Rottweiler Video & FCI Breed Standard

Paul | blog | May 17, 2011

I have posted this today, as a tribute to 12 year old Daniel Mooney from Belfast whom was involved in a fatal motorbike accident last Sunday evening. I Didn’t know Daniel or his devoted Father Fred personally, but did know them to see at the many Dog shows they attended. Daniel was easily spotted, as he stood out from the crowd, and once in the ring he commanded your attention. He loved all dogs, but in particular his chosen breed, the Rottweiler.

May He Rest In Peace

ORIGIN : Germany.

DATE OF PUBLICATION OF THE ORIGINAL VALID STANDARD : 06.04.2000.

UTILIZATION : Companion, service and working dog.

CLASSIFICATION F.C.I. : Group 2 Pinscher and Schnauzer type, Molossian type, Swiss Mountain- and Cattle Dogs.
Section 2.1 Molossian type, Mastiff type.With working trial.

BRIEF HISTORICAL SUMMARY : The Rottweiler is considered to be one of the oldest dog breeds. Its origin goes back to Roman times. These dogs were kept as herder or driving dogs. They marched over the Alps with the Roman legions, protecting the humans and driving their cattle. In the region of Rottweil, these dogs met and mixed with the native dogs in a natural crossing. The main task of the Rottweiler now became the driving and guarding of the herds of cattle and the defence of their masters and their property. This breed acquired its name from the old free city of Rottweil and was known as the « Rottweil butcher’s dog’ ». The butchers bred this type of dog purely for performance and usefulness. In due course, a first rate watch and driving dog evolved which could also be used as a draught dog. When, at the beginning of the twentieth century, various breeds were needed for police service, the Rottweiler was amongst those tested. It soon became evident that the breed was highly suitable for the tasks set by police service and therefore they were officially recognized as police dogs in 1910.

Rottweiler breeders aim at a dog of abundant strength, black coated with clearly defined rich tan markings, whose powerful appearance does not lack nobility and which is exceptionally well suited to being a companion, service and working dog.

GENERAL APPEARANCE : The Rottweiler is a medium to large size, stalwart dog, neither heavy nor light and neither leggy nor weedy. His correctly proportioned, compact and powerful build leads to the conclusion of great strength, agility and endurance.

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To breed or not to breed ?

Joe | blog | February 21, 2011

Firstly one should never breed a litter of puppies for financial gain. If you look after your puppies and their mother properly there are a lot of financial costs involved that need to be taken into consideration, the mother and the puppies have to be fed good quality food, you have to be able to cover any unexpected veterinary bills in case your bitch may have trouble whelping and if the puppies need medical attention at any stage. In our case our bitch did have trouble whelping and we had to bring her to the vets on a bank holiday weekend in order to have her induced, most bitches whelp without any problems but sometimes it does not always go to plan and veterinary assistance is required. Thankfully we had thought about unexpected costs and we were able to cover same. Responsible breeders treat each litter with care and the physical and mental health of the mother and her puppies is paramount at all times,this is what differentiates them from puppy farmers/backyard breeders.

You have to select a healthy male to mate with your healthy bitch and for most breeds especially the larger breeds it is vital that the necessary health checks have been done on both the male and female, as any health defects can be hereditary. A good temperament is also vital as this will be passed onto the puppies. Luckily for us we owned the father of our litter of puppies, Dempsey, and he had the most wonderful temperament and this can be very hard to find in the dachshund breed as they can be quite aloof, as a result we had 3 wonderful well adjusted puppies.

You have to be prepared to spend a lot of time socializing the puppies in the first few weeks as this is a vital time in their lives. Puppies need a lot of care and attention and it can be a full time job for the first few weeks, both day and night, that is, if you do it right !

Be prepared to do house house checks on any potential buyers, have a detailed list of questions for them,(Like on the advice page on our site) you need to ensure that your puppy is going to the perfect home. Thankfully our bitch only had 3 in her litter, initially we had only planned on keeping one but we could not find the quality 5 star home that we were looking for, for the remaining puppy and luckily we were in a position to keep two from our litter. Some people would say that we were very fussy, but we firmly believed that we did it the right way and we were in a position to give these two puppies a great home and the time and love that any dog deserves. The puppy that we parted with went to a fantastic home, we had spoken to the interested party over the phone and we then arranged a house visit and we had the new owners sign a contract. Some bitches can have up to 8 puppies, can you imagine trying to find top quality homes for each of them, it would be a very difficult task in my opinion. Puppy farmers don’t care where their dogs end up, but responsible breeders do !

Be prepared to cope with the emotional stress of parting with your puppies, for some people this can be very difficult even when they know their little ones are going to a great home.

