This week’s pet blog of the week is another dog blog, the Vick Dog Blog. If you guys haven’t heard of it or been there to visit, I strongly encourage you to do so.

I know that we in the pets community have all followed the progress of most of the Michael Vick pit bulls, starting with the day they were taken into captivity. The nine dogs at Vick Dog Blog are strong, healthy, happy and living life as it should be. No more dogfighting for them, thank God, and thanks to the wonderful people who took them in.

Vick Dog Blog’s subhead says, “Tails, Stories and More from the Dogs Who Survived Vick and the System.” Indeed. The posts are written by the dogs (such smart boys and girls they are) which lends a genuine good feeling to the blog. The dogs ramble on about everything from digging in the dirt to their days at the park.

The best thing about this blog, besides the fact that all these rescue pets are featured and thriving, is that it’s filled with pictures. Really good ones!

This blog is a great read and it’s so much fun to follow these dogs as they live normal, healthy lives. They all seem so happy now.

Vick Dog Blog is a great read and I hope you all go there to check up on some of the Michael Vick pit bulls.

Lori Lebda and Tami Bergeson have hit the nail on the head (in my case anyways) with What Dog Are You? Discovering Your Inner Pooch. This book, fresh from the printing press, lets the reader explore his/her traits, abilities and personality and associate them with a breed of dog.

Based on three quizzes, the “Pooch-onality,” Dapper Dogs,” and “Biscuits or Bones,” a number value is assigned to you. Each quiz results in a specific breed type and those three are your “puppy genetic makeup.”

Your overall score is your overall breed. I must say I was shocked when I read what breeds I was in the three quizzes because I had never heard of them: Basenji, American Foxhound, and Tibetan Spaniel. Overall I am a Dalmation and it’s remarkable how much the description of that type of breed fits my personality.

The book lumps us into categories of breed types after giving us our overall breed: Gems, Trend Setters, Private Eyes, and lots more. There are also many more surprises in here that I don’t want to write about because I don’t want to spoil it for you!

This book is wildly entertaining and was so dead-on about my personality that I couldn’t believe it! It’s really quite funny! It makes a perfect pet-lover’s gift, too!

Pick up a copy if you can. Otherwise, come back and visit this blog in a few weeks as I will be giving away copies in an upcoming contest!

Wags,

Jaime (the Dalmation)

Hello everyone,

I got an interesting reader question last week and I am hoping that some of you might have some input to answer this gentleman’s question. I do not have much experience with dog breeders.

Here’s the question and I hope to get some input from you guys! Thanks.

My problem with breeders is more on the light side. Say you want a dog. I’ve had Cairn terriers, Goldens, and I’m presently looking for an English Setter. I think it’s easy enough to look around, talk to a handful of breeders, and select a decent breeder. I believe that I’ve been fortunate enough to talk to a good number of caring, knowledgable, responsible breeders. The problem for me comes about when I want any kind of commitment from the breeder about my “place in line” and my ability to select a pup from an upcoming litter.

Most of the breeders I settle on here in WI only have one to three litters a year. I think this is good because we’re talking about responsible breeders who care about what they do and act responsibly in the breeding area. But when I ask if any pups will be available from the next litter I start getting the runaround: “I hate to tell you that you will get a dog because you may be very disappointed if this doesn’t actually happen so I’ll just tell you you’re on the list and maybe you will get a dog”.

What becomes clear over time is that a web of intrigue exists involving the breeder’s needs for future dogs, the stud dog owner’s pay-off (usually one pup from the litter), the needs of any breeder friends the litter owner is hoping to satisfy, ya-da, ya-da, ya-da.

Bottom line: if I’m just Joe average asking a good breeder to sell me a dog, I won’t get a straight answer about where I stand in line in the puppy selection process. I fully understand that litter sizes can be erratic. But if I’m willing to pay for a dog ahead of time, or place a substantial deposit, why can’t I be told that I will get, say, #2 choice or #3 choice or…?

