Anyone have any experience with imports from long distance? I am considering purchasing a puppy from a breeder in Macedonia.

Just wondering what logistical nightmares might be or if it is a painless process? I am already aware of costs.

I do not have a clue Ann. The fartherest I ever imported a dog from was Tennessee. Maybe the AKC could be of some help.

I've imported 2 pup's from Germany, wasn't a hassle since Germany and USA are on good terms. It has to be a direct flight though. Keep an eye an out for embargo's on animal flight if it's too warm or cold.

What breed of dog are you importing?

You might want to check into Italy direct flights to USA and protocal between USA and Italy.

Send a PM to JonP on this forum under dogs, he's might be of great help, he has help customers import over 100's pup's from Czech, Austria, Holland, Germany, Italy and maybe England.

?

I can tell you it is expensive to import puppies. I recommend importing the pregnant bitch and selling off the puppies you don't wish to keep, to pay for the cost of the Mom and plane ride.

It will be much easier to import if you get the taxidermy done in Macedonia before you ship it.

I'm looking at bringing over a Sarplaninac from a top breeder.

You understand that Sarplaninacs fart even more than Labs..!!

Do you have one?

No... I've got one old lab (10) years and one mid age lab (5 years)... I was teasing you in regards to your "dog farting" post.

What are their main qualities.?

There must be some good breeders here in the US/Canada.

Good luck

Farting, LOL!

Well, they readily hunt down and eat wolves.

It's a very rare breed here.

I'm pretty sure that is not a dog, it's a bear!

Ann,

I imported a pup from Finland a few years ago. No hassle at all. The breeder emailed me copies of all paperwork and vet certificates. I drove to NYC and picked her up at the JFK cargo area after having papers checked and clearing the import process. As I remember, it took less than an hour. I don't remember costs but it was reasonable. There were 5 litter mates in the crate so costs were shared.

Annie,

have you contacted dear JonP?

Not yet, I shall drop him a PM today. Anyone want to go in on an import for Shar pups?

Just wondering ..HMMM !

Why bother with all of the hassle importing ($$$), when they can be viewed (Pick of the litter) & aquired in the " USA " ?

http://sarplaninacusa.com/

http://www.sarplan.com/

PAPI

Ann, looks like they should come with a Dyson HD vacuum free-of-charge!

quote:

Originally posted by PAPI:
Just wondering ..HMMM !

Why bother with all of the hassle importing ($$$), when they can be viewed (Pick of the litter) & aquired in the " USA " ?

http://sarplaninacusa.com/

http://www.sarplan.com/

PAPI

They don't respond to requests, that's why.

quote:

They don't respond to requests, that's why.

Makes perfect sense !

PAPI

Are there wolves in Vermont or predator of sheep?

quote:

Originally posted by Norseman:
Are there wolves in Vermont or predator of sheep?

The potential is here for wolves. I expect to be moving west in the near future. Either way, the farm will be protected.

quote:

Originally posted by Grenadier:
It will be much easier to import if you get the taxidermy done in Macedonia before you ship it.

Ann,
I have imported quite few dogs from south Africa, boerboels. It is not really too difficult. They always had to be12 weeks or under. The earlier comment regarding temperatures is true unless the flight has a climate controlled cabin. You will just have to go to the cargo area of the airport and show ID and pay money. The last time I went they only took cash, so be prepared. Take water and food for the little guy, it may have been a hard trip.
I have never noticed the trip affecting personality.

My girlfriend has done this numerous times from Germany for Dobermans and she found it easier to fly there and bring the pups back. This summer she will probably be going to Hungary and getting us some French Bulldogs. My numbers may not be correct but I belive you are allowed to bring 5 puppies in cargo and one along with you in the passenger area for 6 total.

You ask why bring back 6 pups? Because European dogs are in high demand in the USA to bring in new blood lines and high quality dogs can be bought cheaper in Europe. With some research you will probably be able to find people who will be waiting at the airport for you to get back with pups they want. Do some searching on sites for breeds like Dobermans, Frenchies, Rattweilers as these are the breeds that they want the fresh blood lines from right now.

Ann,

what's the lastest????????????

I'm still waiting for a suitable litter from the breeder in Macedonia. The most recent litter was all female and one male. My choice was a male to start and the single male born in this litter was being kept as an addition to the wolf depredation pack. I also want the dark grey/black coloration of this breed.

I'm also hoping they can have two litters where I can buy an unrelated male and female set of pups to import at once. It will be quite an expense but I think in the long run it will be well worth it.

My Labrador has been guarding my livestock full time but she is tired and pushing 12 years of age and I would like to retire her to the house soon. She has some good years left to help train new working dogs....

Just curious as to why the decision for this breed over say a breed like the Maremma?

quote:

Just curious as to why the decision for this breed over say a breed like the Maremma?

