This is a very enlightening dialogue about what makes a reputable breeder.
From Yahoo Group ESS-L2
Date: Fri, 28 Mar 2003
Subject: What's a "reputable breeder"?
We have been actively looking for a new puppy since our old girl
left us and I think I've found one.
But I have a little dilemma. I've seen a lot of info indicating a
reputable breeder should belong to the essfta or some other
prestigious affiliation, should CERF and OFA their puppies and
stand behind their health, should show you the kennel and all.
I'm looking at a breeder in the midwest who lives out in the
middle of nowhere and doesn't belong to any affiliation. She
doesn't have champion dogs because she doesn't show them
(but apparently their predessors were). We aren't really looking
for a champion dog, we just want a nice purebred Springer
who's physical characteristics and temperment are similar to our
old springer. And she's got them.
She does guarantee their health for 1 year but that's all. They all
have health certificates from the vet.
But she sounds like a nice woman who loves her dogs and
takes good care of them. It's hard to tell from a picture on the
internet but what are you going to do?
We are impatient and don't want to wait 4-6 months for a pup
and hers seem to fit the bill.
So should I feel guilty about buying this woman's dogs? Is she a
"backyard breeder" that should be stayed away from?
What are your thoughts?
Sally
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Message: 2
Date: Fri, 28 Mar 2003
Subject: Re: What's a "reputable breeder"?
I don't know where you're looking in the Midwest, but being from Kansas
City, I know that a good dog is difficult to find in the area. I also
know that there are a lot of puppy mills around here. Many of the people I
talked with that weren't associated with the organizations you referred
to were either backyard breeders, or worse. Unfortunately, most of the
ones advertised on the internet or in the papers aren't going to give you
the type of dog you really want . It took me many months and a plane
flight to get our puppy, but it was worth the wait. A life time with a dog is
worth spending a little more time. If you're from around here and would
like to email me privately, I would be happy to compare notes with you about
some of the breeders in our neck of the woods.
Lisa
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Message: 3
Date: Fri, 28 Mar 2003
Subject: Re: What's a "reputable breeder"?
At 07:22 PM 3/28/03 +0000, you wrote:
>So should I feel guilty about buying this woman's dogs?
Yes, in my mind she is a backyard breeder. The thing I would be most
concerned about is her lack of testing of the parents, e.g. OFA (or
PennHip), CERF, thyroid, etc. That suggests that what she doesn't know
about her male and female, she isn't interested in finding out. That
is not the act of a reputable breeder.
And I can tell you what good that 1 year guarantee is: many genetic
conditions that might befall a dog will probably not show up during
that one year. I'm assuming that the guarantee is that if something happens
to your dog within the first year, she will take it back and replace it
with another pup. But, of course, what she is betting on is that you will
be so attached to the pup that you will say "Oh, no, I couldn't possibly give
him/her up..." and the guarantee is worthless.
I also do not show in conformation. My springer is a rescue that I got
from the pound. I didn't pay anything near what I imagine you'll pay
for this pup and I have exactly the same knowledge of my boy's genetic
heritage that you do...I suspect he probably has a couple of champions somewhere
in his pedigree, too.
Recently I purchased a Doberman pup (actually an 11 month old pup) from
a reputable breeder who was not the breeder, but a co-owner. I not only
know the health status of both of her parents, but her grandparents and her
great-grandparents, too. Not everyone in her line is a champion,
either, but she has them on both sides. In addition, she has already been
screened for one problem that afflicts dobes and has found to be clear. I don't
plan to show her in the ring although we will do obedience and we hope
agility with her and we will never breed her, her primary function in
our lives is to be our treasured companion.
And you know what else? We got her from a reputable person through a
reputable breeder and if, for ANY reason we can't keep her, she can go
back to them, not for the next one year, but for the rest of her life.
" We are impatient and don't want to wait 4-6 months for a pup and hers
seem to fit the bill."
If you choose not to wait, don't wait. But don't fool yourself into
imagining that the issues that this person doesn't want to deal with
aren't important.
Best wishes,
Nancy
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Message: 4
Date: Fri, 28 Mar 2003
Subject: Re: What's a "reputable breeder"?
Sally:
While showing a dog to it's championship certainly isn't an indicator
of a well bred and healthy dog, a breeder who checks eyes annually, hips
between the ages of 24-48 months, as well as knows their pedigree's history of
temperament/epilepsy/PRA/thyroid/allergies, makes a puppy worth the
wait. It is not uncommon to wait 6-12 months for the right puppy.
