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Connacht Pet Show & Family Fun Day

| blog | June 18, 2013

The Connacht Pet Show & Family Fun Day is taking place in the Royal Theatre Castlebar on Sunday 21st July. The event is a fundraiser for the local SPCA who work tirelessly and voluntarily to rescue, rehabilitate and pay for all veterinary treatment for abused, cruelly treated and abandoned animals.

The day will consist of a Novelty Dog Show, small animal pet farm, information on Pet Responsibility and lots of exhibitors with pet products, pet accessories, crafts, and much more! There will be face painting and a bouncy castle for the kids and the Connacht Football Final will be on in the Family Cafe, so the day is guaranteed to keep all members of the family happy.

We would be delighted to have a display of Pedigree Dogs taking part on the day, to showcase the wide varieties of Dog breeds there are available.

If you have any questions please contact Léon (083) 1381331 or email info@lifestyleevents.ie

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Your Dog hanging over the mantle piece

| blog | May 30, 2013

dog paintings

We are delighted to welcome on board as one of our sponsored advertisers Perpetual Portraits

Gillian, the creative director behind these works of art has been kind enough to offer Pedigree Dogs a FREE portrait that a lucky friend & follower of the site will be lucky enough to win.

All you have to do is like this post & share it with your friends on Facebook, then email us a picture of your dog to paul@pedigreedogs.ie and we will place it in an album on our Facebook page.

Then on the 30th June the picture that has received the most likes will be the winner of this fantastic prize.

Here’s a small bio on Gillian. We think she has a real talent and are delighted that she has decided to share it with us.

“I have always drawn and painted, and have always loved animals, so animals have often been the main subject of my art. After lots of pet portrait requests from friends and family, I finally decided to become a full time pet portrait artist in March.”

Check out Gillian’s website by clicking on the Jake the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel that can be found down the right hand side on every page of Pedigreedogs.ie

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Health Tested Pedigree Dogs & Google

| blog | May 28, 2013

resce_train1A suggestion that has been made to us here at Pedigree dogs a few times since we started is why not only allow dogs to be advertised that have had all the breed specific health tests done.

It’s a valid point, and in time something that we would love to be able to implement.

After working on the site for the last 3 years, I’ve learned quite a bit about web sites and how difficult it is to drive traffic to them. Things that Google take into consideration when returning their results when somebody searches is how popular a particular site is, how many people visit it each day, how long do they spend on the site, and do they only look at the first page they land on and then bounce off to another site, or do they stay and check out your site, checking out more than 1 page, and clocking up valuable time on your site, which Google then interpret as a good match to the person’s search term, etc, etc.

So let’s take a look at the very popular web sites in Ireland that carry a dog section. They allow virtually any kind of dog to be advertised, although some will not allow stud dogs or Staffordshire Bull Terriers.They are used by the complete spectrum of dog owners or dog breeders in Ireland, from the person that considers themselves to be at the very top of their chosen dog breed in Ireland, that carries out the breed specific health tests, to the back yard breeder that thinks that crossing a Poodle with any other breed of dog is not only desirable, but also what people are looking for, and an easy way to generate some cash. It’s easy to place an ad on them, and as long as you don’t show a dog that is living in horrendous conditions, and don’t break any of the sites dog policy rules, then up your ad goes.

Now that’s how us humans see these popular web sites, and based on how we see them, choose to use them or not.

Let’s take a look at how Google sees them.

They contain every type of dog breed you can think of including all the recent designer breeds, that an awful lot of people are searching for these days. People that go to these sites tend to spend a lot of time looking around, whether they are genuinely interested in looking for a pedigree dog, a pedigree dog with no registration papers, a cross bred dog that was a result of an accidental mating, a designer dog breed or a rescue dog, or if they are trawling through the site reporting dodgy ads to the site owners. So Google see them as a site that has virtually every breed of dog for sale as well as the huge amount of combinations that results in crossing these dog breeds, that when people land on it, spend vast amounts of time on it flicking form page to page or ad to ad….Therefore it must be a great match for that persons search term, and the out of control train gathers speed.

Let’s take a look at our own dog breeds, and the group of people we know of that have the same breed. There are only a few in each breed of dog that do things they way you do things, which is in your way of thinking is the correct way, and the way that any responsible person in your breed that is thinking of breeding their dog, should do it. We’ve written about that before here at pedigree dogs, on the blog one dogs meat is another dogs poison

That’s not so say that a site that we are working towards would not appeal to users & therefore Google, but dog sites like Champdogs in the UK set up over 13 years ago when there was far less competition around, and achieved a critical mass of visitors over the years that keeps them up front and centre when people search for dog related material on the internet. I’m sure it would be a very different story if that site launched today.

So I’d like to ask you to please stick with us, and continue to support us, as you know we are only a small team here at Pedigree Dogs, but we are singing off the same hymn sheet as most of you, and as I’ve said before, we’re in this for the long haul.

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Saint Bernard’s – Featured Kennel – Santomard

| blog | May 13, 2013

Saint Bernard DogsName of Kennel / Prefix / Affix:

Kennel Santomard

What age were you and how did you become involved in the world of Dogs?

I was just 2 years old when my parents brought home our first Boxer called Sheba. A very beautiful Red and white female from Markav Boxer kennels. When I was 9 years old my parents bought me my own Boxer puppy, her sire also from Markav. I had the pleasure to grow up with Snowy who lived to be over 14 and half years old.

What Breeds of Dogs have you had over the years?

We have had Boxers, Our Bulldogs Savannah and Porsche who is our rescue girl and Saint Bernard’s both long and short haired.

What Breeds of Dogs have you got now?

We have Saint Bernard’s both Long and Short haired, our two Bulldogs girls Savannah and Porsche and our two Veteran Boxers Bud who is 10 years old and Miller who is turning 9 years old.

What would you consider to be your main Breed of Dog and the one people associate you with?

Our main breed is our Saint Bernard’s

What attracted you to this Dog breed?

We have always loved Saints, their size, their attitude on life and their loyalty to their family and their great love of children.

What advice would you offer to anybody that is interested in becoming an owner of this Dog Breed?

