of EARLY SOCIALIZATION (next blog idea??) and training. It's sooo important for all dogs, large and small!
Unfortunately my boy has recently been diagnosed with hip dysplasia and we are probably looking at a very pricey hip replacement in the not too distant future. I love my baby to death and wouldn't trade him for the world, but he came from a puppy expo, (puppy store) more or less and I consider him a puppy mill dog (although his breeder insists they are a "commercial kennel".... ya whatever lady, you breed literally thousands of dogs a year, for profit- YOU ARE A PUPPYMILL).
Anyway I have learned a ton since then, namely NEVER EVER EVER BUY A PUPPY FROM A PET STORE!!! NO MATTER WHAT, NO MATTER HOW CUTE THEY ARE OR HOW SORRY YOU FEEL FOR THEM!! The place he came from is currently under investigation because of the high number of sick dogs coming out of there. He had to be on breathing treatments for two months right after I got him, and the hip issue which I am now sure the signs of were there when he was a small pup. His breeder's reference vet, where the puppies are to be taken within 48 hours after purchase for a health check, and also where they are to be taken to have a "free" spay/neauter (which by the way is optional, not part of a contract) did everything in her power to convince me that the place was not a puppy mill and my puppy's sickness had nothing to do with that place. GUESS WHO MAKES BANK OFF OF TAKING CARE OF PUPPY MILL PUPPIES?? Of coarse she is going to uphold the breeder. She has approximately 2500 adult dog clients with that one breeder. She told me she goes to the kennel weekly to do various health exams, etc.. and that the dogs are well taken care of. WELL thank goodness for that, we all know the deplorable conditions that puppymills can have. Regardless, it is still a puppymill in my eyes.. those dogs have no quality of life. Just live in small cages and produce puppies until they can no longer produce.. they are no one's pets, just breeding machines to make the breeder rich. .. Another blog idea- WHERE THE HECK ARE THE VETERINARIAN'S MORALS who work for puppymills, "Commercial Breeders" / whathaveyou? The vet told me she does it for the dogs, but guess what, if all vets refused service to these types of breeders, who legally have to have vet care/inspections/etc.. wouldn't it force them to shut down? How can a veterinarian who proclaims to love animals, work for a place like this and still sleep at night?? Any suggestions?? I simply cannot understand it. OK end of rant... maybe...

Anyway, I love WELL SOCIALIZED, WELL BEHAVED Cane Corsos. They are adorable.

Kelpie said...

Cane corso post: http://fuglyhorseoftheday.blogspot.com/2008/02/backyard-breeder-warning-labels.html

Sarah said...

"I have a gorgeous formentino cane corso who is an absolute doll. The sweetest dog ever with people and other dogs alike....he is now 15 mo"

This is NOT intended as a slam, just a caution - your dog is very young, particularly as large breeds mature slower. Many dogs who are extremely mellow with people and/or other dogs as older puppies/young adults become intolerant as they reached sexual maturity. Cane Corsos typically are not very interested in (read, are suspicious of and hostile to) strangers or strange dogs; your dog may start acting more typically for his breed as he matures. It's a good idea to keep that in mind, and keep a lookout for signs of a change. Of course, he may be an atypically quiet, submissive individual. But I'd hold off on assuming that until he's quite a bit older.

Lightwing said...

Noshoes, can you present your dog's vet records as part of the investigation? If nothing else they may be liable for some of the earlier bills.

noshoes said...

I did have him neutered between 3-4 months of age, so hoping that will help a little in keeping him from becoming overly dominant/protective as he matures. He is a little cautious now when someone he doesn't know comes into the yard, but has never done anything more than raise the hair on his back or sometimes give a few warning barks, and he is completely accepting when they go up to him. I plan to continue obedience classes with him throughout his life and keep him used to meeting new people all the time. I truly hope that as he matures he doesn't ever become a dangerous or aggressive type dog. As for his siblings that had to be euthed, I think both were left intact, and know that one of them was chained up and teased by kids. Not sure the story on the other, but heard that neither of them were ever socialized/trained like I have done with my dog.

