Fabulous Breeders

[otch1]

I see alot of focus on BYBs', puppy mills and bashing individuals breeding dogs. (Some quite justified in their complaints, having had terrible experiences!) I want to start a thread that lists your favorite breeder! If you've purchased or adopted a purebred pup/dog over the years, what did you find truly outstanding about your dogs breeder? What was your experience?

[Zoom]

I don't have a pup from the yet, but this breeder is one I want a dog from! They cover everything I look for: testing, titling, extensive reseraching of background, pups raised in house and socialized beyond belief (check out their puppy blog for pictures of what I mean), one litter every three years or so and they match the puppy by what the future owner wants in a dog, not by how they look.

Ad Astra Farm (http://www.adastrafarm.com/)

[otch1]

Me first, ... I've had great experiences with 2 in particular. One, many, many years ago, for one of my Boxers. She was a hobby breeder, just 2 litters, a licensed vet tech and obedience instructor for a living. While she did all appropriate testing and health checks, what I found a great experience was that she made the purchase of a puppy very "personal". She took a photo album for all owners, documenting birth to the sale of each puppy. She let all of us call and check on our puppies thruout the 8 weeks without ever becoming impatient or annoyed. She encouraged families with children to come out when the time was right and gave a lesson to the kids on how to properly handle and care for their new puppies. She stayed in touch with all of the families, periodically checking on how the dogs were doing over the course of the year and was always available were there a problem. She never critisized owners for not being comfortable with trimming nails and such. She told owners to bring them to her, with several days notice, anytime their vet was not available and she'd be more than happy to dremel nails, clean ears, and if owners wanted to have play dates for their litter mates, she arranged those a couple of times a year. She was very involved with these dogs well beyond their sale and a lot of owners sent pictures and Chrismas cards, thruout their dogs lifetime because she loved our pups' as much as we did. (I know this because she also became a friend, after I bought my pup.) The second breeder, is my current Dobie pups breeder. She is a wealth of information. She checks on the pups well after their sale. She's also available anytime an owner has a question or concern. And she too, is someone owners stay in touch with for the lifetime of their dog. She has many Dobies out there, having bred and shown dogs for 25 years. And she knows them all! Two having boarded with me over the years, both owners spoke about what wonderful dogs she has and how much they appreciated her care and attention, well into their dogs senior years. The kind of breeder, when your first dog passes, you wouldn't think to go to a different breeder for a second family dog.

[otch1]

Oops, took me awhile to type that. Will check out that site Zoom.

[RD]

I was just all-around impressed by Eve's breeder. I liked what I heard about her bitch, I liked her approach to breeding and raising puppies, she is extremely well-educated and on the ABCA health and genetics committee, and she is very generous and down-to-earth.

My experience was fantastic. She took us out to dinner and put us up for the night since we flew across the country to pick up the puppy, talked dogs with me all night and all morning . . . She was just great, and has continued to share her extensive knowledge and experience with me since I've brought Eve back home. I like that I got more than a puppy from her, I got a mentor of sorts. She's really what I think a breeder should be.

Also, Eve was the very first puppy I've had that was selected for me (rather than me showing up and picking my own). I couldn't be happier with the choice - my pup is perfect not only for me, but for my other dogs as well. There was no adjustment period for her, she fit into the household perfectly from day one.

[noludoru]

Otch, I'm not looking for a Dobie pup atm (or in the next ten years, probably, lol), but could I have the name/website of your breeder?

It makes me sooooo happy to hear stories like this, I'd just like to know more. :D

[otch1]

I don't think she'll mind me posting this... J. Huston of Wingate Dobermans and the sires breeder F.Strauss of Sherluck Dobermans. Both outstanding breeders and very nice people! Check out their sites, nice Dobies!