Research the breed! Read books and visit as many Saint kennel’s as possible. Do not settle on the first saint puppy you see. If viewing a puppy it is always advisable to leave children at home, a small fluffy Saint puppy is extremely hard to resist for a child and can lead you to buying a puppy that you do not want! See and handle both parents, if the sire is living in another kennel, then go and see him if possible. If the parents have weak temperaments or show aggression, then do not under any circumstance buy a puppy from them, Aggressiveness is a serious fault in a saint and will eventually come out in your puppy. A good breeder will always allow you several visits, here we will interview potential owners and give them the opportunity to visit our kennels and see our adults before viewing the puppies. This gives us a great opportunity to see how the potential owners react to the large dogs and of course the slobber !

Does this Dog Breed have any specific requirements by way of exercise & grooming?

Grooming requirements must be taken into consideration. It is best to completely brush the coat every two days. A show dog is certainly a sight to behold, but all of this grooming and trimming takes many hours. On average a saint can take up to four hours from start to finish.
A juvenile Saint Bernard cannot under any circumstances be over exercised as their bones do not reach maturity until after 18 months old. Over exercising can lead to serious joint problems in later life.

Does this Breed of Dog have any specific health tests that should be done before a Dog or bitch is used at stud or bred from?

Dogs and bitches used for breeding should be Hip and elbow scored, heart tested and most importantly have an excellent temperament. It is also advisable to eye test for entropion and ectropion.

Finally, how would you sum up the characteristics of this Dog breed and what type of household would they best be suited too?

Saint Bernard’s are a breed that is suitable to live in a house with a family as long as they receive suitable exercise for their age requirements. This breed is not for anyone who is house or garden proud especially through their teething stages. Saint puppies love nothing more than to chew on kitchen tables and chairs and on the sides of kitchen cabinets and get great satisfaction chewing on their owners shoes. They have a low tolerance of heat so warm houses will cause them discomfort and leads to excess slobbering. Homes with stairs must be fitted with child gates as running up and down stairs can cause untold damage to the bones of a growing puppy and can lead to Hip & Elbow Dysplasia in later life. A juvenile Saint Bernard cannot under any circumstances be over exercised as their bones do not reach maturity until after 18 months old. This is the time that breeders will Hip and Elbow score their dogs, scoring below this age will not give an accurate reading. Depending upon the bloodlines the head does not reach maturity until 5 years old. Saint Bernard’s kennelled outside must have a draft free house that is easily cleaned and maintained. They are a very social breed so they should not be kennelled on their own. Saint Bernard’s are not a “ beginner breed” so experience in large breeds is a requirement for puppy buyers as they can be quite stubborn and must be trained at an early age.

For more information on this breed of Dog, check out Sandra’s web site dedicated to the the Saint Bernard.

Sandra will also be on hand again this year at the Dog Breed Village as herself & Tommy and the Saints return as Breed Village Representatives, after representing both Long haired and smooth coated Saint Bernards at last years Pet Expo

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Pomeranian – Featured Kennel – Globalpoms

| blog | May 9, 2013

PomeranianName of Kennel / Prefix / Affix:

Globalpoms

What age were you and how did you become involved in the world of Dogs?

I have always had an interest in dogs and when I was 11 I started walking dogs in my local kennels. When I was old enough I was given a job in the kennels and as the owner was a judge he got me interested in showing. I started showing Pomeranians in 2008.

What Breeds of Dogs have you had over the years?

Jack Russell, Border collie and Pomeranians.

What Breeds of Dogs have you got now?

Border collie and Pomeranians.

What would you consider to be your main Breed and the one people associate you with?

Pomeranians.

What attracted you to this breed?

Their personality.

What advice would you offer to anybody that is interested in becoming an owner of this Breed?

They must have the time during the day to be with the dog. In my experience Pomeranians need affection.

Does the Breed have any specific requirements by way of exercise & grooming?

Exercise = going for walks each day, they don’t have to be very long exhausting walks as the pom is a small dog.
Grooming = Pomeranian coats must be looked after carefully as they are prone to matting due to the double coat. Ideally they should get a quick brush every day with a bristle brush. For showing they must be shaped like a circle. The grooming is very specific.

Does the Breed have any specific health tests that should be done before a Dog or bitch is used at stud or bred from?

There are no health tests mandatory by the breed clubs or kennel club but patellas can be checked if requested.

Finally,how would you sum up the characteristics of this breed and what type of household would they best be suited too?

The Pomeranian is a very characteristic breed with loads of personality. They are very good watch dogs and can bark a lot when alerted by something. Suitable households would be any kind of house whereby the Pomeranian would have its own space if needed yet have someone around each day. In my experience Pomeranians are not so keen on children if the children are pulling its fur etc. Otherwise the breed is fine with anyone.

For more information on this breed check out Lisa’s new web site dedictated to the Pomeranian

If you are interested in this breed make sure to pop along to the Dog Breed Village at this years Pet Expo which is being held in the RDS on the 16th & 17th November, where Lisa will be in attendance both days with her Pom’s to answer any further questions.

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Greyhounds – Featured Kennel – Kelsis Greyhounds

| blog | May 7, 2013

Greyhound

Name of Kennel / Prefix / Affix:

Kelsis Greyhounds/Suzanne Ryan

What age were you and how did you become involved in the world of Dogs?

I was born into dogs, coming from a family who have reared greyhounds for generations. My mother said that I used to try get out of my pram to pat passing dogs from the time I was a few months old and I have yet to be without a dog in life, thank god! I grew up with cocker spaniels and Labradors and did agility with them and my dad brought me to Harold’s Cross track most weeks where my interest in greyhounds grew and grew.

What Breeds of Dogs have you had over the years ?

As soon as I could choose my own dog, I left the Labradors and spaniels, lovely as they are, for greyhounds and haven’t looked back. I can’t imagine not having some form of sighthound in my home.

What Breeds of Dogs have you got now ?

I currently have three greyhounds – the eldest is Kelsis who is now ten. He had over 138 races, with many successes and never an injury. He lived to race but took to retirement very well and lure coursed until he is simply too old to continue.

