wolfdogs in "the land down under"
 

hey u guys,

my name is Thalia, and I'm a newbie, so take it easy one me :wink: lol Ever since about i can remember i've aways had this fascination with wolves and dogs, so i guess its only natural for me to want a "wolf-dog" as a pet :cheesy: Anywho, i was wondering if anyone knew about the legalities in Australia in regards to owning a czech wolfdog as a pet, as i realise this is a recognised in a few countries, but I haven't heard much about them in Oz...if anyone knows more about this issue, regarding legalities or any helpful websites, please feel free to let me know

Muchas gracias amigos :P

Thalia xxxx

Hey, another Aussie here. A wolf dog must be at least five generations removed to be imported(from a wolf). To find out about importing just google search this and read all info on pets. Unfortunately we dont particapate in the "pet travel scheme" so if you import from any where except England the animal will have to stay in quarantine for six month. If you get it from the Uk you would have to purchase it from the breeder when its a year old so it can have all its shots. but is about one month quarantine. The problem with that is you need DEFRA permission and they currently are against this breed. But hey if you do get one let me know :mrgreen: I have a dog Im about to breed (hopefully) that is part wolf but has shepherd like markings. If you are interested let me know.

thanks for the feedback, though i acknowledge a lot of the points made such as the 5th generation comment and the quarantining issue, hehe, shoulda been more specific i know, and im sorry :) And i realise this topic may have been covered beforehand, so i'm also sorry for any inconvenience i may of caused :( hehe, now that iv outdone myself with apologies lol, can i ask how id get in contact with DEFRA, and also, yes ligerwolve, id luv to know more about ur doggie ur plannin on breeding, just pm me..

Thalia,
We don't have to worry about DEFRA just the Dept.of Environment and Natural Resources.You can import a Wolfdog here as long as you can prove it is at least 5gens from any pure wolf,however,it is this proof that is hardest to get as pedigree papers are not sufficient.I know cos I've already spoken to the relevant people and have friends in Quarantine kennels.Simon-Australia

That's a peculiar situation, isn't it... :) In what other way, then, can one prove that the dog is at least 5 generations away form the wolf if not through his/her pedigree papers....? By questioning the dog itself or maybe examining its genetic code?
Isn't the red tape absurd everywhere in the world..... :roll:

The reason to contact DEFRA is to do with the animal leaving the country. When i contacted quarantine they told me that I would have to contact DEFRA as they deal with the animals that are exported. "You should also confirm with DEFRA the officially recognised diagnostic laboratory for export testing in the UK is:" thats a small quote. Theres alot of work that goes into importing this animal. Who are you contacting Slarman? I would like to know, maybe you have found an easier way.

Ligerwolf,
You are only concentrating on importing thru England!You can import directly from any country in the world.Most countries in Europe are only 30days quarantine minimum into Australia.Why go to England,where the breed is banned when you can import straight from Czechoslovakia and not even go any where near the UK.
Simon

I guess because looking at the information as a whole it would run smoother, which is good for the dog. If it was not for DEFRA this would be an easy choice. However I am looking at other countries aswell. I am practising my french :mrgreen: just incase. I would prefer to go some where that I have relatives so they could also help me out. I think that this is not just a case of import the dog. These are wolfdogs and need proper attention. If I think that this will be unhealthy for the dog than I just wont import. I am taking this very slowly as you dont want to have yoyr dog stuck in quarantine and then find out there might be a problem. Do you have any experience in import Slarman? I would like to talk to some people that have done this before, there is so much information to digest. And are you just getting one animal or a breeding pair?

