Postings by BRT

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BRT Please, be nice - ... or else!     Barked: Sun Feb 24, '13 12:03pm PST  Tuck: I would agree, in principle, with what you're saying. But the principle would conflict with the reality ... Yes, "breeding, socialization, owner, environment and training" are, collectively, of paramount importance. And, I suspect there are people who could raise and train a well-chosen puppy of almost any breed to be a "bomb-proof" dog; but anyone who even thinks to ask of this as a breed characteristic is, most likely, not capable of doing so - this, especially when asking about the "most" bomb-proof" breeds. For the average dog owner, regardless of how the term "bomb-proof" is defined, choice of breed cannot be ignored ... One can easily teach (for example) a Golden Retriever to be somewhat protective; but if one wanted a serious protection dog, a Golden is simply a poor choice with which to start. Conversely, one can easily teach (for example) a Black Russian Terrier to retrieve; but, again, if the desired end result is a gr8 retriever, the initial choice of a BRT would have been ill-advised. In fact, I have/had both of the aforementioned breeds, and both were/are (IMO) "bombproof" dogs. However, I could NEVER completely quell the retrieving instinct in our Golden. Nor could I EVER teach our BRT to NOT protect. These were/are genetically hard-wired instincts. And of these particular two breeds, it's obvious which would, most likely, be considered "bombproof" - and this, regardless of the fact that the Retriever, statistically, is far more likely to bite. One of the wonderful things about purebred puppies is that, within the parameters of the genetics and one's ability to raise and train said breed, one basically knows the looks, size and temperament of the future adult dog. And so, although the term "bombproof" is certainly open to interpretation, it would be unwise to ignore choice of breed to that end (IMO). Having said all that (it's again my opinion only), most breeders are mediocre, at best, and most dogs are poorly bred. With that in mind, I would absolutely agree, Tuck, that choice of breeder is more important than choice of breed. my posts | my page | msg me | gift me | become pals [notify]

BRT Please, be nice - ... or else!     Barked: Wed Jan 23, '13 7:09am PST  My apologies, but unless a particular breeder has already been brought up by somebody else prior, I make it a personal practice not to mention specific breeders' names on an open forum. I'm not sure why the PM isn't working ... perhaps it's because you're not fully registered here, and aren't allowed to use that feature? I'll have to leave it with you to figure that one out. EDIT: Apparently, it states that: "Only members with a posted pet and messaging turned on can message other members." my posts | my page | msg me | gift me | become pals [notify]

Choosing the Right Dog > service dog of protective breed - what gsd line? or other breeds

BRT Please, be nice - ... or else!     Barked: Wed Jan 23, '13 6:04am PST  There is certainly no shortage of GSD breeders here in Ontario and, as with most breeds, most are mediocre at best. Needless to say, with a service dog (and especially one which would be protective), you'll have to be extremely careful. I'm a bit surprised that your trainer has not been able to point you in the right direction? There are a number of other breeds which could suit your needs quite nicely; of these, choice of breeder would be far more important than choice of breed. From everything you've described, there is one particular local breeder which does spring to mind as being worth taking a close look. Aside from the potential suitability of the breed itself (not a GSD), the breeder has specific and personal experience in this area. If you're interested, feel free to PM me for the info. In any event, best of luck in your search! my posts | my page | msg me | gift me | become pals [notify]

Choosing the Right Dog > finding a good Giant Schnauzer breeder?

BRT Please, be nice - ... or else!     Barked: Wed Jan 2, '13 5:47pm PST  Since I've been asked, yet again, I thought I'd bump this post one last time ... Any breeder recommendations? my posts | my page | msg me | gift me | become pals [notify]

Choosing the Right Dog > finding a good Giant Schnauzer breeder?

BRT Please, be nice - ... or else!     Barked: Fri Dec 28, '12 8:37pm PST  "... There can't be a guarantee, as you pointed out -- but still -- it seems to me that your friends' best chance of getting a dog similar to yours, would be a referral to YOUR breeder and then seeking a dog with similar lines? If there is anything to the notion of the predictability of purebred dogs? ..." That, again, would appear to be an easy road to take, Duncan. And yes, I firmly believe in the relative predictability of purebred dogs - this, even though when it comes to the BRT, the owner does have a broad opportunity to totally screw up a once, perfectly good puppy. But, although I have nothing but the highest respect for my breeder and her dogs, and have no problem directing people to her, for reasons I cannot post on an open forum, that route will be a no go. In any event, although I will offer assistance and advice when asked, I'm past the point of trying to "convince" or "push" anyone towards any particular breed, no matter how 'perfect' I may think the prospective match to be ... And this leads us back to the original inquiry: She's looking into Giants, and I've simply offered to pass on information on any promising-looking breeders. my posts | my page | msg me | gift me | become pals [notify]