At that time we decided to enter the show ring instead and he did well and enjoyed his days out at various kennel club shows. He works with myself at Sighthound Strolls, a voluntary group which organises regular meet ups for hound owners and works to promote hounds as pets nationwide (we also do small scale rehoming and rescue) as an ‘ambassadog’. He has happily lived with pet chickens and quail and adores children.

Secondly, I have Inka who is a 3 year old racing greyhound. She has no interest in shows and prefers to spend her time at the beach, on the sofa or honing her obedience skills. I hope to start competing with her in that area this year. Like most greyhounds, she is a bubbly, happy girl who loves nothing more than sleeping and playing with little brother Henry. She also regularly attends Sighthound Strolls events and enjoys ‘meeting and greeting’ the public and showing what great pets greyhounds make.

The third dog in the family is Henry, who was imported from Mandajors kennel in France. He is a showline greyhound who has recently turned one year old. He shows occasionally but prefers to join Inka on the beach and the sofa! He is a brilliant pet who has yet to meet a person or animal he doesn’t like – including cats!

What would you consider to be your main Breed and the one people associate you with?

It has to be Greyhounds! I live, breathe (and bore people…) with all things greyhound constantly!

What attracted you to this breed ?

Their wonderful laid back and affectionate temperament, the fact that they can adapt to life with working owners more readily than many breeds and the fact that they need not have hours of exercise a day – contrary to popular belief. They are built to sprint and will happily lazy the day away in bed after a walk. I also like that they are generally a very healthy breed.

The sad reality is that there are enormous numbers of greyhounds in need of homes in Ireland constantly so once you have met one and fallen for their charms it is nearly impossible not to become caught up in the plight many of them face if they are not good enough to race. It is very difficult to share your home with a greyhound and yet be aware that many do not get to experience the same long life and comfort.

What advice would you offer to anybody that is interested in becoming an owner of this Breed?

I would suggest contacting Sighthound Strolls through facebook and attending one of our monthly walks in Dublin or nationwide in order that you can meet the dogs and the owners and ask any questions you have.
There are greyhounds to fit any sort of home, be it one with children and/or cats, an active home or a more laid back type of home.
I would suggest taking your time and researching the breed and waiting for the dog that suits your specific lifestyle to become available as with so many looking for homes, the right dog is out there for everyone.

Does the Breed have any specific requirements by way of exercise & grooming?

As far as grooming goes, a simple brush once or twice a week will keep the short greyhound coat healthy and looking well. As far as exercise goes, two 20-30 minute walks a day will leave your greyhound fit for bed and if you have access to a safe and enclosed fenced area, a greyhound will appreciate a quick run around it whenever possible.

Does the Breed have any specific health tests that should be done before a Dog or bitch is used at stud or bred from?

There are no tests currently in place with regard to racing/coursing greyhounds but most, if not all, showline greyhounds are tested, and should be tested, for greyhound neuropathy.

Finally, how would you sum up the characteristics of this breed and what type of household would they best be suited too?

The greyhound is a lovable, calm and loyal pet, perfect for any type of home. Many greyhounds work as therapy dogs and assistance dogs, and similarly many enjoy remaining competitive in fields such as amateur racing or agility. With that in mind I would urge anyone interested in a greyhound to consider them further as chances are there is a dog out there that could fit into their household.

Suzanne and her speed merchants will be on hand for both days at this years Pet Expo at the Dog Breed Village which is being held at the RDS on the 16th & 17th November. So if you have any more questions you’d like answered on the fabulous dog breed that is the Greyhound, stick those dates down in your diary, as Suzanne & the team will only be too happy to point you in the right direction.

 

 

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Japanese Spitz & Phalenes – Featured Kennel – Saoirian

| blog | May 3, 2013

Japenese Spitz Ireland

Japanese Spitz & Phalenes

Name of Kennel / Prefix / Affix:

Saoirian Japanese Spitz & Phalenes

What age were you and how did you become involved in the world of Dogs?

We got our first Japanese Spitz approx 12 years ago, a beautiful little bitch called Reya. Shortly after that we got our first “Showdog” Shelby & Saoirian Japanese Spitz started from there.

What Breeds of Dogs have you had over the years?

Japanese Spitz were our first breed & then 4 years ago we got our first Phalene Seren.

What Breeds of Dogs have you got now ?

Japanese Spitz & Phalenes & 1 papillon.

What would you consider to be your main Breed and the one people associate you with?

Japanese Spitz

What attracted you to this breed ?

When we decided to get a house dog a friend of ours suggested a Japanese Spitz & so Reya came to live with us. She had such a fantastic nature & was such a sweet dog we just got hooked. All of our dogs work as therapy dogs with the organisation Peata, it’s a fantastic testament to the beautiful nature of the Japanese Spitz.

What advice would you offer to anybody that is interested in becoming an owner of this Breed ?

Japanese Spitz are a real all rounder, they love to please, they are attentive to their owners they are active & agile making them ideal agility dogs. They love to learn & owners can have a lot of fun teaching them tricks. They make a fantastic family pet & love nothing more than to spend time with their family.

Does the Breed have any specific requirements by way of exercise & grooming?

Japanese Spitz are an active little dog & love walks & playing with toys. Brushing is a must Japanese Spitz have a double coat & should be brushed out at least twice a week to avoid matting. Japanese Spitz coats should be left natural & not trimmed.

Does the Breed have any specific health tests that should be done before a Dog or bitch is used at stud or bred from?

Japanese Spitz are generally a very healthy breed. DNA testing for Muscular Dystrophy is currently at the trial stage in UCD & will be available soon, once available it is very important that all bitches are DNA tested before being bred from. Patella scoring should also be done.

Finally, how would you sum up the characteristics of this breed and what type of household would they best be suited too?

The Japanese Spitz is an alert, lively, bold, eager to please, intelligent family dog. They are companion dogs and make wonderful versatile pets. They tend to be wary of strangers upon first meeting but after that you have a friend for life.
They are a family dog & thrive on attention & affection, they need to be placed with a family who are prepared to give them the time & attention they need & who will put a little bit of time into grooming. Japanese Spitz are an indoor dog & wouldn’t do well being left outside.

We at Saoirian along with the rest of the members of The Irish Japanese Spitz Association look forward to representing the breed at this years Pet Expo.