[Spirit2010]

Well, Hershey, he has been a great experience in a breeder, he has had no health problems so far! :D He has only a thing on his eye from being outside all of the time. but that will happen to an outside dog, won't it? but, anyways, I don't know exactly where my mom got him at, but that breeder seems pretty good so far, no health problems for Hershey! I love that breeder now, that we got Hershey from, wonderful temperament! Wonderful intelligence! Very well bred Labrador Retriever. This is all I can say. :) I don't know the breeder, but somewhere in Noblesville, is where my mom, and sister got Hershey. I give my compliments to his breeder. :) He is exactly 23" at his shoulder too. None higher.

[Momof2Pups]

In my opinion, RedyreRottweilers is a fantastic breeder.
She takes breeding very seriously. She is very responsible in properly rasing and training all her dogs, and having her dogs compete and earn titles and certifications and display exceptional confirmation, and temperament and course her dogs pass their health tests before being bred. She picks dogs for hers to be bred with that's faults and wonderful qualities go along with her bitch and makes sure they can help and even out each other's qualities and help eachother's faults. She would only breed exceptional representations the breed. She does Rottweilers a great service. :)
She knows the rottweiler standard in and out, upside down and inside out.
Her raising of Penny (Ch. Penny, RN TT CGC TDI) truly impresses me and I love seeing Penny's accomplishments.

There are some truly incredible breeders out there, and if everyone bred for working (like (Grace)RD's Eve's breeder) or show like Red, and all of the other requirements, there would be no overflowing shelters like there are now.
Love4Pits hasn't been on here in a long time, but she also is an excellent breeder. :)

[Zoom]

Spirit, I know you love Hershey and all, but you just had a thread stating how he bites you all the time. That's not indicative of a good temperment, outside dog or not. My foster lab, that I have no idea of her background, doesn't bite me ever. Even when I grab stuff out of her mouth.

[otch1]

Should have clarified thread (sorry Hershey)... I'm hoping people will post positive experiences they've had with a breeder they know, have had first hand experience with and whose business practices they're familiar with. Momof2pups, very nice to post about Chaz breeder! Hope she sees that!!

[Momof2Pups]

Spirit, I know you love Hershey and all, but you just had a thread stating how he bites you all the time. That's not indicative of a good temperment, outside dog or not. My foster lab, that I have no idea of her background, doesn't bite me ever. Even when I grab stuff out of her mouth.
I have to agree with Zoom on this one. Also, IMO, a lack of health problems so far doesn't guarantee an excellent breeder. Don't get me wrong, though, he seems like a great dog.

[RedyreRottweilers]

Momof2, I am so honored that you would think that of me. However, I must point out that there is one health test that Penny did not pass. According to OFA, she has Grade 1 DJD in her left elbow, with the right being normal.

I did send the same films to OVC in Canada, where she was rated as normal in the left elbow. Be that as it may, I would have to point out that altho she has been tested, she does have that one test that would be considered an abnormal result.

[IliamnasQuest]

Momof2, I am so honored that you would think that of me. However, I must point out that there is one health test that Penny did not pass. According to OFA, she has Grade 1 DJD in her left elbow, with the right being normal.

I did send the same films to OVC in Canada, where she was rated as normal in the left elbow. Be that as it may, I would have to point out that altho she has been tested, she does have that one test that would be considered an abnormal result.

You know, of all the posts you've made on this forum, I think this is probably the most important one.

MOST breeders would have hidden that a test came back saying their dog has elbow dysplasia. I'm just really impressed that you would be so honest about it.

Isn't it kind of sad, though, that I'm impressed with honesty when ALL breeders should be so honest??? But we see it all the time .. test results hidden or tests not given because they know there is likely to be a problem. Unless we face the problems we can't fix them. No dog is perfect, of course, but a good breeder learns where their dogs are imperfect and breeds away from that.

Good job. I hope more breeders will follow your lead and acknowledge the imperfections as well as the perfections.

Melanie and the gang in Alaska

[IliamnasQuest]

I have some favorite breeders in chows. Zola Coogan of the Redcloud Kennels has worked hard to produce well-rounded, healthy dogs for the past 30 years or so. My young girl is mostly from Redcloud lines and her father was the very first chow to ever pass all the health clearances for the breed (hips [excellent], elbows, patellas, cardiac, thyroid, eyes). Ch. Redcloud Bagua of Tienshan is co-owned by Paula Titon, who is active with her chows in performance events and helping to carry on the Redcloud legacy.

