Continuation of below post that I could not get to add..

ON THE OTHER HAND, since many breeds are no longer used in the capity for which they were designed, many have moved into creating new types that would be appealing to the companion role that most are in.   I would hope that those who do develop these companion dogs DO have a good handle on the genetics, both Phenotypically and Genotypically.  This seems to be the case with the folks who breed the Australian Labradoodles and they seem very informed and do offer lifetime support to their breed.  That is commendable and deserves my respect.  Since Terriers were bred as warriors or varmint dogs, that requires a certain amount of agression and by adding softer, more docile breeds, that gives them a better chance of becoming the great family companion dog that this country is geared for.

  I do find the crosses interesting when they happen to create something very appealing but what do you do with the ones that aren't so appealing from those who have no idea what they are doing?   Will there just be more of these mixed breeds ending up in shelters at the hands of the un-informed who just want to make a quick buck?

That is the multi thousand dollar question isn't it?

Good morning,

 I am exploring the "designer dog" fenomena as more and more of these crosses explode into the concienciousness of this and other countries.....Just recently someone was looking for a particular colored male cocker to breed to their Labradoodle who is not just a cross of a Lab and a  Poodle but many other breeds as well.    I am not a purist but I do have some concerns about the inability to keep tabs on the genetic carriers since now instead of "knowing" who carries what and allowing for that knowledge to weed out potential problems, now you have a number of potential problems that were not found in one or the other breed and the alphabet soup is now containing many more genetic markers for inherited diseases but are not going to be known until they appear.   It takes years of study to know bloodlines and their potential as all dogs carry an average of 48 inherited genetic defect and when bred to other carriers of any one of them, your pups now have a 50/50 chance of being affectives and 100% carriers.    As you add each new breed, you add that many more genetic defect that can and well eventually mutate into something else.  How would you be able to predict an outcome when the genetic material is constantly being added to?   It is more like pet breeders who breed blindly with no idea what their dogs are carriers of and most deny the fact that they do carry or worse, are affected as there are no clear bloodlines in any breed.

Your comments are very welcome here on this subject as I am not here to put anybody down.  Speaking for myself, I like the fact that the breeds were developed for a specific purpose of form follows function (and the knowledge of the genepool by years of trial and error) but not sure that I agree that they need to be developed as a means to make big money on them because they are unique or have unique names.   If this is the case, then any so called "mutt" should be worth a fortune because there are never 2 alike;0)

The winter seemed so long with all the snow and ice and also with the doggy workload.   Now that the weather is nice, time is just flying away.

The puppies enjoyed attention from a passing visitor the other day.   Time to get out the leashes and collars to start training a bit in that department.  They are getting way too independent.   There are 3 ready to go right now, a black boy and 2 black girls.  The others are close so still have 5 more up and coming along with the younger pups who are definitely a demanding little group.

  I put in quite a sizable order yesterday and it will arrive sometime today so that I could get a jump on the price increases.   I sure hope that things don't get to the point where we have to start picking and choosing as to who will eat, us or the dogs let alone feeding them excellent quality;0(

The polls say that most Americans are concerned with economy.....The economy, nor anything else for that matter, is going to get any better until we realize the source of all goodness.

Lord? what has this world done with you? Do they not know that nothing will change without your guidence? 

Hello all,  Long time no talk to.

Things are getting a little less intense around here finally.  The foster Shihtzus have finally been weened and went back to their breeder.  They were so cute but still, I just couldn't appreciate them like I do a cocker puppy.  I guess I just like that cocker expression best which is perhaps the reason you won't see any other breed under the "R.A" prefix LOL!

Nat has found the perfect home with another cocker named "Clancy".  Clancy is 9 yrs old and is the son of my old "Asa Dugan" and "Sadie" who is on my "sable" page.  That was her first of only 2 litters and I believe there were just 3 puppies in that litter with Clancy being the only boy.   He is so mild mannored and he LOVES Nat.  He used to have anxiety when Melissa left but no longer.  He has Nat for company now and is perfectly content at home when Melissa has to go to work.

The puppies have sure gotten big.  There are only 2 now that still need to grow more hair.   Just waiting for those special homes.  These are VERY sweet babies and will make wonderful companions for any home.

I also have extra food on hand for anyone who happens to be in the neighborhood. 

We had company today.  A woman brought her dog who she thought might have been born here.  Turns out, he was.  9 yrs ago, a black and tan boy was born to Sadie and Asa Dugan.  It was so good to see him.  He is a gentle boy and now lives with Melissa as his former owner had passed away.   They were looking for a new friend and Nat, my Bugs son, seemed to fit the bill just right.  He will be joining them next Saturday after I have had a chance to do his spring check up and a nice bath and hair cut for the upcoming warmer weather.

I am so excited for my Nat.  He is such a love bug even if he is a bit of a fraidy cat.   He has so much love to give and I think this will be the ideal home for him.