Having a litter of puppies can be a very stressful and demanding time but if you do it right it can also be a very rewarding and happy experience, we have wonderful memories of our three healthy puppies who were raised in house, it was a very happy time in our lives. We are glad we did it, but just the once ! Sadly the father of our puppies, Dempsey passed away last month and we miss him terribly but we are so glad we have two of his wonderful offspring, Danno and Daisy to keep his memory alive. They are a credit to him and to the Dachshund breed in our opinion of course ! We still call them our puppy doodles even though they will be three this August. Yes you are right we are dotty about our breed and our dogs, but we wouldn’t have it any other way.

Breed only for the right reasons, for the love of your breed and to promote healthy and well adjusted puppies that will be loved and cared for by responsible owners !

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The Dog Breeding Establishment Bill

Joe | blog | February 4, 2011

Do you remember all the fuss about the above ?

Well now implementation of the proposed law will now depend on which government takes power after this month’s general election

A spokesman for the current department said the implementation would be a ‘matter for the next government’.

This is the bill that if signed in will generate € 3000 revenue per annum from facilities that house 101 to 200 bitches, and a further €1,600 for each 100 bitches thereafter.

Here’s some links to the debate that have already been posted on the pedigreedogs.ie blog, some of which I’m sure, you will find interesting reading

http://www.pedigreedogs.ie/?s=legislation&submit=Go

http://www.pedigreedogs.ie/2010/05/15/dog-breeding-establishments-bill-2009-discussion-with-canine-breeders-of-ireland/

http://www.pedigreedogs.ie/page/2/?s=legislation&submit=Go

http://www.pedigreedogs.ie/2010/02/25/ikc-strance-on-new-legislation/

http://www.pedigreedogs.ie/2010/07/10/canine-breeders-of-ireland/

http://www.pedigreedogs.ie/2010/07/09/excerpts-taken-from-the-dog-breeding-establishments-bill-2009-seanad-friday-02-07-2010/#more-881

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Pedigree Dogs Vet – Arthritis – An Age-Old Disease

Elaine | blog | January 14, 2011

Arthritis is one of the oldest diseases in history, dating back to the dinosaurs. It strikes animals and humans alike. The joint pain and stiffness it causes can affect your pet as well as yourself, especially if your pet is a dog.

When arthritis strikes, joints become inflamed and mobility becomes impaired. The signs range from slight stiffness to severe lameness. Arthritis can be caused by infection in a joint, accidents, immune disorders, age, and physical abnormalities. It can affect animals of all ages and sizes. The inflammation is painful to the animal, so it is less likely to move around. Most owners will notice a dog getting slower as it gets older and attribute this slowdown to “old age.” The pet, though, may really be suffering from arthritis. Your veterinarian can assess your pet and suggest treatments to reduce the pain and inflammation.

In the meanwhile, be alert to the following symptoms. Your pet may take a long time to lie down or to get up. After getting up or after exercise, the pet might seem stiff. Arthritic animals may also have difficulty jumping into a car and climbing stairs. They become reluctant to exercise or unable to go on long walks. Visible lameness is the most obvious sign of arthritis. An arthritic dog can even exhibit behavioural changes, such as isolating itself or snapping when touched in specific areas. The pet may also lick sore joints excessively.

How can you manage arthritis in your pet? First and foremost: Keep its weight down! An obese animal is an arthritic animal. Just losing weight can dramatically improve activity level and mobility. So can planned activities. Gentle, controlled lead walks are more beneficial to an arthritic dog than unchecked runs. Swimming is particularly helpful because the buoyancy of water relieves pressure on the joints. And don’t forget that a soft bed to lie on also relieves the pain of sore joints.

Dogs with joint problems can also benefit from special diets that contain ingredients such as glucosamine, chondroitin sulphate, green lipped muscle extract, and omega fatty acids. These ingredients protect the joints and decrease inflammation. A veterinary surgeon may also dispense a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medication. NSAIDs work by rapidly decreasing inflammation and pain. Frequently, though, after starting treatment, the dog stops showing signs of arthritis, so owners stop giving the medication. But once a dog has arthritis, it will always have arthritis, so treatment must be continued for the rest of the pet’s life.

Unfortunately our pets can’t speak for themselves, so we have to be aware of what they are trying to tell us with their body language. If your dog seems to be in pain, it probably is. Modern medical practices, however, can greatly relieve the suffering caused by arthritis.

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To sit or not to sit..This is the question ?

Joe | blog | January 6, 2011

In our constant quest to bring you the very best Dog related information on this Blog, I came across this statement by one of the worlds best known Dog Trainers

“Ask the breeder to demonstrate that at the very least, the puppies have all been taught to come, sit, lie down and roll over on cue. If the breeder says that they haven’t taught the puppies to sit because they are “show dogs”, leave the puppies with the breeder because they certainly have not been trained to be companion dogs”

Like the above, I remember my first ring craft classes and being told not to let the dog sit, as that is what will happen when you are in the show ring.

