Castell Pembroke Welsh Corgis

06/13/2024

Copied but from my heart, too.

Every so often, I see a question pop up about whether or not placing retired breeding animals is ethical. To people who aren’t breeders, it often looks bad or feels icky... like breeders are just tossing away dogs once they’ve been used to produce puppies. Let me give you a different perspective...
I receive messages and see posts from the owners of my retired show and breeding dogs. While their lives are comfortable with me, they now get to live an incredibly loved and spoiled life, many times as an only dog with a family that adores them. Different isn’t good or bad, it’s just different. They live a different life with their families than they would have with me. They are content, satisfied, and loved with me; they continue to be all of those things, but with their very own people and without having to share those people with a pack of other dogs.
The day I let one of my retired dogs go to a family is HARD. I cry when I let them go... I look forward to updates on birthdays, “gotcha” days, and out of the blue every few months. I see how they are loved beyond measure, and I am grateful every day that my “retired” dogs have been blessed into the lives of the people that love them just as much as I ever did. I’m glad it could be one of mine that they love.
Quality breeders don’t rehome retired breeding dogs because it’s easy. We do it in spite of how hard it is on us because it’s what’s best for them.
** Copied from a friend **

05/25/2024

Those of us who love animals will, at some time, have to make the decision to allow them to go peacefully from the many forms of lack of quality life.

Here's an article I include in my puppy packets. I hope you find it helpful

Scout’s House
When Is it time?

When your pet is reaching the end of her life, how do you know when it’s time to say goodbye? Although there is no straightforward answer, this evaluation is designed to guide you as you make your decision. Please base your answers on your pet’s current condition and keep in mind any new behaviors you’re seeing.

QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR PET

BREATHING Does your pet have difficulty breathing? Is his
Breathing labored?
0 1 2 * * *
Not a problem Rarely Occationally Frequently Regularly Always a problem
* Note: If you answer is Frequently, Regularly, or Always, please go no further – your pet’s quality of life is questionable. Please talk to your veterinarian immediately.

PAIN Do you think your pet is in pain? Does your veterinarian think your pet is in pain? Is the pain difficult to control even with medication? Is your pet so painful he tries to bite?
0 1 2 3 4 5
Not a problem Rarely Occasionally Frequently Regularly Always a problem

APPETITE Has your pet recently experienced a loss of appetite? Do you now have to hand feed her to coax her to eat?
0 1 2 3 4 5
Not a problem Rarely Occasionally Frequently Regularly Always a problem

AGITATION Is your pet anxious, fearful, or restless? Is he whining? Is he unable to sleep through the night?
0 1 2 3 4 5
Not a problem Rarely Occasionally Frequently Regularly Always a problem

INFECTIONS Does your pet suffer from chronic, recurring
Wounds or infections that cannot be controlled?
(eg, bed sores or urinary tract infections)?
0 1 2 3 4 5
Not a problem Rarely Occasionally Frequently Regularly Always a problem

ATTITUDE Does your pet seem unhappy or less engaged? Is she no longer excited by things she used to like
(eg a ball, catnip, the jingle of keys, a favorite
Visitor)? Do you think your dog has lost her will
To live?
0 1 2 3 4 5
Not a problem Rarely Occasionally Frequently Regularly Always a problem

QUESTIONS ABOUT YOU

TIME Do you have trouble finding the time, energy, and
ENERGY resources to care for your pet as you should,
RESOURCES including keeping hi clean/medicated/hydrated
Or, if he’s paralyzed, moving him when you change rooms or doing position changes to avoid
Bed sores?
0 1 2 3 4 5
Not a problem Rarely Occasionally Frequently Regularly Always a problem

EMOTIONAL Does it make you sad or depressed to see your pet
TOLL like this? Is your pet’s condition too much for you
To bear, either physically or emotionally? Do you
Find it stressful to care for him, including
Medicating or cleaning him?
0 1 2 3 4 5
Not a problem Rarely Occasionally Frequently Regularly Always a problem

TOTAL SCORE: ______________

If your score is:

0-13 points – Your pet’s quality of
Life is acceptable.

14-23 points – Your pet’s quality of
Life is diminished

24 or more points – This is not a
Good quality of life

Scout’s House
506 Santa Cruz Avenue
Menlo Park, California 94025
Tel: 650-328-1430

05/23/2024

With summer on it's way, I thought this article might be of interest to some.......

