| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Maj |
Posted - Aug 14 2005 : 09:38:37 AM
I've gravitated my whole life toward dogs that have some sort of traditional use - one Airedale, one puli, two Briards... No toys ever crossed my mind!
It would be interesting to hear, from those of you who breed animals (horses, goats, cattle and chickens as well as dogs) (now or in the near future), how you chose the breed you have, or what considerations you have about the ones in the running.
Also it would be useful to hear if you used to keep a breed you no longer have, but now have something different - what prompted the switch? |
| 17 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Jeanna |
Posted - Mar 22 2012 : 08:32:50 AM
I know this is an older thread but I had to put in my 2 cents worth. I think Australian Cattle Dogs are great dogs. They are natural herding dogs. As far as goats go I think Saanen Goats are great as milk goats. Just for goats in general I love Nubian. I have bread all but the Saanen's but I would if given the chance.
Jeanna
Farmgirl Sister #41
Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.
Henry David Thoreau |
| alterationsbyemily |
Posted - May 21 2011 : 3:14:47 PM
I love scottish terriers, they can be trained to do just about anything. They are very loyal and loving but they have real attitude. Beware, they have been breed shorter in the back so birthing is a huge issue.
Also Jack russell terriers, though I have only known them to be my lap dog, I see them all the time in barns.
As for other animals I can't help but wish you all the best
---
Farmgirl #2951
Currently renting-farmgirl wannabe |
| walkinwalkoutcattle |
Posted - May 20 2011 : 08:58:50 AM
Puppies!!!! Oh how CUTE!!! I can't handle all this cuteness.
Farmgirl #2879 :)
Starbucks and sushi to green fried tomatoes and corn pudding-I wouldn't change it for the world.
www.cattleandcupcakes.blogspot.com
|
| Rejena |
Posted - May 20 2011 : 08:35:08 AM
quote:
Originally posted by Lorraine Michelle
I don't breed dogs, but I do breed chickens,and soon we will be breeding goats. so excited!
LorraineMichelle
#3007
Chickens are like potato chips...
You can't have just one!
That is awesome Lorraine, which breed of goats are you thinking of raising. We have Boer right now, but we are starting a Boer/Nubian mix this coming Fall with our new Nubian buck. We'll see how that goes, but we are excited.
We just had PUPPIES! Yahoo....see attached photo of the litter. 3 boys and 3 girls. here is a group shot and then just one of Pink...she's adorable! 
www.violetacresfarm.com
"Kid Run Boer Goat Farm" |
| Lorraine Michelle |
Posted - May 20 2011 : 08:17:36 AM
I don't breed dogs, but I do breed chickens,and soon we will be breeding goats. so excited!
LorraineMichelle
#3007
Chickens are like potato chips...
You can't have just one! |
| soapsister |
Posted - May 05 2011 : 1:10:40 PM
My Gracie..
I would never not have an Airedale..
We have been breeders for aboaut 8 years.
Love, love ,love this breed.
|
| adnama |
Posted - May 04 2011 : 3:55:32 PM
Wow. this is a tough one for me, as I'm (was) not a dog lover. but my housemates Sheltie is a dear sweet lovely dog that I am madly, passionately falling in love with, in fact if my long term boyfriend doesn't watch his p's and q's..... well you can imagine who I will be spending my time with, going on long rambling walks by the lake, finding out about the neighborhood, going to rummage sales. |
| walkinwalkoutcattle |
Posted - May 04 2011 : 3:28:58 PM
How absolutely adorable!
Farmgirl #2879 :)
Starbucks and sushi to green fried tomatoes and corn pudding-I wouldn't change it for the world.
www.cattleandcupcakes.blogspot.com
|
| Rejena |
Posted - May 03 2011 : 12:54:14 PM
This is one of our girls many moons ago. Who's party do you think was being had?
It was really our daughters party, but you would have sworn she was the girl of the hour!
Rejena
www.violetacresfarm.com
"Kid Run Boer Goat Farm" |
| Rejena |
Posted - May 03 2011 : 12:48:59 PM
Hi there. We have bred several different kinds of animals in the past. It started when we were in high school and my then boyfriend (no husband) and my father started raising sheep together. They decided on Dorsets at that time because they were really great meat sheep and had a decent fleece as well.
They raised them for 4 or 5 years and then decided to get out of the Dorsets. They raised full-blood and the breed was getting CRAZY (in their opinions). Their thoughts were that the breed was an unmanageable mess and they were getting tired of being shepherds. Kevin went to college and was done by then and working construction and getting into Accounting, so his barn time became limited and the 100 plus sheep wouldn't wait.