Over the years I have come to the conclusion that if you can teach a dog to sit you can teach a dog to stand, and both commands are as necessary as each other for your dog / show dog.

Anyone out there with any comments / feedback re same?

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Pedigree Dogs Vet – Introducing New Pets

Paul | blog | December 22, 2010

Although it is not recommended, many families decide to get puppies and kittens for Christmas. You should try to get new pets a few weeks before or after Christmas so that they aren’t overwhelmed with all of the Christmas day activity. Here are a few tips to make your new addition feel welcome over the holiday period, particularly if you already have a dog or cat.

First and foremost, it is important to assess the temperament, health, and age of your existing pets. If you have an aggressive dog, it may not be advisable to get another pet because the newcomer will be ‘invading’ your dog’s personal space. An older, arthritic dog might not tolerate a bouncy puppy. Older cats may start to go to the toilet in inappropriate places after another cat is introduced to the household. They might also disappear for a few weeks.

Second, make sure you are able to accommodate a new pet. You should have a separate pen, room, or crate for giving the newcomer its own space. This will make the introduction easier because your original pet will not feel as threatened. Before the arrival of your new pet, buy separate food dishes, toys, and a bed. Not all dogs like to share and can become quite aggressive if a puppy eats out of its dish or takes its toys.

Third, pace introductions one step at a time. When introducing a new dog, make sure that you do so on neutral ground, such as a park. If you get a new kitten, keep it in a separate room for a few weeks, so that you’re existing cat gets used to the smell, then introduce the kitten gradually. If you get a rescued animal, be particularly careful, because it could have been abused previously, and its behaviour may be unpredictable. You should leave a new pet alone for a while to explore its new surroundings. Also let the animal come to you for attention, instead of actively seeking it out.

Finally, pay attention to both new and established pets. You should spend time with each one individually. Initially walk and play with them separately. If your older dog feels that your new dog or puppy is getting more attention, the older dog may direct its jealousy towards the new dog. It is possible that no matter what you do, your pets will not get along. If that is the situation, contact your veterinarian for alternatives. In most cases, however, following the above advice will lead to a happy outcome.

For further enquiries, please phone 045 480 478 or www.animalsfirst.ie
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Boxer

Paul | blog | December 18, 2010

ORIGIN : Germany.

DATE OF PUBLICATION OF THE ORIGINAL VALID STANDARD : 01.04.2008.

UTILIZATION : Companion, Guard and Working Dog.

CLASSIFICATION F.C.I. :Group 2 Pinscher and Schnauzer- Molossoid breeds- Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs.
Section 2.1 Molossoid breeds, mastiff type.
With working trial.

BRIEF HISTORICAL SUMMARY : The small, so called Brabant Bullenbeisser is regarded as the immediate ancestor of the Boxer. In the past, the breeding of these Bullenbeissers was in the hands of the huntsmen, whom they assisted during the hunt. Their task was to seize the game put up by the hounds and hold it firmly until the huntsman arrived and put an end to the prey. For this job the dog had to have jaws as wide as possible with widely spaced teeth, in order to bite firmly and hold on tightly. A Bullenbeisser which had these characteristics was best suited to this job and was used for breeding. Previously, only the ability to work and utilization were considered. Selective breeding was carried out which produced a dog with a wide muzzle and an upturned nose.

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Hello, Can you help me it’s an EMERGENCY !

John | blog | December 16, 2010

Hello Can you help me it’s an EMERGENCY

Although the majority of calls received by the RSPCA are serious, they occasionally wander into the “weird to the wonderful” territory. With this in mind, the charity has revealed its Top 10 funny phone calls, all of which were received in the last 12 months:

Top 10 funny phone calls

* A lady called the charity’s emergency phone line to ask which bus she needed to catch to visit Putney animal hospital.
* Someone called to report a cat stuck on a roof, which turned out to be a satellite dish.
* A woman asked call centre staff to speak to her husband as he was refusing to get out of bed and walk the dog.
* A very unhappy woman called to say that a cat had been abandoned in her garden, but called back to say it was, in fact, a surprise present from her husband.
* One lady called to request that a branch be opened up as she had left her hearing aid there.
* A caller asked to borrow a cat from one of the charity’s centres. She didn’t actually want a cat but she had a problem with mice in her house.
* A woman called to say there was something in her bathroom, but she was unsure whether it was a hamster or a spider.
* An RSPCA inspector went out to an incident following reports that a cat had been found under a bush. It turned out to be a jumper with a reindeer print on it.
* The charity was asked to help solve a neighbourly dispute as someone wanted to stop nearby residents talking to the postman, because it was causing her dog to bark.
* A displeased shopper called to ask how she could make sure she only bought milk from happy cows.