It seems that the deck is strongly stacked against the family pet buyer or, in my case, the family pet buyer who entertains at least a thought of breeding his animal. Good, responsible, talented breeders don’t have too many litters per year and they keep most of the best dogs or sell them to breeder friends. A guy like me is going to get a decent dog, well cared for, well socialized, and with parents who have passed xray tests, etc., but is not going to get much of a pick of the litter and is not likely to get an animal worth breeding. Add to this the fact that the last two purebreds I bought in the last 10 years came with a contract I had to sign promising that I wouldn’t breed the dog (must be spayed/neutered to get AKC registry; what’s the point).

I like the idea that I’m getting a dog with parents certified against physical problems. I like talking to good breeders and getting insight into the breed. I like the care responsible breeders provide their pups.

I dislike the idea that I can’t seem to purchase a good breeding dog. I also strongly dislike the buying process, in which the breeder typically fibs to me about what’s going on. What’s going on is that I’m at the bottom of the food chain. I’m considered a “pet owner” and their’s no way a breeder is likely to give me desireable dog from the litter no matter how much I pay or how long I’m willing to wait.

I love dogs. I want to purchase an animal with the best chances of good health. I would like the possibility of breeding my dog. I only see this last possibility as feasible if the breeder will help out, as I know I don’t have the necessary knowledge to do this.

What do I have to do to get a first rate dog? Most breeders seem to have arranged for the sale of the most desirable pups and will only sell “pet” quality dogs to the general public.

Any thoughts?

John K.

Dogster’s For the Love of Dog Blog has a great dog story up about pit bulls setting an example of good doggie citizenship!

Program turns notorious dogs into good citizens
Pit bull owners steered away from dogfighting
By Gerry Smith | Tribune reporter
10:22 PM CDT, March 22, 2008

On the streets of Chicago’s Austin neighborhood, Sean Moore and his 8-month-old pit bull, Jigga, are setting an example.

 ”The pit bulls you normally see, they’re pulling, they’re not listening, they’re wild, they’re barking at people,” said Moore, 38. “When [other owners] see us with the same dogs, they ask, ‘How do y’all do that? And how much does it cost?’”

For the full dog story, visit Dogster’s…

I wrote a post last week about a guy, a school counselor, who was arrested for breeding and holding fighting dogs (Pit Bulls) in Ohio.

I briefly touched on a point: pit bulls get a bad rapp. I think this bad reputation stems from two distinct concepts.

First: the “danger factor” of any dog is created by the dog’s owner, history and upbringing. If a dog, any dog, is abused or neglected, he learns to fend for himself. He will become overprotective of his property, his food, his toys (if given any), etc. He will become mean because he’s afraid. It’s amazing what an abusive environment does to a dog-any dog.  Ultimately the irresponsible owner is the catalyst for any attack the dog may make.

Second: the media decides which stories about “bully dogs” to publish. They liked to talk about viscous pit bulls long before the Michael Vick dogfighting ring was unearthed. It’s easy for people who don’t know the pit bull dog breed to carry the commom misperception that the pits are mean, hence. There are so many stories on the evening news about children or women or small dogs getting attacked by pit bulls. The news shows pictures of these mean pit bulls and complements the dramatic scenes with serious tones of voice. They are setting a stage.

The news doesn’t show stories about German Shepherds or Chow Chows attacking people. These breeds have been known to be prone to violence by nature but the media doesn’t frame them as such because the public is already so entangled in the sensationalism of “viscous” pit bulls. Sensationalism sells.

The media has somewhat turned a corner recently. They are now more focused on reporting dogfighting rings and the people who partake in the violent blood sport. This is the new sensationalism.

The Best Friends Animal Society recently ran an article on its website about the facts and fiction related to the pit bull dog breed. They said,

Singling out any breed is akin to racial profiling of people, and its just as misleading and plain wrong. There are good and bad people in all creeds, colors and backgrounds. Same goes for dogs — of all kinds. But few people know enough about dogs to make the right distinctions, and can be easily persuaded that all dogs of a certain breed or type are bad.”

