krazy15k

When my dog goes out of heat she gets urinary tract infections, and they give her antibiotics. Is she using the rest room a lot more more frequently or multiple times when you take her out? and the blood is a symptom as well. It probably isn't anything too serious but I would take her to the vet to check it out.

I think it depends on the breeder. Some breeders are more concerned about health/temperament than others. In my personal opinion I think it is ridiculous to breed a dog that has health issues because there are many working dogs that do not. But I think people who have working dogs on farms etc. are primarily looking for a cross that works well for them so I doubt hip and eye testing is as big of a deal. As for for the temperament nature vs. nurture question at the bottom, I think it is a little bit of both. I think that some animals are naturally more aggressive than others for example, but the way the animal is raised and handled can curb the natural aggression.

I have a blue merle, and she works, and so far she is really good at it! I think it is unfair to say that there aren't merles out there that are worth breeding, but I do think it is irresponsible to breed a BC just to get one attribute. They should be bred to maintain an intelligent, athletic, beautiful, working breed. So, I Might be a little partial but I hope my next one is another working merle. I know it might take longer to find one from a reputable breeder, but I don't think this means I am looking for a fashion color, some people are just drawn to certain colors more. Second best I like dogs that are mostly black, I think different people like different things, and as long as they are bred reputable, and the owner is responsible I don't think color matters either way. I think that the dogs should be bred to work, because when you start breeding for other qualities you lose some of the original attributes that make these dogs so great. I think it is amazing that they excel at so many activities, but the reason they do is because they are herding dogs. But, I think a lot of times people get caught up in the sport, and there animal becomes a tool, and at that point people will breed whomever to whomever to try and get some advantage. Which in my opinion these people aren't worried about preserving working heritage but getting themselves the best sport dog. Sorry if that was offensive to anyone, I didn't mean it like that towards anyone on this board.