I fully understand where you're coming from.Quarantine is a difficult hurdle to get over but it's very possible and only looks difficult!
Myself,I am looking at a breeding pair,and then individual dogs,as I would keep a female from the first litter.Also I contacted the Vic.Canine Assoc. and the Aust.National Kennel Council and they are prepared to recognise the breed as long as I follow their guidelines which is fair.If we get them recognised then the breed has protection from the wankers,unlike the Pit bull.Simon

That/s great how you've got into contact with the VCA and ANKC...I realise this would result in the breeds protection and recognition and hopefully a more positive outlook on importing high quality CzW's to Australia and breeding them to better the standard. Please keep us informed as to how this goes and if you are successful :D

It sounds like you are well on your way to importing Slarman. You will probably get a pair soon. I too was thinking a pair but maybe I wont have to. Might look you up and see if we could breed our dogs. You will definately have to keep us up to date on your progress. Perhaps when we have a few different animals here we will have to start a club so we can all compaire notes. Slarman have you done any courses to do with dogs? For that matter has anyone done dog related courses? Did they find them useful and what does everyone do for a living?

Ligerwolf,I am a fully accredited dogtrainer.I am also thinking of updating my skills.Yes,I am hoping that as numbers grow a club will form with approval from the Aust.National Kennel Club.Also if you buy a pup with me I will pay for the dogs training,and only give pedigrees on proof of passing level2 obedience[off lead].There will be alot of work to do,and I'm still not sure I will import.At the moment I am not financial enough,but I hope you are successful.
Simon
PS Feel free to E-mail me [email protected]

Ive always wanted to know how to become an acredited Dog Trainer but I cant find any courses. Do you just join an obedience club? I am going to undertake some small courses on dogs this year and hopefully can move later so I can go for a degree in Animal Behaviour. I dont have the money yet (for importing) but I have about $9000 so far. But I will keep working on it. May be taking on another dog soon, friend has unwanted puppy. So I will be busy anyway. :mrgreen:

Ligerwolf,
You closer to importing than me.If you're interested in becoming a dogtrainer go to www.ndtf.net.au.
Simon

Thanks Slarman, I will look into that. :D

Hi,

I am new here so please go easy on me... :cheesy:

I was just wondering if there are breeders for the wolfdogs here, and if there are what type of wolfdogs are here?

I am a wolfdog fan, but want to know the breeders and their wolfdogs aswell as get one for myself, I want to learn a bit from those breeders aswell, so if you guys have some information that would help me, that would be great.

Hi Wolfdog Lover,

Where do you come from. Also from Australia??????

Letty

I see guys that you've taken my piece of advice from a few months ago, and are considering a bulk purchase? :D :D :D
Let me know when the first Aussie pups are born. I'll adveritse them among my Australian friends... :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

I haven't suggested a bulk purchase of pups,and whilst I live in Victoria, Idon't know Ligerwolf lives maybe she could tell me?Anyway a dog has to be no less than 6 months to be imported and to have passed many blood tests before being allowed to come here,so any Aussies looking to import should bring in adult dogs.Also a pregnant female must be no more than 3 weeks pregnant on arrival in quarantine,and they must all stay in quarantine until the pups are 8 weeks,which makes it more expensive as you are charged the same daily rate for each pup as you are an adult[I think about $25 a day]so if a bitch has 8 pups.......well you do the maths.
Simon

I was only joking :cheesy: I wish you both all the best with your plans :mrgreen:

I live in Canberra in Australia. Im happy to talk with other people interested in importing to Australia. So we dont all import bitches :mrgreen: Then get stuck. No there arent really any wolf dogs here. But there are Timber Shepherds, which are only said to be 10% wolf. They look like King Shepherds to me. They are really hard to track down though. There of course is Czech Shepherds but the RAAF has most of those and the breeders only sell to them. I have one but only because a friend rescued her from being destroyed. As far as they know she is dead. I am looking for a GSD to mate her with but if I am unsuccessful then I will just have to import. My dog is comming up to 5 years old so its risky as it is. But as I said last time I have been given another puppy. A beautiful GSD girl. :cheesy: :cheesy: :cheesy: So I am happy.

