The 2004 Westminster Dog Show

2/9/04 | self

[anniegetyourgun]

YOUR THOUGHTS, PICTURES, AND COMMENTARY ON AMERICA'S DOG SHOW HERE!

[hole_n_one]

[Brad’s Gramma]

This is my first and I'll NEVER EVER have anything but!! She's 9 years old now, the arthritis has started to set in, but you'd never know it sometimes.

Is that a picture of YOUR dog or just one you found on the net?

[softengine]

Re: Post 161

Big dogs rule.

[Indy Pendance]

I found it in the web. Our dogs are 8 and 11. The 8 year old, Deja, we've had since she was a puppy. The 11 year old, Vicki, adopted us when she was 8. Vicki has mild arthritis in her hips. We've got her on joint medication, which helps. We try to get her running around the yard as much as possible and she loves it. I don't think she was ever taught how to play. She was a neglected show dog, we're her 4th home.

She starting having epileptic seizures recently. She's on phenobarbital for that. She hasn't had a seizure since. Deja is the 'defender of our driveway', always keeping a vigilant watch from our sofa! It's so funny, the UPS man calls her killer because she practically jumps into the window. He brings her a treat and leaves it on top of the box if we're not home. Aren't Shepherds the most comical dogs? hahahaha, I just laugh thinking of some of their antics.

[Brad’s Gramma]

Check your freepmail.

[Indy Pendance]

Back at you.

[contessa machiaveli]

i don't like the pushed-in-face look of the pekingese. i was cheering for the IG (italian greyhound) but i'm prejudiced.

[Tijeras_Slim]

If it's not a Basenji, it's just a dog...

[anniegetyourgun]

ROLF! You're right....it's a cat!

[Tijeras_Slim]

All criticism of Basenji's is based on envy... :)

[anniegetyourgun]

TS...you are the only one I know who could make dogs controversial!

[GovernmentShrinker]

Promotes overbreeding of "pedigreed" dogs, and legitimizes the horrendous puppy mill industry by spreading the idea among the masses that dogs with "papers" are somehow better than other dogs.

Promotes widespread genetic damage to formerly excellent dog breeds, by rewarding extreme aesthetic features which are incompatible with good health.

[anniegetyourgun]

Responsible breeders don't operate "puppy mills"." Responsible breeders have a breeding program that is well thought out and designed with outcrossing in mind. Responsible breeders don't sell to just anyone. Responsible breeders require signed contracts, most of which involve medical reporting, tracking, and/or autopsy through university programs set up to study specific disease tracks.

Do some breed clubs get carried away? Yes, but that pendulum swings back eventually.

I would prefer that all mixed breeds be spayed or neutered, eliminating the need for shelters, kills, and people picking out cute little puppies that will turn into something they never bargained for.

[Teacup]

I have 4 Shih-Tzu's. I love the Westminster Dog Show. I watch it evey year.

cmsgop, I have a little female Shih-Tzu named, "Baby Jade." She loves to watch animal shows, especially dog shows. She'll sit on the sofa and watch the telly, as she tilts her little head from side to side. She's really cute.

Thanks for the ping.

[The Game Hen]

I acquired a puppy in December. I doubt that many consumers can use "Responsible breeders".

First, I went to several animal shelters. My only requirement was that it be a small dog. Forget it! Everybody wants a small dog. All I ever saw were shepherd/lab mixes. The shelter tried to convince us it would stay small.

Then I turned to breeders so that I could see the parents. There are plenty of hobby breeders I didn't want to encourage. I found the name of a local "responsible breeder" of Westies. She does everything right but the lowest pet quality puppy would cost at least $1500. Better quality pups were as high as $5000. That's an obscene price to pay for a pet.

I finally found a great rat terrier puppy. AKC doesn't recognize the breed but I chose one because they closely resemble a wonderful stray puppy we adopted when I was a kid. He's beautiful, sweet, smart, small and short-haired. The new toy fox terrier looks more like a rat terrier than a fox terrier.

What do you suggest when a family wants a good, affordable pet; not a show dog?

[Tijeras_Slim]

Everyone wants a Basenji, some just don't know it yet... :)

[anniegetyourgun]

Most breeders will sell what turns out to be pet quality from litters for something closer to a few hundred dollars. Some breeds go for more, some less. The particular breeder you dealt with is off the charts. My suggestions:

1. Go to the dog shows, look at the adult dogs in the ring, talk to the breeders of those breeds you are willing to consider. (If it's a rare breed in this country, you can expect to pay a high price. An Affenpincher is a good example of such.) Ask them about prices, when they expect next litter "on the ground." Be willing to wait. Be willing to take possession after 16 weeks. (Most folks want a cute little puppy just moments from being weaned. Most breeders want to hang on to pups until the very last minute to see "how they turn out.")
2. Stay clear of getting your heart set on a breed that is very "popular." (Popularity comes from new Dalmatian movie release, a Westminster win, latest cartoon or TV show dog character, etc.) When this kind of thing happens, responsible breeders actually cut down on the number of litters that year. They hate to see the run on dogs that happens whenever these things occur. Lots of the "popularized" breed dogs end up being a passing fancy - and end up in the pound.
3. Consider an older dog. Breeders may even be willing to sell you an older champion who is past breeding. Of course, you accept the increased risk of medical costs - and the heartbreak of losing them sooner.
4. The breed clubs can put you in touch with their rescue associations to take on a rescue dog of that breed. Here again, the downside is that you must wait for that call. And, you must be able to say "no" if they want you to rescue an abused dog whose temperament may have been affected for life due to the abuse.

Just some suggestions for others who come along. Number one requirement when setting out to purchase a dog: patience. In the meantime, I'm glad you are happy with your terrier. Just make sure he gets neutered, if he isn't already!

[The Game Hen]

Good advice!
Yes, he was neutered today. He's drooping on my lap right now. The house was too quiet and lonely today.