What do you guys think?***BREEDERS***

[xpaeanx]

Ok, I need your thoughts on this breeders.

As I'm sure some of you already know, I've decided I want to start getting into dog shows, starting with conformation. Anyway, I'm trying to find "the breeder" for me. So I emailed a few breeders, to talk to them and set up a time for me to visit them and such.

Anyway, one of the breeders had this online pre-screen form that you fill out. For the question, "Why have you chosen to bring a Cardigan into the family?" I wrote "I would like to get into conformation shows and possibly agility shows. I'm not sure exactly when I want to get the dog, but I would like to start talking to breeders and such so I am ready when that time comes"

I also tried to word that in in a few other questions(there was no email address to just directly email them). A few days later, I got an email that they didn't have any puppies, but could direct me to people with other puppies. I didn't email them back right away, and before I could I got another email saying that a male pup just became avail. It had the price and that there was a neuter contract that he would have to be fixed before 1 yr of age. It also said he had people on a waiting list, but promised me first.

So I responded to that one, that I am looking for a show dog, so I don't think that it would work. I also wrote that I'm still looking for the right breeder for me, and I'm going to be taking this slow, and if he had any advice to offer me I'm all ears.

The respond was that this guy has great breeding, and he's worthy of being shown.

Now, the only "communication" I've had was the form I filled out, and that one email I sent to him. This breeder was on my list of ones to visit. What do you guys think though? As I've said before, I'm trying to do this slow and right. So, since there are so many on chaz who are way more experienced than I, and ones who are in the breeding circle... I thought I would ask.

Also, he told me who the sire is, but I don't know who the dam is. He said that this dog has all New Zealand breeding, but the sire is owned by him and he's not in NZ(but the dog did come from NZ). And the dog is not on his website(But I got the feeling something happened, that he ended up with the dog so that would explain him not having it on the website). He also didn't say how old the dog is.

thoughts?

[Miakoda]

Personally, I wouldn't do it. If his only communication is to push a puppy onto you, then that is a red flag to me. Not to mention that initially the puppy had to be neutered and now the puppy will make a great show prospect. Which is it? Pet quality dogs don't just turn into show quality dogs in a matter of hours.

I don't truly consider myself a breeder (I've had 4 litters in 12 years), but if someone is interested I give them a call and we usually end up talking for quite a long time. I enjoy getting to know people and discussing with them their reasons behind wanting the breed, their plans for the dog, etc.

It really doesn't sound like that this person cares all to much where the dog is going. It is very easy to put an online form up in a half-ass effort to look reputable, but it takes much more than that to actually be reputable.

JMHO.

[xpaeanx]

I wasn't really planning on getting this dog. But this breeder was on my list of possibles, that's why I'm asking what people think about the situation(should I scratch him?)

[bubbatd]

I would never buy a dog on line .....Contact the Breed Club and go from there .

[xpaeanx]

I got his website off the breed club's....

[Miakoda]

Even if you weren't planning on getting that specific dog, I wouldn't go with the breeder at all. He's too interested in making a "now" sell to you when he should be willing to just shoot the breeze with you.

[xpaeanx]

^^ yeah, that's what I was thinking. I know a lot of breeders have waiting list and stuff(some even a few yrs in advance), so I was a little shocked when he said he could direct me to people who had puppies now. But there's a LOT I don't know about breeders/breeding as all of my dogs(until this one) have always been rescues.

[Miakoda]

Originally Posted by xpaeanx

^^ yeah, that's what I was thinking. I know a lot of breeders have waiting list and stuff(some even a few yrs in advance), so I was a little shocked when he said he could direct me to people who had puppies now. But there's a LOT I don't know about breeders/breeding as all of my dogs(until this one) have always been rescues.

I understand completely. When I was researching the APBT and getting to know the breed, I went to every show within reasonable driving distance (I'm in LA & would go to TX, AR, MS, & sometimes AL). I would talk to several owner/breeders. And once I explained myself, as you have, none would pressure me into getting a pup. In fact, most told me to wait until I was settled (I was in highschool living with my parents), could afford it, and knew enough about them. Those people talked to me about everything from my playing soccer to my dog experience. I learned from them what to look for in a breeder and what to look for in a dog.....even if I didn't go to them to get the dog.

IMO that's what you want...someone who cares more for the breed rather than finding you a pup now.

Be PATIENT.

Stop looking for a dog, and look for a mentor instead.

Go to dog shows.

Join breed specific mailing lists or bulletin boards.

If the National Club puts out a newsletter, sign up to receive it.

Find out what local/regional clubs might be in your area and see about joining. Help put on events. EVERYONE LOVES A WORKER!

These are some ways to get to know about the breed, and more importantly, who is who, before you decide where you want to buy a puppy.

[bubbatd]

^^^^ Agree !