BRT Please, be nice - ... or else!     Barked: Fri Dec 28, '12 10:49am PST  "... Just wondering, but...if what they want is a "Giant Schnauzer version of [our] BRT"....why don't they just get a BRT??? ..." A good and, apparently, obvious point, Duncan and Tiller... I've had countless people (including this person) tell me that, if they could be "guaranteed" ( ) a boy like ours, they'd get a BRT in a heartbeat. But although there are (at least) 15 breeders within a fairly short drive of us (most of whom either have a litter on the ground or one imminent), the problem remains that finding a truly good BRT is very, very difficult - on both sides of the border. This person has recently, like we did way back when, gone through all the local BRT breeders, and has now moved on to looking at Giants (although, IMO, a Bouvier would be a safer bet - but it's not my dog and not my decision). As we know, and as she's quickly finding out, reading, even extensively, about a particular breed, and the realities are quite different. This, perhaps, can be said of many if not most breeds but, from a personal perspective, having an insider's view into the BRT world, is frustrating, to say the least. I had actually met two wonderful Giants a while back, owned by a couple who were on their 3rd pair of dogs from the same breeder. Stupidly, I did not write down the breeder's name at the time. Not only were these magnificent-looking dogs, but they both had (IMO) wonderful temperaments - mildly friendly, calm, confident, with an appropriate sense of guardy-ness. Anyways, I'm still open to suggestions, which I will happily pass on with the appropriate caveats. my posts | my page | msg me | gift me | become pals [notify]

Choosing the Right Dog > finding a good Giant Schnauzer breeder?

BRT Please, be nice - ... or else!     Barked: Fri Dec 28, '12 6:58am PST  Although I do know a number of the Giant breeders around here, having been less than impressed by (the temperament of) their dogs, I cannot recommend any of them... A friend/acquaintance has asked about a "good" (temperament + health) breeder, preferably in our area (southern Ontario). She definitely does not want a puppy shipped. However, if necessary, she is willing to travel up to a day in any direction (and probably more, for the right puppy). A bit more information: The family has the experience and expertise required (IMO) for a Giant. There are older, well-behaved children involved and, like many people, there would probably be a very young child or baby visiting now and then. What they're actually looking for is a Giant Schnauzer version of our BRT: - a healthy and stable family guardian, who will easily and readily accept benign visitors in the home, and benign strangers outside the home. Also, as far as I know, the dog would probably not be shown, and would definitely not participate in protection sports. my posts | my page | msg me | gift me | become pals [notify]

Choosing the Right Dog > Depressed--my search may be over before it starts

BRT Please, be nice - ... or else!     Barked: Mon Nov 5, '12 8:09am PST  I'm surprised you reacted that way with Barbets. Years ago, our vet had something similar to what you described, specifically with Dobe's and Great Danes - something in the oils I assumed; he had to wear gloves when treating them. Anyways, on a brighter note, keep looking. Chances are you'll be able to find a breed with which you're okay. As an allergy sufferer myself, I can tell you it's not necessarily the "hypo-allergenic" breeds which might work for you... Also know that, even within a given breed, your tolerance may vary, as dog's individual chemistry is not consistent one to another (I'm fine with our own Black Russian Terrier, but react to our friend's BRT - and she's a distant cousin of our boy - go figure). You could be allergic to oils in the skin, dander or saliva, not to mention particular shampoos or other hair/parasite treatments. If and when you find your breed, make sure you spend as much time as possible at the breeder of your choice. Hopefully, things will work out. Again, don't give up too easily, and best of luck ! ! ! my posts | my page | msg me | gift me | become pals [notify]

Choosing the Right Dog > Help me narrow down my choices!

BRT Please, be nice - ... or else!     Barked: Wed Oct 31, '12 6:31am PST  Swissies are another of those "great dogs on paper". Needless to say, choose your breeder VERY carefully (although that can/should be said of any breed) ... Many (most, actually) of the Swissies we come across are, to put it as tactfully as possible, "not the nicest". my posts | my page | msg me | gift me | become pals [notify]

BRT Please, be nice - ... or else!     Barked: Tue Oct 30, '12 8:58am PST  " ... So my "dream" dog breeds are: American Staffordshire terrier, American Bulldog, Black Russian Terrier, Bull Terrier, Borzoi, Boxer, Black and Tan coonhound, Greater Swiss Mountain dog, German Pinscher, Hovawart, Ibizan hound, Irish Wolfhound ... " Depending upon how much value you place on your basic "wants", your list will eliminate most of your dream breeds; it will also eliminate most of the breeds suggested by the dog selectors. As I mentioned prior, you're actually off to a decent start... The more specific and determined you are with what you're looking for, the easier the selection process will become. If you're not all that picky, a rescue dog would seem to be in order!!! For whatever it's worth (and I'm not suggesting that this is a good choice for you), if you decide to look more seriously into the Black Russian Terrier and need more information, feel free to PM me. Be forewarned that, according to your list, there are 2 immediate caveats: 1) Although the BRT will be very "low shedding", he is certainly not considered to be "low grooming" (and, by the way, one does not normally see "low shedding" and "low grooming" together in a given breed). 2) Also, although a well-bred, well-socialized BRT will be quite comfortable to "be around people", should the need arise, he will be considerably more than "slightly protective". Again, keep looking, and best of luck in your search! my posts | my page | msg me | gift me | become pals [notify]

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