DO NOT SHAVE DOUBLE-COATED BREEDS

Double coated dogs refer to the animals that, like Huskies, have two layers of fur. The first, undercoat, are the fine, fluffy hairs that are short and crimp (closest to the skin). It's the fur that sheds; light and soft. This layer is excellent at trapping air and insulating the dog. Essentially it keeps them warm in the winter, and cool in the summer.

The topcoat is made up of tougher guard hairs that don’t shed, and protect your pet from the sun’s harmful rays and bug bites. It actually insulates them from the heat. What this means is: do not shave your double coated dog. It’s a mistake to think you’re helping your animal stay cool, particularly in summer, when evolution has provided them exactly what they need to survive. By stripping them of their natural ability to heat and cool themselves, you could be doing more harm than good.

A key piece of understanding in this matter is that, unlike humans; dogs do not cool themselves through their skin. At most, it is only the pads of their paws that sweat. Their main mode of cooling comes from panting.

Some other common reasons folks shave their doubled coated dogs are the thinking that the animal will stop shedding. Pooches with undercoats shed, no two ways about it. But even after a shave, while the hair may be shorter, it can still shed.

Another is, "it'll always grow back". Sometimes it will, other times it won't. The older the pooch is, the less likely it is that the topcoat of guard hairs will grow back. This leaves them with the undercoat, giving them a patchy, scruffy look. It can alter their coat for the rest of the dog's life. Not only does it look bad, but you can end up having to shave the hair continuously from then on and once again, you strip them of their natural ability to protect themselves.

In conclusion, when you shave a double coated dog, you may irreparably impair their ability to properly heat/cool themselves and protect their skin. The best way to keep this kind of dog cool and comfortable is to regularly bathe and brush them. The only reason a person might need to shave their double coated dog is if the hair is so matted, it's the only option.

Send a message to learn more

04/23/2024

OMG what a great idea for the city dwellers!

04/23/2024

04/10/2024

While this AKC article is about Labradors, a lot of the information is appropriate for Corgis, such as SHAVING the double coat. Please take a moment to read. There's a lot to be learned!

It is hard to think of a more classic family dog than the loyal Labrador Retriever. This popular breed is known for excelling in sports, hunting, service, and being great family pets. Although Labrador, Canada is where you may guess this breed originates – you would be wrong! The breed began their rise to worldwide popularity in Newfoundland, where they were first known as St. John's Water Dog.

How the Labrador Retriever Came to Be
A stocky, double coated dog, these hardy canines were custom tailored for a world of cold water and hard work in the chilly lands of Newfoundland, Canada. Nowadays you will often find them retrieving ducks or other game with their hunting owners, however they were intended to be a fisherman’s best friend first and foremost. Waterproof coats, webbed paws, and a sturdy but gentle mouth made them indispensable companions that could assist in and out of the water with nets and ropes. Originally, this dog was known as the St. John’s Water Dog, an apt description of this strong swimmer.

Extinction is the furthest thing from one’s mind when thinking of the Labrador Retriever, but these now commonplace dogs almost faded into history in the late 1800’s. Newfoundland began to institute a strict tax on dog ownership, driving most families to give up their canine companions because it became too expensive to own them.

Fortunately for us all, breeders in England had already begun to appreciate the versatility and working ethic of the breed they carried back home. They began to use them for hunting, rather than fishing, and added in a few local breeds. They termed these canines “Labrador dogs”. No one is quite sure why Labrador got the credit for these dogs instead of Newfoundland, but their popularity quickly spread. Now, over 100 years later, this breed is consistently in the top 3 most popular breeds in America.

The Labrador Retriever as Working Dogs
Labs are more than capable of titling in multiple venues, from conformation to hunting and more, as well as excelling in therapy work and sports. They are also very popular as service dogs – work that requires a dog that is smart, steady, and eager to please, making labs an ideal candidate for this task. Their sturdy bodies and gentle mouths, as well as intelligence, make Labradors able to perform a wide variety of tasks to assist their humans

The Labrador’s retrieving instincts and love of water translate well into sports such as dock diving too. Versatile is one word that describes the Labrador Retriever to a T. Nothing makes them happier than helping their humans and using their brains to solve problems. Although this trait means they can easily adapt to many households, the intelligence and drive of the breed can also lead to undesirable behaviors. Lifelong training, as well as mental stimulation and exercise, is essential to provide your Lab with a happy and fulfilled life. Boredom can lead to behaviors like excessive barking, digging, chewing, and other undesirable traits. Getting involved with local trainers, facilities, and dog sports will help you and your dog’s relationship grow and give them the outlet they need to work those brains!