So, they left the barn. Now, we are raising Boer goats for their meat and for the experience of farming for our children. Also, I REALLY LOVE goat meat and it was expensive and hard to find. So, we raise them to eat. We have decided that after a year we are going to experiment with having two separate herds, one that is still 100% Boer and one that we are crossing with a Nubian so we can get their milking and mothering aspects up to spec with what we want. This of course is an experiment and one we are looking forward to starting in October with our first breeding of our new Nubian buck. We'll keep the Boers going strong just in case we don't like what we see.
We are also breeding dogs. This is my husband's hobby. We are expecting our first litter tonight / tomorrow. He has been raising labs for the past 8 years with intent to breed. (I'm a mutt gal, so this really not my calling). But, he's moved slow and steady to find the right sire and dam and now she is anxiously preparing to give birth. We are all enjoying the process, especially the kids. This is their baby who is going to have babies. A real exciting time!
He went to Louisiana to find the best pedigree with the characteristics he wanted in his dam and to Ohio for the sire. We've had the sire for 6 years and this is his first litter. We needed to wait for the dam to come into heat and now we will see.
Kevin initially thought of raising Weim's, but when our dam turned out to be everything a "typical Weim" is, he decided against it. He fell in love with the chocolate labs and (so have I honestly) and so we are hoping this union works out well and that the pups are all suitable and true to their breed. It is exciting having anticipating, perspective homes for the pups, but nerve-wracking at the same time.
This is our experience so far.
www.violetacresfarm.com
"Kid Run Boer Goat Farm" |
| Megan |
Posted - Apr 25 2011 : 5:41:06 PM
i personally like the German Shepherds they are loving, and make great guard dog. i didn't have any problems with mine going after any of the livestock. I know have a blue heeler cross for a vet in town. she is a great dog but has to be kept in the kennel, because she likes to herd the chickens and other birds until they pass out or die.
we bred bull terriers and they are friendly, but i havent found any good use for them.
I also raise some horses. My personal favorites are grade stock horses of good conformation. they seem to have more heart than straight quarter horses and are easier to put in all situations. I have my paint/quarter horse mare bred to a stock horse know and am looking forward to see how the conformation turns out. Sire to me is perfect conformation but would like to see a more willing attitude, like the dam.
other than that any animal that is in rough shape that we can rescue comes to the farm, some are rehomed, some find a job!
|
| gypsy goat |
Posted - Apr 15 2011 : 05:26:11 AM
i love my boxer much like whimsy girl! i think they are an awesome breed. we also had a mini schnauzer he was a very good dog-very faithful and protective. i wouldn't mind getting another one but our girl is used to being an only now and i don't think she would be too happy with me if i brought home another baby! interestingly she loves to go in and play with the goats it is quite a sight to see!
farmgirl#1362 whatever you are be a good one-abe lincoln |
| plantcarazy |
Posted - Apr 12 2011 : 08:55:10 AM
I have the most loveable well mannered beagle! No- she does not yodel! Wonderful family dog, you just need a fenced yard!
I often find myself wandering down country roads..................... |
| Kathigene |
Posted - Aug 22 2005 : 11:57:58 AM
I have never breed a litter of puppies but I've been involved in the sport of dogs for over 20 years. I think I've met about 1 of everything. I also have taught obedience classes for my club so I've seen lots and lots of dogs over the last few decades.
My current household includes a 12 year old English Cocker Spaniel. This is a wonderful healthy breed mainly because the breeders are so protective of them. For the most part they are happy and good natured. If you happen to get one like I did that is a food hound she might drive you crazy. Even at 12 years old, with failing eye sight I occassionally find her on shelving units while she looks for food. Of course, it was this personality that made her a perfect obedience dog.
I also own a Belgian Sheepdog. This is not a breed for everyone. They are high strung. They need a ton of exercise, and they can be a little crazy. Gypsy has been a rotten obedience dog because she gets frightened at dog shows, and she's not much good as a watch dog because she's afraid of people. However she is beautiful and athletic and funny and I adore her and I doubt I will ever live without one of this breed in my house. But don't go out and get one unless you are prepared to deal with one.
I also have a male Australian Shepherd. This is a pretty popular breed and it's a great breed. They are loyal, easy keepers, not too big, not too hairy. They are a great family dog, however they can be protective and although I was a very experienced dog owner I feel that I was not quite prepared to deal with a male Aussie. My first obedience dog was a female Aussie and she was a joy to own.
If you are going to get involved in dogs, be prepared that there is no breed of dog or mix that doesn't have genetic problems. And if you are going to breed correctly it will be very expensive. You need to check for the genetic problems within the breed you choose as well as the run of the mill problems that can affect every dog. Then your female may reabsorb the puppies or they may be born dead or they may be wiped out in the first four weeks by some random virus or even if you save them you still have to pay the stud fees and the vet bills. Or your female may die giving birth. These are just a few of the reasons I don't breed. I am not rich enough to do it right nor am I anywhere emotionally tough enough.