While I am sure this breeder has the best of intentions, I would steer
clear of anyone who does not do the above mentioned health checks. Springers
are prone to too many nasty problems to not do everything in your power to
select an ethical/caring/conscientious breeder. Since a puppy is going
to be with you and your family for a long time, I would think you would
want to wait for a healthy and well adjusted new family member.
Please don't let your strong desire for a puppy interfere with your
search for the right breeder. Make contacts and build relationships with
breeders you feel comfortable with. The ESSFTA web site (www.essfta.org) has
some great questions to ask breeders, and let's you know what you should
expect in return. It also has a breeder referral list of people who agree to
adhere to guidelines in their breeding programs, in regards to health
issues and clearances. CERF and OFA are very important! They contribute to a
healthy, happy, well adjusted springer spaniel.
Lisa
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Message: 5
Date: Fri, 28 Mar 2003
Subject: What's a "reputable breeder"?
Hi, Sally,
I have no idea who you are or where you are from (just "Sally"), but
I'm going out on a limb and answer you honestly (as opposed to discreetly
sitting back and saying nothing--much wiser, I know, but SO hard for me
to do).
I know the answer you want to hear, and I cannot give you that answer.
The word "reputable" implies that the breeder is well-known (in a
positive way) among his peers. Of course there are well-known breeders who are
NOT thought of in a positive way, but we'd call them "notorious" rather
than "reputable." :-) You named many of the qualifications of what a
"reputable breeder" is, and then went on to enumerate the qualifications that your
prospective breeder did NOT meet (almost all of them). Your own list
should tell you something.
Your positive comment about her is, "But she sounds like a nice woman
who loves her dogs and takes good care of them." I'm sure this woman is
nice, and I'm sure she loves her dogs. And I'm sure she takes care of them
in a way that she thinks is good. However, if she breeds dogs without doing
basic genetic checking, maybe she ISN'T taking care to create HEALTHY
puppies, who won't become blind or crippled or worse. It's possible
that this woman does not KNOW about these things. Many people think
breeding would be such "fun." Well, in a way it is a wonderful experience, but
it is not to be taken lightly. It's serious business. The consequences of a
disastrous breeding can be dire--even for those of us who study the
pedigrees for years and do every health check known to man.
What would happen if this lady produced a litter of blind pups (I know
a backyard breeder who DID have such a litter, although both parents
could see find, and came from show lines with champions back in the pedigree.)
Not knowing about how to get eyes checked--or the need for such checks--is
no excuse, IMO. One should either educate himself or not mess around with
what he doesn't know about.
Should you feel guilty about buying this woman's dog? No. This isn't
a matter of guilt. It's a matter of being a responsible breeder (a
better and more appropriate word than *reputable* IMO) as opposed to a casual
breeder who doesn't know (or care) what genes she's breeding, and simply breeds
because she enjoys the puppies and makes money.
This woman's not belonging to ESSFTA doesn't make her dogs bad, of
course, but it does, I think, indicate a lack of commitment to her own personal
education about English springers and their problems. We who breed
consider ourselves custodians of the breed, and we hope to leave the breed a
better on than we found it--prettier, sounder (physically and mentally),
healthier.
Through the parent club and other clubs and activities, we continue to
learn and learn and learn about how we may best accomplish these goals.
People who live out in the middle of nowhere still show their dogs and
belong to ESSFTA, so I'm not sure what this location has to do with
anything. It's darned inconvenient, but it can be done. :-)
My greatest concern, though, is her lack of health checks, and the
apparent lack of knowledge of the dogs behind her breeding stock. When I
started breeding, I sought out and found many people who could tell me about
the long-dead dogs in the pedigrees--what their personalities were, did
they produce aggression or shyness, did this line tend to have PRA, RD, HD,
epilepsy, thyroid problems? Most people are more than willing to share
their memories and knowledge with others. This sharing makes us all
better custodians of the breed. I, in turn, am doing my best to share
honestly and objectively with others.
A couple of things you didn't mention that might be a good idea to ask
this lady about: At what age does she first breed her dogs and bitches, and
how frequently? And second, is she willing to take back (for any reason,
at any time in the dog's life) any puppy that she has bred? Whether it is
convenient or not? To me this last question is they key to responsibility.
I know you haven't wanted to hear what I am saying, and I'm sorry. And
of course you have the absolute right to buy a puppy from whomever you
please.And I wish you the best of luck.
