I want this puppy!! Couple of questions re. breeder.

[makka619]

Hi all,

I have fallen in love with the Beagle and am very close to getting my own little pup, pic here (including the mum/dad and previous litter) - http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v306/little_bear_81/?sc=1&addtype=local. I can't visit the pup as I am in another state and she will be flown here.

I have been corresponding to the breeder by email. She mentioned some of this pups traits

"she is quieter but still plays with the others and gets stuck in at feeding time. She doesn't push and shove as much" .. she writes again "she is socialising with the other puppies. She is not as pushy as some of the others but still gets in and feeds with the others which is no mean feat when they are hungry. She plays with toys and tumbles about with the other puppies."

I have read that shy pups should be avoided? I am not sure why, but do these characteristics sound fine?

I asked her about medical conditions in the family and she says "she has been vet checked and wormed and has no health problems that we have noticed. Beagles generally have problems except they can get sore ears because hey are so long. Her father has had sore ears twice in his lifetime (5years). They are easily treated with drops from the vet. We have had no other problems with either of the parents."

The puppy is AU$850. The breeder I found via the net, she says she is part of a Beagle club and initaillay asked me if I had a secure yard, if someone would be home during the day, and if i can excercise it.

Anyway, from what I have mentioned does it sound as though she is a responsible breeder, should I have any concerns? Have I missed any really important questions?

Thanks to anyone who can give me hand with this.

[Boemy]

Are the parents champions in conformation or a dog sport, such as tracking or agility?

If not, I wouldn't go to that breeder.

Have the parents been OFA-ed and CERF-ed certified? (OFA is for hips, CERF is for eyes.)

If they say something like, "No, but the parents have been to the vet and are healthy," then I would run the other way.

Hope that helps! Good luck with your potential puppy! :)

[LizzieCollie]

I find it slightly weird that she just said the pups had been vet checked, instead of stating that the mom and dad were health tested etc.

I took a look at the pics and your pup is gorgeous...but I think 850 is a bit outrageous. The mom doesnt look very beagleish to me, she is purebred, but her face is off.

[Amalthea]

jeez, $850?? what is the exchange rate between American and Australian money? I'm not sure if 850AU is more or less than it would be in American dollars... but that seems really expensive for a beagle!! I guess if the parents are champions then you're paying for bloodlines also, and if she's flying the puppy in... my grandfather raises beagles for rabbit hunting, and I know when they have pups, he only sells them for about $25 to $50 each. Maybe beagles are more common here though.

I am in love from the pictures too though! That is a really cute beagle...and the one of all the pups in the trunk of the car, OMG, too cute! hehe ... I would definitely ask the questions Boemy mentioned about the health certifications

I had two beagles growing up, one for me and one for my brother (both free from a litter of my grandpa's hunting beagles)...and I can attest that beagles can have personalities as different as night and day!! Our two were sisters and polar opposite in personality. Darcy was mine...she was quiet, sweet, calm, but not too bright ;) she'd usually wait for her sister, Katie, to figure things out, and then follow her example. Katie had a howl/bark that would wake the dead...she was also sweet, but VERY neurotic and insecure, anything new or different she would get extremely nervous over. She was smart and learned commands quickly, and was the first to figure out new ways to escape the fenced in backyard. Whereas Darcy was better at ignoring us and waiting for Katie to dig out an escape route and then following her ;) Darcy seemed to take everything in stride, while Katie would kind of freak out over any little change. It sounds like your little pup's personality is the quieter type, which could be a good thing.

[makka619]

Thanks for the replies. I don't know why but I am scared to ask her anymore questions. I know it's stupid. :/

Maybe because I already expressed that I wanted the pup and now, I am sounding uncertain asking her more questions. Or maybe because I have a feeling that she will not be able to give me the correct answer, and so I shouldn't get the pup.