On the subject of the breeder being partly liable, I did look back at the contract from when I bought him when I first found out about his hips. It states that if the dog is diagnosed with hip dysplasia before they are 12 months old, the dog can be returned for a refund. I suspect that means I give the dog back, I get a refund, they A) euth the dog if it has been spayed/neutered, cause god knows its worth nothing to them if they can't breed it and make money off it, or B) Breed IT!! Who cares if it has bad hips, or any other faults for that matter, it can make us some more money!!
Dang my luck he was diagnosed at 14 months... Actually giving my dog back is simply not an option for me. It wouldn't be even if I had gotten him from a reputable breeder who may be able to have the surgery done and keep him or rehome him to someone else who would have the surgery done. It sure the hell isn't an option for him to go back to the life of doom that is where he came from.

So anyway, I don't know if it would be possible make them partly liable since there was actually a statement in their contract about that...

T. Laurel Sulfate said...

Cool! Two other sighthound fans! adoptagreyhound, as soon as I have my own place I intend to start looking for a grey who can deal with having cats around. I can't wait!

LegendsLiveOn said...

There isn't much known about the AID. It's kind of an... insider's ring, I suppose you'd call it. Tight-knit community of owners and breeders.

Kudos to all who read my Fugly post, but breed bias really gets me uppity, owning 3 "dangerous" mixes myself. One is a guard dog, and people are warned NOT to approach, but on top of that, he is also very well trained with a solid recall and is NOT let off-leash in public areas.

Sorry about my lack of posts, for some reason my step dad completely removed internet access for us at home and now the only way I can update or read things is at school.

Drumm said...

Laurel,
Go to www.Greytalk.com and you can find a group in your area along with MANY other Greyhound owners.
For other fans of Sighthounds, go to www.HoundTalk.com and you'll find all sorts of other Sighthound owners (including the "elusive" Pharoah breeders... who really are not elusive, they're out there!!).

Cait said...

AIDs are one of the best scams of the last 50 years.

I'm pretty happy with the three dogs I have, personally. I'm going to import another German Spitz in the next year or so, and I'll probably add another smooth collie to the family too.

Tasunke Hinzi said...

I allready have my dream dogs, working line Akitas :)

They are my kids "baby sitters," Pack dogs/trail companions, livestock guardians, one is a retriever of game (my husband hunts pheasant, quail and duck) and he gets quite a reaction from his friends who have the typical retrievers for retrieving and can't believe he uses an Akita, lol. They do have webbed feet like retrivers and some lines (one from which our girl comes from) are natural retrievers.

They are truly multi talented dogs, if you get them from the right working lines.
They are just the perfect breed for me and my family.

Mel, Foxtail Farm said...

I'd like to see a working-line Akita in action. I'm only familiar with one show-line (and a BYB at that) and one that had no background information. I didn't care for those two, but to be fair to the dogs their owners were out of their depth. I remember them being very stubborn and difficult to train, and very aggressive to other dogs. So a well-trained and handled Akita would be a sight to see :).

Tasunke Hinzi said...

Hmmmm, I don't know how to post pictures. I'm good with dogs/horses, but this hi-tech stuff leaves me scratching my head :/ LOL

My hubby is the one that knows how to do these things, but he's on the road. He's a truck driver and hauls all over the North American Continant and is gone for 2-3 weeks at a time.

Our friend from church has a working line Border Collie as well. Also not the "cookie cut" form of the show line BCs, but he sure knows his stuff when it comes to moving his owner's sheep ;)
The dog's pup is just barely six months, but is showing the instinct real strong too.
That dog is the one that made me look for "working bred dogs," I've had dogs from show breeders in the past and although they were good utility dogs on my little farm after a lot of training, they could in no way match the bred in working ability of my Akitas, with a little guidance they are naturals! :)

Zhenya said...

my husband has a country house (dacha) in russia near the border with finland in karelia and his neighbors own 2 karelian bear dogs. they are fantastic! gorgeous, majestic creatures, they are friendly with known neighbors but wary around newcomers. very fun-loving and jolly dogs, they will clown for snacks when we are cooking outside over the fire. really fantastic dogs....i hope you get your dream dog someday. :)

Zhenya said...

oh, as for my dream dog, well aside from the working-line shelties that will always share my life with me...

...i love caucasian ovchartki (shepherds). they can be difficult in unskilled or cruel hands but with a firm and knowledgeable owner/trainer they are fantastic, loyal family and livestock guard dogs.

and i am interested in the development of silken windhounds. i am a big fan of borzoi too.

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