And then the breeder of Khana - Judy Allen of Clos de Lion Kennels in Ontario, Canada - is another breeder who impresses me. Not only is she breeding for moderate, healthy dogs with great temperament but she also does SO much to make her pups confident and outgoing. She spends a lot of time handling the pups, socializing them young, teaching them how to handle crates and collars and leashes, exposing them to experiences and sounds before they head out to new owners. Khana showed up after being in transit for 12 hours (flying from Ontario to Alaska) and came out of the kennel with a happy, confident attitude. I was SO impressed with that!

A good breeder can give a pup the best possible start in life .. a bad breeder can ruin the pup for life.

Melanie and the gang in Alaska

[noludoru]

ty Otch!!!!

[Momof2Pups]

Thanks for being so honest about that, Red. :) Sadly, a lot of breeders are evasive about their practices.
I came on here nearly clueless about reputable breeding vs. backyard breeding and you are one of the people who have taught me a LOT.

[~Jessie~]

I love this breeder:

Chihuahuas of Belle Shoals
http://webpages.charter.net/chihuahuasofbelleshoals/index.html

She has gorgeous, perfect breed standard pups. She breeds for herself, and she doesn't let her pet quality puppies go to their homes until they are 12-16+ weeks old. She never has puppies available on her webpage... if you want a puppy, you have to send her an email and it's a really long wait for a puppy.

[Lizmo]

I have never had a dog from a breeder, but I have to say that Redyer and Eve"s (RD's pup) breeder look like fantastic breeders IMO :) All the things that these 2 breeders accomplish with there dogs is what I think all good breeders should do BEFORE breeding.


From what I have heard about Eve's breeder from Grace, I would love to have a pup from her one day, her dogs are GREAT workers, and the breeder is VERY responsible.

[RedyreRottweilers]

You know, of all the posts you've made on this forum, I think this is probably the most important one.

MOST breeders would have hidden that a test came back saying their dog has elbow dysplasia. I'm just really impressed that you would be so honest about it.

Isn't it kind of sad, though, that I'm impressed with honesty when ALL breeders should be so honest??? But we see it all the time .. test results hidden or tests not given because they know there is likely to be a problem. Unless we face the problems we can't fix them. No dog is perfect, of course, but a good breeder learns where their dogs are imperfect and breeds away from that.

Good job. I hope more breeders will follow your lead and acknowledge the imperfections as well as the perfections.

Melanie and the gang in Alaska


I will further state that ALL her health testing results have been disclosed and are public record in the OFA's data base.

In addition to this, one of the requirements of my sales agreement is that ALL testing be done to every puppy, and ALL results, normal, abnormal, or equivocal, be disclosed to OFA. Getting a puppy from me means "you gotta check the box". Being able to search this information, warts and all, is necessary for us if we are to make the best breeding decisions we can.

JMO as always. :D

[RD]

I agree, Red, that is a requirement I wish more breeders had.

Honesty is the most important thing to me when it comes to buying from a breeder. I want to know if there are any abnormalities as far as health goes. I want to know the weak points of the dogs as well as the strong points.

I think a lot of breeders cover up health issues because most buyers expect perfection. They want a puppy from an impeccably healthy pedigree full of dual champions. They want the parents to be perfect and don't think anything less should be bred. Unfortunately, if the buyers had their way, the gene pool for their breed would be painfully small because there are very few, if any, dogs that are (more or less) flawless. If people culled the dogs that weren't the picture of perfection, the breed would rapidly fall apart or disappear entirely. I'm certainly not making excuses for these breeders that decieve people, but I think sometimes buyers need to be educated as well. Often times their expectations are unrealistic.