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Alaskan Malamutes – Featured Kennel – Libertia

| blog | May 1, 2013

Alaskan MalamutesAlaskan Malamutes

Name of Kennel / Prefix / Affix:

Libertia Alaskan Malamutes

What age were you and how did you become involved in the world of Dogs ?

Dogs have always been a huge part of my family. I grew up with working GSDs & Gundogs & continued on with my own GSDs.

What Breeds of Dogs have you had over the years?

I have had several breeds over the last 50 years GSDs for over 30yrs, Akitas ,Rottweilers ,Neapolitan Mastiffs, Dogue de Bordeaux & Alaskan Malamutes

What Breeds of Dogs have you got now?

Currently I have 3 old Dogue de Bordeaux’s,a Rottweiller & Alaskan Malamutes.

What would you consider to be your main Breed and the one people associate you with?

My Main Breed is Alaskan Malamutes although many people would associate me with the Bordeaux’s as I have been involved with them for 17 years.

What attracted you to this breed?

Malamutes are dog that captured my heart from my first contact .A strong highly intelligent breed that is still fit to do the job it was bred for & that never fail to make me smile

What advice would you offer to anybody that is interested in becoming an owner of this Breed?

Research this breed thoroughly before purchase, visit breeders ask to see both parents ,make sure you buy from a reputable kennel that does health checks. Have a list of questions ready to ask breeder

Does the Breed have any specific requirements by way of exercise & grooming?

The Malamute can be a fireside/armchair dog but it does love to work or be active & have good interaction with its Team ,you or other dogs. Socialisation is a MUST make sure you are prepared to go to training classes.
What you put into your Malamute will be what you get back & more you must make sure a Malamute knows who is Alpha as they will try to work their way to the top of the pack & that includes you.Once these simple rules are in place you will enjoy your Malamute 100%.
As with any young dog a limited amount of exercise whilst it is in its primary growing stages,more constructive in puppy stages is lead training as these will become a very strong dog who were designed for working/pulling & being dragged by a big dog is no fun.Teach recall from an early age,Malamutes are especially food orientated & use praise & good clear concise voice commands. Increased exercise as the dog grows in moderation will give you a strong sound dog you can enjoy for years.
Grooming.A wonderful thing about Malamutes is that they are odourless they do blow their coats usually 2 times a year at this time you could fill bags.If you keep on top of it by plucking loose bits & using a good comb or slicker brush it should not be difficult to keep you dog looking good.A Malamute that has completely thrown its coat will look bald,don’t worry it grows back quite quickly.

Does the Breed have any specific health tests that should be done before a Dog or bitch is used at stud or bred from?

Health tests for Malamutes that should be done before breeding.
They should be tested for Hip Displacia & Eyes to ensure no hereditary eye disease or cataracts.There are tests available for long coat & dwarfism & more recently there is a test for Polyneuropathy available for Malamutes .

Finally, how would you sum up the characteristics of this breed and what type of household would they best be suited too?

The Malamute is a strikingly impressive dog like a large wolf & similar in some characteristics.They can be aloof & independent & headstrong,but also very loyal & loving full of fun. They are not a first dog for everyone unless you are prepared to put a lot of training in & have done your research & have a good supportive breeder.

Peri and the Libertia Malamutes have been a long time supporter of  Pet Expo and the “team” will be on hand again this year for both days at the Breed Village that is being held in the RDS on the 16th & 17th November.

For more information on the Alaskan Malamute check out her fantastic web site dedicated to this breed of dog

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Miniature Schnauzer – Featured Kennel – ZionZur

| blog | April 29, 2013

Miniature SchnuazerMiniature Schnauzers

Name of Kennel / Prefix / Affix:

ZionZur

What age were you and how did you become involved in the world of Dogs?

Our family always had dogs and I trained as a veterinary nurse after leaving high school.

What Breeds of Dogs have you had over the years?

Miniature Schnauzers, Doberman, Weimeraner, Rottweiler.

What Breeds of Dogs have you got now?

Miniature Schnauzers and one Rottweiler.

What would you consider to be your main Breed and the one people associate you with?

Miniature Schnauzers

What attracted you to this breed?

Their feisty, determined, loveable nature.

What advice would you offer to anybody that is interested in becoming an owner of this Breed?

Research, chat to, visit breeders, join a Schnauzer Club and make sure that all health check paperwork is in order for BOTH parents and Puppies & do not rush into making a decision.

Does the Breed have any specific requirements by way of exercise & grooming?

The coat of the show dog is harsh and wiry and shows off the colour to best advantage. Pets are more often clipped on an 8 week basis, this ‘kills off’ the hard coat and leaves the dog with a soft texture of the undercoat, however this will lighten the overall colour of the dog. The clipped coat is much easier to maintain and easier for the dog at each grooming session. Furnishing require a quick groom every other day to keep tat free and a weekly wash to keep clean and fresh.

Regarding exercise they don’t need a huge amount of exercise, they will be happy with a walk 2-3 times a day a good daily romp off their lead in a safe area and a few games, developing a closer bond between dog and owner. A well exercised, socialised dog is much more pleasant to live with and will have less bad habits.

Does the Breed have any specific health tests that should be done before a Dog or bitch is used at stud or bred from?

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) and cataract (both congenital and hereditary) occur in the Miniature Schnauzer. Every endeavour should be taken to eradicate such problems from the breed. Eye testing should always be carried out annually, especially before mating, both sire and dam. Puppies can be tested for Congenital Hereditary ( CC or formerly CJC – Congenital Juvenile Cataracts) form of cataracts at about 6 – 8 weeks old. Before purchasing a puppy check that it has an unaffected eye certificate.

Finally, how would you sum up the characteristics of this breed and what type of household would they best be suited too?

Miniature schnauzers make ideal family pets. They are an intelligent breed which makes them easy to train and very adaptable. Loyal, spirited, determined, fun loving characters. Little dog with a huge personality.

As a non-moulting breed they can be good for some people who have allergies to dogs but do spend time with the breed in an enclosed space before deciding they are the breed for you.

