Cohen - Dog Alert

"Lee Michaels" <[email hidden]> wrote

Quoted message said:

David, have you heard of the Shichon?? It is a combo of the Bichon
Frise, Shih-Tzu, Yorkshire Terrier, Lhasa Apso and the Miniature
Schnauzer.

It is being bred as a therapy dog for children. They are small, calm and
help sick children. I heard about them on a local news show.

I remember you were saying about genetics. How dogs are bred for a certain
purpose.

These dogs aren't gaurd dogs. Or retreivers or hunting dogs. They are
small and designed for a unique purpose. Talk about selective breeding
and a unique purrpose.

No. They're not. You take a bunch of little dogs bred to be companions (that
is a job), cross a bunch of them, and get a waste of time. Any one of them,
or dozens of other breeds, work perfectly fine as therapy dogs.

After at least 15 thousand years of evolution (some evidence says 100's of
thousands of years), there are hundreds of recognized breeds (400-500 known
and probably lots not known outside of very limited geographical areas).
Most dog jobs are already covered by many breeds. I have no problem with
cross-breeds if there is a good reason for it. But you need a new job to
require a new breed.

My favorite example is the Dogo Argentino. Dr Martinez wanted a dog that
could hunt large game...jaguar, puma, wild boar...with particular
characteristics making it ideal for his native Argentina. No such dog
existed, so, with 10 different breeds in the recipe and decades of careful
genetic manipulation, he..and his brother after his death...produced the
perfect dog for the purpose.

The Pit Bull is another example. To create the ultimate dog fighting dog,
specific crosses were made, for a particular, legitimate (though despicabe)
reason.

The "Shichon" is a waste of five fine little breeds.

David

In article <[email hidden]>,

David Cohen said:

"Lee Michaels" <[email hidden]> wrote

Quoted message said:

David, have you heard of the Shichon?? It is a combo of the Bichon
Frise, Shih-Tzu, Yorkshire Terrier, Lhasa Apso and the Miniature
Schnauzer.

It is being bred as a therapy dog for children. They are small, calm and
help sick children. I heard about them on a local news show.

I remember you were saying about genetics. How dogs are bred for a certain
purpose.

These dogs aren't gaurd dogs. Or retreivers or hunting dogs. They are
small and designed for a unique purpose. Talk about selective breeding
and a unique purrpose.

No. They're not. You take a bunch of little dogs bred to be companions (that
is a job), cross a bunch of them, and get a waste of time. Any one of them,
or dozens of other breeds, work perfectly fine as therapy dogs.

After at least 15 thousand years of evolution (some evidence says 100's of
thousands of years), there are hundreds of recognized breeds (400-500 known
and probably lots not known outside of very limited geographical areas).
Most dog jobs are already covered by many breeds. I have no problem with
cross-breeds if there is a good reason for it. But you need a new job to
require a new breed.

My favorite example is the Dogo Argentino. Dr Martinez wanted a dog that
could hunt large game...jaguar, puma, wild boar...with particular
characteristics making it ideal for his native Argentina. No such dog
existed, so, with 10 different breeds in the recipe and decades of careful
genetic manipulation, he..and his brother after his death...produced the
perfect dog for the purpose.

The Pit Bull is another example. To create the ultimate dog fighting dog,
specific crosses were made, for a particular, legitimate (though despicabe)
reason.

The "Shichon" is a waste of five fine little breeds.

My first Boston Terrier was relatively small and very calm with
children. One of the few dogs I've ever seen that could have her ears
pulled, be pinched and prodded and not snap.

Of course, she wasn't docile. She would normally move away from children
that caused pain and just keep moving if they chased her.

My second and current Boston snaps if he is startled. So I don't think
it is a breed thing. None the less the Boston is an excellent companion
dog. Big dog 'tude in a little body. They think they can whup anything
on four legs.

--
Keith

"Hobbes" <[email hidden]> wrote

Quoted message said:

My first Boston Terrier was relatively small and very calm with
children. One of the few dogs I've ever seen that could have her ears
pulled, be pinched and prodded and not snap.

Of course, she wasn't docile. She would normally move away from children
that caused pain and just keep moving if they chased her.

My second and current Boston snaps if he is startled. So I don't think
it is a breed thing. None the less the Boston is an excellent companion
dog. Big dog 'tude in a little body. They think they can whup anything
on four legs.

I dogsat a Boston Terror for a month last year. I tired that little dude
out precisely once. I had to take photos of it to prove it.