Ligerwolf,
I've never heard of a Timber Shepherd or a Czech Shepherd and as far as I know GSD's still have 8% wolf cos of the intense inbreeding done by von Stephanitz the breeds founder.Anyway,I too would hate seeing only females or males imported,however,if only females came here,it actually wouldn't be so silly as we can import semen from a variety of males,without having to feed or house them!To import semen is half the expense,though Artificial Insemination is a relatively costly method and is only 60% successful,from what I hear.Also I have a very dominant male American Bulldog and a small backyard,though I live next to a huge off lead park,so it's a bit tricky at the moment.
Getting back to the CSW's,you know if everybody interesed in importing got semen from various unrelated males a sperm bank could be established,ensuring a great genetic diversity,just thinking.
Simon

Ok a Timber Shepherd is like a really big smart hairy GSD. And i mean BIG. But there outward appearance is just very much GSD. The Czech Shepherd (what I have) is like.... um.. Take a CWD give it shorter legs a much wider chest. its ears are probably bigger than a CWD but smaller than a GSD. It has hackles like a wolf and a inbetween muzzle. Big feet :mrgreen: The colour is generally more like a GSD as there is no silver and white only. They tend also to be darker than GSD, they are usually mostly black with a few GSD like markings in silver, tan and white. There is also a blackish sable or most commonly all black. The big difference is the intellegence. I know most people say that about there dogs but trust me wolfdogs add a whole new meaning to the word.
I personally would prefer to have a male here, but I know what you mean. I rent at the moment and have a really big lap dog(my Czech Shepherd) and now a 7 week old GSD. Not to mention the leader of the pack my cat. But I grew up with worse. We used to take in unwanted and abused animals. At one time (and this is in a small suburban back yard) we had 6 dogs, 16 cats, rabbits, guiniepigs, mice, rats, chickens, ducks, budgies, a magpie, a carawong, lizards, and one stick insect :mrgreen: and thats all that I can remember off the top of my head. We never went on holidays. I really believe that we should all keep in contact because as a group we can achieve a lot more than as individuals. I am glad I have this GSD pup as I am know talking to all the groups that we will have to deal with when we want it to be a registered breed. P.S I am looking at maybe purchasing a property soon :mrgreen:

Ligerwolf,
Thanks for the info on Timbers and Czech Shep's! I did look them up on the web and found some info on the Czech's,to me they are just big,darker GSD,but thats my opinion.
Definitely we should stay in touch and I've put my E-mail on this forum,you,and anyone else are welcome to use it,I've nothing to hide.I guess I swing the other way as far as importing.I've grown up with mostly female dogs and therefore feel more comfortable with them.At the moment I do have a male Am.Bulldog and he's a handful and this has been my experience with male dogs,I love him but it must be that male/male rivalry-but I win all the time!!
I remember in the other forum you said you and your fiance were going os,is that still happening?
Keep me posted,Simon
P.S.Hope all goes well with the property

Yes we are still hoping to go over seas in the next 3-4 years I think. My partner and I are also both artists so there are heaps of places I would like to visit. Yeah Czech Shepherds are definately more shepherd in looks than say CWD. But be careful searching the net because there are Czech Shepherds and Czech German Shepherds and they both are called the same thing. really confusing :mrgreen: If you look at the history of CWD's there's a pic of one of the early stock with shepherd markings that I personally think looks a lot like my dog. When you see her in person no one thinks she is a GSD more like a cross. She is my pride and joy :cheesy: I hope we get some wolfdogs here because Im not sure if I will be able to find a dog to breed her with and Im not sure it will be the same with any other breed. :( But on a lighter note I am busy spoiling my new puppy rotten with every toy and accessory on the market. It seems unlikely I will be able to have kids so, so far the poor cat has had my attention. I think he is the only cat to have his own toy box! Everyone thinks Im crazy spoiling my cat and dog so much but they both know a tone of tricks and they keep me company.

Slarman, ur in VIC??? Im also in VIC, in Melbourne...whereabouts are u located?

I'm in Melbourne Thalia.My E-mail is [email protected] drop me a line! Simon

i have emailed u Slarsman :)

hello brand new here - australia
 

Hi all

I'm Jessie and found this site threw my fiancee she is also a member here.

I love the idea of a wolf dog, I love all animals dogs(and dog likes) being my second favorite type he he he.