Eve's pedigree is about as squeaky clean as they come - the only known health issue was a granddam's hearing loss in her old age. As a buyer, I really liked that, but if I were to look at it from a breeder's perspective, it would be detrimental to the breed if only dogs with such clean pedigrees health-wise were bred. I'm not condoning careless breeding, mind you, but I have no problem with people who are fully aware and understanding of a health abnormality and breed their dog to a suitable mate, keeping that abnormality in mind. In my breed, a dog that is a good worker is a good worker. One little flaw in a superb working dog should not be the end-all for breeding decisions. Breeds will disappear if everyone holds everything about their dogs to a standard of perfection, and they'll go to ruin if nobody cares at all. It needs to rest somewhere in the middle.

[Jynx]

Honesty I guess is the reason i really like my aussie breeder.

I have always lived with GSD's. When I decided to "defect" *vbg*..there were a couple of other herding breeds that I looked at but there weren't breeders of those dogs in my area that impressed me, since it was a going to be a "new" breed for me. I didn't want to ship a dog.

So I turned to aussies, which are pretty abundant in my area. I found Jynx's breeder off ASCNE's breeder referral site (along with several others), and checked a few out. Jynx's breeder immediately impressed me, with her knowledge and her total honesty of health problems she had encountered, what she was doing to eradicate them (remove dogs from lines etc)..Her health testing, her dogs, etc.

So I took a leap of faith and let HER pick a puppy for me (which I had never done before either!) I must say, she had me pretty nervous there for awhile, telling me she had her eye on this "spitfire" of a puppy, who at 4 weeks of age was the first one to climb a 4ft babygate, trot thru the house looking for her "people",,yada yada,,I thought I was going to be in BIG trouble with some little squirt from down under...I have never been happier with the results. She pegged that puppy perfectly. She's always been there for us , with health crisis's, and sharing our triumph's..

It doesn't hurt that we get 150$ per title either *vbg*.

So I'd say she has been the "best" breeder I've dealt with, even tho my last GSD, Dodge, I've had nothing but good things to say about as well.
Diane

[Zoom]

Jynx, what breeder was that? What are the lines?

[MaryAndDobes]

I must point out that there is one health test that Penny did not pass. According to OFA, she has Grade 1 DJD in her left elbow, with the right being normal.


I have the same issue with one of my Dobermans although it's in opposite elbows (left is normal, right is grade 1 DJD).

I don't know how prevalent a problem it is in rottweilers. It's not really prevalent in Dobermans, but that said, there aren't really a lot of Doberman breeders testing for it. It is becoming a little more the norm to test for it in Dobes but a slow go ...

Anyway, as I said, Wish was graded with DJD in her right elbow when she was 2. I never would have known without OFAing - there was no physical indication to my eye. She's 9 years old now, and there still isn't. I mean, maybe she couldn't have been an agility dog or done well in advanced obedience but those weren't goals I had *with her*.

I agonized over whether to breed Wish or not (she is a Ch. CD, CGC, OFA excellent hips, vWD carrier, thyroid normal, CERF normal, cardiac ultrasound and Holter normal). I eventually did decide to breed her once and I specifically asked the owners of the stud that I was interested in to get his elbows done, which they did. There were only 2 puppies born - the one is a spayed pet who has owners with no interest in testing her elbows, the other's elbows are OFA normal. Hopefully, I moved past the problem successfully. All of my breeding dogs do get tested for elbows but it can be difficult to find stud dogs that have been (in Dobermans).

[ravennr]

I'm glad someone mentioned the Redcloud Chow Chows, I really love the dogs from that line and wish I found more breeders with dogs like them.

My personal favourite kennel is Bluevine Akitas. I've fallen in love with so many of the breeder's dogs, watched many grow up through videos and pictures, and really hope to one day personally own an Akita from them. They are the only breeder that I have found to be just as awesome a person out of the dog world as they are in the dog world. The woman is very easy to relate to as well, as she is so easy going with most people she talks to.
I like seeing that in a breeder; someone who can talk as a friend, and not just someone selling you a puppy. That, to me, is important.

I also really love the Melodor Akitas as well, but haven't been able to speak with the breeders.

