Author Topic: How to find a good breeder....  (Read 7857 times)

Offline newflvr

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How to find a good breeder....
« on: February 07, 2006, 12:16:29 pm »
....this is from the Newfoundland group, but I think it pertains to any breed.  I hope the author doesn't mind my cross-posting  this but I do think it's really good advice!

Here's a few things that should raise red flags:
1) Remember, anyone can make a pretty web page. Web page programs can be
really user friendly for somebody wanting to design their own. Of course,
you can always ask almost any high school kid to design one for you.
2) I'm very suspicious of web pages that DON'T list the dogs' registered
names. How can you verify anything they claim? This holds especially true
with OFA clearances and AKC titles/accomplishments.
3) I'd also stay away from web pages containing really bad photos of dirty
dogs, pictures of spouses who really don't want to be in the picture holding
said dog still for the photo, cousin Bubba in the background sinking posts
for a new fence, you get the idea.
4) Non-refundable deposits. Excuse me, this is not a special order dining
room table. We're talking about acquiring a new member of your family.  Good
breeders with solid reputations usually have waiting lists, stay in touch
with those people and don't need to take your money, thus binding you only
to them. They know that, until the puppies have passed their 10 week cardio
checks, they don't know how many will be available.
5) Ads/web pages that contain the phrase "AKC". That hold about as much
weight as a car ad that says "DMV" (department of motor vehicles). Would
that impress you? Didn't think so.You're paying a substantial amount of
money for this puppy, you expect to be able to register it. By the way, if
the litter is registered with another registering body besides the American
Kennel Club or the Canadian Kennel Club, that's a MAJOR red flag. Puppy
mills register through other organizations because they can't or won't jump
through AKC's hoops. Many have been suspended form AKC.
6) Ads/web pages that say "Ch. bloodlines". Yeah, how far back in the
pedigree? Even the BEST litters contain pet quality puppies. Are those
puppies out of  parents who were sold as pets?
7) I'd stay away from anyone who poo-poo's dog shows or regional bred clubs,
labeling them "beauty contests" or "clique-ish". People join clubs to learn,
teach and schmooze; it doesn't matter if we're talking dogs or model trains.
Why show? To have your accomplishment s judged by somebody more experienced
than yourself.
8) A good breeder is ready and willing to discuss with you what they hope to
accomplish with this breeding. They're open about their bitch's faults, the
sire's faults, and why they feel this litter will make a positive
contribution to the Newfoundland breed as a whole. Backyard breeders don't
have the knowledge to do so.
9) Experience is what you get when you don't get what you want. Somebody
famous said that, I can't remember who. I include this to point out the
many, many people who found out the hard way that their "caring" breeder
lost interest in them as soon as their check cleared the bank. Ask the
regional club for references, especially ask the rescue people. They're the
ones who get stuck cleaning up the mess.

Offline WhollyPaws

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Re: How to find a good breeder....
« Reply #1 on: February 07, 2006, 12:23:25 pm »
Thanks for posting that, it was all good advice! I always tell people to ask the breeder for references from former buyers. If a pup comes from a line that has produced dogs that live to be very old, it usually means few health issues.
be sure to take a gentle pause with your favorite paws each and every day!

Offline Newfer

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Re: How to find a good breeder....
« Reply #2 on: February 07, 2006, 06:17:59 pm »
Another way to find a good breeder....  go to and get involved with your chosen breed club's events.  Whether it be working, showing, agility, obedience, or just club meetings. 

Ask lots of questions and EXPECT a great breeder to ask you lots of questions about your animal owning history, your home, your family, your intentions....

A responsible breeder will direct you to the OFA website to look up health testing on their dogs as well as their pedigree's testings.  (Because a responsible breeder actually tests!)

A responsible breeder will not only say they will do an in-home visit before placing a pup...  they will actually follow thru and DO IT!

~Newfer

Offline RedyreRottweilers

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Re: How to find a good breeder....
« Reply #3 on: February 07, 2006, 06:31:53 pm »

I put the info from the OFA site up on my website so people can see all the numbers, and then go to the OFA website to cross check.

Look at and read the contracts and guarantees too.

Good breeders require animals not to be used for breeding to be altered, and they grade their litters carefully.

I hope and expect to make friends with each of my puppy buyers.

:D
Redyre Rottweilers
redyre@carolina.rr.com
No part of this message may be forwarded without my permission.

Offline BarkleysMum

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Re: How to find a good breeder....
« Reply #4 on: April 27, 2006, 08:27:48 am »
I'm just beginning discussions with a breeder that lives in another province, so this thread is timely and helpful to me.  I have had one really good telephone discussion with the breeder, and then was sent a copy of their contract.  She says if we can't agree to the terms of the contract, then there's not even any use in continuing to talk.  The contract is very dog centered in a positive way ... things like what we would have to feed the pup, no stairs, crate and behaviour training etc.  From the breeder's side it says things like they guarantee registration with the Cdn Kennel Club, refunds available up to age 2 for joint issues should they occur, etc.

I like the sound of the terms of the contract...and I liked the sound of this breeder.  Any thoughts???
Sandy
Newly owned by Anna Banana, kind of owned by Sheba
and always remembering Barkley - crossed the Bridge on May 19, 2006.

Offline sc.trojans

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Re: How to find a good breeder....
« Reply #5 on: June 09, 2006, 10:31:49 pm »

It is so nice to see a topic like this posted - I wish I could run reputable breeder advice in every major newspaper every week but.....

I agree with several points already mentioned - namely, if they are poo-pooing the breed club it is a serious red flag - like it or not, that is the official voice and community for the breed and usually it is a sign they can't get in.  Most breed clubs have codes of ethics for their membership breeders, some stricter than others, but a good step and this is always the best first place to start in finding a good breeder (there are many unreputable breeders in clubs as well so it is no guarantee, but still an important place to go).

I have a lot more considerations that are too many to name here, so consider checking them out on my website under "Looking for a Puppy?"  www.naturalk9. com

SC Trojans
with Gracie and Skylar