The Labrador Retriever’s Appearance
Three Labrador Retievers sitting in the grass
As stated in the breed standard, the most distinguishing characteristics of the Labrador Retriever are its short, dense, weather resistant coat; an "otter" tail; a clean-cut head with broad back skull and moderate stop; powerful jaws; and its "kind," friendly eyes, expressing character, intelligence, and good temperament.

The Labrador’s thick double coat can come in three colors – yellow, chocolate, and black. Shedding is a constant in any Labrador owner’s lives, courtesy of the fluffy undercoat that keeps these dogs warm in chilly climates. Waterproofing is provided by a coarse topcoat with natural oils. Double coated dogs need regular brushing and ideally should be blown out with a velocity dryer meant for dog grooming – this treatment ensures that the shedding undercoat does not become impacted or matted, which can cause a dog to overheat. Shaving should never be done to control shedding or heat regulation! Double coated dogs that are shaved simply shed smaller hairs, and now have no protective topcoat against the elements. There is also a risk that their coat will not come back fully! Cooling jackets, air-conditioned breaks, and swimming time are great ways to beat the heat without ruining the double coat of the Labrador.

The classic 3 colors of the Lab can appear in any litter, although with genetic understanding of the colors your breeding dogs carry you can get a good idea of what colors could appear in litters you produce. In recent years, the public has trended towards ‘unusual’ or ‘unique’ colors of classic dog breeds, which has led to the famed ‘silver lab’. However, according to the breed club and the breed standard, silver is not an accepted color and is not considered to be a purebred Labrador as the breed does not naturally carry the dilute gene.

Breeding Labrador Retrievers
When considering Labrador breeding, the parent club recommends that at minimum testing be conducted for hip and elbow dysplasia, healthy eyes, Exercise Induced Collapse, and Dilute genetics. Other optional tests include, but are not limited to, cardiac evaluation, Centronuclear Myopathy testing, and prcd-PRA testing. Health testing is an important part of ensuring this breed remains the strong, steady companion and hunting dog we all know and love. Many hereditary issues can be reduced, or avoided entirely, with proper health testing and care in a breeding program.

Breeding is not for the faint of heart! Before beginning a breeding program, it is important to be aware of all necessary preventative measures to avoid issues during pregnancy or whelping, as well as be prepared for the costs of regular check ups or medical care necessary to produce a healthy litter. Even the most prepared breeder can be faced with unexpected issues, such as emergency c sections, mastitis, and more! Explore our Breeding Coverage upgrade to protect your future dams against these potential emergencies.

01/02/2024

Isn’t this just the cutest 4 pound bundle of fluff?

12/27/2023

12/26/2023

Thanks to my daughter, Kirsten, my feet won’t be getting cold this winter!

12/25/2023

I want to thank all the hundreds of people that have visited this page recently.

I am a dedicated Pembroke breeder of 40 years. I've experienced a lot of negativity due to my strong opinions, especially regarding testing for Degenerative Myelopathy. While it isn't the only heath test breeders should do, it is, by far, the most devastating.

Like buying a home or car, etc, puppy buyers should do their due diligence in finding a reputable breeder. On my website, there is a page on "Questions you should ask a breeder". Please don't just call or email and say "do you have puppies? How much?" If you've followed this page you will have seen posts on what a good breeder does and how they raise their puppies. I loved them first. Right now, I'm trying desperately to save a 3 week old with respiratory pneumonia. It's a hard road and, usually, without a good ending. But I have to give this little life the best chance I can.

Please respect reputable, dedicated breeders; breeders who follow the breed standard and Code of Ethics. Many breeders out there who raise puppies in a barn or kennel or some out of the home area. Our puppies are born and raised in our family room which is, basically, where we live.

Give credit to the sacrifices we make. Get a legally binding contract. Most will have a clause regarding returning a pup if you find, for ANY reason, you can't keep the pup. Make sure you get a health record for all vaccinations, wormings or other medical events.

Please don't buy a puppy for Christmas.. This is a time of busy celebrating, out to parties or open houses with little time to spend with a new pup. You are taking him from an environment that he knows and is comfortable in to an unknown place that might be frightening and insecure. Birthdays and other holidays I'd recommend the same.

Another warning.... don't try to buy TWO pups at once. If they come from the same litter, they are already bonded to each other and will continue that bond over bonding to you. Get a pup, raise it up to a year then contemplate getting that second furball. The older pup will also help you teach and raise the second pup.