Au$850 is approx US$632. I was a bit shocked when she told me the price, as I have will be paying shipping as well. My brother got his beagle for $700 locally. From what I have seen $700 seems to be the average asking price (from proper breeders). I guess if I am to pay that much for the pup then I should really be asking the right questions to make sure I get what I pay for.

[showpug]

You need to ask the breeder more questions and a good breeder wants you to ask questions! If she is unwilling to answer anymore then you need to seek out a better breeder and one that is willing to be a breed mentor to you as well.

The puppy in the picture is cute, but the parents look very "pet quality" to me. There is nothing wrong with that, pet quality has it's important purpose, but it's not breeding! You need to get a puppy from a show breeder or a breeder that competes with their beagles to test their ability. Beagles are hunting dogs. They are a working hound. They are VERY active, stubborn and LOUD!!!!!! Please know this and be prepared. They may be on the smaller side of the dog breeds but they house a lot of drive. They will follow a scent for miles and must always be on lead or in a secure fenced yard to ensure they stay safe and with you.

Good breeders are there to help you and answer all your questions. I know it's hard when you have fallen in love with a puppy. You don't want to hear otherwise...trust me, I know! The truth can hurt, but in the long run you will be happier when you find the right breeder instead of settling because you want a puppy.

I know you can trust your gut on this one...

[bubbatd]

Being a past breeder , I would never have sold without meeting the new owners , nor advertise over the internet . As a buyer ... the same . To me , it's like buying from a pet store .... no clue as to how they were tested , brought up , etc etc. Maybe someone from Chaz is near there and can check out for you . With a Beagle it's at least a 15 year commitment of love and money . Choose wisely .

[makka619]

Well, you see, it's not until now that I have realised that there is more to getting a pet then just, well, getting one. I have never realised about that there are "good" and "bad" breeders.

While I appreciate that a good breeder is an important factor towards buying a pet as it means it has been well reared in the early stages of life and comes from healthy parents, I am still oblivious to reasons behind some of the questions that seem to be so important. For e.g. “Are the parents champions in conformation or a dog sport, such as tracking or agility?” I have read numerous sites but have still not found an explanation for the significance of such a question.

Perhaps, certified breeders are just not so common from my neck of the woods. I honestly never saw harm in a pet from a pet store. In fact, all my life, my parents adopted pets from owners who could no longer keep them. It wasn’t until my brother bought his Beagle (6months ago) and was screened rather meticulously by the Breeder that I first came to light about the proper breeder.

As I type the above, I wonder, are all the questions so important to ensure that ‘Backyard Breeder’ who is only in the game for a quick buck – will soon diminish. In turn, stop the significant number of animals who are given to uncaring homes, unhealthy and are put-down. What have I missed?

There aren’t many Beagle breeders in this town (a couple that I know of), so that is part of the reason that I looked on the net. I will let you know how I get on after I ask the breeder the questions above. Thanks all for the help.

[SummerRiot]

The reason for the "Conformation titles or working titles" is to ENSURE that the dog comes from "good stock".

ANY dog can be bred, ANY dog can have puppies and just about anyone with a dog can potentially sell the puppies as well.

BUT if you get a dog from a breeder who health tests - ie. OFA and the CERF then you KNOW that the breeder is ensuring the life of their breeding bitches/dogs AND they are ensuring that no genetic default is passed down from generation to generation.
Conformation titles usually show you that the breeder is breeding the dog to the standard in which it SHOULD be in. Ex - height, characteristics, colouring, movement, etc.
If they are have working titles - it means that the breeder took time in training their dogs ensuring that the dog was being bred for a purpose and not JUST for profit :)

[Delisay]

Makka, it's veeeery easy to fall in love with a pup in a picture! (I've done it about 23 times in the last week!) However, the question is really whether you think you could be in love with the adults in the pictures, because that's what the pup will grow into in no time at all.