Anita
Message: 7
Date: Fri, 28 Mar 2003
Subject: Re: What's a "reputable breeder"?
At 7:22 PM +0000 3/28/03, neahbaby wrote:
>We aren't really looking
>for a champion dog, we just want a nice purebred Springer
>who's physical characteristics and temperment are similar to our
>old springer. And she's got them.
>She does guarantee their health for 1 year but that's all. They all
>have health certificates from the vet.
Sally, health certificates from the vet only say the dog is not
evidently ill and has had all his shots. The OFA certificate
reduces the likelihood that your new puppy will grow up to have bad
hips and nasty painful arthritis. The CERF test reduces the
likelihood that your pup will be blind as a young dog. They are both
important, especially if you have no way to find out if your pup's
parents, grandparents or aunts or uncles or cousins or nieces or
nephews are carriers of either of those conditions.
What's more, the ESSFTA is not the prestigious organization you'd
think it is... after all, I'm a member <smile>. It's a group of
people who love and (mostly) raise Springer Spaniels, who are doing
their darndest to produce healthy dogs who will be like the one you
lost. Most folks also are active in a local Springer club.
I think you should feel wary about buying this woman's dog. In fact,
I think you do feel wary -- that's why you're asking us what we
think. And you're right - adopting a dog is not a short-term
commitment.
If I were you, I'd look at several options.
First, I'd ask this list if anyone here lives in your area and could
give you some advice - maybe connect you to someone who will be
having puppies in the future. Yes, that means you might not get a
dog for 6 months or more... but it also means that when you do get a
dog, you'll get onewith the best possible chance of a good healthy
life, with the best chance of fitting in with your family.
Second, I'd think seriously about some of the advantages of an older
dog. Springer Rescue <http://springerrescue.org> takes in dogs who
have been lost or relinquished, checks them for health and
temperament and matches them with new families who will love and care
for them. Some are pups, some older, some are elderly.
Finally, If you still want to get a dog from this woman, can you go
visit her? Can you get the names of owners of pups from previous
litters, going back maybe 5 years? Can you check with them to see if
the pups turned out ok? Are there any behavior problems? Have any
of the dogs problems with limping? have any lost their sight, or do
they have trouble seeing in the dark?
Good luck, Virginia
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Message: 8
Date: Sat, 29 Mar 2003
Subject: Re Reputable Breeder
Sally, I am relatively new to this list, but I can asssure you the
advice you have been getting IS VERY SOUND! I have read a lot of the
messages on this list and you will be suprised how much you can learn from
patient, reputable people who really love their dogs . It is hard not
to fall in love with the photo of a puppy ......... I would also be
tempted to ask how often does she breed that particular mother, and how
many other dogs just happen to have a litter or are expecting ones in the
next couple of months. Sometimes asking questions can give you an
answer that you are happy to accept with in your heart.. even if it means
waiting for a puppy- surely its worth it - you are going to enjoy that
puppy(dog) for many years to come - whats another few weeks! It seems
to me that we would all surely want a puppy that has been given every
possible chance to be healthy, in mind and body and that to the very best
of our ability we are producing Springers of excellence. I am sure
someone on this list has the perfect puppy for you!
Good Luck
Judy and Abby
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Message: 9
Date: Fri, 28 Mar 2003
Subject: Re: What's a "reputable breeder"?
Sally ,
First you have to ask plenty of questions. Hipscores you want to see
the x rays from both parents. Ellbows. ears and eyes.
Go to www.animalplanet.com. Go to the search: button ; breeds all
about it. Then click there again. You find all kind of breeds. Then you
look what they have for a sickness. Then you have to ask the breeder if
they have done the blood test.
Me personal go down with the hips they have to be 5 generation down
registred. You better ask the OFA . Which breeder is doing it. You make
sure that the dog cost between 500 and 1.000 dollar. Then you get health
warranty for 2 years and up. In my eyes the most of the hipproblem do
show up with age of 2 years. Some Hipproblems you can see with age of 4
month. You have to make x rays. Then with 1 year.
Good that you ask her vet too.
She has all kind of stuff from papers. She does not show. Thats ok. Ask
her what you want. A good breeder will ask you also questions. Like how
many kids you have . How old they are. Not every pup is suited for
little kids. The breeder will ask you also how many other dogs or other
pets you have. HE or she will tell you about her breed. Springers are very
hyper. So do not give your kid the springer to hold on the leash when
the dog is not trained. I have seen a springer who was pulling 2 kids
from 8 and 7 behind him.