He was fixated on toys, but took apart the 'indestructible' ones in minutes.
I finally gave him my solid 'rubber' medicine ball, thinking that would be
tough enough. Wrong. After about 15 minutes, he'd gotten a bite out of it.

Smartest dog I've ever 'sat. If you took a toy away, he'd remember where
you put it, and stare at that spot any time you and he were in the room,
even if he couldn't see the toy (like on a high shelf).

Funniest moment was when I took him to the beach with the other two dogs, a
lab and a mutt (who likes to swim and fetch). I let them off leash and they
all hauled ass down to the water's edge, all three looking at me to throw a
ball. I chucked one out in the water, and the lab and the mutt jumped in
after it. The Boston, not wanting to miss out on the fun, flew in after
them. He was so strong, he just sprang off the beach and was in over his
head before he realized what was going on. I swear his eyes bugged out more
than they already were. I watched him closely to make sure he 'got' the
swimming idea, and he headed right back to shore just fine. He wouldn't get
more than the tips of his toes in the water after that, though, ball or no
ball. He was insulted at first because I was laughing so hard, but after a
few runs down the beach after his own ball, he'd forgiven me.

He totally held his own on the beach with all the other dogs. Well
mannered, but not about to be 'scared' off his ball by the other dogs who
were mostly bigger than him. You were right on with "Big dog 'tude in a
little body. They think they can whup anything on four legs." He was a kick
in the pants...and I was ready for him to go home when his people came back!
He was tiring me and my dogs out with his energy.

Selene

"Hobbes" <[email hidden]> wrote

Quoted message said:

David Cohen said:

"Lee Michaels" <[email hidden]> wrote

Quoted message said:

David, have you heard of the Shichon?? It is a combo of the Bichon
Frise, Shih-Tzu, Yorkshire Terrier, Lhasa Apso and the Miniature
Schnauzer.

It is being bred as a therapy dog for children. They are small, calm
and
help sick children. I heard about them on a local news show.

I remember you were saying about genetics. How dogs are bred for a
certain
purpose.

These dogs aren't gaurd dogs. Or retreivers or hunting dogs. They are
small and designed for a unique purpose. Talk about selective breeding
and a unique purrpose.

No. They're not. You take a bunch of little dogs bred to be companions
(that
is a job), cross a bunch of them, and get a waste of time. Any one of
them,
or dozens of other breeds, work perfectly fine as therapy dogs.

After at least 15 thousand years of evolution (some evidence says 100's
of
thousands of years), there are hundreds of recognized breeds (400-500
known
and probably lots not known outside of very limited geographical areas).
Most dog jobs are already covered by many breeds. I have no problem with
cross-breeds if there is a good reason for it. But you need a new job to
require a new breed.

My favorite example is the Dogo Argentino. Dr Martinez wanted a dog that
could hunt large game...jaguar, puma, wild boar...with particular
characteristics making it ideal for his native Argentina. No such dog
existed, so, with 10 different breeds in the recipe and decades of
careful
genetic manipulation, he..and his brother after his death...produced the
perfect dog for the purpose.

The Pit Bull is another example. To create the ultimate dog fighting dog,
specific crosses were made, for a particular, legitimate (though
despicabe)
reason.

The "Shichon" is a waste of five fine little breeds.

My first Boston Terrier was relatively small and very calm with
children. One of the few dogs I've ever seen that could have her ears
pulled, be pinched and prodded and not snap.

Of course, she wasn't docile. She would normally move away from children
that caused pain and just keep moving if they chased her.

My second and current Boston snaps if he is startled. So I don't think
it is a breed thing. None the less the Boston is an excellent companion
dog. Big dog 'tude in a little body. They think they can whup anything
on four legs.

I love Bostons. A true miniature bulldog, not a dwarf mutant like the
English Bulldog.

I have read first hand accounts of Bostons in the ratting pit. It sent
shivers up my spine. Incredible killing machines.

David

In article <[email hidden]>,

Selene said:

"Hobbes" <[email hidden]> wrote

Quoted message said:

My first Boston Terrier was relatively small and very calm with
children. One of the few dogs I've ever seen that could have her ears
pulled, be pinched and prodded and not snap.

Of course, she wasn't docile. She would normally move away from children
that caused pain and just keep moving if they chased her.

My second and current Boston snaps if he is startled. So I don't think
it is a breed thing. None the less the Boston is an excellent companion
dog. Big dog 'tude in a little body. They think they can whup anything
on four legs.