For more information about the Miniature Schnauzer, check out Joy’s web site about the breed 

Joy will be on hand both days at the Breed Village at this years Pet Expo that is being held in the RDS on the 16th & 17th November

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Saluki – Featured Kennel – Ulmarra

| blog | April 26, 2013

Saluki Saluki’s
Name of Kennel / Prefix / Affix:

Ulmarra – I have had this prefix since arriving in Ireland but bred under Beklyn when in Australia

What age were you and how did you become involved in the world of Dogs?

We have always had dogs as pets then as a youngster my Mother showed a Corgi for a year or so. I first became interested in showing when I worked for a vet at age 17. The following year I bought my first showdog.

As I am not a very ‘sporty’ person I loved the way I could actually show my own dog and participate in a sport. I have been showing since 1974 but did have about 3 years break in the mid 80′s when the two-legged family grew!

I did not judge in Australia but was involved in Breed and local clubs as secretary and newsletter editor. I have started judging in Ireland as I have noticed many people who have not been in dogs many years doing so and thought that it is not right to complain if i am not willing to join them!

What Breeds of Dogs have you had over the years?

I started with an Irish Setter and had these for many years, along with an English Setter and Irish Water Spaniels. I also had Irish Terriers, owning the only one to go Best in Show in Queensland.

What Breeds of Dogs have you got now?

I have had Salukis for 15 years with my current old man being nearly 12. He came with me from Australia and is my foundation dog.

What would you consider to be your main Breed and the one people associate you with?

Definitely the Saluki, I moved a lot in Australia and was not a big breeder so even though I was quite successful would not have been well known there.

What attracted you to this breed?

My eldest daughter wanted a Saluki for many years, I was quite concerned that I would get left with this active, destructive dog when she went to university so instead we stayed with the gundogs and bought an Irish Water Spaniel. Years later she came home from studying and we decided to buy one. I had always like the look of the breed but was concerned re exercise and fence jumping.

What advice would you offer to anybody that is interested in becoming an owner of this Breed?

For anyone who is thinking of buying a Saluki I would suggest talking to other owners, reading and even joining a facebook group to find out what they can be like. A word of warning please be careful that the breeder is registered with the Kennel Club and that the puppies are pure. It is not unheard of for pups to be sold as Saluki that are really a lurcher.

Does the Breed have any specific requirements by way of exercise & grooming?

Grooming depends on if you have a smooth or feathered Saluki, then as to the line as some Saluki drip in coat and others have very little. Obviously with the smooths there is little work required. With feathered a weekly brush is good and a good hound mitt to get rid of the dead hair. This is a breed that does need to live with the family ie in the house so if you don’t like dog hair then forget it!!!!

Exercise is an interesting issue with Salukis, i remember the gundogs and if you got up they would automatically get up as well, however with these they look at you as if to say “Are you going somewhere i want to go?”

The Saluki does need a good bit of exercise but would be quite happy with a decent walk each day, however the beauty of this breed is watching them run free, so if it is possible to take them to a safe place for running then do it. Most importantly though is to remember that sighthounds do not do a recall easily so it is extremely important to teach them from a puppy. My own dogs run free in the fields near home that we all know however I would never let them off lead in an unfenced, unfamiliar area. As an ancient breed they have a strong hunting instinct so love racing or lure coursing.

Does the Breed have any specific health tests that should be done before a Dog or bitch is used at stud or bred from?

Health issues are not a big problem in the breed, however some lines have reported heart problems and others osteo sarcoma. It is not common but it is worthwhile asking the breeder about the lines and if testing has been done.

Finally, how would you sum up the characteristics of this breed and what type of household would they best be suited too?

This is a breed that basically can suit anyone, I have seen them living with 80 year old adults and 8 month old children. They are a breed that bonds with a family and can be very protective, in fact they are the only breed allowed under Muslim faith that are not considered a Pariah dog. The breed used to hunt and return with the game alive and then at night sleep in the tents with the families. They are not a breed that does well in kennels but having said that they will adapt to being in a kennel say when you are at work, as long as they are with the family at night.

For more information abou this fascinating ancient dog breed check out Linda’s web site dedicated to the Saluki

Linda will be on hand both days at the Breed Village at this years Pet Expo which being held in the RDS on the 16th & 17th November

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Australian Shepherd – Featured Kennel – Talard

| blog | April 24, 2013

Australian Shepherds

Australian Shepherds

Name of Kennel / Prefix / Affix:

Talard

What age were you and how did you become involved in the world of Dogs?

I have been involved in the world of dogs all my life. Our kennel started out in the obedience world & progressed into the show ring.

What Breeds of Dogs have you had over the years?

Labradors, border collies and Australian shepherds (Aussies)

What Breeds of Dogs have you got now?

Labradors, border collies and Aussies

What would you consider to be your main Breed and the one people associate you with?

I have to say all three breeds. As I actively show all three breeds. But I started out with Labradors.

What attracted you to this breed?

I was attracted to the Aussie when I was asked to handle and campaign a blue mere female (Swizzle) for a friend whom lived in Scotland. Swizzle had done well during visits to Ireland and then came to stay with me until she finished her Irish show title. Aussies are the most affectionate dog with brains they are clowns but so easy to live with. I wouldn’t be without an Aussie now.

What advice would you offer to anybody that is interested in becoming an owner of this Breed?

After having lived with Aussies for the past 4yrs I highly recommend that anyone interested in the breed, has the time to give them at least 3-4 mile walk daily. And also be prepared to go to obedience or agility classes, they are a working dog and need to be doing something daily. If you are prepared to do this you will have an amazing family pet.

Does the Breed have any specific requirements by way of exercise & grooming?

The Aussie is a high energy dog and I have personally found them to be more high energy than the border collie. they need daily exercise, training and stimulation physical and mentally.
Grooming -I would recommend a good brushing once-twice weekly and the odd visit to a grooming parlour doesn’t go a miss. Aussies have large double coats, and will shed a lot of hair.

Does the Breed have any specific health tests that should be done before a Dog or bitch is used at stud or bred from?

Hip scoring and eye testing is required via kennel club recommendation. Also Merle to Merle matings are frowned upon.

Finally, how would you sum up the characteristics of this breed and what type of household would they best be suited too?

Clowns, eager to please, highly active. Fantastic family pets. Gentle, intelligent. The Aussie is best suited to an active person/family who like the out doors!