(To read the full article from Best Friends, click here.) Best Friends knows first-hand the worst of circumstances. They have 22 of Michael Vicik’s pit bulls. Most have turned into sweet-natured, loving dogs. A few are still hesitant to accept people. One will be shelter-bound for life because he was exposed to so much violence and abuse that it’s not possible for him to be adopted. But they are all getting a chance to have a good life now. They are all getting a chance to avoid the bad rap.

Talk to responsible pit bull owners and you will get stories of love, acceptance and unique personalities.

Our family has a pit bull. He follows you around because he can’t wait to sit on your lap, literally, when you plant yourself on the couch. He wants to be loved and he wants to give love. He follows you to the back door because he can’t wait to go outside and have you throw his ball. He greets neighbors with a friendly bark and a wagging tail. He has friends in the neighborhood. (See more sweet pit bull pictures like the one above.)

I think its so unfair that pit bulls are classified as viscous in so many states (a whole separate post coming soon on that note), when really it’s the irresponsible owner who is usually behind any viscous dog.

What do you think about pit bulls? I encourage your comments and feedback.

Well it sure is nice to see two other Golden Retrievers getting spoiled rotten! We just visited the Adventures of Spencer and learned about Spencer’s foster brother.  Click here to see the cutest Golden Retriever pictures from The Adventures of Spencer.

Boy are they pretty Goldens, our Mom says! Boy they look like they sure are having fun together! It’s so much fun having a brother!

Wuf ya,

Love Benson and Gibson

Someone asked me on our nightly stroll last night how we happen to find a white Golden Retriever.

I had just read a story on MSNBC called “ Buying a Dog? Beware of Breeder.” Since the gentleman asked and I had just finished reading the article, I felt the need to tell him the whole story. (He probably regretted asking me later).

Gibson (the white Golden’s name) was littermates with Benson (our red Golden). When the family chose to take Benson home 7 years ago, Gibson was one of the last two pups left. We felt horrible for leaving him alone. (*Important note: I wanted a shelter dog but the decision was not mine to make.)

The breeder had some serious acreage on his plot with tons of room for the dogs to run around. They had very nice pens, lots of greenery and a big fat sticker and papers that said they were AKC registered. The dogs seemed healthy enough (although you and I both know Goldens are infamously inbred but you can never tell if the breeder lies about it or not) and happy enough.

Benson was a great addition to the family. After he turned 5 months old, we returned to the breeder (without warning) to get Benson’s papers.

What we found was an absolutly horrifying site. The “other” side of the house, the part that wasn’t green and lush, the part with no pens, was filled with trash, overgrown sharp brush (dangerous in the California desert in summertime), old car parts, farm equipment and such. There was no water bowl, no food dish, no nothing.

And then there was Gibson.

He barreled over to us, tail between legs but SO happy to see a human. Gibby was in terrible condition. He was skinny, had bloody feet and was very dirty. (You can really see dirt on a white dog.)

We practically knocked down the door of the place (we had mistakenly happened upon the wrong side of the property) and said we were here to get Benson’s papers, and, oh by the way we are taking this dog and getting your AKC and USDA breeding license revoked.

When we got Gibby home (we impolitely slammed down $500 - more than a fair bargain- on the table and said “we are taking this dog”) and to the vet, turns out he had fleas, ticks, ear mites, and multiple leg and foot punctures from fox tails. Fox tails are these needle-like weeds that are very dangerous to animals in the desert. They enter through the feet and are so thin they can travel in an animal’s blood stream all the way to the heart and puncture it.

We did report the breeder to the AKC AND the USDA, and they both said it’s very hard for them to control every single breeder who displays their name.

You have GOT to be kidding me.

They pretty much just said they would take note of the breeder but they don’t have enough time or resources to get out there.

I personally wanted to stand in front of this jerk’s house and farm and tell every single person who walked up in the next couple months (I assumed the mother was carrying another litter on the “good side” of the property) what this breeder was REALLY about. I would have been arrested though for multiple things and I probably would have wound up in a fist fight with the owners of the place.