I dogsat a Boston Terror for a month last year. I tired that little dude
out precisely once. I had to take photos of it to prove it.

Dayum. I've head this dog 8 years and I've never seen him played out
enough that he wouldn't come back for more.

Quoted message said:

He was fixated on toys, but took apart the 'indestructible' ones in minutes.
I finally gave him my solid 'rubber' medicine ball, thinking that would be
tough enough. Wrong. After about 15 minutes, he'd gotten a bite out of it.

Yup. Typical Boston. Can chew through any indestructable chew toy in
minutes. The worse things are the tennis ball or rope variations. Shreds
of toy from one end of the house to the other.

Quoted message said:

Smartest dog I've ever 'sat. If you took a toy away, he'd remember where
you put it, and stare at that spot any time you and he were in the room,
even if he couldn't see the toy (like on a high shelf).

Funniest moment was when I took him to the beach with the other two dogs, a
lab and a mutt (who likes to swim and fetch). I let them off leash and they
all hauled ass down to the water's edge, all three looking at me to throw a
ball. I chucked one out in the water, and the lab and the mutt jumped in
after it. The Boston, not wanting to miss out on the fun, flew in after
them. He was so strong, he just sprang off the beach and was in over his
head before he realized what was going on. I swear his eyes bugged out more
than they already were. I watched him closely to make sure he 'got' the
swimming idea, and he headed right back to shore just fine. He wouldn't get
more than the tips of his toes in the water after that, though, ball or no
ball. He was insulted at first because I was laughing so hard, but after a
few runs down the beach after his own ball, he'd forgiven me.

He totally held his own on the beach with all the other dogs. Well
mannered, but not about to be 'scared' off his ball by the other dogs who
were mostly bigger than him. You were right on with "Big dog 'tude in a
little body. They think they can whup anything on four legs." He was a kick
in the pants...and I was ready for him to go home when his people came back!
He was tiring me and my dogs out with his energy.

I had a guy one my rugby team who had a huge Rottweiler. Called him
'Chopper'. One smart dog (way smarter than the owner, but that is
another story). Anyhow we were having our annual pig roast and mud
wrestle when my 35 lb Boston ( the first one was a throwback - huge
Boston) put the 125 lb Rottie in the mud pit and then wouldn't let him
out.

Darn near had the owner of the Rottie in convulsions. (CHOPPER!!!! EAT
THAT LITTLE DOG!). But the reality was this Boston had enough throwback
it would have whupped the Rottie in a dog fight. I didn't have the heart
to tell the guy.

They are a character dog. Sometimes too much so.

--
Keith

In article <[email hidden]>,

David Cohen said:

"Hobbes" <[email hidden]> wrote

Quoted message said:

David Cohen said:

"Lee Michaels" <[email hidden]> wrote
> David, have you heard of the Shichon?? It is a combo of the Bichon
> Frise, Shih-Tzu, Yorkshire Terrier, Lhasa Apso and the Miniature
> Schnauzer.
>
> It is being bred as a therapy dog for children. They are small, calm
> and
> help sick children. I heard about them on a local news show.
>
> I remember you were saying about genetics. How dogs are bred for a
> certain
> purpose.
>
> These dogs aren't gaurd dogs. Or retreivers or hunting dogs. They are
> small and designed for a unique purpose. Talk about selective breeding
> and a unique purrpose.

No. They're not. You take a bunch of little dogs bred to be companions
(that
is a job), cross a bunch of them, and get a waste of time. Any one of
them,
or dozens of other breeds, work perfectly fine as therapy dogs.

After at least 15 thousand years of evolution (some evidence says 100's
of
thousands of years), there are hundreds of recognized breeds (400-500
known
and probably lots not known outside of very limited geographical areas).
Most dog jobs are already covered by many breeds. I have no problem with
cross-breeds if there is a good reason for it. But you need a new job to
require a new breed.

My favorite example is the Dogo Argentino. Dr Martinez wanted a dog that
could hunt large game...jaguar, puma, wild boar...with particular
characteristics making it ideal for his native Argentina. No such dog
existed, so, with 10 different breeds in the recipe and decades of
careful
genetic manipulation, he..and his brother after his death...produced the
perfect dog for the purpose.

The Pit Bull is another example. To create the ultimate dog fighting dog,
specific crosses were made, for a particular, legitimate (though
despicabe)
reason.

The "Shichon" is a waste of five fine little breeds.

My first Boston Terrier was relatively small and very calm with
children. One of the few dogs I've ever seen that could have her ears
pulled, be pinched and prodded and not snap.

