Breeders, is age of buyer a serious concern?

[Laurelin]

Many moons ago.

[Toller_08]

Age did seem to be an issue for some of the breeders I talked to before I got Dance (my toller). I was 17 and breeders were rightfully concerned about my future, job and education wise, and how a dog would fit in. I am sure I could have relaxed those concerns, but I was shy and didn't really know how and just moved on feeling defeated like I was turned down for my age, regardless of the fact that dogs are and always have been my world. Now, at 22, I bought my second dog of my own and age did come up, but it wasn't the deciding factor. Journey's breeder asked me about future plans because I am young, and obviously she was comfortable with my answer because I picked up my puppy shortly after. :-)

So be prepared for age and life plans to be questioned, as I think a breeder has a right to be concerned initially about a person's age, but your age should definitely not be the deciding factor. Your answer as to how another dog fits into your goals/plans will likely be more important. And some breeders don't seem to question age at all.

[Southpaw]

Age has never been a concern when I've contacted breeders, nor was it a concern when I went through rescue to adopt Happy. All they were concerned about was that I still live with my parents - were they okay with me bringing a dog in, would I take this dog with me when I move out, etc.

I think if you present yourself seriously and come across as the right fit, then it won't matter how old you are.

[frostfell]

Id never sell a dog to someone under 18 simply because a minor cannot legally own property or enter into a contract.

Over 18, normal screening processes apply. A particular age group doesnt get automatic approval or disapproval. Morons, on the other hand

[Red Chrome]

Originally Posted by Flyinsbt

As a breeder, it wouldn't be a concern to me, if you were mature and reasonably settled (not expecting you to necessarily to never move or change careers, but to be unlikely to suddenly decide to spend the next year hitchhiking across Europe). That would actually be true of a person who was somewhat older than you, too. My primary concern would be if the person is ready to commit to the 15-ish year relationship that a dog entails.

This.^

For me it is a case by case basis. I would sell to a junior handler as long as the parents were willing to sign the contracts and paperwork etc. So, the parents would have to follow the contract or make sure that the JH did.

[Tazwell]

I was 20 when I traveled halfway across the country to a reputable breeder to purchase Fleetwood. My age never seemed to be an issue. I've adopted out to plenty of young couples or individuals in rescue, but always taking all the variables into consideration. I was pretty lenient because I was too, very young.

[Equinox]

Chazzers are turning out to be a lot younger than I had guessed.

Originally Posted by Laurelin

Many moons ago.

I'm a reluctant math major right now. SAD LIFE. Math is gross.

[Laurelin]

On the plus side I never use my degree nowadays.

Or maybe that's more depressing than happy.

[Equinox]

Originally Posted by Laurelin

On the plus side I never use my degree nowadays.

Or maybe that's more depressing than happy.

It's okay, you don't have to do math. No math trumps everything else.

[Romy]

It was the main reason for being turned down by rescue. Breeders were a lot more willing to look past my age on paper and into my actual situation. At that point it was fine.