The MSNBC story states:

“Just because a breeder has a license from the USDA doesn’t mean much. USDA minimum standards for housing and exercise are bare bones. The agency requirement for cage size…is just six inches taller, wider and longer than the dog inside… The USDA waivers the exercise requirement of 30 minutes per day for at least five days a week if the dog is housed in a cage with twice the floor space.”

The article also says the AKC requirements are less than savory and that all AKC papers certify is that both parents were of the same breed. Who knew?

Read the full article here.

As far as the AKC goes, it actually says right on their website that they don’t “guarantee the quality or health of dogs in its registry.”

Gibson, whose picture I have used multiple times in this blog since he’s so handsome, thankfully has turned out to be the absolute sweetest, most gentle and observant dog I have ever known. He kisses kids gently in the face when we pass them on the street, he smiles at you (literally) when you walk in the door, he purrs (from being brought up around cats), and has the most delicate nature. He does have that blessed Golden personality but there’s a little something special added in because he came from such hard beginnings. (He could use some help in the training department that Big Paw Blog recommends but that’s our fault for spoiling him rotten!)

I’m pretty sure the fault lies in the actual breeder here, but I was surprised to see the outright lack of requirement that the AKC deems. It was after this happened that I learned more about the horrors of some pet breeders and what some of the animals are subjected to.  I have since become an even bigger advocate of shelters and rescue pets.

Does anyone else have any history (good or bad) with AKC or AKC registered breeders?

Today is the first day of the famed Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, seen by some as the most ostentatious performance by humans one could imagine.

Hundreds of dog breeds will be shown off, strutted around, sized up, and, indeed showed up. And hundreds of trainers will showcase their teaching abilities.

I do not agree with dog shows.

I have always wondered, despite the beauty and/or perfection in most of the dogs paraded around the ring, how much of the show is really about the dog, and how much is  about the trainer and owner/breeder wanting to show off their doggie-star-in-the-making training/breeding talent?

And how many litters of puppies did the owner create before getting “a winner?” And where did the rest of the litter end up?

People who continuously breed their dogs until they find a “show dog” are indirectly supporting the pet overpopulation problem in this country. Thousands of breeders just keep on mating their dogs while tens of thousands of dogs sit alone in shelters (or worse, on the streets).

And, as we all know, even the purebred pups end up in shelters once they are full grown. In fact, oone out of every four dogs surrendered to shelters are purebred adults.

Additionally, I tend to think dog shows are unfair because there are plenty of little Heinz 57 mutts out there who are just as smart, just as quick, just as perfect in every way that a purebred show dog is.

But they can’t be in the Westminster.

This is , of course, just my personal view.

What do you think about dog shows…? Check out Sean Hannity’s forum for some more controversy on the issue.

Every year the American Kennel Club comes out with a list of the Most Popular Purebred Dogs (based on 50 major U.S. cities).  It’s funny to me how the breeds in here run the gamut, but I wonder why so many of the breeds that I know and love get left out.

The big headline this year was that, bringing up the rear end at Number 10, the Bulldog once again made the Top Ten list (after a 75-year abscence). As usual the Labrador Retriever topped the list followed by the Yorkshire Terrier, German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, Beagle and Boxer.

The Dachshund comes in at Number 7; easy to see why so many people prefer these precious pooches if you check out the funny photos at Dogster’s Dog Blog.

The rest of the list holds Poodles and Shih Tzus coming in before the English Bulldog.

The AKC’s list is based on registrations trends, so who knows how many pups from those purebred litters actually get sold directly to families (whimper).  Plus, they don’t count really popular mixed breeds like the Golden-Doodle and Puggle.

Personally, I think rescue dogs and strays make a pretty darn good sweetie, too. (Check out Dogs’ Aye View for some fresh rescue perspective.)

 I would also like to see Bassett Hounds, Blood Hounds and Pit Bulls make a comeback (numbers 31, 43 and 58, respectively) !

Share with me; give your perspective on what your favorite breeds are.