Of course, she wasn't docile. She would normally move away from children
that caused pain and just keep moving if they chased her.

My second and current Boston snaps if he is startled. So I don't think
it is a breed thing. None the less the Boston is an excellent companion
dog. Big dog 'tude in a little body. They think they can whup anything
on four legs.

I love Bostons. A true miniature bulldog, not a dwarf mutant like the
English Bulldog.

I have read first hand accounts of Bostons in the ratting pit. It sent
shivers up my spine. Incredible killing machines.

Well. Dexter (current Boston) certainly likes to think he is!

I dunno. The female Boston (Corky) I had years ago would have Dex in his
place PDQ. Corky was a real throwback. 35-40 lbs, eyes didn't bug that
much and had jaw strength to match the Pitbull I had, which was 25 lbs
heavier.

What I loved about Corky was the fearless tenacity of the animal. It
would have attacked a car if it thought the car was posing a danger to
my kids.

Very similiar to the AmStaff I had in that respect. But not quite as
menacing.

:^)

--
Keith

"Hobbes" <[email hidden]> wrote

Quoted message said:

David Cohen said:

"Hobbes" <[email hidden]> wrote

Quoted message said:

"David Cohen" <[email hidden]> wrote:
> "Lee Michaels" <[email hidden]> wrote
> > David, have you heard of the Shichon?? It is a combo of the Bichon
> > Frise, Shih-Tzu, Yorkshire Terrier, Lhasa Apso and the Miniature
> > Schnauzer.
> >
> > It is being bred as a therapy dog for children. They are small, calm
> > and
> > help sick children. I heard about them on a local news show.
> >
> > I remember you were saying about genetics. How dogs are bred for a
> > certain
> > purpose.
> >
> > These dogs aren't gaurd dogs. Or retreivers or hunting dogs. They
> > are
> > small and designed for a unique purpose. Talk about selective
> > breeding
> > and a unique purrpose.
>
> No. They're not. You take a bunch of little dogs bred to be companions
> (that
> is a job), cross a bunch of them, and get a waste of time. Any one of
> them,
> or dozens of other breeds, work perfectly fine as therapy dogs.
>
> After at least 15 thousand years of evolution (some evidence says
> 100's
> of
> thousands of years), there are hundreds of recognized breeds (400-500
> known
> and probably lots not known outside of very limited geographical
> areas).
> Most dog jobs are already covered by many breeds. I have no problem
> with
> cross-breeds if there is a good reason for it. But you need a new job
> to
> require a new breed.
>
> My favorite example is the Dogo Argentino. Dr Martinez wanted a dog
> that
> could hunt large game...jaguar, puma, wild boar...with particular
> characteristics making it ideal for his native Argentina. No such dog
> existed, so, with 10 different breeds in the recipe and decades of
> careful
> genetic manipulation, he..and his brother after his death...produced
> the
> perfect dog for the purpose.
>
> The Pit Bull is another example. To create the ultimate dog fighting
> dog,
> specific crosses were made, for a particular, legitimate (though
> despicabe)
> reason.
>
> The "Shichon" is a waste of five fine little breeds.

My first Boston Terrier was relatively small and very calm with
children. One of the few dogs I've ever seen that could have her ears
pulled, be pinched and prodded and not snap.

Of course, she wasn't docile. She would normally move away from
children
that caused pain and just keep moving if they chased her.

My second and current Boston snaps if he is startled. So I don't think
it is a breed thing. None the less the Boston is an excellent companion
dog. Big dog 'tude in a little body. They think they can whup anything
on four legs.

I love Bostons. A true miniature bulldog, not a dwarf mutant like the
English Bulldog.

I have read first hand accounts of Bostons in the ratting pit. It sent
shivers up my spine. Incredible killing machines.

Well. Dexter (current Boston) certainly likes to think he is!

I dunno. The female Boston (Corky) I had years ago would have Dex in his
place PDQ. Corky was a real throwback. 35-40 lbs, eyes didn't bug that
much and had jaw strength to match the Pitbull I had, which was 25 lbs
heavier.

What I loved about Corky was the fearless tenacity of the animal. It
would have attacked a car if it thought the car was posing a danger to
my kids.

It is ironic that the tenacity that many people admire and desire in many
dog breeds comes directly from their selective breeding to be fighting dogs.
While we both despise dog fighting, the fact remains that these two of our
favorite breeds would not exist, if not for the dog fighters of the 1800's
and early 1900's.

