Contacting a breeder about adopting

[xpaeanx]

I have two dogs and have been thinking for some time about getting a third. I have gone back and forth about rescue vs breeder. I am a firm believer in "saving a life" because I feel I have a lot in common with homeless dogs, but at the same time I would like to have a true representation of the breed that I choose and also I would like to know health and temperment wise what I might be getting. It's a tough choice.

So here's what I've decided: Many breeders say that they will take back any pup they've brought into the world if it needs to be given up... of course we all know that's not always true. I feel the ones that do show that they are really responsible breeders and I know that they will not breed any dog just to make pups, but only the finest healthest available to them. So I was wondering if anyone on here can recommend Rough Collie breeders that do this in NY area. I would like a 2/under blue merle pref male. I don't mind waiting because two dogs definatly keeps me busy! lol. and I would feel better giving a home to a dog that doesn't have one. I also don't like shipping, but would be willing to make a long drive (but hopefully nothing over 2 days round trip!) I would assume that they get dogs back every once in a while, or have one they where going to breed but can't due to whatever...

Also, how would I go about contacting them about it and what would be involved? Would there be an application, vet and personal ref... are there adoption fees? What should I watch out for or be leary of when talking to them? I feel this is a good compromise, am I right? Any help would be apprieciated!

[SizzleDog]

In my experience, some breeders who get dogs back are extra picky about where that dog goes next. Also good to remember that not all breeder rehomes have clean slates.... my breeder rehome came to me with tons of issues. Obviously the breeder fully disclosed them to me, but it was still a daily struggle. I also know that if I hadn't been close friends with the breeder, this dog would not have been placed with me. He would not have gone to anyone who hadn't already proved to be good owners of her dogs.

I love him to death, I'm glad she allowed me to take him home - in my mind, he's part rescue dog! However - though he came from a good breeder with great dogs, his previous home altered his temperament and health. He's got a lot of dents and dings (scars, broken bones that didn't heal right, etc.) from his previous owners, and it took me a looong time to get him to a point where he actaully acted like a doberman, instead of Dr Jekyll/Mr. Hyde.

We have a few collie people on this forum though, hopefully they can point you in the right direction!

[Cheza]

I can't help you out with finding the breeder (at work, limited 'net time).

From what I've seen in my search for a breeder though... yes there will be an adoption fee, which usually goes down in correlation to the age of the dog.

In terms of finding a good breeder.... I'm sure those that recommend them will be good ones, but you want to watch for a breeder that does applicable health testing on their dogs, and is active in the show ring/working ring/agility etc. with properly titled dogs.

I would simply send them and email asking if they have any older (in your preferred age range) dogs that are up for sale/adoption. If you are also interested in a puppy, you could say that as well, as not every puppy from a litter is a show prospect.

Just my .02, I'm sure more people will be along shortly

[SizzleDog]

Oops - I missed the part about fees - yes, the breeder will charge, probably fuill price of a puppy or maybe a little less... but for a young dog, more often than not you'll be paying full price.

I've heard collies are a bit cheaper than other breeds, but in my breed "full price" ais anywhere from $1000-$1500 for a pet.

[xpaeanx]

Originally Posted by SizzleDog

In my experience, some breeders who get dogs back are extra picky about where that dog goes next. Also good to remember that not all breeder rehomes have clean slates.... my breeder rehome came to me with tons of issues. Obviously the breeder fully disclosed them to me, but it was still a daily struggle. I also know that if I hadn't been close friends with the breeder, this dog would not have been placed with me. He would not have gone to anyone who hadn't already proved to be good owners of her dogs.

I'm not expecting them to just say, "yeah take the dog!" that's why I was asking about what it would be like and how I would contact them. I would give them vet ref and personal if they want. And I'm sure that some dogs end up like yours did(good thing you got him!), I have a dog just like him... if you saw her now as compared to when I first brought her home it's like night and day! I just want to give a dog a home, but still have a collie and know a bit about it's past. And, since I don't mind waiting I thought it would be a good idea!

[Rough_Collies2008]

xpaeanx, Check your PM

[xpaeanx]

Originally Posted by SizzleDog

Oops - I missed the part about fees - yes, the breeder will charge, probably fuill price of a puppy or maybe a little less... but for a young dog, more often than not you'll be paying full price.

I've heard collies are a bit cheaper than other breeds, but in my breed "full price" ais anywhere from $1000-$1500 for a pet.

When my friends boxer died(14) he contacted the breeder he bought her from to get another dog. The breeder didn't have any litters planned but did have a 2 yr old he was going to breed but she had a slight heart murmer. The guy told my friend if he wanted the dog he could have it. So I drove upstate with him to pick her up. This guy sells his pups at about 2500, but didn't charge anything/take app/ref for my friend. Now, i'm not sure if that was because he had previously bought a puppy from him(although 14yrs is a LONG time to remember someone!). That's actually what gave me the idea to contact a breeder. And I wouldn't be adverse to an adoption fee of a few hundred, but full price for a full grown dog seems a bit...idk... not right. that gives me the feeling of just trying to make money, which I don't like breeders like that.

[JennSLK]

It depends on the breeder and dog. I would expect to pay full price for a 2yr old with no serious problems. Just email a breeder or a few and just tell them about your self and dogs and what you are looking for. A good breeder will help you out. Dont ask about price right away, thats a red flag to the breeder. Like you are just interested in the cheapest dog. Talk to the breeder a bit before you talk $. Expect to give references. If you dont have to that can be a red flag to me. Go to a dog show

[xpaeanx]

Originally Posted by JennSLK

It depends on the breeder and dog. I would expect to pay full price for a 2yr old with no serious problems

Really? I would think that since most people want little cuddly puppies that's where the price is. And it's with the first sale that they make up all the monies that they put in to it. However, if a dog is returned after the breeder has sold it at full price, selling it again a full price seems off to me. I might see that if it wasn't returned, and was instead a dog they were going to show/breed but couldn't(and not do to med condition).

[JennSLK]

If your not willing and able to pay $1500 or what ever the breed price is, then a breeder is going to question if you are willing and able to pay a large vet bill. Lots of people want young adults. You get a young dog with no puppy issues. I would question paying full price for an older dog tho. But every breeder is different. I wouldnt consider it a red flag