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| I can't wait to take pictures like this!!!!! <3 |
Wednesday, March 30
Size Difference
My aunt found this pic on the Ellen Degeneres website! Look at the size difference!!!!! Our situation will be the opposite with the 5-month old puppy weighing in at a meaty 60+ pounds and the old maid of the house weighing in at a solid, but "svelte" 8 pounds.
Monday, March 28
Peak To Peak Working Dog Show
We attended our first dog show ever on Saturday! Our breeder claimed it was a "fake" one, as it was a lot of puppies training for shows and junior dog handlers, but we had fun. Matt is definitely hooked on the shows. One of the three of dogs won Best of Breed! Enjoy the pix!
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| 11 month old, Earl |
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| Hobbson |
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| Jackson |
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| Hobbs |
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| Hobbson's 1st Best of Breed |
Tuesday, March 22
Getting to know the breeder
I wish I had brought my camera along on our adventure today! We met with our local breeder who introduced us to just some of her babies, two 13-year olds, one 10-year old, one 6-year old, and a 4 month old puppy. There were five more outside! The three 4-month olds weighed 48 - 62 pounds! [Yikes!] The dogs were extremely friendly- definitely gentle giants. We were told they love their naps, empty milk jugs (don't buy fancy toys!), getting scratches, and being held. Hundred pound lap dogs?! OH YES!
The breeder happens to be the acting president of the Mile High Great Pyrenees Club. What an odd coincidence! We lucked out! She is extremely knowledgable and gave us a wealth of information. She's been breeding Pyrs for decades and knows those dogs like the back of her hand! While Chihuahuas are known for their small tracheas and bad knees, Pyrs are known for their hip dysplasia; she told us about the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals website. The breeder advised us to thoroughly check out both pup's parents using the aforementioned website for any hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and cardiac disease. She reassured us that if we run into any type of problems, even if we don't get a pup from her, she'd be available for any and all questions. What a sweetheart! One problem she noted that all new Pyr owners call her about, was that all males during 9 - 12 months shed all their hair and decide not to eat. Why?? Some type of imbalance in the pancreas occurs and temporarily stops producing enzymes while the pups are maturing. Regardless, all breeds have their individual health issues. Matt chose this breed based on their obvious size, mellow temperament, and longevity. After meeting with all the dogs, we came to the realization that we definitely picked the right breed for us.
Turns out we just missed out on her last pup from the previous litter by 9 days...... but we always say, "If it's meant to be, it will be." Strangely, things often don't follow our intended plans, but they always work out for the best for us. The breeder estimates the next proposed litter to be born in the summer and ready for new homes in the fall, but may be breeding a second dog in the next couple of weeks. Right now, we're aiming at a new pup in seven to nine months; that's like prepping for a newborn! Definitely not a rash decision here! We've taken the right steps by choosing a knowledgable breeder we like and we're more than willing to wait. This will give us time to save up some extra cash, acclimate Starlet to meeting more dogs, and help us maintain our 90 pound weight limit by our apartment complex!
The breeder happens to be the acting president of the Mile High Great Pyrenees Club. What an odd coincidence! We lucked out! She is extremely knowledgable and gave us a wealth of information. She's been breeding Pyrs for decades and knows those dogs like the back of her hand! While Chihuahuas are known for their small tracheas and bad knees, Pyrs are known for their hip dysplasia; she told us about the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals website. The breeder advised us to thoroughly check out both pup's parents using the aforementioned website for any hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and cardiac disease. She reassured us that if we run into any type of problems, even if we don't get a pup from her, she'd be available for any and all questions. What a sweetheart! One problem she noted that all new Pyr owners call her about, was that all males during 9 - 12 months shed all their hair and decide not to eat. Why?? Some type of imbalance in the pancreas occurs and temporarily stops producing enzymes while the pups are maturing. Regardless, all breeds have their individual health issues. Matt chose this breed based on their obvious size, mellow temperament, and longevity. After meeting with all the dogs, we came to the realization that we definitely picked the right breed for us.
Turns out we just missed out on her last pup from the previous litter by 9 days...... but we always say, "If it's meant to be, it will be." Strangely, things often don't follow our intended plans, but they always work out for the best for us. The breeder estimates the next proposed litter to be born in the summer and ready for new homes in the fall, but may be breeding a second dog in the next couple of weeks. Right now, we're aiming at a new pup in seven to nine months; that's like prepping for a newborn! Definitely not a rash decision here! We've taken the right steps by choosing a knowledgable breeder we like and we're more than willing to wait. This will give us time to save up some extra cash, acclimate Starlet to meeting more dogs, and help us maintain our 90 pound weight limit by our apartment complex!
Friday, March 18
Breeders List
Ah!!!!!!! We just got our GP welcome packet and breeder list! There's a lady in our same town that will be breeding this summer. So exciting! Although this was our very first call, this breeder looks very promising. We're visiting her on Monday!
What we learned from all of these packets?! Pyrs are...
- "World Class Barkers" -- lovely!
- SHED a ton! But only need few baths
- Used to guarding livestock and patrolling large open spaces
- Not easily obedience trained beyond the standard sit, down, stay
Regardless....... WE'RE EXCITED!
Monday, March 14
Starlet
This blog wouldn't be complete without the introduction of Ashley's first four legged baby, Starlet. She is an eight-pound apple-headed medium-haired Chihuahua who will be turning 7 years old in April. Star's temperament is ALL Chihuahua- affectionate to those who they are loyal to, suspicious of all others, courageous, and eccentric. After hours at the local dog park, she is getting more social and playful with the larger breeds.
Like most Chihuahuas, Star loves being warm and often indulges in chasing sun patches around the house to partake in her daily sun bathing session. While sleeping in a nice cozy bed is a favorite past time, she has learned to opt for her cozy cat bed in her own room (the washer/dryer/pantry room).
Overall, Star loves to take long walks, romp around in the grass, chew on her rawhides, get belly rubs, and watch television with her parents.
We hope the transition between Star and Chai is a smooth one! The dog park is definitely helping!
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| With Pooh Bear at ~5 mos |
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| Sharing a seat with Big Sister, Tiger Lilliputian |
Like most Chihuahuas, Star loves being warm and often indulges in chasing sun patches around the house to partake in her daily sun bathing session. While sleeping in a nice cozy bed is a favorite past time, she has learned to opt for her cozy cat bed in her own room (the washer/dryer/pantry room).
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| Nightlight is key! She's scared of the dark. |
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| All smiles from Momma's kisses! |
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| Matt & our Chi-daughter! |
About the Blog
We will soon be the proud new owners of a male Great Pyrenees puppy. His name?! Well, for a great big dog, you need a great big name -- Chai Theodore, Chai T for short. We plan on sharing our experience with breeder search, integrating him with our family, and potty training! Oh the joys! Welcome Aboard!
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