Quoted message said:

Very similiar to the AmStaff I had in that respect. But not quite as
menacing.

Menacing? I want to give big kisses on the snout of those menacing pooches!

David

In article <[email hidden]>,

David Cohen said:

"Hobbes" <[email hidden]> wrote

Quoted message said:

David Cohen said:

"Hobbes" <[email hidden]> wrote
> "David Cohen" <[email hidden]> wrote:
>> "Lee Michaels" <[email hidden]> wrote
>> > David, have you heard of the Shichon?? It is a combo of the Bichon
>> > Frise, Shih-Tzu, Yorkshire Terrier, Lhasa Apso and the Miniature
>> > Schnauzer.
>> >
>> > It is being bred as a therapy dog for children. They are small, calm
>> > and
>> > help sick children. I heard about them on a local news show.
>> >
>> > I remember you were saying about genetics. How dogs are bred for a
>> > certain
>> > purpose.
>> >
>> > These dogs aren't gaurd dogs. Or retreivers or hunting dogs. They
>> > are
>> > small and designed for a unique purpose. Talk about selective
>> > breeding
>> > and a unique purrpose.
>>
>> No. They're not. You take a bunch of little dogs bred to be companions
>> (that
>> is a job), cross a bunch of them, and get a waste of time. Any one of
>> them,
>> or dozens of other breeds, work perfectly fine as therapy dogs.
>>
>> After at least 15 thousand years of evolution (some evidence says
>> 100's
>> of
>> thousands of years), there are hundreds of recognized breeds (400-500
>> known
>> and probably lots not known outside of very limited geographical
>> areas).
>> Most dog jobs are already covered by many breeds. I have no problem
>> with
>> cross-breeds if there is a good reason for it. But you need a new job
>> to
>> require a new breed.
>>
>> My favorite example is the Dogo Argentino. Dr Martinez wanted a dog
>> that
>> could hunt large game...jaguar, puma, wild boar...with particular
>> characteristics making it ideal for his native Argentina. No such dog
>> existed, so, with 10 different breeds in the recipe and decades of
>> careful
>> genetic manipulation, he..and his brother after his death...produced
>> the
>> perfect dog for the purpose.
>>
>> The Pit Bull is another example. To create the ultimate dog fighting
>> dog,
>> specific crosses were made, for a particular, legitimate (though
>> despicabe)
>> reason.
>>
>> The "Shichon" is a waste of five fine little breeds.
>
> My first Boston Terrier was relatively small and very calm with
> children. One of the few dogs I've ever seen that could have her ears
> pulled, be pinched and prodded and not snap.
>
> Of course, she wasn't docile. She would normally move away from
> children
> that caused pain and just keep moving if they chased her.
>
> My second and current Boston snaps if he is startled. So I don't think
> it is a breed thing. None the less the Boston is an excellent companion
> dog. Big dog 'tude in a little body. They think they can whup anything
> on four legs.

I love Bostons. A true miniature bulldog, not a dwarf mutant like the
English Bulldog.

I have read first hand accounts of Bostons in the ratting pit. It sent
shivers up my spine. Incredible killing machines.

Well. Dexter (current Boston) certainly likes to think he is!

I dunno. The female Boston (Corky) I had years ago would have Dex in his
place PDQ. Corky was a real throwback. 35-40 lbs, eyes didn't bug that
much and had jaw strength to match the Pitbull I had, which was 25 lbs
heavier.

What I loved about Corky was the fearless tenacity of the animal. It
would have attacked a car if it thought the car was posing a danger to
my kids.

It is ironic that the tenacity that many people admire and desire in many
dog breeds comes directly from their selective breeding to be fighting dogs.
While we both despise dog fighting, the fact remains that these two of our
favorite breeds would not exist, if not for the dog fighters of the 1800's
and early 1900's.

Quoted message said:

Very similiar to the AmStaff I had in that respect. But not quite as
menacing.

Menacing? I want to give big kisses on the snout of those menacing pooches!

Yeah, I'm fond of the bull and terrier offshoots myself.

And mastiffs. Except for the pooper scooper thing.

We went to look at some Neopolitan Mastiffs and the droppings looked
like a horse had been in the kennel.

--
Keith

"David Cohen" <[email hidden]> wrote in message

Quoted message said:

After at least 15 thousand years of evolution (some evidence says 100's of
thousands of years), there are hundreds of recognized breeds (400-500

known

Quoted message said:

and probably lots not known outside of very limited geographical areas).
Most dog jobs are already covered by many breeds. I have no problem with
cross-breeds if there is a good reason for it. But you need a new job to
require a new breed.