Of course, I am of the opinion that you should not view breeding dogs on the same level as breeding livestock.
Kathy - who was utterly amazed that the correct term for a female dog was bleeped!!
Dogs make such good friends because they wag their tails rather then their tongues. |
| PJJ |
Posted - Aug 21 2005 : 09:23:03 AM
Airedales? Airedales! I *adore* Airedales!
I had my girl for more than 13 years, and spent about five years heavily involved in Airedale rescue. I lost Mattie a couple of years ago; she was the most gentle soul I've ever known.
I also had/have Welsh Terriers -- absolutely *not* a shrunken Airedale, believe me. And I would adore a Border Terrier. Are you familiar with them? They are wonderful, definitely a terrier but more a pack dog than Welsh. They were originally bred to hunt with the horses and the hounds in fox hunts. Great little dogs, not much coat care needed - definitely not the same grooming requirements as Airedales and certainly not the same as Pulis! The grooming is a consideration. But another big one for me is the ability to assimilate into the pack. I really love my Welsh and will likely always have one, but sometimes it would be nice to have a dog who can just "be," who doesn't have to be barking at everything and everyone, and who doesn't see all children in his territory as a threat (this isn't all Welsh, BTW). But they *are* generally very highly prey-driven. Borders are too, but they seem to be able to compartmentalize it, rather than have it take over their whole lives! Does that make sense?
I want one *so* badly!!!!
And I really, really miss having an Airedale in the house. Maybe someday I'll be able to bring home a rescue ...
pj
[quote]Originally posted by Maj
I've gravitated my whole life toward dogs that have some sort of traditional use - one Airedale, one puli, two Briards... No toys ever crossed my mind!
[/size=1]Paula J., with Ty, Cara, Brody, Blue, and Fidget |
| Whimsy_girl |
Posted - Aug 14 2005 : 5:58:49 PM
My mother bred boxers for quite a few years until her favorite mommy got old and blind and finally had to be put down. We chose boxers as a family because they look scary enough to frighten off the average prowler, but they have the kind of personality where they act like puppies for life.. even when Christy, the sweetest dog on the planet had such stiff hips she couldn't run and play, and became so blind she started bonking into things she still had her tail (or rump stump as we liked to call it) wagging all the time.. she still tried to do doggie doughnuts and turn circles around your legs when all she could do was hobble along... she was so good.
Her son (Titus on paper) but answers to the name Baby, is a very good boy as well. He's a big dopy sweetheart. He is 9 years old now and acts like he is 1.
They tend to be great with children and other animals. they are mousers in a way because much like cats they like to chase things that move and they pounce with their paws instead of tearing things up with their jaws.. so we see a lot of smashed former critters in the back yard.. mostly mice, once a squirrel and he pounced a skunk that got away leaving him smelly.. His mother broke the neighbor cats back by pouncing on it with her full body weight. In each instance that the have killed something it has seemed unintentional because they pounce when they play and then just bat what ever they've pounced around... I've never seen them chew anything up before and if the other dogs it is playing with is equal in size I don't think the pouncing thing is much of a risk.. I do watch him pretty closely with my kids for that reason, but so far he has only pawed at them and licked them and stuff I think he knows better than to pounce people :)
They don't usually get very fat unless overfed a LOT. They are very muscular dogs too.
They get very attatched to their owners and are protective.. they have a bark that is way worse than their bite because while behind a fence I've seen them go absolutly nuts over a salesperson or a delivery man but time after time given the oppertunity they would much rather make friends. Another example of that is Alex another of Christy's pups, was jumping at the fence acting like she was going to kill the UPS guy, then he got in his truck to leave, and before he got the door shut she jumped the fence and hopped into the car with him and stuck her head out the window like it was time to go for a ride... It scared the crap out of the UPS guy, but she was just wagging her tail and looking out the window... They are just clowns!
My mom quit breeding after Christy died because she kept her son with the mindset of using him as a stud. He is a beautiful dog but she never got around to it, and now that he is getting older she thinks it will be a good time to stop with the dogs for a while and do some traveling.. If she ever decides to breed dogs again I'll bet you she will choose the same breed because they are so much fun.
you can be oh so smart, or you can be oh so positive. I wasted a lot of time being smart I prefer being positive. |
| verbina |
Posted - Aug 14 2005 : 3:25:00 PM
hi maj,how are you this HOT day. i dont breed(am tempted) to breed french bulldogs. i love them. i have always had english but then i got this french one. randi |
|
|
