Breeder opinions wanted please

[Ilyena]

I've been researching breeders for my future cavalier puppy lately, and came across this local breeder I'm not sure what to think about.

Generally people say they've got a good reputation. I've heard that from a knowledgeable pet store owner, a couple of vets and people who have bought pups from them. They do health tests (for cavs, heart and knees), they go to a couple of shows for each dog they breed with, the pups are vet checked, dewormed, had shots, tattoed and registered and everything looks good. Except for one thing. The number of breeds they currently have and have had since they started their business in the late 80's. So far they have had and bred:

* Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
* Long-haired Chihuahua
* English Cocker Spaniel
* English Springer Spaniel
* Curly Coated Retriever
* Golden Retriever
* Labrador Retriever
* Papillon
* Finnish Hound

They currently have four breeds that they breed with (cavalier, long-haired chihuahua, papillon, labrador retriever). They have like 30+ dogs of all breeds running around all over in the fenced yard and inside the house. I grew up a few kilometres from their house so I've walked in the area many times and seen what it's like, however I've never yet talked to them about their dogs. But I'd like opinions from those who know more than I do. Does this sound like a breeder I should stay away from?

 

[PoodleMommy]

I would not buy from this breeder.

They can not possibly give themselves the time to learn about each of these breeds enough to be breeding them.

Plus 30 dogs at once is ALOT of dogs for a breeder to have.

They cant possibly ensure that the dogs are purebred, if all the dogs are running around together!

I would not deal with this breeder, sorry

Elissa

 

[cindr]

Hi I think that I personally would stay away: Why?

Well it is great that they check for illnesses and ahow some of the dogs! Although I have a problem when a breeder would:

1) let all the dogs run together. Some one can get hurt and the other thing how many mistakes have happened? Such as mixed breeds and or two or three dogs breeding the same female during their cycle. NOT GOOD

2) If they were that reputable of a breeder they would never consider selling to a pets store. This allows me to think PUPPY MILLER ALL THE WAY!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am pretty sure there are other members that feel the same as I do. I am glad that you have taken the time to investigate the Kennel that is a plus on your side. We just need you to really be careful at this point!!!!

 

[bubbatd]

I usually have my doubts when so many breeds are bred ...........especially when breeding the most popular breeds at a time . You're wise to be questioning it . Is there a Cav club near you that you could check with ??? Where do most of their pups go ?? If ANY go to pet stores , stay away !! All breeders should have their " wanted " lists and most pups should be spoken for before even whelped.

 

[FoxyWench]

id say go somewhere else,
the fact that they have changed their breed of choice so many times and are breeding so many different breeds and there all running round together, (espe th long haired chis and paps who if crosbred you wouldnt realy be able to tell the difference looks wise as pups...)
i dunno, in my opinion a responsible breeder will focus on one...mabe 2 breeds and try to perfect them. responsible breeders are usually small scale, these people sound more like there breeding whats in at the moment.

 

[Ilyena]

Fast replies, thanks everyone

I should have mentioned that. There are no pet stores anywhere in my country that sells dogs. The pet store owner I mentioned is the one that sells them their dog food and other supplies needed that's all.

The dogs that I have seen all do look purebred, but I have no idea how they can guarantee that. I can't imagine how they find the time for all those dogs but either way they seem to have earned themselves a good reputation and I've heard of several people who come from far away to buy their pups. As for cav clubs, I haven't heard of any but I'll look into it.

It just sounds too fishy for me to want to buy a pup from them, but it also doesn't sound like the average puppy miller (then again, we don't really have puppy millers like the ones I've read about on this forum either). There are plenty other cavalier breeders nearby that specialize on only cavaliers, so I will likely buy from one of those instead.

 

[~Jessie~]

I would not buy from this breeder... they are breeding WAY too many different breeds of dogs. A good breeder will only specialize in 1, maybe 2 different breeds. There is no way that they can dedicate enough attention, and have enough knowledge on each of those individual breeds. There is a chance that some of these puppies produced can be cross breeds... meaning, a papillon/longcoated chihuahua could be sold as a longcoated chihuahua and the average buyer would never know the difference.
I would definately stay away from this breeder.

 

[MomOf7]

I would look somewhere else.
I wanted to get into breeding another breed but know that I just dont have the time to dedicate to it. Knowing your limits is the best.
I couldnt imagine having 4 different breeds who do 4 different competitions. I would not have the time. Period.

 

[showpug]

A breeding from start to finish takes at least four months. Two months gestation and then two months (or more) before the pups can go to their new homes. Now, don't forget the time that is put in BEFORE you breed a litter to test, research sires and pedigrees etc. Lets just say now were up to about six months devoted to one litter. This is why I don't see how people have more than one to two litters per year, let alone more than one breed! If a breeder is doing more than that, in my opinion they are cutting corners somewhere!

Just something to think about...

 

[moe]

Run Away, no way would I personally buy from this breeder, contact you chosen breed club for a recommended breeders list and follow this line of searching, most breed club members agree to abide by the clubs code of ethics as far as health and breeding, so this would be a better rout to follow IMO.

Mo

 

[planet molosser]

They are skimming under the bar by doing the min. Too many breeds they are are in for the money. When i get my planet classifies up we will have 3 breeds max only because some trainers have one breed for show one for agility one for protection and they have once in a while litters.

Personally 1 breed for life.
Sadly we have someone in my breed who has commercially bred
'Tms then Cane Corso and now as retirement CAS.. SAD