I think members of the canine world need to take a good hard look at their
skill set and think about updating to meet present day needs. In my world,
there just isn't much call for shepherding and sled-pulling anymore. Now
laundry folding, OTOH, I would pay dearly for something like a Chesapeake
Folding Dog, or a Rhodesian Grocery Carrier.

"David Cohen" <[email hidden]> wrote

Quoted message said:

"Hobbes" <[email hidden]> wrote

Quoted message said:

[sniposa]

Quoted message said:

Very similiar to the AmStaff I had in that respect. But not quite as
menacing.

Menacing? I want to give big kisses on the snout of those menacing

pooches!

Quoted message said:

Hey, I have a staffie question. Why do most people walk them on harnesses,
rather than collars? At least, most people around here. I see everything
from puppies to adults in a harness (not a sled harness, just a wrap around
the chest/body type) and few on collars.

Selene

Jim Ranieri said:

"David Cohen" <[email hidden]> wrote in message

Quoted message said:

After at least 15 thousand years of evolution (some evidence says

100's of

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

thousands of years), there are hundreds of recognized breeds

(400-500

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

known
and probably lots not known outside of very limited geographical

areas).

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Most dog jobs are already covered by many breeds. I have no problem

with

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

cross-breeds if there is a good reason for it. But you need a new

job to

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

require a new breed.

I think members of the canine world need to take a good hard look at

their

Quoted message said:

skill set and think about updating to meet present day needs. In my

world,

Quoted message said:

there just isn't much call for shepherding and sled-pulling anymore.

Now

Quoted message said:

laundry folding, OTOH, I would pay dearly for something like a

Chesapeake

Quoted message said:

Folding Dog, or a Rhodesian Grocery Carrier.

Our dogs are specialized. The Chessie can hear the UPS truck two
blocks away, while the Shep-Lab is keyed in on the USPS jeep.

In article <[email hidden]>,

Selene said:

"David Cohen" <[email hidden]> wrote

Quoted message said:

"Hobbes" <[email hidden]> wrote

Quoted message said:

[sniposa]

Quoted message said:

Very similiar to the AmStaff I had in that respect. But not quite as
menacing.

Menacing? I want to give big kisses on the snout of those menacing

pooches!

Quoted message said:

Hey, I have a staffie question. Why do most people walk them on harnesses,
rather than collars? At least, most people around here. I see everything
from puppies to adults in a harness (not a sled harness, just a wrap around
the chest/body type) and few on collars.

I can't figure that out either.

I used to run with mine and I'd use a leash on the collar. The dog would
run with his nose 6" to the side and slightly behind my right knee and
wouldn't move off there unless he felt someone was violating my space.
Ditto for the walk. We'd take the dog out on Halloween in costume and it
wouldn't budge off position unless it felt one of the kids was being
threatened. Which happened when a big kid came running out of a yard and
ran into Meghan and knocked her on her can.

The dog launched and almost pulled me over. Fortunately Herc always
howled before he launched, so I had some warning and could brace myself.

The big kid backed away, slowly. With big eyes. I had Herc under control
and yelled sit and Herc sat, but didn't take his eyes off the kid. There
was no question what Herc really wanted to do.

Which, come to think of it, may be the reason for the harness. These are
one powerful animal. I weigh in at 220 or so and the 70 lb dog just
about flattened me.

--
Keith

"JMW" <[email hidden]> wrote

Quoted message said:

Jim Ranieri said:

Quoted message said:

I think members of the canine world need to take a good hard look at
their skill set and think about updating to meet present day needs. In
my world there just isn't much call for shepherding and sled-pulling
anymore. Now laundry folding, OTOH, I would pay dearly for something
like a Chesapeake Folding Dog, or a Rhodesian Grocery Carrier.

This was very funny!

Quoted message said:

Our dogs are specialized. The Chessie can hear the UPS truck two
blocks away, while the Shep-Lab is keyed in on the USPS jeep.

Don't forget the bread knife being pulled from the knife block and the cat
food can being taken from the refrigerator. Mine can hear that from a dead
sleep and a mile away. :-)

Selene

"JMW" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Jim Ranieri said:

"David Cohen" <[email hidden]> wrote in message

Quoted message said:

After at least 15 thousand years of evolution (some evidence says

100's of

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

thousands of years), there are hundreds of recognized breeds

(400-500

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

known
and probably lots not known outside of very limited geographical

areas).

