Is this a good breeder?

[Teal]

Originally Posted by Pops2

you know looking good does NOT include deformities that impair function.

Tell that to AKC

[Pops2]

Originally Posted by Teal

Tell that to AKC

just because a lot of people support an idea or action doesn't make it right or smart.

[Dekka]

Originally Posted by Pops2

you know looking good does NOT include deformities that impair function.

The breeders of such dogs will claim the dogs do not hunt anymore. Therefore it does not impair their function at all. I find that sad, but that is the logic I have been told. And its not a deformity in most cases. What is correct in one breed is a fault in another.

Cat feet are preferred in JRTs, hare feet in whippets. I prefer the look of cat feet, but that would be wrong in a whippet... Its not a deformity though. Same with chest size and shape. A dog built for going to earth is structurally a very different animal than one built to run like the wind and catch rabbits. That doesn't make either deformed.

[Pops2]

and yet they both look awesome doing their functional thing.
how do they justify hyena looking GSDs. the breed is still used extensively of PP, K9 & occassionally for light herding. the hyena backers can deny that it impairs function but the reality of WHERE military & police get their dogs & more importantly WHO they are BARRED from acquiring dogs from says it all. there is exactly ZERO they can say to counter that. anyone w/o a dog in the fight that listens to the debate will (almost w/o exception) come down on the side of the working breeders. i understand what you're saying yeah, if you breed for the purpose of winning rosettes then yeah, you'll screw up the dogs, but breeding for a well balanced working dog will always produce a physically attractive dog (maybe not the markings but the structure).
ETA with almost any breed of hunting dog of any type you can almost always find someone somewhere in the world that is still hunting that breed. equally important is if you understand the breeds background well you can usually also show how a functional version could be put right to work. for example the otter hound, if it were still a good hunting breed, could be put right to work hunting otter, mink, nutria, muskrat and even deer, bear, boar & cat in the large swampy & boggy areas.

[PitBullLove]

Originally Posted by Teal

Tell that to AKC

Seriously.

[ihartgonzo]

I think they look like a good breeder! And, YES, I feel that generally it's a good idea for a breeder to require that their puppies are altered. The average person not only doesn't want to deal with an intact dog (messy heats, hormones, frustration, the desire to breed, roaming, etc) but also does not need to breeding their dog intentionally or accidentally. I have soooo much respect for them because they don't require pups to be altered by 6 months. At least they want people to wait until the dog is fully grown! Props for that.

The breeder that I plan on buying a puppy from also requires puppies to be altered (before 2 years of age). However, they obviously make an exception for me, some one they KNOW is going to show/work the puppy, keep them from ever having an accidental litter, train them properly regardless of their hormones, and never breed them unless they are the absolute best example of their breed. General rules like that for average dog owners are usually not black and white. When you build a relationship with your breeder, and let them know how much of a wonderful, loving, caring, educated dog owner you are... they aren't going to force you to alter a dog, or seize them from you for putting them on a tie-out while camping, or whatever.

And as far as the vitamins. Oh well? They do not say "YOU MUST GIVE YOUR PUPPY THESE VITAMINS!" they say it's a good idea. My breeder says it's a good idea to feed your puppy raw, but they don't force buyers to do so.

I think it's difficult to completely judge a breeder by their website. Of course, preciousteacupmaltipoos.com is not a good breeder and it's obvious but I would meet the breeder and the dogs, meet the puppies they have produced and their owners, and talk to the breeder and get to know them and let them know who you are.

[ihartgonzo]

Originally Posted by monkeys23

Zero mention of health testing, no actual titles really listed for each dog just some vague show pics with "wins" listed, listing "liver" nose to hook people into buying a pup.... um yeah no. Stay far far away.

If I want me a lion hound, I want one from good working stock thats doing lure coursing or something and has healthy dogs behind it.

"Our dogs have their OFA's for hips and elbows before we breed them. We also test for Degenerative Myelopathy, while it's not prevalent in Ridgebacks we don't want to leave anything to chance when it comes to our precious puppies."

I have actually considered getting a Ridgeback... such a special breed of dog. But I don't know if I'd really demand that the parents are actively hunting lions. I would look for a very correct temperament and good conformation. I meet way too many skittish, unpredictable, bite-risk RRs and that would be my biggest concern. These dogs look confident, athletic, well socialized and are obviously being shown.

The OP should definitely inquire about show titles and working experience. But, just because the website doesn't list every dog's info and titles and work experience does not mean they don't have it! Some people just aren't as skilled at building a website.