There is a wealth of information available online regarding dog breeding and choosing a puppy, but no online search can compare to the information gleaned from a personal conversation with a highly regarded breeder. One such person is Bob Wimberg, a breeder of Russian Wolfhounds, or Borzoi from Ohio. Bob has owned Borzoi for 28 years and breeds them every four to five years. The first thing to notice about this high-quality breeder is that his approach is to raise animals naturally, only breed them when it is healthy to do so, and provide them with the best possible quality of life without the use of chemicals and pharmaceuticals.
Bob believes in using a dog diet made up of whole, natural foods, and treating his Borzoi with natural remedies as much as possible. He uses herbs and garlic, natural bioactive supplements for dogs with omega 3 and 6 fatty acids and, of course, no growth hormones. He explains that one of the most common problems in a dog is dry itchy skin and a dry coat, and these problems are entirely due to improper nutrition. Bob uses natural supplements that contain the missing link between what dogs would eat in the wild and processed or even homemade food. The result is a complete health of the dog and without parasites.
Bob stated that his main goal is the improvement of the breed following the standards that have been established for hundreds of years. The Borzoi is an animal that is used to hunt on the ground, so its breeding must focus on the functionality of the dog. Bob explained: “Sometimes there is a gap between show dogs and functional dogs, and while I do show my dogs, I work to close that gap by choosing animals that can do what they were originally bred to do. That means they need a career. functional equipment, strong, healthy legs, a functional topline and a full-speed full-suspension ride.” Bob takes the traits prevalent in the show ring and combines them with traits that make the dog a functional hunter. The result is beautiful and functional puppies. Bob continued, “When proper breeding is combined with natural breeding, the result is an exceptionally healthy puppy, capable of fulfilling its natural purpose. Even if my dogs no longer hunt, it is important that the aspects that are in the hunting dog not be raised”.
Bob went on to offer some recommendations for finding and choosing a puppy. He suggests that looking at his lifestyle and choosing a breed that suits his lifestyle should be the main consideration. This is where it will be important to buy a book on breeds or go online to study breeds. Choose the breed of dog that has the size, temperament, and personality attributes that suit your family, your location, and your way of life. The Borzoi, for example, is not a good dog for everyone. They need plenty of exercise, grooming, and attention, and they are a sight hound, so they are highly visually oriented. That may not be perfect for all families.
Once you’ve chosen a breed, the search for the puppy that’s right for you begins. Avoid pet stores and don’t necessarily choose the most publicized breeder; find a breeder in your area. All AKC dog breeds have mom clubs. These clubs should be able to link you with a breeder in your area who is in good standing with the AKC. Once you’ve found a legitimate breeder in your area, make an appointment. Your goal will be to find out when the pups are due so you can visit them again and watch them grow to the point of weaning. Approaching your choice in this way will allow you to select a pet that is perfect for you. During your visit with the breeder, ask him what he considers a good dog diet and look at the pet products and supplements he uses. If parents and grandparents are there, look at the longevity and health of the generations. When the pups are weaned and put up for sale, make a few more visits to find a pup that is active, acts healthy, is vital, interacts with the rest of the litter, plays, and talks back to you. The pup that chooses you will most likely be the pup you take home.
Bob offered the following advice to new puppy owners: “This is not a throwaway purchase. This is an addition to the family that will be there ten, twelve, or maybe 15 years, depending on the breed. Your dog is totally dependent on you. Care It starts from the day you bring a dog home, and nutrition is a vital part of that care.” For Bob, this is where choosing the right supplements comes into play. He explained that he prefers all natural nutritional supplements as they fit into his natural breeding program. The puppy formula he uses was developed by a renowned veterinary nutritionist, Dr. Collett, founder of Designing Health. Puppy supplements are used from weaning to eight to nine months, depending on the breed. For adult dogs, supplements are also essential. These pet products address problems directly related to nutrition, such as allergies, dry skin, arthritis, poor digestion, and dry fur.
We join Bob in recommending that you spend a lot of time and thought selecting your breed, selecting your breeder, selecting your puppy, and selecting your pet products for nutritional quality. If he does, his family will be rewarded with a beautiful, healthy, happy and devoted friend.