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Most dog jobs are already covered by many breeds. I have no problem

with

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

cross-breeds if there is a good reason for it. But you need a new

job to

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

require a new breed.

I think members of the canine world need to take a good hard look at

their

Quoted message said:

skill set and think about updating to meet present day needs. In my

world,

Quoted message said:

there just isn't much call for shepherding and sled-pulling anymore.

Now

Quoted message said:

laundry folding, OTOH, I would pay dearly for something like a

Chesapeake

Quoted message said:

Folding Dog, or a Rhodesian Grocery Carrier.

Our dogs are specialized. The Chessie can hear the UPS truck two
blocks away, while the Shep-Lab is keyed in on the USPS jeep.

Besides barking at the painfully obvious and converting lamb and rice
pellets into yard ornamentation - my Lab Lucy basically lives the life of a
bon-vivant.
http://www.elementcasting.com/Lucy_postcard.jpg

"Hobbes" <[email hidden]> wrote

Quoted message said:

Selene said:

"David Cohen" <[email hidden]> wrote

Quoted message said:

"Hobbes" <[email hidden]> wrote
> [sniposa]

> Very similiar to the AmStaff I had in that respect. But not quite as
> menacing.

Menacing? I want to give big kisses on the snout of those menacing

pooches!

Quoted message said:

Hey, I have a staffie question. Why do most people walk them on
harnesses,
rather than collars? At least, most people around here. I see
everything
from puppies to adults in a harness (not a sled harness, just a wrap
around
the chest/body type) and few on collars.

I can't figure that out either.

I used to run with mine and I'd use a leash on the collar. The dog would
run with his nose 6" to the side and slightly behind my right knee and
wouldn't move off there unless he felt someone was violating my space.
Ditto for the walk. We'd take the dog out on Halloween in costume and it
wouldn't budge off position unless it felt one of the kids was being
threatened. Which happened when a big kid came running out of a yard and
ran into Meghan and knocked her on her can.

The dog launched and almost pulled me over. Fortunately Herc always
howled before he launched, so I had some warning and could brace myself.

The big kid backed away, slowly. With big eyes. I had Herc under control
and yelled sit and Herc sat, but didn't take his eyes off the kid. There
was no question what Herc really wanted to do.

Which, come to think of it, may be the reason for the harness. These are
one powerful animal. I weigh in at 220 or so and the 70 lb dog just
about flattened me.

Fancy leather harnesses with ornate decoration are traditional on Pit Bulls.
Let's see if I can find a link, wait a minute...
http://www.colbypitbull.com/oldphoto.htm

Fancy leather collars are more traditional than harnesses on Staffordshire
Bull Terriers, but harnesses are also used. Here's Sheba's fancy English
Sunday going-to-meeting collar... http://www.aecollars.co.uk/page2.html

They serve no functional use. The neck of a Pit Bull or a Staffie is MORE
than thick and muscular enough to withstand anything with a collar. In fact,
it is easier to control any dog with a collar than a harness. Think about
it...harnesses are used in weight pull competitions. Not exactly
uncomfortable to pull against. Of course, any dog should be trained not to
pull on the leash when told not to.

David

"Jim Ranieri" <nah,> wrote

Quoted message said:

"JMW" <[email hidden]> wrote

Quoted message said:

Jim Ranieri said:

I would pay dearly for something like a Chesapeake
Folding Dog, or a Rhodesian Grocery Carrier.

Our dogs are specialized. The Chessie can hear the UPS truck two
blocks away, while the Shep-Lab is keyed in on the USPS jeep.

Besides barking at the painfully obvious and converting lamb and rice
pellets into yard ornamentation - my Lab Lucy basically lives the life of

a

Quoted message said:

bon-vivant.
http://www.elementcasting.com/Lucy_postcard.jpg

Love it!
If this were a dog group, I'd be all over that as a sig!

When I sent this photo http://stuff.homestead.com/files/skipperDoggles23.jpg
to friends, I said I thought she had a "certain je ne sais quoi"

Selene

"David Cohen" <[email hidden]> wrote

Quoted message said:

"Hobbes" <[email hidden]> wrote

Quoted message said:

Selene said:

"David Cohen" <[email hidden]> wrote
> "Hobbes" <[email hidden]> wrote
>> [sniposa]
>
> > Very similiar to the AmStaff I had in that respect. But not quite

as

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> > menacing.
>
> Menacing? I want to give big kisses on the snout of those menacing
> pooches!
>
Hey, I have a staffie question. Why do most people walk them on
harnesses, rather than collars? At least, most people around here.
I see everything from puppies to adults in a harness (not a sled
harness, just a wrap around the chest/body type) and few on collars.