If you want it as a pet, then I would suggest that champion breeding is not a priority - just basic health, soundness and confidence. However, you can't assess personality from a distance. If it were me (bearing in mind that I'm a major league fusspot who knows exactly what I want), I don't think that I could buy a pet puppy that I hadn't personally met... not unless I had VERY good reason to have faith in both the excellent judgement and honesty of the breeder.

If you can bear to let this one pass, your love will fade within the week and then you can make room for a local pup to fall equally in love with when the time is right... (I'm not saying necessarily "Don't do it" - just "Don't do it on impulse". Wait a couple of days for your passion to settle, and then decide with a clear mind!! ;) )

Delisay

[Amalthea]

If you have doubts about getting this pup, try checking out the local shelter and see if there's any puppies that need a good home. You might even find a hound or beagle mix there! and yikes, $600-$700 still sounds outrageous to me, but definitely make sure you're getting a healthy pup with no genetic problems in his family's history if you're gonna pay that much for him!!

showpug is right, beagles have very loud voices (hunting beagles are trained to use their voices to let their owners know where they are and when they're on a scent trail), they love to sniff and will be very determined to follow a scent if one catches their interest, and they love to dig, they are very good at tunnelling and escaping from a fenced-in backyard. They will chase and even kill smaller animals, given the chance.

If you're planning on paying that much for a puppy, I would say you have every right to ask any question you want of this breeder!

[makka619]

^^ I know it’s a lot of money, I thought the same when my brother got his, but that seems to be the average price for most purebreds.

Thanks for your replies, you all gave me the courage to do what I knew needed to be done. I have written to her with the questions, will wait for her reply.

Though, I have decided the best thing to do is ask around for local breeders and wait for their next litter to find a pup which I will be sure is the right one. I think I knew this was the right thing to do, but from the advice I am certain and I do feel much happier with the decision. Plus I know what to ask the breeder and to expect them to ask me.
:)

[showpug]

Well, you see, it's not until now that I have realised that there is more to getting a pet then just, well, getting one. I have never realised about that there are "good" and "bad" breeders.

While I appreciate that a good breeder is an important factor towards buying a pet as it means it has been well reared in the early stages of life and comes from healthy parents, I am still oblivious to reasons behind some of the questions that seem to be so important. For e.g. “Are the parents champions in conformation or a dog sport, such as tracking or agility?” I have read numerous sites but have still not found an explanation for the significance of such a question.

Perhaps, certified breeders are just not so common from my neck of the woods. I honestly never saw harm in a pet from a pet store. In fact, all my life, my parents adopted pets from owners who could no longer keep them. It wasn’t until my brother bought his Beagle (6months ago) and was screened rather meticulously by the Breeder that I first came to light about the proper breeder.

As I type the above, I wonder, are all the questions so important to ensure that ‘Backyard Breeder’ who is only in the game for a quick buck – will soon diminish. In turn, stop the significant number of animals who are given to uncaring homes, unhealthy and are put-down. What have I missed?

There aren’t many Beagle breeders in this town (a couple that I know of), so that is part of the reason that I looked on the net. I will let you know how I get on after I ask the breeder the questions above. Thanks all for the help.

I know it can be confusing when it comes to all the information you get on what makes a good breeder. The question you have about why it's necessary to buy from a breeder who produces champion dogs in either field or conformation...well, the only other way I can explain it is. If they are not testing the quality of their breeding stock in one avenue or another then how do they know they have good stock? From their own opinion? I don't know about you, but I think we are all a little biased when it comes to our own dogs. That is exactly why an outsider opinion is necessary. This "outside" opinion comes from competition. If they aren't competing with their dogs, then why are they breeding? One answer. To breed in a vacuum and produce pets for profit. Top breeders with champion dogs produce pets as well, but they are pets that are a result of a breeding where ther breeder titled the parents, tested the parents and spent time researching the ideal mate. When a breeder owns both parents, that is one of the largest red flags in my book. They just continue to repeat the same breeding over and over again and keep producing the same dogs. No better, no worse. There is not an improvement being made on behalf of the breed or their own breeding program.