For more information on the Australian Shepherd, and the other dog breeds mentioned above check out the following Dog Website

Tracey will be representing the Australian Shepherd at this years Pet Expo as part of the breed village which is being held at the RDS on the 16th & 17th November.

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Bearded Collie – Featured Breed by Síle Healy Hunt

| blog | April 22, 2013

Bearded collies

What age were you and how did you become involved in the world of Dogs ?

I became involved with dogs as a young child when my aunt owned a German Short-Haired Pointer who qualified for Crufts in the 1980’s.

What Breeds of Dogs have you had over the years ?

The breeds my family have owned in the past are, Dalmatians and Border Collies.

What Breeds of Dogs have you got now ?

Bearded Collie and a Blue Roan Cocker Spaniel

What would you consider to be your main Breed and the one people associate you with ?

Bearded Collies

What attracted you to this breed ?

Their intelligence, unique and stunning ‘shaggy dog’ appearance, their gentle and kind nature, their eagerness for sport and fun.

What advice would you offer to anybody that is interested in becoming an owner of this Breed ?

Bearded Collies are human orientated and cannot be left alone for long periods as they can become destructive resulting in nuisance barking and digging. A person must have time and dedication as this breed needs considerable exercise (at least 1 to 2 hours daily) and are time intensive in terms of grooming. A fenced and secure garden (at least 6 ft) and plenty of space are a must as Bearded Collies tend to make wonderful escape artists! The breed needs to be kept mentally and physically active, they love ball and frisbee games and are very quick to learn and easy to please. They are very well suited to agility. Bearded Collies are a high energy breed and tend to ‘bounce’, they can also be quite independent in nature therefore training and proper socialisation when young is a must to curb this tendency. Bearded Collies are highly sociable, friendly an excellent with young children and tend to get on well with other animals if socialised with them from a young age. Bearded Collies have few health issues and have a life expectancy of at least 14-16 years. They make wonderful loyal family pets and will reward you with years of unconditional devotion.

Does the Breed have any specific requirements by way of exercise & grooming ?

Bearded Collies have haggy double coat which must be brushed daily. They must be bathed and conditioned as required. Skin disorders can develop if the coat is not adequately maintained. The coat can be difficult to manage and this breed may need to be professionally groomed on a regular basis. Apart from daily brushing, a thorough brush and comb through is needed each weekend. Bearded Collies need considerable exercise, and should be walked twice a day, morning and evening. 1 to 2 hours exercise is needed (exercise can be a combination of games and walking) . Our Bearded Collie gets a 3 mile walk daily.

Does the Breed have any specific health tests that should be done before a Dog or bitch is used at stud or bred from ?

The Bearded Collie is generally a very healthy breed, there are limited instances of hip dysplasia and auto immune disorders. The main auto immune disorder is Addison’s disease for which parents should be tested clear. Hip scoring of this breed is recommended. This breed does not appear to suffer from inherited eye conditions common in other collie breeds such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy or Collie Eye Abnormality in the UK or Ireland but instances of same have occurred abroad, therefore it is wise to ensure the sire and dame have appropriate hips scores and eye tests.

Finally, how would you sum up the characteristics of this breed and what type of household would they best be suited too ?

Characteristics of this breed are bright, intelligent, eager to please, energetic, stubborn and confident. They are highly trainable and relish when given work or responsibility. They should have a natural herding instinct. They are very sensitive to human behaviour and rewards based training is a must with this breed. They enjoy working and accompanying their ‘humans’ at every opportunity and agility is a wonderful way of both bonding with and exercising this wonderful breed. This breed is suited to an active rural household with ample space, they thrive on human contact and get on with other pets in the household. They are not aggressive by nature and any sign of aggression is seen as a fault in the breed. A family needs to be able to devote considerable time and energy to this breed.

Síle will be representing the Bearded Collie at this years Pet Expo as part of the breed village which is being held at the RDS on the 16th & 17th November.

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Golden Retrievers

| blog | April 15, 2013

Golden Retriever IrelandName of Kennel / Prefix / Affix:

Balibeau Golden Retrievers

What age were you and how did you become involved in the world of Dogs ?

I have been involved with dogs all my life with my grandfather and father breeding English Springer Spaniels

What Breeds of Dogs have you had over the years ?

The breeds my family have owned over the years are English Springer Spaniels, German Short Haired Pointers, Border Collies and Golden Retrievers

What Breeds of Dogs have you got now ?

Golden Retrievers and one Border Collie

What would you consider to be your main Breed and the one people associate you with ?

Golden Retrievers

What attracted you to this breed ?

Their intelligence and eagerness to learn and work

What advice would you offer to anybody that is interested in becoming an owner of this Breed ?

This breed should be worked in some way may it be gundog work or obedience. They make a great family pet and love lying in front of the fire but also love to work

Does the Breed have any specific requirements by way of exercise & grooming ?

Personally I recommend a two mile walk daily and daily exercise is essential and at least brushing once a week. Trimming is also a good idea as this is a long coated breed and can become unkempt if not trimmed

Does the Breed have any specific health tests that should be done before a Dog or bitch is used at stud or bred from ?

The breed clubs recommend eye testing and hip scoring, but DNA, Elbow scoring and heart testing is also available and I personally believe that if the tests are available for your breed then we should take the opportunity and do them for the health and wellbeing of the breed.

Finally, how would you sum up the characteristics of this breed and what type of household would they best be suited too ?

Characteristics of this breed are biddable, intelligent and they should possess natural working ability. They are a kind, friendly and confident breed and any departure from this should be considered as non-natural for this breed. Golden Retrievers are very versatile and can fit into many homes but I would recommend a home that can give them the time and energy that this breed deserves.

For more information on the Golden Retriever breed check out our Golden Retriever Web Site 

Also, we are delighted to announce that we will be representing the Golden Retriever breed at Pet Expo’s Dog Breed Village held at the RDS Dublin on 16th & 17th November 2013

 

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Dogs – Can you really teach a dog a new trick ?

| blog | April 12, 2013

Dog breeds As we have blogged about more times than you could shake a stick at, there are lots of things you have to take into consideration before becoming the life long owner of a dog.