[Jynx]

Zoom, I got my aussie from Harmonyhill Aussies, www.harmonyhillaussies.com
in harwinton CT,

Jynx is out of a female of hers and a Propwash dog. Breeder has alot of old Bayshore lines, lately she's been using some Stormridge dogs..

Her website doesn't do her justice, she is more into the conformation end of things, (altho she tells me she has started herding, she needs one more title to HOF her kennel) I'd say 95% of her dogs (that she sells) are out competing in all avenues not just conformation.

Another thing I like about her, is she is involved in resuce, will always and insists on returning a dog she has produced to her for whatever reason. She keeps them until she can find a suitable home for them (if ever) and then will place them for free/no adoption fee.

In fact, a friend of mine just took a "nephew" of mine, at 18mths of age. Was raised with kids (who tormented him with a flash of camera :(() had obed training,,his "flaw"? He was playing with all the kids, and scratched a neighborhood kid,,the parents took the kid to the ER (for a scratch!) cops involved, people insisted the dog was viscious (while the dog was sitting on the cops laps:)) She took him back immediately,,he's living like a king with a friend of mine,,a really nice dog..

Her dogs aren't cheap, but she stands behind everything 100%..
Diane

[AusCatDogs_4Ever]

If I get another ACD in the future, it would be from Agassiz ACDs.

Website: http://agassizcattledog.com/

:)

[moe]

my favorite breeder is the lady that bred our Bailey and Willow Snowolf Alaskan Malamutes, not only is she a mine of information she breeds ethically, has the breed formost in her mind, is my mentor and friend,

MO

[IliamnasQuest]

I'm glad someone mentioned the Redcloud Chow Chows, I really love the dogs from that line and wish I found more breeders with dogs like them.

Glad to hear you know the Redcloud lines! I am so impressed with them overall. My young girl, Khana, has 21 Redcloud dogs in her four generation pedigree. I was looking for a bitch to work in performance events and found Khana. I feel so lucky to have her.

I really like Akitas too .. my good friend has Akitas and shows her male in conformation and has a rally title on him too. I don't know the lines of her dog, though. He's a handsome boy but pretty sharp in temperament and downright obnoxious as a young dog .. *L* .. he's mellowed as he's gotten older though. I'm hoping she will put obedience titles on him as well as rally.

Melanie and the gang in Alaska

[Zoom]

Zoom, I got my aussie from Harmonyhill Aussies, www.harmonyhillaussies.com
in harwinton CT,

Jynx is out of a female of hers and a Propwash dog. Breeder has alot of old Bayshore lines, lately she's been using some Stormridge dogs..

Her website doesn't do her justice, she is more into the conformation end of things, (altho she tells me she has started herding, she needs one more title to HOF her kennel) I'd say 95% of her dogs (that she sells) are out competing in all avenues not just conformation.

Another thing I like about her, is she is involved in resuce, will always and insists on returning a dog she has produced to her for whatever reason. She keeps them until she can find a suitable home for them (if ever) and then will place them for free/no adoption fee.

In fact, a friend of mine just took a "nephew" of mine, at 18mths of age. Was raised with kids (who tormented him with a flash of camera :(() had obed training,,his "flaw"? He was playing with all the kids, and scratched a neighborhood kid,,the parents took the kid to the ER (for a scratch!) cops involved, people insisted the dog was viscious (while the dog was sitting on the cops laps:)) She took him back immediately,,he's living like a king with a friend of mine,,a really nice dog..

Her dogs aren't cheap, but she stands behind everything 100%..
Diane

Sounds pretty good. I'm glad she's using the old Bayshore lines and not the newer ones. The Bayshore kennel is a local name around here and the owner doesn't have a terribly good reputation with the local Aussie crowd, even the ones more into the conf/comp. obedience side of things.

[pitbullpony]

Jeannine De Palma of Fox Fire Farms is the breeder of Fox Fire Kim Possible; my Central Asian Shepherd puppy, and I will absolutely recommend her dogs, her philosophies and her general dog knowledge to anyone interested in this fascinating breed.

