Choosing a breeder

[Lady]

I have a new puppy coming (yeah!) and I just wanted to talk about the process I went through to find a breeder. I put a lot of effort into it. I interviewed a couple, saw their operations, met their dogs (especially the bitch and sire) and even met some of their dogs which other people owned. It was a long process, but I think it was worth it. The breeder and those initial weeks does so much to determine the behaviour of your dog. My two cents.

[Teri]

What excellent advice. I will looking for a new dog soon and I never would have thought to be so thorough. Thank you!

[Brittany]

Lady , make sure the parents are titled! To show that they can do certain work! Also make sure that they have a health certification (OFA),ETC.

[Patch O' Pits]

here are some things to look at when dealing with breeders:

First off, what registry are the dogs

Do they meet the standard

What health testing do the sire and dam have

Are the pups in or outside

What conditions are they kept in

Can they answer all your questions

Do their dogs meet the breed standard

What type of contract do they require

Do they evaluate the pups? show/pet/working quality and for temperament

Do they screen potential owners

What type of contracts do they offer

here is another site to help you when choosing a GOOD breeder and avoiding BYBs:
http://www.apbt.info/tiki-index.php?page=Reputable+Breeders

Hope that helps

[12weimgirl]

I think you did very well and dont take their advice harshly even though it is good info. Bye Bye
~Lauren~

[vonissk]

I agree with all that has been said except I don't think the titling of dogs is so important. If you are looking for a certain type of dog such as working abilities, showing abilities, obedience , agility etc. I agree it is important. But for a pet/companion I think the health testing and temperament testing is the most important. Kudos to you Lady for doing your research. Also when you talk to the breeder ask them about accepting responsibility for any pup/dog they have produced that suddenly finds itself in danger of losing its home. I feel that is very important. I will take anything of my breeding back whether it is 7 months or 7 years...................

[Patch O' Pits]

I agree with all that has been said except I don't think the titling of dogs is so important. If you are looking for a certain type of dog such as working abilities, showing abilities, obedience , agility etc. I agree it is important. But for a pet/companion I think the health testing and temperament testing is the most important. Kudos to you Lady for doing your research. Also when you talk to the breeder ask them about accepting responsibility for any pup/dog they have produced that suddenly finds itself in danger of losing its home. I feel that is very important. I will take anything of my breeding back whether it is 7 months or 7 years...................

Hope this explains my points better...

True temperament and health are very important above the other things, that being said if a dog does not meet the standard they should not be bred. The structure and working qualities of the parents also are what helps determine if they are worthy to be bred. Just because a dog is a good pet doesn't make them a worthy stud or brood bitch.

So unless this is a person who is breeding and knows the standard inside and out to know if the parents "could be" titled if they aren't already, they should not be bred. Not every pup produced in a litter is a show or working dog. A responsible breeder can tell the difference between a pet and show quality pup.

Sometimes even show pups are placed in pet homes under spay/neuter contracts because that is the best home for them. A responsible breeder looks at not only all the aspects of the actual breeding but the life the pup will have in his/her new home and follows that pup throughout its lifetime.

Just the average pet should not be bred nor should the average pet owner be breeding. Theer are way to many BYBs out there to support people who breed indiscriminantly IMO

[vonissk]

Patches one thing you said about the person knowing the standard backwards and forwards and if the dog is able to be titled is absolutely true. Let me explain myself a little better. How I meant it was titling is not the only thing to look at. A lot of times there are titled dogs in my sport that are not necessarily good producers. I have a nice titled German female that comes out of top lines and I bred her one time. She threw bad bites, and long coats, and a couple of blues, all against the standard. So I had her spayed. So do you understand what I am saying? Just like not every pet should be bred, every title doesn't make a dog a worthy breeding prospect. I am planning a litter this fall--this is my first litter in 3 years and then it was 3 years before that. I consider myself very responsible and in this next litter I am breeding for breeding stock, not money, not pets and any that have to have a home will be s/n and stay right here. I am also hoping for that super working/show pup.

[Patch O' Pits]

Patches one thing you said about the person knowing the standard backwards and forwards and if the dog is able to be titled is absolutely true. Let me explain myself a little better. How I meant it was titling is not the only thing to look at. A lot of times there are titled dogs in my sport that are not necessarily good producers. I have a nice titled German female that comes out of top lines and I bred her one time. She threw bad bites, and long coats, and a couple of blues, all against the standard. So I had her spayed. So do you understand what I am saying? Just like not every pet should be bred, every title doesn't make a dog a worthy breeding prospect. I am planning a litter this fall--this is my first litter in 3 years and then it was 3 years before that. I consider myself very responsible and in this next litter I am breeding for breeding stock, not money, not pets and any that have to have a home will be s/n and stay right here. I am also hoping for that super working/show pup.

Definately true. Having a title is not an excuse to breed as some believe unfortunately. Can't wait to see the pups! Good Luck to you. I have a litter that will hopefully be here by late summer early fall planned

[ClarkFarm]

Another interesting note about titled parent dogs is the following example... in the breed, English Springer Spaniels, there are vast differences between the working "field" lines and the "show" lines. The physical coloration as well as energy levels and personalities are very different. You can tell by looking at the coat whether the dog is primarily from show or field lines.

I had one mainly from show lines and he had absolutely no hunting instinct in him but he sure was pretty to look at. He was best friends with my rabbit and was fearful of chickens.

[Patch O' Pits]

Another interesting note about titled parent dogs is the following example... in the breed, English Springer Spaniels, there are vast differences between the working "field" lines and the "show" lines. The physical coloration as well as energy levels and personalities are very different. You can tell by looking at the coat whether the dog is primarily from show or field lines.

I had one mainly from show lines and he had absolutely no hunting instinct in him but he sure was pretty to look at. He was best friends with my rabbit and was fearful of chickens.
I see that too even in my breed. I personal think the dogs should be bred for the total package and not just certain aspects. Of course, some will have different qualities to bring to the table, and not all pups will have what the parents have, but the best of the best is what should be in the breeding gene pool.