Help! Nothing fits.
- Thread starter Flybynight
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No need to PM. He came from The Seeing Eye. Their breeding is very carefully controlled and monitored. They've even reduced their hip dysplasia rate to something like 5%. So our guy has excellent hips, but that's not a big help when your back gives out. He was washed out due to the eye problem. The rest developed later.
His temperament is flawless. Bombproof as the day is long.
His temperament is flawless. Bombproof as the day is long.
Do they disclose tests and results to you for the dam/sire's results on hips, elbows, eyes, heart and DM? I couldn't actually find any information about what they test for on their website. Going through such a huge kennel operation though, it honestly doesn't surprise me.
I think regardless of what breed you decide to go with, I would encourage you to find a good hobby breeder with no history of genetic issues, that works their dogs. You will be able to get a better idea of what you're getting health wise, with the odds stacked in your favor this way.
Keep in mind there will always be duds, nothing is 100% certain when getting a dog.
I think regardless of what breed you decide to go with, I would encourage you to find a good hobby breeder with no history of genetic issues, that works their dogs. You will be able to get a better idea of what you're getting health wise, with the odds stacked in your favor this way.
Keep in mind there will always be duds, nothing is 100% certain when getting a dog.
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They do not disclose results to puppy raisers. Not sure about the recipients of the graduated guide dogs. They have tracked their breeding results since the 30s, and have ongoing projects with UPenn and Cornell on genetics. Considering the enormous overhead of the organization, they certainly have a vested interest in them succeeding.
But yes, with 300-500 dogs, some will definitely be duds. The overall success rate is 60%, which is on par with most guide dog organizations. Reasons for failure can be as little as refusal to eliminate on pavement. I don't know the stats on how many failures are due to temperament vs medical however.
All of that said, next dog will most certainly be from a hobby/working breeder. I don't believe any breeder has "no" history of genetic issues though; like you said, nothing is 100%.
But yes, with 300-500 dogs, some will definitely be duds. The overall success rate is 60%, which is on par with most guide dog organizations. Reasons for failure can be as little as refusal to eliminate on pavement. I don't know the stats on how many failures are due to temperament vs medical however.
All of that said, next dog will most certainly be from a hobby/working breeder. I don't believe any breeder has "no" history of genetic issues though; like you said, nothing is 100%.
Yup! My close friend has one (also currently an oops litter from her stumpy and a heeler/lab mix, way too cute) and days they are a harder, sharper working dog with more drive. Basically they are only bred for work at this point, not pet homes. I was actually coming back to this thread to recommend a stumpy.
One thing to keep in mind is BYB or farm bred ACDs tend to be more stumpy-like and lighter with more leg. Especially down south. Not saying go to a BYB but I think it wouldn't be too hard to find that look in rescue ACDs. I've actually never seen an ACD not at a conformation show that looks like show bred ACDs. Generic 'heelers' are everywhere though and I know people that have dogs that look like Stumpies in agility but they are just small, docked ACDs. Most ACDs I see are docked actually.
I can't remember if you want a rescue or not though.
I can't remember if you want a rescue or not though.
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I don't know anything about Bouvs, except that their hair looks intimidating. How often does it need to be cut? Does it get tangled easily?
Activities wise, mostly I'm looking for a hiking/snowshoeing/camping/kayaking companion. A dog that can handle itself outdoors in rugged terrain without picking up every leaf and bur on the trail, as well as in deep snow. We also take them to work sites, where we have logging equipment and other machinery going, so environmental soundness is big.
Other tasks include watchdog, farm chores if amenable (vermin killing, keeping pigs off during feeding), family holidays, and possibly searching for drops (deer/moose antlers dropped in December, usually buried under snow).
We're too far from clubs to do any dog sports, but I teach tricks, games, trial manners, etc.
Activities wise, mostly I'm looking for a hiking/snowshoeing/camping/kayaking companion. A dog that can handle itself outdoors in rugged terrain without picking up every leaf and bur on the trail, as well as in deep snow. We also take them to work sites, where we have logging equipment and other machinery going, so environmental soundness is big.
Other tasks include watchdog, farm chores if amenable (vermin killing, keeping pigs off during feeding), family holidays, and possibly searching for drops (deer/moose antlers dropped in December, usually buried under snow).
We're too far from clubs to do any dog sports, but I teach tricks, games, trial manners, etc.