See, in my opinion breeders should breed only if they are going to improve upon their own breeding stock and better the breed. Only if they care to take the necessary steps to ensure they are breeding quality dogs (i.e. competiton and health tests) and when their sole purpose is not to just produce puppies because they "like that breed."

Pet quality puppies deserve to be well bred too, not just show dogs.

[makka619]

I know it can be confusing when it comes to all the information you get on what makes a good breeder. The question you have about why it's necessary to buy from a breeder who produces champion dogs in either field or conformation...well, the only other way I can explain it is. If they are not testing the quality of their breeding stock in one avenue or another then how do they know they have good stock? From their own opinion? I don't know about you, but I think we are all a little biased when it comes to our own dogs. That is exactly why an outsider opinion is necessary. This "outside" opinion comes from competition. If they aren't competing with their dogs, then why are they breeding? One answer. To breed in a vacuum and produce pets for profit. Top breeders with champion dogs produce pets as well, but they are pets that are a result of a breeding where ther breeder titled the parents, tested the parents and spent time researching the ideal mate. When a breeder owns both parents, that is one of the largest red flags in my book. They just continue to repeat the same breeding over and over again and keep producing the same dogs. No better, no worse. There is not an improvement being made on behalf of the breed or their own breeding program.

See, in my opinion breeders should breed only if they are going to improve upon their own breeding stock and better the breed. Only if they care to take the necessary steps to ensure they are breeding quality dogs (i.e. competiton and health tests) and when their sole purpose is not to just produce puppies because they "like that breed."

Pet quality puppies deserve to be well bred too, not just show dogs.

Wow, that is a great explanation, that has given me a crystal clear understanding of it’s importance. I agree with it’s purpose, and I feel much more confident in being able to find the right dog from the right breeder. I love it when things "click" :lol-sign:

[Boemy]

To clarify, the reason conformation is important is not because "ZOMG, show dogs are the be all and end all!!!" It's not valuable for what it tells you about the dog. There are many great, healthy, pet quality dogs.

It IS valuable for what it tells you about the breeder. There are a lot of beagles out there, a lot who end up in shelters and get put to sleep. So, knowing this, a responsible breeder will only, only, ONLY breed if their animal is EXCEPTIONAL. Because otherwise, why add another beagle to the world? Pet quality animals make wonderful pets and are sweet and cute, BUT with so many already dying in shelters, why would someone purposely breed one??

Reputable breeders only breed dogs who are prime examples of the breed--not average examples. Competing in dog sports like tracking or agility tells you that their dogs have the brains and ability to work, plus it tells you that the breeder is dedicated enough to drive their dog around to the various events and pay the admission fees.

Hope that helps. :)

[bubbatd]

I think you'd be wise to wait and find a breeder you can visit . This way you can see the litter from day one and follow how the breeder handles the very important 1st eight weeks . BTW... I suggest you get the book " How To Raise A Puppy You Can Live With " .. Rutherford and Neil. It will answer all your questions and give you a week by week of what to watch for.

[showpug]

I think you'd be wise to wait and find a breeder you can visit . This way you can see the litter from day one and follow how the breeder handles the very important 1st eight weeks . BTW... I suggest you get the book " How To Raise A Puppy You Can Live With " .. Rutherford and Neil. It will answer all your questions and give you a week by week of what to watch for.

Grammy, a while back I was chatting with a bulldog breeder and she recommended that book. I immediatley thought of you.:p :)

[makka619]

Well, I sent through the two (only 2) questions exactly as Boemy suggested. My letter was short and to the point.

Somehow she managed to totally avoid giving an answer as to weather the parents are OFA-ed and CERF-ed certified.

It’s just interesting how she replied – Although she does seem very nice, I guess it’s easy to see she is not the right breeder. Not to mention her asking price is right up there, if not more then the average asking price of litters produced direct from champion bloodlines.