Where you live (climate / town or country), what kind of building (garden / stairs),activity level / exercise (yours and the dogs) type of coat (grooming), size of dog, male or female etc etc

Researching the breeds and then speaking to as many responsible owners as you can will give you a real insight into the numerous breeds of dog, as no single breed of dog is suitable for everyone.

One thing though that all dogs have in common is instinct or as Wikipedia put it, the inherent inclination of a living organism toward a particular complex behavior.

My advice, stick with this blog, it’s not half as taxing on the brain

Some breeds have more instincts than others, depending on what the original function the dog was bred for, whether it was to guard, hunt, herd etc, dogs like border collies or greyhounds still have the basic instinct that the first members of their breed had when the breed was originally founded.

Most dogs have the instinct to dig, some more then others (I know I have four standard smooth dachshunds) and most male dogs like to mark their territory when out for a walk, an instinct that goes back to wolves and the earliest canines.

Some breeds have a higher prey drive than others, which should be a major consideration when deciding on choosing a breed of dog to live with your family, and others are known to be more protective of people and property, again going back to before dogs were domesticated when they had to guard their territory from other packs or threats.

That’s an awful lot of information to take in, but it’s in yours and the dog from the breed you finally decide on interest, to make the right decision first time as a bit of time spent in the planning stages should ensure that the next 10 + years will be a mutually rewarding experience for you and your dog.

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Boxer Dog breed Seminar

| blog | April 9, 2013

The Munster Boxer Club who represented the Boxer breed of dog at last years Pet Expo are holding a seminar on all aspects of the Boxer dog.

The seminar will be held at the Rhu Glen Hotel and Country Club Slieve Rhu Waterford on Saturday 20th April 2013.

Mr. Tim Hutchings (Winuwuk Boxers UK) will give a presentation on all aspects of the Boxer and Ms Ann Ingram (Tirkane Boxers NI) will also give a hands presentation on the Boxers present.

This is an ideal opportunity for anyone wishing to judge in the future as it is now a requirement of the IKC that you have attended seminars before you can be considered for a judging appointment.

Mr. Tim Hutchings is excellent at giving a Seminar, he goes through all points of the Boxer in an easy to follow way and this is a must for anyone wishing to know more on the Boxer breed.

The cost of the Seminar will be €15.00 which will include Tea/Coffee and Biscuits on arrival with Tea/Coffee and sandwiches at the Break.

The Seminar will start at 11am and will finish at 4pm approx.

Anyone wishing to book can contact Patricia Kehoe on 087 7502017 for a booking form.

We here at Pedigreedogs.ie have blogged about this area before, so would ask you all to spread the word about this dog breed seminar, in the hope that the people that really need to attend, firstly get to hear about it, and then hopefully attend.

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Dogs online – It’s not as bad as you fear

| blog | April 3, 2013

Shih Tzu dogs Ireland

Selling dogs online

When it comes to selling dogs online a lot of people get hot under the collar to say the least.

Well here’s something to think about.

On the 05th March I optomised the following blog in relation to the Shih Tzu breed of dog.

Back then that article on the Shih Tzu had been looked at 1669 times. Four weeks on from this, and the same blog has been looked at 1883 times. The Shih Tzu video and breed standard have been looked at 214 times in 4 weeks, that’s over 7 times a day…

As a favour, can I ask you to search for Shih Tzu pups for sale in Google Ireland, and advise where Pedigreedogs.ie returns in the results ?

I know we won’t figure ahead of the general classifieds as with the amount of traffic they get each day, Google will always place them higher then a specialist dog web site like ours, but if we figure on the first page of search returns, we have some hope of scooping some of the people that are looking for a Shih Tzu out of the net, and then putting them in touch with a responsible Shih Tzu breeder.

These type of results can be achieved for most dog breeds, and in the case of our blog, can be linked to a responsible breeder’s web site or a dog breed club web site.

Let’s face it, this internet thingymajig is not going away, so the more we embrace it the better for us and of course our dogs.

 

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Coveney has something to bark about – Exclusive Pedigreedogs.ie

| blog | April 1, 2013

Dog license IrelandFollowing on from last weeks announcement from the Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney that he plans to introduce mandatory micro-chipping for all dogs, in an EXCLUSIVE online interview with Pedigreedogs.ie “the registered web site for dogs in Ireland” his next step will be to introduce a test that will have to be passed by all prospective dog owners.

However unlike the date provisionally given for mandatory microchipping of 2016/2017 in line with the UK, the new test that anybody considering getting a dog will have to pass, will be introduced on the first of January 2014.

“It makes complete sense” said the Minster, comparing dog ownership to being responsible for a motorised vehicle, and that “in both cases you should have a complete knowledge of what is required”

Dog welfare groups

Pressure to introduce such a test was placed on the minster by concerned dog welfare groups, as a result of the well publicised cases of dog abuse, and dog abandonment that has reached a crisis point.

A spokesperson for one of the welfare groups who we contacted after our exclusive interview with the Minister, who wished to remain anonymous stated that they were delighted that the minster has listened to them and is finally “getting the finger out” in relation to promoting responsible dog ownership.

The test which is currently being drafted by the Dept.Of Agriculture in conjunction with some of the dog welfare organisations will entail a combination of both practical and theory tests.

The Minister advised that applicants for the test will have to be be aged 18 and over, and although it’s still in it’s early draft stages, the theory will be based on a multiple choice system, for example:

Q: What is considered to be the right way to go about becoming a dog owner ?

A: Buy a dog from a Pet Store

B: Meet somebody on a bypass and pay for a pup from the boot of a car

C: Research the breed, speak to several breeders, meet some of the breeders at their facility & then put your name on a puppy waiting list or with your local dog pound.

D: Buy it on impulse from somebody selling dogs at one of Ireland’s country fairs

“Once the prospective dog owner has reached the required pass rate for the theory test” the Minister said “they will then have to undergo the practical test, which will involve a dog walk with a dog that through no fault of it’s own happens to be in one of the country’s overflowing pounds, which in the majority of cases is a result of irresponsible dog owners.”

Responsible dog ownership license

On completion of the dog walk, successful candidates will be issued with a responsible dog ownership license, which when drafted into law, will have to be produced by any person wishing to buy or rescue a dog in Ireland. The cost for this license has yet to be finalised.