Seen some pictures of wolf dogs the look like amazing creatures would love to own one but would be very tricky seeing I'm in Australia.

Anyways im sure it will be fun talking about these great animals with you all.

Jessie

In case you are all wondering the fiancee my fiancee is talking about is me :cheesy: lol

Yes, we are both very much animals lovers and are evry interested in these creatures...would love to get in contact with someone in Australia who planns on importing and breeding pups in the near future, if anyone is, please reply to this post or pm me.

Crap your not the fiancee I was talking about i guess both my fiancee's are members of this site lol

But as Thalia said if anybody plans on importing these animals to aust we would love to know

I'm sure whoever imports these dogs will let you know as soon as they do. Just like I will let you know if breeding my dog is succesful :mrgreen:

koosletydeGraaf, I live in western australia, near the snow.

Do you know of anyone who breeds them here?
I have heard that they have a bad temper around children.
I was wondering if you breed them with a dog that has low temperment and one of the pups that were in the litter comes less temperment.

Unfortunately there are no breeders here yet, but there has been a lot of talk of importing :lol: Any dog that is properly socialised should be fine with children including this breed. Even wolves have been known to take pitty on children. I have a wolfdog and she is great with kids. Sometimes she takes it to far like pulling the kid out of a tree (she doesnt allow them up high) or if a kid is splashing around in the water she will attemp to "dig" them out then drag them to safety :cheesy: So I wouldnt leave them alone with kids. If you are interested in this breed keep an eye on this sight because Im sure one of us will one day. P.S Im from Canberra how you going?

Thanyou, I am doing fine, are you thinking of breeding your wolfdog?
How much percentage of wolf does he/she have?
Can you tell me more about them? :D

She is about 40% wolf and I am waiting for her next heat to try for a mating with GSD. Because she is a little older than what I would like I will only make the one attemt. There is a description of her further up, she is a Czech Shepherd, you can also search for them on the internet but be careful you dont look at Czech GSD lines. They all are called the same thing so its really confusing. So there you go :mrgreen: Feel free to ask any questions Im happy to answer them.

hey guys I was just searching the net and stumbled across this forum (australian) bagging out wolfdog breeds. I know one of you guys tried to help out and just thought you might like to add this. Some wolfdog breeds are considered some of the worlds best working dogs EVER! They are used in a range of activities such as Armed forces, Police, blind seeing eye dogs, therapy dogs and the list goes on. yes wolf hybrids can be dangerous because you dont know which genes they have inherited the same as any dog cross. Lets also adress the fact that they are worried about GSD and CWD getting mixed up. THEY LOOK NOTHING ALIKE! My Czech Shepherd is more like a GSD and very few people confuse them. I hope you will all join me in letting these small minded people learn a little more about these breeds. P.S I am trying to find the breeder of Timber Shepherds here in Australia (breed not hybrid) and I will let you guys know how I go. I will warn you though that they are pretty picky not to mention that my dog cost about $3000.00 with papers. :mrgreen:

Hey Ligerwolf,Who's been 'bagging out'(?) wolfdogs????Sure anyone wanting one should know the negs and pos of any breed.No breed is perfect and I don't think this breed is for people who are attracted to the name wolfdog,thats why the pitbull is in so much trouble.I think people should educate themselves first and breeders should be open about the negatives of a breed,that way you can discourage the idiots from ruining it for the rest of us.
Simon

Dogs online. I did a google search for "wolfdogs"+"Australia" to see what was new and came across several forums discussing importing the CWD here. Most assumed they where hybrids, but pretty much all of them were negative. This really concerns me as it could effect the dogs we import. I think we need to educate people now before it is to late. Also I believe the person starting these discussions is one of the Australian members. So I urge them to please learn a little more about wolfdog breeds and the pro's and con's of the breed before speaking publicly because people can be very VERY sensitive about the idea of a wolfdog. I also ask them to discus it here as Im sure we would all love to help them in their search. :mrgreen:

Thanks for the info. ligerwolf,I'll be sure to look it up and suss it out.Anyway to my way of thinking if this person isn't impressed with the CSW,then it's one less idiot buying them.To be honest,the only people we have to watch are the extremist RSPCA types who want to ban breeds like the GSD,Rottweiler,Mastiff breeds-Hugh Wirth RSPCA President has stated publicly they don't believe the breeds traditionally used for guardian work have a place in modern society anymore and should be discouraged-the pitbull is the first to suffer it will be interesting to see whats next!!! The best way to combat this is to be careful who you sell pups to,and build a strong club.
Simon

:D :D :D

I just dont think its good publicity, I dont want to have what happened with DEFRA happen here. The Australian public is sensitive about "intoduced species" and i think they will be quick to think of it this way. The person who was chating was asking if anyone knew of anyone breeding them here and when she was questioned on the wisdom of doing this became defencive. She said things like are bad with children, ect. She also is taking the stand point that she wants a wolfdog because she wants a wolf ( fair enough) but these dogs are not just some hybrid, alot of dedicated people are working with this dog. Wolfdogs are a lot of work, not like any dog here. My dog is one of the best working dogs i have ever owned, her intelligence is what attracted me to the breed. Look who ever this girl is if you just want a dog that looks like a wolf, drop me a line and i will tell you what to do, but you are going about this the wrong way. I dont know what do you guys think she has started chats at about 5 different sites, even asked about getting an actual wolf-hybrid.

Ligerwolf,
I hopped on the site and wasn't surprised by the chat going on!!!!
Especially from the guys talking about 'our breed' the GSD.Don't get me wrong I love GSD's however they are becoming stagnant in the way they are being bred,losing alot of their drive,and,because the showring people have taken over the guardianship of the breed,the physical health of the breed has suffered thru an increase in hip Dysplasia.Also because showring people tend to breed only for looks there are alot of GSD's out there you can't trust,which is sad for perhaps the greatest utility breed ever created.From all I learnt from this site,speaking to breeders and owners,the CSW is a specialist breed,for tracking,however there are alot of breeders and owners expanding the CSW's range,what any Australian MUST be willing to do is take the time and effort to work the dogs they import to get a feel for them and to know their strength's and weaknesses.YES you will stuff up,but that only suggests the handlers weakness and perhaps over-zealousness,however,if done right,it won't be a total loss as training is a learning curve no matter the breed.Also if a bitch is imported you can always do better with a young pup you carefully select.
Simon

I agree with you about the GSD, although I have one myself. Its a shame that here in Australia we dont seem to have any real stable, natural working dogs. If it becomes inpossible to import these dogs then i have been considering creating my own working dog. Because of my career interests I need a really good dog, so far akayla (my czech shepherd) has been the closest thing. Personally I think the whole dog community needs a big shake up.

Ligerwolf,
To start with it's not illegal to import this breed!Secondly they are NOT on the Banned list-wolf hybrids ARE and there's a big difference btwn a wolfdog&wolf hybrid.Thirdly I know there is a pure Canadian Timberwolf in Victoria right now,who is 4 years old and in good,responsible hands,but I'm not telling anyone where it is,and I will never breed to him.
Lastly,the only way the government can ban any breed of dog is if it proves to be a continuing threat to humans and other animals.The reason the pitbull is banned is cos of the ferocity of attacks and because other Nations have banned it.Australia banned it cos Britain banned it.It would be interesting to find official statistics on the number of recorded attacks by the CSW.
Simon

I realise its not illegal to import CWD's but I was thinking more along the lines of how to get one here without any damage to the dogs mental well being. I am not sure about leaving one in quarantine for 6 months so its not a definate I will import. I have relatives over seas and are talking with them about it. There is no garantee that someone will bring the breed here, though I hope so. My point is this, the dog community here needs a shake up, dogs are being breed as merly pets which I think is doing more harm than good and after trying to speak with breeders I am convinced that we need something new. I know we have some pure wolves here i know someone near Brisbane that has one, we even have some hybrids but I cant see just a normal person being able to import one. Since without a licence they have to be five generations removed and have documents that state this. I am however trying to track down an old contact and see if he is still breeding Timber Shepherds. I guess because up till recently i only ever delt with unwanted dogs it is a big shift to the attitude of breeders. So i am still adjusting :mrgreen:

Okay,you're right,most dogs are being bred only for pets,however,you must remember that society and social attitudes have changed and rendered much of the reason these breeds were created for in the first place eg hunting dogs,as unnecessary,and for some people barbaric.However,merely bringing out a new breed doesn't solve anything,what needs to be done,is for breeders and clubs to change their attitudes to the way the dog is bred.So the clubs must demand that all potential breeding stock be thoroughly tested so that only the very best dogs are bred,and for the breeder to take responsibility for the breeding done and the ongoing support to the owners.
Simon

Mostly I agree, but there is a type of working dog that is missing here. I dont see anything wrong with the people out there trying to bring in new breeds, like the CWD. Its fairly new. Im not saying Im going to run out there and just start randomly breeding dogs, i just think the breeders attitude is this is THE BREED, AND IT SHOULD BE LIKE THIS AND THATS IT. The breeders I know of are like following the breed outline and trying to make the GSD more GSD. Does that make sense? I have this book with breeds of cat and dogs today and 20 years ago. Some wouldnt be recognised today. I would like to see a more natural looking dog that has some of the wolf like working qualities. Do you know that a wolf uses more of its brain than a dog. Whats with that? I think breeders are making there dogs obsalite. I mean this as a generalisation not ALL breeders. Sorry. :mrgreen:

I definitely agree that breeders shouldn't mess with what they have been given,however,many are driven by the desire for perfection of looks or whatever,and this has led to the prevalence of many of the genetic defects present in almost all breeds we have today.As for the GSD,von Stephanitz must be rolling in his grave!!!!!
Credit must be given where it is due and from the amount of info. I have gained thru this website,I can see the CSW breeders are being as close to true to this breed as you can be,unfortunately it really only takes one to stuff it for all and it can have a devastating effect on the breed as a whole.

Long time- no write :cheesy: Well just thought you would all like to know that I have got in contact finally with the breeders of Timber Shepherds here in Australia. I knew had had that number some where :lol: I will keep you guys posted incase any of you are interested. Remember that these are a different breed from CWD's and they look different. They are also only about 5-10% wolf. fantastic working dogs though. If you are interested please reply because I will assume that if no one replies no one wants to know. I am still planning to import one day, just might get another puppy while I wait :cheesy:

For what I know the genetics of the dog and the wolf they are igual.


:shock:

9000 dollars to import a wolfdog!!! :shock:
you are certain of that this costs everything???
this would be R$18500!!!! :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock:
:cry: :cry: :cry:

No they cant test the genes so it is all up to the pedigree papers and I suppose the general look of the dog. yes $9000.00 is alot but I still need about another $1000.00 at least. But I am getting married next year so the savings are on hold while I save for that. You have to be really passionate about the breed to want to import so maybe thats a good thing. my Czech Shepherd (wolfdog) cost about $3000.00 without papers and that was to buy from Australian Breeder. I am also going to get a Timber Shepherd in a little while and they are said to be about the same. So you can tell that I REALLY love these dogs. If you add the cost of the 4 dogs I want and have its about $17000.00 my fiancee thinks Im mad :mrgreen:

I am gotten passionate by Wolfdogs, I find that if I to see one to the living creature start to cry of emotion, I say that after I touching in one can die in peace because I obtained everything what I wanted, I not playing, since that I today had 8 years until I dream in having one wolfdog.
The day that I will have money to bring one wolfdog for Brazil I swear that I go to obtain first place in ranking national (CBKC). When I was looking for breeders of this breed in Brazil I heard a mount of lies here on the breed, since that it was murderous even of that she was fearful and did not serve nor for expositions nor for work, therefore goes to show to the " :evil: gentlemen breeders :evil: " that " :evil: everything they know :evil: " how much a Wolfdog is good, how much it can be accompanying if to fall in good hands.
The biggest problem to import any thing for Brazil is that the "Real ($$$$)" very is devaluated, 1 "Euro" valley 3 "Reals" for more, any thing that I want that I am in "Euros" I go to have that to increase the value in 3 times. :(