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How to Select a Good Breeder

Paul | blog | December 2, 2010

A good breeder will be extremely choosy in accepting prospective puppy buyers. A prospective owner should be equally choosy when selecting a breeder. A prospective owner can begin to evaluate a breeder’s expertise by noting whether she ranks the puppies’ mental well-being and physical health above their good looks. Assess several factors:

· whether your prospective puppy’s parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, and other relations live to a ripe old age

· whether the breeder’s adult dogs are all people-friendly and well-trained

· whether your prospective pup is already well-socialized and well-trained, i.e., evaluate the breeder’s socialization and training program.

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A suitable home …

John | blog | December 1, 2010

A good hobby breeder’s idea of a ‘suitable’ home makes human adoption agencies look outright sloppy. They aggressively screen prospective homes, and in some breeds it actually is easier to adopt a child. Their contracts would frighten a Supreme Court Justice and unlike retail merchants, they will take back a dog that doesn’t work out.

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Caesarean Sections – Vets Asked to Report on

Elaine | blog | November 29, 2010

The Kennel Club (KC London) has announced that from January 2012 it will no longer register any puppies born by caesarean section from a bitch that has had two previous caesarean operations. The British Veterinary Association (BVA) and British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) are now calling on vets in practice to engage with the new reporting system that will be put in place next year ahead of the rule change.

The change has come about following discussions between the Kennel Club, RCVS, BVA and BSAVA. Vets are being asked to report caesarean operations in the same way as the current reporting system for procedures altering the natural conformation of a dog.

In addition, the Kennel Club is amending its rules to make it a condition of registration, or continued registration, that the owner consents to the reporting, to the Kennel Club, of any caesarean operation carried out on their bitch (subject to approval by the KC General Committee on 4th January 2011).

Although the move is welcome the BVA and BSAVA are very disappointed that the KC has not gone further. Both organisations lobbied strongly for KC to stop registering puppies from a bitch that has undergone one caesarean operation, with no exceptions, and will continue to push for this rule change.

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Honestly…The Dog ate it….

John | blog | November 23, 2010

The honeymoon was over before it started for a Boston-area couple, thanks to their 2-year-old Basset hound, Moses.

Moses has eaten everything from shoes to books to remote controls, so when he got to Eric Mann’s passport, no one was surprised. Luckily, the bar code and photo were unmarred, so Mann and his new wife, Brook Blew, got through security at Logan Airport after they explained about Moses and made security chuckle.

But when they arrived in Cancun, there was no chuckling about the hound. The newlyweds were put on the next flight back to Boston, according to MyFoxBoston. Moses isn’t really in the dog house, because he’s so doggone cute. But even if he were, he’d probably chew his way out.

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Good post on Dog Forum.

Paul | blog | November 21, 2010

If you ABSOLUTELY have to have a “Malty-Poo” (eek …what a name ) please think again. By creating demand for just another pseudo-breed, some experimental breeders’ newest fashion, you’ll just help along the creation of another fad. Not necessarily one that will lead to the general betterment of dogs and their health.

Way too many ****ed up Labradoodles, Schnoodels and other -oodles out there already. Most of them created by people who think breeding dogs is as easy as mixing paint …a bit of this and a bit of that equals …well …not always what you expected. The whole lot bred from dogs without health screening, hip scores, check for hereditary diseases …and you’re heading for disaster.

Stay well clear.

And pleeeease don’t give these amateurs playing GOD any money for their “creations” either …it’ll just create more greedy amateurs jumping on the -oodles wagon.

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Shelter Employee puts wrong dog to sleep

Joe | blog | November 19, 2010

A dog honored for saving the lives of US soldiers in Afghanistan by barking and snapping at a suicide bomber was accidentally euthanized this week at an animal shelter in Arizona.

Target, a shepherd mix who even appeared on “Oprah,” came to the San Tan Valley area this summer to live with a very grateful Sgt. Terry Young and his family.

After slipping out an open backyard gate at Young’s home over the weekend, Target ended up at the local pound where a shelter employee mistakenly put her to sleep, the Arizona Republic reported.

“I just can’t believe that something like this would happen to such a good dog,” Young told the newspaper.

Ruth Stalter, the county animal director, said an investigation was under way.

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Puppy Class – What makes a good one ?

John | blog | November 18, 2010

Your puppy can learn so much from puppy class! Your puppy can learn good bite inhibition (gentle jaws), confidence and social savvy for interacting with other dogs and people, to enjoy being handled by strangers (including vets and groomers), and to respond quickly and reliably to verbal cues to come, sit, lie down, stand and stay in the midst of heavy distractions and without the reliance of training aids.

Alternatively, a six-week puppy class can teach your puppy not much at all. And yet again, an improperly run off-leash puppy class can teach your puppy to be fearful and afraid of other dogs, or to be a hyperactive social loon who ignores all your requests when distracted by other dogs.

It all depends on how carefully you select your puppy class.
The three most important reasons for puppy classes are:

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