I wish you good luck,
Mikki
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Message: 10
Date: Sat, 29 Mar 2003
From: "Lisa
Subject: Re: What's a "reputable breeder"?
"Here is something rather timely I found:
The difference between a $350. dollar puppy and a $850. puppy"
And price doesn't necessarily guarantee the "good" puppy. While
looking for our puppy, I found one BYB who charged $650 for a puppy that had no
guarantees and they would give me at 6 weeks. It's mother (like the
other 4 females she had) was bred every time she came in heat to the one male
they had on the premises. In the pictures they were adorable, but there
aren't many puppies who don't fit that bill. So even paying more won't
guarantee quality.
Lisa
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Message: 11
Date: Sat, 29 Mar 2003
Subject: Re: What's a "reputable breeder"?
I will tell you a story, and then you can decide.
Almost 2 years ago I was looking for a springer puppy. I too didn't
want to wait. I called many breeder that didn't have any puppies at the
time. When I did find one I went to visit them, and of course they were
so cute. I asked only a few questions didn't see the pedigree, and
picked out my beautiful black and white pup. Everything sounds good well
wrong! This kennel had 15 springer are so. Many were very dirty The dam of
my boy is a field breed, and the male a bench. Many breeders wouldn't
breed the two different types. Health checks, one year! sounds familiar.
Yes will replace puppy, I could never part with my dog after one year
whatever the cost in vet bills. At he time it sounded ok besides this
lady was really nice. Then I took my puppy home and had the pedigree.
There were many Champions and field champions. This doesn't matter to me
much I was looking for a healthy companion to share many years with. I
was on the computer one day looking at dogs, and decided to look up
information on my dogs pedigree. Well to my surprise I found some relatives
that weren't so healthy. They had epilepsy. This is can be past down
many generation, and is very serious. I have had another dog suffer from
this, and trust me you don't want to go through that. Hip displasia,
also hereditary. Can be very painful and a costly operation to give your
dog a better quality of life.
I will tell you about my boy. Yes he is healthy for now. He is not
out of the woods yet, epilepsy sometimes doesn't show up until 2 to 3
years of age. His hips are fine right now but what will he be like when he
gets older. Springers suffer from illness that can cause them to go
blind. Reputable breeder check for this, Mine didn't. These are things I
worry about with my boy. Why because I love him to death, and will do
whatever it takes to give him a good life. I hope he is the one lucky pup
that will live a long and healthy life. If not I will do whatever it
takes to give him the care he needs.
Now here's a question, Are you prepared to care for this pup if health
problems arise?
I have learned so much from this group, but most important is it's
worth the wait from a reputable breeder. As for price you pay for what you
get. I would now pay more for a pup that had all the health checks.
It's worth it. Many of Reputable breeders will help answer any question or
concerns you may have , even many years after you have purchased your
pup. Mine, I don't think I could trust her.
This is mine story, I hope it helps you make the right choice.
Debbie
Message: 1
Date: Sat, 29 Mar 2003 12:38:00 -0500
From: The Gilliams
Subject: What's a "reputable breeder"?
>I'm looking at a breeder in the midwest who lives out in the
>middle of nowhere and doesn't belong to any affiliation. She
>doesn't have champion dogs because she doesn't show them ...
>So should I feel guilty about buying this woman's dogs? Is she a
>"backyard breeder" that should be stayed away from?
>What are your thoughts?
Dear Sally,
I think you should not feel guilty, but you should seriously consider
how much risk you are willing to take buying from a backyard breeder. I
have owned two backyard bred springers, both of whom were healthy, happy
dogs. I did lose one at the age of almost 5 due to a kidney disorder, but there
was no indication this was related to her genetic background. The other is
coming up on 14 years old.
Breeding is a crap shoot. I am sure this will be an unpopular opinion
among many here, but I think one is as likely to get a happy, healthy
springer as not from a BYB. There is no such thing as a perfect dog, and even the
most responsible breeders get dogs with flaws, many of which do not affect
the dogs' quality of life, but some that do. What one DOES get with a
so-called reputable or responsible breeder is the human who stands behind the
dog, who is there to mentor, provide knowledge, and is willing and tries to
"make right" problems that arise with the dog. If the human guarantee
behind the dog is very important to you, go with a responsible breeder.
Otherwise, if the risk level is acceptable to you, in that you have no
recourse for health issues after a year, go with your gut feeling WRT
the breeder you have found. Good luck!