She passes muster with regards to;
health tests and unconditional guarantees, breed specific and general dog information, rescue (her breed and others), breeding practices, conformation showing (UKC Gr Ch - first for the breed, and #1 Top Ten - Premier here we come), Livestock Guardian duties, temperament tests, puppy buyer support for all questions, puppy selection, sold puppy contact (has her own yahoo group for puppy owners).
http://centralasianshepherd.com

Two things that really cemented our friendship and my desire to own a Fox Fire dog; were; 1; she never stops learning, she has never been a know-it-all; she will keep reading, researching, uses the information that suits her breed and her personal dogs; assists buyers in using the information; but acknowledges that each person is going to do it slightly different and she understands; is willing to help you try new things.
2. People who weren't in the breed; but owned performance (APBT breeders and Schutzhund trainers as well as others) dogs of other breeds; were recommending her to me; were happy and excited for me that she had agreed to get me a pup.

I waited just over 8 mos. to get Kim (who I've had for almost 1 year now), and I couldn't be happier with Jeannine, her dogs, her help and of course my Kimmaroo.

[Spirit2010]

ok, nevermind, scratch off Hershey's breeder. :( Sadly, they were backyard breeders.. :( I asked my mom if his parents were in or out, and they were out. I know, he only bites when there is trash around/something he gets that he is not supposed to have, I know, that breeder, nevermind. He is a great dog, but, not a breeder I would reccomend. like you guys said. Sadly, he only bites me.. :confused: Because I am the horrible person, who always takes things away from him.. but I know what you guys are saying. :)

[adoptashelterpettoday]

This lady is super nice. She not only breeds good quality Dalmatians, she also does tons of rescue, if I were to buy a show Dal, I would come to her first:
http://www.melodykennels.com/

I also really like this lady too: http://www.dalawaydalmatians.com/

If I were buying a show Dal (only way I would buy a pure bred dog from a breeder) I would choose one of those two...

Another criteria for me buying a dal from a breeder would be that the breeder doesnt euthanize deaf Dalmatian puppies (which most "responsible" Dalmatian breeders do, it's quite sad).

[Craig Fox]

My mom and dad are fabulous breeders, obviously. I ****ing rock!

My DNA is tight yo.

Stacked, you know, Stacked?

[adoptashelterpettoday]

Arent you just the clever teenager?

School out today?

[PWCorgi]

Arent you just the clever teenager?
ROFLMAO!!

And that, my friends, is why most people dislike teenagers. :rolleyes:

[Spirit2010]

I'm a teen! I hate that language! Its annoying. I only say it, when I am really mad. But, ug, my friends do it all the time, I hate it, I hate it, I hate it! My English is not the best though. shrugs, oh well. lol, here is a Doberman breeder, that seems good, she does testing, breeds for temper, conformation, and health, and she does a lot with her dogs, its crazy! lol, not really, its just, it looks like fun. :)

http://www.anjelicdobes.com/index.htm

Although shes not a professional handler, Roxy looks really good! But, I believe she breeds for all the right things. What do you guys think?

[Momof2Pups]

Not all teens are that bad. I see what a lot of people mean, but I'm a teen, and I would never act like that.

[Lizmo]

I know most teens are like that. But there are some VERY mature teens on here :) (myself included)

[iheartsammy]

hey, I'm a teen and I'm mature! for the most part.. ;)

but seriously, I can understand why people don't like teens nowadays..

[Spirit2010]

I know, but, there are a lot out there. :P

[RedyreRottweilers]

Because most of them don't act like the (mostly) excellent thoughtful intelligent polite and well spoken teens on THIS board.

;)

[ravennr]

Glad to hear you know the Redcloud lines! I am so impressed with them overall. My young girl, Khana, has 21 Redcloud dogs in her four generation pedigree. I was looking for a bitch to work in performance events and found Khana. I feel so lucky to have her.

I really like Akitas too .. my good friend has Akitas and shows her male in conformation and has a rally title on him too. I don't know the lines of her dog, though. He's a handsome boy but pretty sharp in temperament and downright obnoxious as a young dog .. *L* .. he's mellowed as he's gotten older though. I'm hoping she will put obedience titles on him as well as rally.