Mostly personal preference. I want a breed with an ancient and long line of working back ground. I think Shars are the oldest of the LGD breeds out there. Most Maremmas are being bred for house pets in the US. I'm not excited about white dogs much either.

The breeder I will be importing from has working dogs, their main livestock predator are wolves. I expect to be living in wolf country someday.

Most people who want working Maremmas get them from overseas but there are good working breeders here. Overseas is still the best way for any working breed like this as far as I'm concerned. I here you on the white dog thing too.

Are you going to raise them as people friendly dogs or are they just going to be left in the pasture?

People friendly, but.... Only if I say 'ok'. I've trained my dogs all my life and they are always well behaved.

My Sarplaninac's will be trained to accept visitors on command. LGD's are naturally aloof (I sense you are well aware if this trait) and bond to that which they are raised amongst. Their mission is to guard what they perceive to be within their pack and will do so without delay.

That's the key to their success as a devoted guardian and since I farm livestock, this is ideal for me.

Sarplaninac's are big dogs and have long hair which makes them even more imposing. They have no trust for any creature they do not know and are always wary. In contrast, my working lab knows she is to prevent wildlife but she allows any human in which is her weakness. She will also get into anyone's car or truck (very annoying).

My ultimate goal is a male and female Shar to breed and also maintain a home based pack as this is how they work best.

That said, I plan to find a working line Golden Retriever for an all purpose hunting K9.

Was JonP of any help?

I have not phoned him yet, he gave me his phone number and once a puppy is ready I will check in with him.

I concur on the advice of going to get them and bringing them back with you. My brother wanted an English Cocker from a french breeder, so we waited until one of my daughters was travelling to the US and she took it with her. She was allowed to take the pup in the cabin. Less stress on the puppy than caged and handled like luggage.

quote:

Originally posted by Aspen Hill Adventures:

LGD's are naturally aloof (I sense you are well aware if this trait) and bond to that which they are raised amongst.

Yup, some LGD's like the occasional head pat and are good for a week while others don't want anything to do with a human as should be the nature of a LGD.

Not to be argumentative, but if a breeder told me a dog that size could kill a wolf, I'd question his veracity. After seeing numerous dogs manhandled by 30 pound coyotes, I can't imagine the dog that could handle a 100 pound wolf. It takes a tough dog to kill a coyote by himself.

quote:

Originally posted by jstevens:
Not to be argumentative, but if a breeder told me a dog that size could kill a wolf, I'd question his veracity. After seeing numerous dogs manhandled by 30 pound coyotes, I can't imagine the dog that could handle a 100 pound wolf. It takes a tough dog to kill a coyote by himself.

"It wasn't pretty". These are the words of a man on a show I was watching from here in Wisconsin after seeing one of his Merramas tear a coyote apart. Talk to anybody who has seen the aftermath of a LGD on a coyote. It does take a tough dog but that's what these dogs are. Don't let the big fluffy dog look fool you, they are killers when they need to be.

The problem I see is when the dogs are outnumbered. But two of these dogs vs. a 100 pound wolf I see the wolf getting his ass handed to him. Heck, one of these dogs might be able to do it or at least deter the wolf.

LDG's are meant to work in packs, at minimum a pair. They are very good at what they are bred to do. The Shars I end up importing are coming from working dogs.

I'd still bet money on the wolf against two dogs! Any dogs. I have had plenty of tough, hard dogs, dobes, german shepherds, malinois, wolves would eat them for lunch.

quote:

It takes a tough dog to kill a coyote by himself.

Absolutely. I hunt ND every year. Usually see a couple of guys with hounds that come to ND to run coyote. These are big dogs...crosses with Greyhound, Wolfhound, Deerhound, some Cur...etc.
They drive and try to start a Yote...then they will drop 3 dogs..a smaller catch dog and two kill dogs. Every one of the kill dogs has a head and muzzle full of scars. These are big dogs-70-80 lbs...but the Yote gets his pound of flesh before he goes down.

I dusted a Yote with a load of #5s a few years back and my 65lb Deutsch-Drahthaar bitch caught up with the Yote that was dragging a leg. She killed it but she took a lickin and the holes in her ears and head weren't worth it...I won't do it again....nasty infections.

quote:

Originally posted by jstevens:
I'd still bet money on the wolf against two dogs! Any dogs. I have had plenty of tough, hard dogs, dobes, german shepherds, malinois, wolves would eat them for lunch.

Dobes, GSD's and Malinois vs. a properly bred GSD. You're comparing apples to oranges. Those dogs would get torn to pieces by a GSD.

These dogs do their jobs and they do it well. Think about it. They wouldn't have been used for thousands of years if they didn't.

Coyotes and wolves are amazingly tough, no doubt about it and the appropriate number of dogs needs to be used.