Celticspirit

I don't think there is any shortage of toy dogs in Texas as puppy mills abound. I do not bring strays into my home due to the risk of bringing diseases especially if i have baby puppies However I do financially contribute to rescue organizations in particular Chihuahua Rescue and Transport. Check out their web site.
Just got back from NYC. Shows were great. My Dizzy Lizzie thought she was a Roomba and not supposed to walk on all four feet!! Most of all it was great to see my kids, friends and have fun!!!

Derrygal

Yes - I thought the dog that won was a lovely dog. I find it sad though that the golden retrievers and the labrador retrievers never seem to get a look in and they are the most popular dogs in the US. I'm more of a cat person (I've never had a dog) but I do like dogs and like to watch the shows.

Celticspirit

Goldens and Labs generally get a good look in most shows. We have has some wonderful winning Goldens. The entries are huge in those breeds. Just gnomonic our little chihuahuas.......one can barely see them on the Telly. They must be under 6 lbs to compete.
It was such a fun weekend in NYC. Very cold but no snow!

Derrygal

I guess what I meant was - you never see the Goldens or Labs win "Best in Show". Sorry - I didn't word it very well.

Celticspirit

You are right about that. However the Scottish Deerhound was the first time ever for that breed. I was rooting for the Irish Wolfhound myself!!!

cheers

My SO keeps telling me about a cross between a pug and a bulldog that was on the show. Do you know what that breed would be???

Derrygal

Yes the Irish wolfhounds are lovely dogs!! They usually have them walking in the St Patrick's Day parade in Cleveland (I live about 30 minute drive outside Cleveland). I don't get to see the parade very often as it is always held on the actual day and if it's Monday thru Friday I'm at work. I see it if it's at the weekend. Unfortunately, it's usually chilly here even in mid March, although occasionally the weather will be nice, but I've been to a few parades when it's been snowing. I always feel sorry for the poor dogs out walking in the snow, although they wear nice green coats!! I'm sure the parade in Ohio is nowhere near as big as the ones held in New York, and of course, Dublin. I was just thinking of St Patrick's Day today - I had a closet clean-out and was going to dump a rather old green shirt (it's shrunk a bit - or maybe (more likely) I've gained weight) then I thought - no I can wear it one more time on St Patrick's Day!!!

Celticspirit

There are no dogs other than purebreds at an AKC sanctioned Dog Show. Could it have been a Boston Terrier or a French Bulldog? Both are glorious!! Go on www.AKC.org and look at the pics. Would love to own either/ both......great family dogs.

Celticspirit

Irish Wolfhounds are quite popular in Dallas. Generally the larger the dog, the shorter the lifespan. They have many genetic health issues and need to live indoors due to weather constraints. We have a huge St Patricks Day Festival in Dallas each year (almost like a state fair). There is always an Irish Wolfhound exhibit. I think the owners are very dedicated and educated in explaining the difficulties of the breed. This year our three day weekend s the first weekend in March.

cheers

I just got corrected. The dog was on the "View"

aviva

Hey Celticspirit, do you have any thoughts on the BARF diet? Do you have any experience with it?

aviva

Thought I'd add that this stands for Bones & Raw Food Diet.

Celticspirit

As a matter of fact I do. I have it delivered every two weeks. It comes in frozen patties. My dogs eat it once a day and and organic dry food also. They love raw food, but there is the extra work involved making sure everything cleaned up and bacteria free afterwards.

aviva

Good to hear. I had five Borzois at one time and had them on a raw food diet. Quite a bit of work but worth it. Each got 3 raw chicken quarters and then all the veggies and supplements. 10lb bag a day. They loved it! Also I loved the poop! I wonder how much chicken is in UK? Don't think I could have 5 at a time over there though. Do you vaccinate for everything?

Celticspirit

Not at all. It is a big money spinner for vets and most vaccines are very detrimental to our dogs' health. I give a four in one at 16 weeks (never Lepto) and the same as a booster at six months. I give them myself. No reason to risk possible illnesses picked up the clinic. You can purchase them online. In the UK they must be administered by a vet, I believe. I never give rabies unless they are going abroad. I have a blood titer test every couple of years and my nine year old is still protected. There are lots of web sites citing the dangers of over vaccinating.
How many dogs are you taking to the UK?
It must have been very expensive to feed raw food to five borzois!