Melanie and the gang in Alaska

I am a huge enthusiast of the Chow, Akita and more recently the Shikoku, though I can't find any Shikoku breeders hardly.

Are there any kennels for Chows that you recommend handsdown?
I always check around online, but even through club referrals, I am extremely wary of just websites.

[tempura tantrum]

though I can't find any Shikoku breeders hardly.

I hear you on this one- I became really interested in this breed when I was researching my current breed (Shibas). I looked all over the place for breeders in the US, but frankly wasn't able to find anything I really liked. Turns out, they're not even all that popular in their NATIVE country either, which makes them especially hard to get ahold of. At some point I'd love to import one...but it will be a long time from now.

[ravennr]

I hear you on this one- I became really interested in this breed when I was researching my current breed (Shibas). I looked all over the place for breeders in the US, but frankly wasn't able to find anything I really liked. Turns out, they're not even all that popular in their NATIVE country either, which makes them especially hard to get ahold of. At some point I'd love to import one...but it will be a long time from now.

I found that out too. I guess we'll both be waiting a while for a Shikoku!
I love Shibas, and my interest in the Shikoku was brought on by Shibas in the first place. We have a Shiba Inu rescue here, and it's possible I'll be adopting from them someday, if I don't find a Chow Chow breeder I like first.

[wolfsoul]

There's a shikoku breeder not too far from me! They breed shibas as well. :)

I have to say that it's hard for me to find a breeder I REALLY really love because I'd have to really know them and their dogs. But I truly hope one day that someone will put me on their list of favourite breeders. :) My next breeding isn't until 2009, so I have time to build up a fan base until then LOL! :D

[ravennr]

There's a shikoku breeder not too far from me! They breed shibas as well. :)

Bet it's Akashima?!
I have looked at them but not extensively. I'd love to talk to them and ask questions though, when I have the time. I hate to do that though unless I'm actually about to inquire about buying, I always feel as if I'm bothering them, LOL.
:rolleyes:

[wolfsoul]

Yep that's them! :)

[PWCorgi]

Not all teens are that bad.

Nope, but humans have mastered the art of generalizing, just look at all the breed bans.

[Kmh1]

I have really enjoyed this thread and have learned so much on the forum about what makes a great breeder. I was very lucky to get my Manchester terrier, Zippy from a wonderful breeder--I really didn't know all the things to look for at the time, but lucked out and found a great breeder anyway. (this might have been partly because Manchesters are kind of rare--not a big market for them at the moment....) Zippy came from Burmack Kennels -- to see their gorgeous dogs check out their website at http://www.kismet.net/burmack/
Burmack has a history of producing some of the top Manchester show dogs in the country--but what most impressed me was how courteous, professional and supportive the owner was to me -- an absolute newcomer to Manchesters looking for a pet quality puppy. I was questioned thoroughly but never made to feel uncomfortable, I was provided with tons of information and a wonderful package of goodies and info to take home with my 9 month old pup--who has gorgeous conformation and is in peak condition-- but a bit too shy for the ring--Zippy just wanted to play and curl up with a favorite person and that is exactly the home they found for him. I also had to sign a lengthy spay/neuter and expected level of care contract. He was microchipped and the breeder remains an alternate contact.
I have had Zippy a little under a year and his breeder and I keep in touch regularly--it is really heart warming to see the care he has for all his dogs--show dogs or not. I would absolutely love to get another dog from Burmack in the future. If any one has any interest in Manchesters I would highly, highly recommend them. I feel so fortunate that I sort of just found them by accident---and I'm also glad that in the future I won't have to depend on luck--I know what to look for in a breeder and what to ask--that is yet another reason why Chaz is so awesome!

[IliamnasQuest]

I am a huge enthusiast of the Chow, Akita and more recently the Shikoku, though I can't find any Shikoku breeders hardly.

Are there any kennels for Chows that you recommend handsdown?
I always check around online, but even through club referrals, I am extremely wary of just websites.