I don't mind you asking questions at all. I am more than happy to answer anything I can. I only got into breeding when I got this pair of dogs. I have learnt so much since then. I am not into shows of any description so don't know much about them except they are more work than breeding!

My dogs have never been shown or gone in completions. They have champions in their blood lines for showing. I am not sure if any of their ancestors went into agility completions. They are not certified other than being registered on the ACT and previously NSW Canine Association register.

Both Charlie and Lucy are easy to train with frequent consistent attention. In fact they almost train themselves with this sort of attention.

W are taking more photos today. I will try to send you a video of them if it will go by email.

Otherwise I could send you a CD of photos.

I can't pick between the girls They are all lovely and playful. Spot doesn't seem to eat as much so might be a smaller dog but other than that they are all developing beautifully.

I will send the other girl's photos to the next on the list now that you seem happy with Renie. We named her that because she had a ring on the side of her neck so I called her Ringo which wasn't feminine enough so I adapted it to Renie. You may as well join everyone else in thinking I am mad. But it helps me to name them early by marks as I can tell who is eating etc without referring to a list. Anyway that is my story and it works. Spot of course has that spot on her head. Poor old Morse who has a masculine name I haven't adapted yet, has two spots and a dash so it reminded me of morse code. Now you an see why they think I am mad!!!

I spend (waste) a lot of time with them now as they are exploring the back verandah area and are up to all sorts of mischief and so photogenic.

Hope this all helps

[showpug]

Well, I sent through the two (only 2) questions exactly as Boemy suggested. My letter was short and to the point.

Somehow she managed to totally avoid giving an answer as to weather the parents are OFA-ed and CERF-ed certified.

It’s just interesting how she replied – Although she does seem very nice, I guess it’s easy to see she is not the right breeder. Not to mention her asking price is right up there, if not more then the average asking price of litters produced direct from champion bloodlines.

You are right, this is not the right breeder at all!!! She sounds very inexperienced and lacking in knowledge. Her statements about only getting into breeding after getting "this pair of dogs" and "showing is more work than breeding" tells me that she is 100% a BYB and in it for money.

It would be in your best interest to move on, quickly!

[showpug]

Have you checked this out yet?
http://www.beagleclubnsw.org.au/breeder.htm
Scroll down for a list of breeders...

[Melissa_W]

Well, I sent through the two (only 2) questions exactly as Boemy suggested. My letter was short and to the point.

Somehow she managed to totally avoid giving an answer as to weather the parents are OFA-ed and CERF-ed certified.

It’s just interesting how she replied – Although she does seem very nice, I guess it’s easy to see she is not the right breeder. Not to mention her asking price is right up there, if not more then the average asking price of litters produced direct from champion bloodlines.

Ack! Yes, you are definitely right. Do not buy from this lady! Good for you, doing your research.

If you use showpugs link, I'm sure you will find someone much better. :) Let us know how things turn out.

[~Tucker&Me~]

To the Chazhound members:

I am proud of you! This situation has been very well handled :D.

To the OP, good for you! Research is SOOO important!

Best of luck finding a puppy!

~Tucker

[makka619]

^^I agree. Just want to thankyou all for helping me out. Without you I probably would have bought the pup. I have been researching the Beagle breed for a while and I came across numerous sites with the important questions that should be asked of a breeder. Like I said, I didn’t understand the significance of some, and therefore felt uncomfortable asking it. Since you guys were able to explain it, I can now put forward these questions in my quest for finding the right puppy.

In fact, we found out a couple of weeks ago that a puppy (Baxter) from the same litter as my brother’s Beagle is up for sale. I went to look at him a few weeks ago. The breeder kept him out of the litter to show – he has won awards. He would be about 7 months old, I don’t mind getting an older Beagle, I was looking for a girl, which is why I didn’t snap him up.

