"Etiquette" questions

[skKi]

I've been researching for a while which breeders I'd be considering when the time comes for me to get a puppy (probably not for a couple years! But what can I say? I'm excited.)
I've narrowed it down to a few, and at the moment, none of them have puppies; which is fine by me. What I'm wondering is, is it OK for me to ask to come visit the parent dogs, even though there aren't any puppies? I'd like to see how their temperaments are before a litter is born. I guess I'd feel rushed if I waited until I was going to actually get a puppy to see what the parents are like.

Also, would it come off as being rude if I brought a clipboard or something similar containing the questions I'm supposed to ask? There's no way I could remember them all, and I suppose I could ask the questions over the phone, but I like speaking face to face.

 

[RedyreRottweilers]

I don't think either one is wrong.

 

[MaryAndDobes]

It is important to remember that the responsible breeder usually doesn't own the sire. Responsible breeders are seeking the very best male for their girl, and it's rare that he happens to be residing in their house! He may be pretty far removed from the geographic area.

I've bred 8 litters. Twice I've used my own male. I'm in Ontario, Canada. I've bred to males in Michigan, Illinois, Massachusetts, etc. The next one is in Virginia. Obviously, it is usually not possible for the propective owners to meet the sires of the litters.

That said, I would hope from meeting my other dogs, both males and females, that they'd get a pretty clear picture of what I appreciate in temperament and conformation.

I have had people come armed with a clipboard. Doesn't bother me. Some e-mail me a list of questions that I can just answer at my convenience. Again, no problem.

 

[skKi]

Ah, yes. I said "parents" just to include the case of the one breeder who does own the male as well as female in my list of breeders to check out. The other two do as you mention and have the male come in from wherever it may be he comes from.

Thanks guys! Great info, Mary.

 

[Zoom]

I think the people who would object to that aren't the sort of people to be buying puppies from. Sounds perfectly ok to me.

 

[tempura tantrum]

Most breeders would relish having this type of informed puppy-buyer. I doubt you'd find a good breeder out there that objected to this.

And as long as you chat with the breeder beforehand about setting up a date to come visit their dogs, then it's not weird or rude in the least to see the adult animals without the puppies. The breeder I purchased my Shibas from in fact REQUIRED that I come an visit her several times beforehand- when there wasn't a puppy in sight. People often forget that what they are buying when they get a puppy is in fact, a (future) adult dog. Good breeders want to make sure THAT is what you want. And a fantastic way to ensure that is to have you socialize and meet with the adult dogs, rather than cute and cuddly puppies (which will convince just about ANYONE that "breed x" is for them).

Congratulations on doing your puppy search responsibly- you're really going to reap the rewards!

 

[colliewog]

All of my puppy buyers made their decisions based upon my adult dogs, which is how it should be. I think that is perfectly acceptable.

 

[skKi]

Fantastic. Thanks everyone, I'll give them a call and see how it goes once I get myself a question list ready.

 

[Julie]

Sounds great to me. And if a breeder does get offended or doesn't want to answer questions, then I guess it wasn't the right breeder.

 

[RedyreRottweilers]

I do the 3 dog test. If they pass that, they are good to go.

 

[Zoom]

What's your three dog test?

 

[RedyreRottweilers]

Person sits on sofa.

I let 3 friendly adult dogs into the room.

*evil grin*

 

[Zoom]

Ahhh...now I get it. I thought that was it, but I can't really claim higher brain functions lately, so I thought I'd ask.

 

[J's crew]

Yep, I do that test also. But, with four.

Then I sit back and watch their reactions. First impressions on human behavior tell alot.

 

[skKi]

Heheh, four rotties? Sounds interesting.
I get to enjoy a 30 dog test every time I walk into work. I'm rather unphased by hoards of maniac dogs jumping all over me, so a 3 or 4 dog test sounds just peachy.

 

[Zoom]

:lol-sign: Same here! Though with the holidays, it's more like a 60 dog test...

 

[skKi]

Lucky for me, I get the holidays off!

 

[Zoom]

*plugs fingers in ears* I can't hear you! No! Everyone else in the dog business has to work holidays too!

 

[skKi]

Oh, yes, where is my mind? I work holidays too, of course!