This that is perfection. For me they do not exist animal prettier of the one than these.



http://dl.wolfdog.org/pics/gallery/d...0_DSCF0060.JPG


forgives will have been forbidden for images thus. :oops:

New to Wolfdogs
 

Hi everyone from the land of Australia. I am only new to CSW's but I have been researching as much as I can from the sources I have. I would love any information anyone is willing to give me as I would like to one day own one of these lovely dogs. I have asked about the rules regarding importing them into my country but it's given me such a headache reading through it all :P.I hope this has made some sense as I am writing this while reading the large pile of paper Quarantine has given... /sigh so much homework but worth every bit :D.Thanks -Pariah

There is another Australian here who plans to import, "slarman". He knows the regulation and might be able to help you.

Ina

Unfortunatly Slarman doesn't allow personal messages. But hopefully he sees this thread and posts something about it or contacts me :)

As far as I remember Simon's e-mail address was in one of his posts. I'm not 100% sure but it could have been in spring or summer 2005... Maybe it's still working?

quarantine
 

q hi quarantine is very stressful for most normal dogs, it would be a lot worse for a czech, it would be a really good idea if two people were getting dogs and it could be arranged for both dogs to be exported at the same time and be together for there quarantine period, it would be a lot less stress for the dogs, please also check and see if quarantine applies from all countries, i know dogs leaving u.k to lots of countries do not need quarantine as uk is classified rabbies free,, regards paul uk
:D

Hmm I have been doing some thinking and have had a thought.. ( which one typically gets after thinking :P) that before I Import a CSW I would like to see and meet some of these lovely dogs to know for absolute sure they are the ones for me. Don't get me wrong all your pictures are the beautiful and all but I just don't think it would be very wise to purchase a dog, fly it all the way out here to aussie and have an unhappy experience. Any thoughts about this or ideas as to how I can go about Meeting some of your lovely dogs? I don't mind travelling ( Hmm meeting wolfdogs and travelling the world. Sounds like a great holiday :D).

That is normally what we recommend before getting themselfs wolfdogs:lol:
There are summercamps in Slovakia, Czech Republik and Germany and another camp in Poland. In Germany is one together with the Clubshow. It is a good possibilty to meet many different dogs and people. A Clubshow with a specialised judge like Sona Bognarova or Oskar Dora ist the best possibility to get an impression how a wolfdog should look like.

The camps are different especially the ones in Slovakia and the Czech Republik.

This is very good idea and it can be only recommended. I suppose nobody here expected, that you´d be willing to travel from Australia over to Europe to meet the dogs, while some future owners are lazy to cross their own country for the puppy :( But please, if you can do it, do visit and see the dogs.

Because, you need to know not only how they should look like.
You need to know, how they behave and how they act, before you decide to get one. You need to have honest informations, to make the decision if these dogs are the right ones for you.

For example, on the forum here you mostly can read only nice things - how the dogs are sweet, lovely and beautifull. And of course all the breeders here on the forum are great and their puppies the best.

But the reality is different. The wolfdogs are not only beautifull, they are also very smart, which makes them difficult to train. The puppies are wild and will destroy half of your house and garden, and will do that every day, before you manage to teach your puppy to stay alone. This destructive behaviour can last months, sometimes even longer. That is very costly and not funny and cute at all. The adult male wolfdogs are territorial and they will fight any other male dog, if they have a chance. Female wolfdogs are the same, with few exceptions, towards other females and sometimes even males. All wolfdogs have strong hunting instinct and will try to hunt, till they are so old that they cannot walk. You can (and should) teach them not to, but my opinion is you can never really 100% get it out of them.
Then there is the big issue of the proper socialisation - if you miss it, your dog will always be shy, scared of every noise, scared of his own shadow. But, to socialise the puppy properly, enormous amount of time, patience and effort is needed. Do you have it?

