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When I had my first litter I picked a bitch to
keep. At 8 weeks she was lovely. At 12-14 weeks she was cowhocked! I was a bit
upset, thought I had chosen wrong. Someone in the breed with much more
experience told me that she would not grow out of this and would be cowhocked
forever. Probably dysplastic also. When I took my little girl to handling class,
an Aussie breeder asked me how she looked at 8 weeks, and I told her. She said
not to worry, she'd be fine. Of course she was cowhocked, she was quite a bit
higher in the rear than in the front! Well, the Aussie breeder was right, and
Chel's OFA number proves she's not dysplastic, either. My suggestion, do your
homework. Study correct conformation and movement. Know what you are looking at,
talk to a LOT of different breeders, look at a LOT of different dogs. Go to dog
shows and pay attention. Don't just look at the dogs that are winning.
Sometimes, the best dog doesn't win. When you see a dog you like, talk to the
owner. If the owner is not the breeder, find out who is and talk to them. Take
your time and above all else, get a health guarantee, preferably in writing. No
one can guarantee a championship, but responsible breeders can and do stand
behind the health of their dogs.
Barb Bowes
Bo & Chelsea (Pyrs) & Flopsy
(Pyr Shep)
The more people I meet, the more I like my dog!
bamb@monmouth.com
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