The breeder just called me with a proposition. He lowered the price from $700 to $500. The condition is that I continue to show him, because they have extremely high hopes for him – believe he could be an Australian Champion or something. They said that if I didn’t want to show him that they would do it. I have no idea how to show, but they want to teach me. He said obviously what it means for them is it is good for their kennel name.

He said other people have shown interest in getting the pup – people with lots of kids, but that means he would just be a pet, but he wants him to do more. This is why he has held off, and why he is contacting me about it.

He also said that he wouldn’t get de-sexed, and that he doesn’t want him to be back-yard bred. He said that I’ll find when he is older, and doing well in competitions, people will show interest in breeding him and I will get paid a small fee for that.

I told him I will think about it over the weekend and call him back. But it sounds good to me! I think I would let them have access to Baxter and they can show him when they need to.

ETA: What do you guys think? Has anyone shown their dogs?

He looks like a bit like my brother's Beagle (in my avator) expect he is bigger and his face is all tan.

My brother has been around to the breeders house a few times, and said they obviously do something right, because you can tell all their dogs are happy. They have about 5 (different breeds), and show them. So I am sure I will be getting a well socialised, happy dog.

[showpug]

^^I agree. Just want to thankyou all for helping me out. Without you I probably would have bought the pup. I have been researching the Beagle breed for a while and I came across numerous sites with the important questions that should be asked of a breeder. Like I said, I didn’t understand the significance of some, and therefore felt uncomfortable asking it. Since you guys were able to explain it, I can now put forward these questions in my quest for finding the right puppy.

In fact, we found out a couple of weeks ago that a puppy (Baxter) from the same litter as my brother’s Beagle is up for sale. I went to look at him a few weeks ago. The breeder kept him out of the litter to show – he has won awards. He would be about 7 months old, I don’t mind getting an older Beagle, I was looking for a girl, which is why I didn’t snap him up.

The breeder just called me with a proposition. He lowered the price from $700 to $500. The condition is that I continue to show him, because they have extremely high hopes for him – believe he could be an Australian Champion or something. They said that if I didn’t want to show him that they would do it. I have no idea how to show, but they want to teach me. He said obviously what it means for them is it is good for their kennel name.

He said other people have shown interest in getting the pup – people with lots of kids, but that means he would just be a pet, but he wants him to do more. This is why he has held off, and why he is contacting me about it.

He also said that he wouldn’t get de-sexed, and that he doesn’t want him to be back-yard bred. He said that I’ll find when he is older, and doing well in competitions, people will show interest in breeding him and I will get paid a small fee for that.

I told him I will think about it over the weekend and call him back. But it sounds good to me! I think I would let them have access to Baxter and they can show him when they need to.

ETA: What do you guys think? Has anyone shown their dogs?

He looks like a bit like my brother's Beagle (in my avator) expect he is bigger and his face is all tan.

My brother has been around to the breeders house a few times, and said they obviously do something right, because you can tell all their dogs are happy. They have about 5 (different breeds), and show them. So I am sure I will be getting a well socialised, happy dog.

Makka619...I like you, and your enthusiasm about things. You seem very open and willing to learn.

Where do I begin with this one? Well, I show my dogs. There are a LOT of things that you need to consider before you take him up on this tempting offer. There is a lot that goes into showing and owning show dogs. Here are some questions to consider.

1.) If the breeder shows the dog, will they be local shows or will you have to let your dog go for long periods of time to be shown far from you while you are at home missing him dearly?

2.) Are you aware of the challenges of owning an intact male? Beagles already wander. Can you imagine how much more he will be prone to wandering when he smells a female in heat? They are also more prone to urinary marking etc.

3.) If this dog becomes a champion from you showing him or the breeder showing him, then who has stud rights to him if he is bred? Who collects the stud fees and will you be forced to yet again ship him off while someone is using him to breed to their bitch? OR, who is responsible for semen collection fees?

4.)Who will continue his show training and conditioning?

5.) Will you own him or co-own him?

