'Designer Dog' Response by GRCOA

Here is a very well written and well thought out response to a letter submitted to the Golden Retreiver Club of America regarding "Golden Doodles", a copy of the original letter is also published.

http://www.grca.org/pec/goldendoodle_response.html

A very well scripted and informative response to the 'Designer Dog' problem.

"Designer" Breeds and Poor Information

While I am usually an avid Sunrise (Channel 7's Breakfast TV Program) viewer I was absolutely disgusted to read the absolute trollup published by 'Sunrise Vet Rachele Lowe' on the Sunrise programs web page (http://seven.com.au/sunrise/fact_061127_dogs). I quote:

Spoodles

The spoodle has dishevelled blonde locks, big dark eyes and puppy-like enthusiasm. The spoodle is one of the new types of designer dogs. These are crosses between purebred dogs aimed at producing better pets. Purebred dogs are bred for show competition and increasingly they have developed body and temperament problems due to emphasis on breeding show attributes at the expense of basic pet qualities. Designer dogs represent a vast improvement for the pet owner. They are cheaper to own and much more fun for the family. They are also safer with the kids. Spoodles have parent-breeds who love humans and attention, and they have a double dose. This dog needs to be included with family activities and have regular exercise. Training is important and may be challenging for individual dogs.

Firstly 'aimed at producing better pets' is rubbish. Designer dogs are generally produced by poor, unregulated breeding practices aimed to make a quick buck rather than 'improve' or create better pets. While I will admit there are a few designer breeders trying to achieve a breed standard and have the breed officially recognised by Canine associations this is still a while off.

'breeding show attributes at the expense of basic pet qualities' is utter rubbish. For a respected registered breeder of purbreed dogs temperament is at the very least equal in desirability to confirmation.

'Designer dogs represent a vast improvement for the pet owner' I cannot see evidence in this artical or anywhere else to support this claim.

'They are cheaper to own and much more fun for the family' usually not at all cheaper. I often see designer breeds offered in pet shops for upwards of $1500. No papers, no pedigree and no vet checks.

'They are also safer with the kids.' There is absolutely no evidence to support this claim. In actual fact choosing a purebreed dog is more likely to achieve this aim, as you can establish, to a certain degree the temperament of a dog by its parentage. A designer breed is a lucky dip. This of course may change in the future if any of these breeds ever acheive recognition by Canine councils, although that looks unlikely for most of the designer dogs as they are still a long way for any sort of 'breed standard'.

I am not saying don't buy a designer dog. If that what you are after, and you will provide a solid family for the dog then I am all in favour of it. But please:

• Don't buy from a pet shop as this encourages undesirable practises from backyard breeders.
• Don't believe you are getting anything special and certainly don't pay extra for it. You are, after all getting a Poodle X.
• Do some research on the breeder, question them on why they chose their breeding stock.
• Always view the parents,
• Join a local dog club, so you can train the dog and both your lives will be much happier.

Lastly, please keep the above points in mind if you are looking at getting a new dog, and don't believe the utter rubbish some TV presenters would have you believe. Do your own research, go to some dog shows - not just confirmation, but agility, fly ball and the like, and speak with breeders. Most of them would be more than happy to have a chat about their breeding practises and most importantly why they breed dogs.

Destructive Huskies

Well its that time of year again, when we are out at xmas parties and visiting family and friends. It can be easy to forget our furry friends. With Siberians, of course this can amount to expensive repair bills. Check out the following link for some 'Siberian re-decorating ideas' from the Siberian Husky Club of Great Britian.

http://www.siberianhuskyclub.com/huskydamage

Santa Paws!!

Tosh and Eski got to tell Santa Paws what they would like for Xmas down at the RSPCA Photo Stand at Tuggeranong Hyperdome, all money raised went to the RSPCA. This photo was taken during the split second the boys settled down and stopped howling at the other dogs or trying to pull Santa's beard off.

Siberians Sing Carols!

November Update

Well not much to report as we come into the summer months. Eski and Tosh continue to get on well together. The racing season has officially wound down, with the annual Sled Dog Club AGM held on the weekend. The turn out for the meeting was excellent, numbers up from what was apparently a dissapointing turn out last year. If the enthusiasm continues in the club through to next winter, I expect quite an exciting season of racing. Also of note, was my election to the role of Public Officer within the club, which will provide us with a good opportunity to become a little more involved.

As we get closer to Christmas you may see a few of the club's members making appearences delivering presents to the kids this year dressed as Santa with some wonderful dogs pulling Santa's sleigh.

Eski continues with Obedience classes at the ACT Companion Dog Club, and while we have been unable to make a few classes due to work commitments, continues to progress well.

Eski and Tosh sleeping

The boys taking a nap on their second day together.

Introducing Eski!

Well its time to indroduce our newest addition - "Eski" (Koolmove Talk of the Town). Eski was bred by Jenny Campbell and Ian Mercer of Koolmove Siberians and has been handled by Sam Steen and Paul Glasheen. Although he won Best Puppy in group at last years Sydney Royal (see above photo) he has been retired from the show ring to be a companion and running partner for our boy "Tosh" (Aeukanmanuva Macintosh). He is currently with us for a trial to make sure he fits in.

Eski is a lovely Black and White 12 month old male, who is alert and energetic. He and Tosh have quickly become friends and is settling in well here. In the coming months we will work on some basic obedience and start to get Eski used to a harness over the summer months ready for next years training season. Expect to see Eski at the ACT Companion Dog Club in the coming weeks and months.

The next few weeks will also see us making Eski understand that Caesar the cat (Snopac's very own alpha dog) is not to be mistaken for lunch. Keep checking back for more updates on our new addition!

Canberra Pet Expo 9 September 2006

Well we started early to get Faith a good solid wash at the local hydrobath, to make her presentable and smelling pretty. We arrived with both Tosh and Faith at about 10am and by the time we had a quick walk around Richard and Mara had already rehomed Faith! Over the course of the Saturday the Siberian Stand was one of the busiest stands in the pavilion and it was great to chat with so many people interested in Siberians. Tosh had the pleasure of hanging out with his father Duncan (Aust & Am Ch Highlander's Duncan Macleod) and his friend Criket (Tarshona Black Magic) another result of breeding US imports. Tosh was the only chocolate Siberian there, and while he was with the rescue dogs, I received way too many 'is the chocolate one available for adoption?'

Bitch Hunting

Well the Ministry for War and Finance has finally approved our application for a female to accompany our two and a half year old male, Tosh. If you are a reputable breeder, and have a grey/white or black/white purebred siberian female, and are looking for a racing home please contact us. We are looking for a bitch between the age of about 9 months and no older than three years. Health is important, as well as a companion for our boy, she will also be a running partner. Happy to entertain co-ownership type arrangments for breeders wishing to retain breeding rights etc