That's all my scattered thoughts for today. My life has been chaotic for some time now so I don't get the opportunity to speak to my "puplic"!

Have a very Merry Christmas, Hanukkah or whatever faith you follow.

12/21/2023

I tried so hard to help her survive but it wasn’t to be. I don’t think you can see the tears but this is one of the heartbreakers dedicated breeders endure. She was not a commodity, she was not extra dollars in the bank. She was a sweet living being who was bred with care. I know she is gone but I can’t stop rocking, petting and kissing her. Now I need to turn my attention to her three littermates.

She’s laying here on my chest just like she did when she got her electrolytes and fell asleep. 😭

11/14/2023

Isn’t this how everyone waters their horses?

11/04/2023

Well, guess who my digger is? Not sure where he thinks he’s going! While the others are easily distracted, he is all business!

10/05/2023

I didn't write this but I could have. Keep that in mind when you call a responsible breeder and ask only for her price.

Dear Past And Future Puppy Owners
I loved them first. I thought of you years before you even realized. I planned for and cared about your baby long before you started thinking of adding to your family. I worried about your future with that puppy before you knew there would be one.
There were hours upon hours spent researching lines for the parents of your puppies. Going over breeder after breeder, choosing not only my pet but looking for a dog that will make you your pet. Worrying if you'd be happy, if I had chosen correctly and your puppy would grow up healthy and happy. Going over puppy after puppy with fellow breeders, running over my program with as many knowledgeable breeders as I can, determined to not miss anything. Tracing lines back as far as I could, learning the ins and outs not only for my knowledge but so that I was informed, prepared to go over every detail with you, to answer the questions that sometimes you don't even ask.
Then there's years of watching your puppies parents grow. Loving them and enjoying them as part of my family. Taking them every where I can, training them, socializing them, watching how they fill out. Asking myself I had made the right choice in both of them. Scrutinizing their conformation, how they move, and their temperament. There was the stress of health testing. Praying not only that my babies were healthy but that they had the genes to make your baby healthy.
Finally came the time to put your puppies parents together. For the next 63 days I worried, I obsessed, I grew excited. I watched your puppies mom like a hawk. Making sure my baby was ok, monitoring her diet better than I do my own. Concerned that she was getting enough of the right nutrients and that your growing baby was getting the best start possible. I spent hours on the couch, floor, and dog bed with her watching her tummy grow and anxiously waiting. As your baby and mine grew I laid my hands on her tummy and felt the first movements of your puppy. As the time grew close I spent most nights in the nursery with her. Making sure she didn't go into labor without me knowing, in case something went wrong and one of our babies needed help. When labor started my whole life stopped. I spent every second with her. Your baby was born into my hands and I held my breath as I cleaned them up, watching for movement and breathing, cleaning them up, checking them over, and wondering if you'd love them as much as I already did. I helped your babies brother when mom got tired and he was stuck. I cried when your babies sister didn't make it.
For the first 10 weeks most of my life was filled with your baby. Watching them grow and making sure I was doing everything possible to make sure they started their lives the right way. Making sure each one was getting enough to eat, enough socialization time, that they were de-wormed and given their shots. I was the first person they saw when they opened their eyes. I spent my weeks playing with them and keeping them safe.
I searched for you and interviewed you. As you spoke I tried to read your character. Would you love them as much as I do? Would you bring them in as part of your family? Would you care for this tiny life that I brought into this world that I am responsible for? Some of you were turned away but some of you were welcomed into our family. The day you took your baby home was harder than I'd ever let on. I was excited for you but I was also terrified. Had I chosen correctly? Were you who you seemed to be?
My love and worry didn't end there. I thought about your baby regularly, saddened when I didn't get updates, ecstatic when I did. I hoped you were caring for your baby the way I care for mine. I answered your questions happily and answered them again just as happily to your babies siblings new parents. When your puppies sister ate a couch I stayed up that night she was at the vets, waiting to hear that she was ok. When their brothers parents decided he no longer fit in their life I welcomed him home, sorry that I had chosen wrong for him and promised him it wouldn't happen again.
I loved your baby first and I will never stop.
-Author Unknown-

10/02/2023

My little clones! Such uniformity, excellent structure at this point. Sadly, they will be leaving home soon.

Although the wonderful homes my baybees go to are special, I miss each and every one. After 40 years, you’d think I’d forget some but it only takes a name to remind me.