I can't figure that out either.
[snip]

They serve no functional use. The neck of a Pit Bull or a Staffie is MORE
than thick and muscular enough to withstand anything with a collar. In

fact,

Quoted message said:

it is easier to control any dog with a collar than a harness. Think about
it...harnesses are used in weight pull competitions. Not exactly
uncomfortable to pull against. Of course, any dog should be trained not to
pull on the leash when told not to.

Well that's what I was wondering. (and maybe I meant PB, not Staffie - I
thought they were the same). I wondered if people thought they were
protecting the dog's necks or something, because it didn't seem like it
would be any better to control them with. Maybe it is the tradition thing.

My dog, who has some kind of terrier in her, but I don't know what, I got
when she was 5 and she will pull until she gags and chokes on a (buckle)
collar. I got her a prong collar, and she heels without correction (or at
least, no more than once).

Selene
weights? what weights?

"David Cohen" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

"Hobbes" <[email hidden]> wrote

Quoted message said:

Selene said:

"David Cohen" <[email hidden]> wrote
> "Hobbes" <[email hidden]> wrote
>> [sniposa]
>
> > Very similiar to the AmStaff I had in that respect. But not quite

as

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> > menacing.
>
> Menacing? I want to give big kisses on the snout of those menacing
pooches!
>
Hey, I have a staffie question. Why do most people walk them on
harnesses,
rather than collars? At least, most people around here. I see
everything
from puppies to adults in a harness (not a sled harness, just a wrap
around
the chest/body type) and few on collars.

I can't figure that out either.

I used to run with mine and I'd use a leash on the collar. The dog would
run with his nose 6" to the side and slightly behind my right knee and
wouldn't move off there unless he felt someone was violating my space.
Ditto for the walk. We'd take the dog out on Halloween in costume and it
wouldn't budge off position unless it felt one of the kids was being
threatened. Which happened when a big kid came running out of a yard and
ran into Meghan and knocked her on her can.

The dog launched and almost pulled me over. Fortunately Herc always
howled before he launched, so I had some warning and could brace myself.

The big kid backed away, slowly. With big eyes. I had Herc under control
and yelled sit and Herc sat, but didn't take his eyes off the kid. There
was no question what Herc really wanted to do.

Which, come to think of it, may be the reason for the harness. These are
one powerful animal. I weigh in at 220 or so and the 70 lb dog just
about flattened me.

Fancy leather harnesses with ornate decoration are traditional on Pit

Bulls.

Quoted message said:

Let's see if I can find a link, wait a minute...
http://www.colbypitbull.com/oldphoto.htm

Fancy leather collars are more traditional than harnesses on Staffordshire
Bull Terriers, but harnesses are also used. Here's Sheba's fancy English
Sunday going-to-meeting collar... http://www.aecollars.co.uk/page2.html

They serve no functional use. The neck of a Pit Bull or a Staffie is MORE
than thick and muscular enough to withstand anything with a collar. In

fact,

Quoted message said:

it is easier to control any dog with a collar than a harness. Think about
it...harnesses are used in weight pull competitions. Not exactly
uncomfortable to pull against. Of course, any dog should be trained not to
pull on the leash when told not to.

David

Any good links or books to help us train our dog - we've had him for 3
months ( he is 4 mths old) - a Lowchen - supposed to keep my wife company as
I'm away a lot. Can't get him to do much yet other than he craps outdoors
(we have a flap on the door) - (I've never owned a dog although my wife was
raised on a pig farm (she couldn't train the pigs to do much either)

Selene said:

I wondered if people thought they were
protecting the dog's necks or something, because it didn't seem like it
would be any better to control them with.

I think you'd be hard-pressed to hurt any big dog's neck with a normal
collar, although there is some evidence that you can do some damage with
a choke collar, especially if you use it improperly (eg to hold back a
lunging dog). When we took our dog through obedience training, the
instructors recommended use of a pinch collar for training. They look
cruel but are actually safer than a choke collar. People tend to think
of dog's necks like their own and get freaked by the thought of what a
pinch collar is doing, but dog's neck is made of sturdier stuff than
ours by a long shot. There were people in our class with Rotties and
Akitas, trying to train these dogs with nylon collars. People are stoopid.

Neil