I haven't purchased directly from Zola Coogan and the Redcloud Kennels, but I would in a heartbeat. There's also Paula Titon who co-owns the sire of my girl. She is actively working her chows in obedience and agility (as well as showing in conformation) and she's working toward dogs that are versatile as well as healthy and with excellent temperaments. I don't know if Paula has a kennel name though. I have her email address if you are interested in contacting her. Zola is not online at all, I think. I've only spoken to her by phone.

My problem in the breed is finding chows that have the physical build and mental capability to do performance events. Most of the show breeders seem to care little about obedience and agility and are breeding for what they think will win in the conformation ring. Many of them only check hips (if they check anything). I have no faith in the breeders who are part of the national club, unfortunately. One who is listed on the CCCI website was recently shown to be little more than a glorified puppy mill.

Melanie and the gang in Alaska

[DanL]

We were very impressed with our Dane breeder. The health testing she does, her views on over vaccination, how much she cares for her dogs and the breed in general were all great points.

Gunnar's breeder is more of a hobbyist. She does basic health testing and works her dogs but she didn't "interview" us before placing Gunnar with us. If she didn't work her dogs and test them I'd consider her a BYB. She does care about the breed and her dogs are from good German stock and she doesn't overbreed the females.

Bruzer came from an elderly couple who bred 2 oversized out of standard, overweight pugs because they loved puppies. Clearly a BYB. Luckily he's been a healthy, vigorous dog and aside from being a bit shy, has no temperament issues.

[tempura tantrum]

Bet it's Akashima?!

LOL! I was wondering the same thing! I've looked at their program along with one or two others as well. It occurred to me that I really oughta start finding some rare breed shows too. My Shiba breeder doesn't have a website, and in fact, very few of the breeders I deal with do. I found them all through conformation shows/events, and I'm thinking that's the best way to find a Shikoku as well. It's so much easier when you can meet and see the dogs in person.

[ravennr]

Just wanted to post a picture or two of the Akitas I mentioned of the breeder I adore.

http://www.bluevineakitas.plus.com/images/framerub1.jpg
Rubix

http://www.bluevineakitas.plus.com/images/march061.jpg
Rhythm

http://www.bluevineakitas.plus.com/images/focusbirmingham.jpg
Focus

:D Many more beautiful dogs from her too.
And her kennel set-up is gorgeous.

[Spirit2010]

Oh! I would love an Akita! They are gorgeous dogs! But, not for me. :( shrugs, oh well, my goal is to meet one! :D

[classacked]

Since I'm new here, I'm a little late for this thread but I figured that I'd post my comment for the forum to see. When it comes to the breed that is the love of my life (Rottweilers) I must admit that I'm a BIG fan of Rebekah from Redyre Rottweilers. She is an honest,ethical,and a true ambassador for this very misunderstood breed. She to me, is an AWESOME breeder and one that I'm proud to announce as a great breeder.

[Lynx]

Well, besides Tibetan Mastiffs, my next favourite dog is the Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever. And my absoulute favourite breeder is Tollwest Kennels. Besides her location being totally out of my reach (shes in canada), I agree with her vaccinations, her motive to breed, and all her dogs are gorgeous.

www.tollwest.com

edit - omg, she has puppies available too! *ponders*

[Sapphire-Light]

How about this breeders from mexico?

I think this is the most beautifull boxer I had seen!! , sadly she's death now.
She was the #1 boxer in 2001 and 2002 in mexico

http://www.boxersdemexico.com/AJAPED.gifhttp://www.boxersdemexico.com/AJA2.gif

More of they boxers here

http://www.boxersdemexico.com/hembras.html

http://www.boxersdemexico.com/machos.html

[Lizmo]

One other breeder that I found out about a little while ago is Fieldstone Border Collies.

OMG....Wow. http://www.fieldstonebordercollies.com/main.html

Very gorgeous dogs. I have emailed them a few times and Christine is very nice person to talk to and very open about her and David's dogs. They are some of the best lines in the country....from what I have heard, and own Eve's sire. :)