We here at Pedigreedogs.ie are delighted to be in a position to bring you this great news from the Minister and his dept. and as always are on hand to assist in any dog related matter, where we constantly strive to get our message across about responsible dog ownership.

We would also encourage anybody that is considering becoming an owner of a dog in the near or distant future, to visit the Dog Breed Village at this years Pet Expo which is being held at the RDS Dublin on the 16th & 17th November where you can meet and greet with 45+ of Ireland’s top breed specialists who will be on hand not only to give you advice about their beloved breed, but any breed of dog, and responsible dog ownership in general.

As always we’d love to hear from you in relation to this new development and whether you think it will improve the lives of dogs in Ireland

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Pet Expo – Dog Breed Village – RDS Dublin 16th & 17th November 2013

| blog | March 26, 2013

Pet Expo RDSI’m so excited, and I just can’t hide it, I’m about to lose control and I think I like it……

Why you might ask…?

Well, following on from the announcement from Ireland’s premier promoter of responsible pet ownership, that Pet Expo will return to the RDS Dublin on 16th & 17th November 2013, I’m delighted to announce that the Breed Village is officially open and is now taking bookings.

Steady now, I’d like to ask you all to form an orderly queue…..

Pet Expo, is seen by many as Ireland’s recognised event for promoting responsible dog ownership, and in conjunction with the best loved pet show now in it’s 8th year, is a pet lover’s paradise dedicated to promoting responsible pet ownership.

Over the next week or so I will be sending out invitations to all the Breed Village Representatives from last years show, and together hope that we can build on the previous years success, and once again use this opportunity to get our message across promoting responsible dog ownership to Joe Public.

Also, If you are involved in a breed that you think hasn’t been represented at the Breed Village at the previous 7 Pet Expo’s we’d be delighted to hear from you, as based on the feedback from the current breed owners involved , it’s a very rewarding and worthwhile experience being able to give something back to the breed that has come to own you.

So come on, let’s join in with the Pointer Sisters, and sing “Let’s get excited, we just can’t hide it – Pet Expo is on again in the RDS, and I know you’ll like it, like it…”

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Showing Dogs – Where did it all go wrong ?

| blog | February 7, 2013

Dogs Pups Puppy and Puppies for sale in Ireland There are hundreds of thousands of dogs in Ireland, yet only approx 1500 of these attend at any individual dog show affiliated by the IKC.

In the year 2010/11 there were over 29,000 dogs registered with The Irish Kennel Club which included over 5,000 litters.

Let’s guestimate that 1000 of these litters were from show kennels, that’s 4000 litters registered by people not involved in the show dog scene.

So the question might be what are show dog people and the governing bodies doing in relation to assisting and educating all the other dog owning / loving people out there ?

Now some show dogs have it and others just don’t – It’s true that some dogs really come alive when in the show ring, and it looks like this is their true vocation, but time spent in the actual show ring for most dogs accounts for approx 5 minutes out of the whole dog show day. The rest can be spent crated in the back of a van, car or trailer for periods from 10 minutes to 10 hours, not to mention the time spent on grooming tables or crated ring side.

Given the choice, and remember it’s us that makes our dogs choices, I am sure most dogs given the opportunity of attending a dog show, or free running in a large field, park, woodland or beech, most would chose one of the later. If I were a dog, I certainly would.

Showing dogs why do people get involved?

It’s a hobby that you can share with your four legged friend.

It’s a good way to meet other like minded people interested in the same breed as your own, and learn about all the different types of dog breeds.

It’s a great chance to learn more about your breed from some of the top people in the country, some of which have spent their entire lives with this breed.

It’s a good way to meet some nice people,

And it’s nice to see how your dog compares to others within it’s breed.

What dog showing and some people in the “Sport” have become

For some it’s no longer a hobby to be enjoyed with like minded people, now It’s a sport, and IMO the difference between a hobby & sport is the competitive nature.

It’s granted there are some really genuine people in all dog breeds, people with a true love of the breed at heart, but unfortunately they seem to be becoming the minority.

This minority of people promote their breed at any given occasion, and not just to other show kennels but anybody with even half an interest in their breed, or even a different breed completely.

This minority of people say that a dog is for life, and once brought into the family the dog gets to live out it’s life with the family, but how many show champions or older “Stock” or possibly dogs that don’t make the grade get moved on to make way for a new puppy or recruit.

How many people stick with the breed that they fell in love with all those years ago, but suddenly drop them like a hot stone as soon as the competition heats up, only to reappear in another “rare” breed, where the numbers of competitors is numerically weak.

But even in these numerically weaker breeds the bickering and backstabbing amongst exhibitors is plastered all over Facebook for us all to see. It’s painful and pitiful to see such genuine hatred between people that share the same love for a certain breed of dog…Where did it all go wrong ?

It is true you do meet some nice people and make a few real friends and hundreds if not thousands of facebook friends. On the other side of this coin you also meet some very nasty people, and encounter lots of keyboard warriors, and ones that should be working for the top PR companies in the land, as if they could promote a brand or company half as well as they do their dogs or Kennel on Facebook etc, their future would be secure.

Who cares if your dog was the Annual Champion, or current top of the leader board with some over priced dog food company or dog magazine, it’s not worth getting into arguments or slagging matches on Facebook, trust me, your dog doesn’t give a shit !

All of the above takes place in order to obtain the holy grail, 7 Green Stars, so that your dog can be crowned an Irish Champion. An award that’s presented by The Irish Kennel Club. The governing body for pedigree dogs in Ireland. A governing body that a lot of people that attend these dog shows, say could do so much more in relation to dog welfare in this country. One suggestion is that they should only be registering pups that are a result of health tested parents etc, not to mention not registering litters from people with any amount of the must have breeds, that change as quickly as the weather. Back in 2010 The Kennel Club in it’s Mission Statement stated that it would promote the health and welfare of all dogs.

So if you are in the group of people that think the Irish Kennel Club could be doing so much more in relation to dog welfare etc, what is the Green Star or Championship Diploma really worth to you and along with Annual Champion etc, are they really worth getting your knickers in a twist over?

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