And last but not least, as with all dog breeders, also not all breeders of Czechoslovakian wolfdogs are honest and reliable, no matter what they might make themselves look like here. If you do not do a good research, do not ask around, if you get a puppy from a wrong kennel, you can pay a lot of money and receive sick, weak puppy full of worms and fleas, with diarrhoea and who knows what else.

Do you still want a Czechoslovakian wolfdog? Then truly, the best way is to come over to one of the summer camps, to see more of these dogs at one place, to speak with more owners (and more breeders) and to make your own, clear picture about the breed. And then decide.

Good luck!

I couldn't agree more Mirkawolf. Which is why I have decided that instead of saving up for the Importantion costs and why not I would spend it on a holiday :D. I was also wondering if anyone could give me some further details on where and when the summer camps are on etc. ( Yes I know they are in summer :P) I am very serious about coming over and getting a practical knowledge about this breed and by that I mean learning things and seeing things that aren't in breed books.Many thanks for the help so far.. I hope there is more to come :DCan't wait to read more -Pariah

wow, My typing skills are quite terrible :(

Hi Pariah,

if you click on "forum" you´ll find a lot of informations - for example:
http://www.wolfdog.org/forum/showthread.php?t=6019

kind regards
Angelika

Hi Pariah and Mirkawlf,Pariah take it serious what Mirkawolf did write here. I would be very happy if every csw owner would be so honest in talking about behaviour and raising up a csw! In germany it is a pity but lots of csw will be given away mostly between 4 month and 2 years, because people did not inform will before. But even when they are older, I just have been informed about a 4 year female.The summercamps are really great experience. And of course for westeuropaens and I guess even for you from australia they are very cheap, for example for your plans, 2 weeks about 150,--Euros with all food and living included. You only have to come there. Maybe you can make contact in advance and fly to a owner or breeder and they take you with them to a camp. You have a bit time. Then you will see how dogs are at home in their own environment and how they are out on streets and how they are betwen other csw.Christian

Some of the reason why I think it would be best if I came over and saw some CSW's how they are and what they are like is because I came to the conclusion of if for some reason I failed myself and the dog, (through in proper socialisation or not enough training/bad training) and I had a big problem on my hands I just couldn't hand the dog into some shelter and live myself. Having said that I wouldn't have many people in australia with the knowledge to help with whatever the problem is. However much I might think of myself as a fairly knowledgable person on dogs, there will be things that I will not know about with this type of dog or any dog for that matter (learning is a lifelong commitment), And as Mirkawolf said there are things that only seeing and talking to people will teach me. I would definatly like to come along to the summer camps, although I'm not sure if I would be welcomed as I have no CSW to call my friend and I sort of would not like to be a bother to people when they sound quite busy. Even if I can't go to the summer camp I would like still to come over to see and meet owners and breeders. Many thanks for your replies hope to hear/see more soon-Pariah

You sure would be welcome, it is no problem to join them just to get to know the dogs. We had several people in the last German summer camp that just wanted to meet wolfdogs and their owners. The Czech camps are more training camps with getting together, the Slovakian an German camps are with a bit of training and a lot of just getting together, Margo will be best to tell you about the Polish camps, she and her brother are organizing it. There are always English speaking people in the camps.

Of course you´d be welcomed at the summer camp, even if you do not have a wolfdog. Responsible future owners are always welcomed! :)
The summer camps are excellent opportunity to see many dogs, owners and breeders at once place. And you can see the dogs both working and playing, interacting in every day life at the camp.
Many people bring to the camp their whole family, and some people also bring other dog breeds, not only wolfdogs.
So do not worry, it is not a problem.

I agree with Ina, that perhaps excellent idea is to come over to visit some owner/breeder and then travel with them to one of the summer camps. I am not yet sure, if I will go this summer, otherwise I´d say you can visit us and we´ll take you. But it´s still a lot of time to go to summer, and the camps usually happen from July to August.

:D Thank you for the offer Mirkawolf although I don't know if i'll be rich enough to come over this summer, I'll try and save all my christmas and paychecks from now on. :DThanks -Pariah