6.) Who will pay show entry fees?

Just some things to think about. I show my dogs and I love every minute of it. It is time consuming and at times expensive. It can be very rewarding and heartbreaking all at the same time. Thick skin is very necessary!

[makka619]

1) They will be local shows and interstate. I figured the dog has been show trained since he was old enough so he would be used to it, and enjoy being taken by the current owners when needed, so I wouldn’t mind them showing him.

2) Not aware of the challenges of owning an intact male. And your points have worried me.

3) Stud fees- really not sure, I think he suggested that I would get the money. And yes will have to ship him off to breed.

4) Again not sure and don’t know how much training it requires.

5) He said that the dog would be co-owned, under both names.

6) He said that he would teach me how to do shows if I wanted, otherwise they would take him and do it. I assumed that if the breeder continued to show him then they would pay for all the entries.

My current answers. I will look into it some more. Though I am leaning towards not getting him, number 2 particularly worries me.

Thanks for the list showpug, I do need to consider a lot more then my initial reaction.

[showpug]

1) They will be local shows and interstate. I figured the dog has been show trained since he was old enough so he would be used to it, and enjoy being taken by the current owners when needed, so I wouldn’t mind them showing him.

2) Not aware of the challenges of owning an intact male. And your points have worried me.

3) Stud fees- really not sure, I think he suggested that I would get the money. And yes will have to ship him off to breed.

4) Again not sure and don’t know how much training it requires.

5) He said that the dog would be co-owned, under both names.

6) He said that he would teach me how to do shows if I wanted, otherwise they would take him and do it. I assumed that if the breeder continued to show him then they would pay for all the entries.

My current answers. I will look into it some more. Though I am leaning towards not getting him, number 2 particularly worries me.

Thanks for the list showpug, I do need to consider a lot more then my initial reaction.


If you want him, then don't hesitate to at least attempt to negotiate. For instance, once he is eligible for breeding and they decide they want to breed him you need to have in writing who will pay for his health screens, shipping or collection and so on. If you don't want to ship him off for breeding than say breeding can only be available via fresh chilled or frozen semen. If you don't want to own an intact male then you could make them agree that once he is finished, his semen is frozen and he is neutered right away. You could also have them agree that they pay entry fees when they show him and you pay when you show him etc.

As far as show training goes. If he has a good foundation then there may not be much left to do, but I will tell you I work with my new show puppy daily and my older show bitch weekly. They need occasional refresher courses etc. I attend a handling class with both my show dogs. If you are going to take on the responsibility of a show dog then you may want to look into handling him yourself. Are there handling classes in your area? Finishing your own dog's title can be very rewarding.

Lots of stuff to think about. Either way, I am sure you will make the right decision for you...

[coleen23]

The reason for the "Conformation titles or working titles" is to ENSURE that the dog comes from "good stock".

ANY dog can be bred, ANY dog can have puppies and just about anyone with a dog can potentially sell the puppies as well.

BUT if you get a dog from a breeder who health tests - ie. OFA and the CERF then you KNOW that the breeder is ensuring the life of their breeding bitches/dogs AND they are ensuring that no genetic default is passed down from generation to generation.
Conformation titles usually show you that the breeder is breeding the dog to the standard in which it SHOULD be in. Ex - height, characteristics, colouring, movement, etc.
If they are have working titles - it means that the breeder took time in training their dogs ensuring that the dog was being bred for a purpose and not JUST for profit :)



HI COULD SOMEONE PLEASE TELL ME WHAT OFA AND CERF STANDS FOR ????? THANKS COLEEN

[blue]

HI COULD SOMEONE PLEASE TELL ME WHAT OFA AND CERF STANDS FOR ????? THANKS COLEEN

Could you please turn off your CAPSLock button, thank you.

Now back to the thread.

[Boemy]

Ouch, please let up on the caps!

OFA - Orthapedic Foundation for Animals
CERF - Canine Eye Registration Foundation