Anne
Molly, ESS and
Greta & Jesse, WSS in NC
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Date: Sat, 29 Mar 2003
From: "Lisa
Subject: Re: What's a "reputable breeder"?
I feel that even more than a guarantee or a mentor, with a responsible
breeder you also get someone who has raised a puppy that will make an
excellent pet. That person has given the dog the proper care and
nutrition, and most importantly the socialization it needs. Many backyard
breeders do very little in this regard. If you are buying from a BYB, I would
suggest asking about what they do to ready their puppy for its new home. Has
there been any type of training, getting used to kids, noises, other animals,
being outside, etc.? If they're giving up the puppy at 6 weeks (like
many do) you know that's not happening. If they're raising numerous
litters at a time, chances are they can't do much with each pup. IMHO, a
well-socialized, happy puppy is the most important quality. Noone can
guarantee a perfect pet, but there are steps that can be taken that
will increase that likelihood. I prefer the odds on my side, guess that's
why I don't play the lottery.
Lisa
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Date: Sat, 29 Mar
From: "beth
Subject: Re: What's a "reputable breeder"?
Re: Reputable Breeders.......Sally, folks who breed and exhibit and
belong to a kennel club, a breed club, or the parent club (ESSFTA) are the
most reputable...because they have the welfare of the breed at stake.
"Loners" are not subject to peer review....They do not subscribe to
evaluation (or criticism) from more knowledgable, experienced people in
the industry. Just as you would not buy a car from some one who builds
five or six of them a year them in their backyard without benefit of
Research and Development, Quality Control, OSHA and EPA and all the
other (you're gonna love this!) "watchdogs" in the industry, you should
consider it dangerous and ultimately possibly heartbreaking to purchase
from a dog breeder who does not avail himself of all the expertise out
there. Reputable breeders all learn from each other..they talk and
discuss and enlist the help of the broad base of knowledge in the industry
to insure that they do the right thing by this beloved breed. They do
genetic testing,; they do radiological exams for structural problems;
they watch temperaments and attitudes.....all the while keeping in mind
the intended purpose of the breed.........and trying their best to
intepret the Standard of the Breed.
The proof of the pudding is simply this: experienced quality breeders
are the ones that have been around a long time....they have withstood
the storms of "fad" dogs, learning that the most suitable animals to
breed are sometimes not those with the most wins. But their focus is
always on the right dog for the right bitch...with soundness in mind and
body being their driving influence. ....Soundness goes well beyond
movement.....Soundness includes temperament, too, as well as heriditary
disease, genetic abnormalities, etc..some of which do not show up for a
couple of generations
So this breeder's one year "guarantee" means nothing to me.....What
does matter is a history over years and generations of continued
soundness..eyes, hips, elbows, hearts, skin, and soft sweet willing
minds..biddable and generous..... This does not happen when a breeder isolates
himself from the rest of the world on some trumped up premise that they
know better how to do this....That's pretty laughable........ Why would
anyone isolate themselves from the wealth of knowledge and wisdom that
has been proven over time?
Good breeders look for solutions...they never feel that they have all
the answers....and they are all in accord - the knowledge of many is
superior to the folly of a few..........I hope you will search out folks,
some of them are on this list, who will give you the straight
story......You don;t have to have a show dog....The name itself implies that the
dog can do only one thing.....and that's not true. Most of our
springers are "ambidextrous".....it's a clever breed...it can hunt, show, do
obedience, track, do agility, raise kids, do therapy work in health
care facilities,......they should instill confidence in everyone they
meet..through their ability to be many faceted.. I hope you will do your
due diligence and gather information from "those in the know". The
cumulative knowledge on this particular list is astounding. Take advantage
of it. Good luck to you.
___________________
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Date: Sat, 29 Mar 2003
From: "beth
Subject: Re: What's a "reputable breeder"?
Now before I get slammed for my opening statement....a reputable
breeder does not have to belong to a kennel club - a breed club - the parent
club - and exhibit and breed.....But those who do two out of three, who
have gotten involved with the sport of dogs, who have learned from the
experts have the best most predictable success rate. While there are
probably BYB out there who do a good job, their job could be, should be
much easier....because of the trials that have already taken place, and
from which, the entire cadre of breeders has learned. There! Hope
that clarifies!
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Date: Sat, 29 Mar 2003
From: "Rebecca
Subject: Re: What's a "reputable breeder"?
Sally,
I was going to keep my mouth shut on this one. I really was. BUT, I
simply can't. The reason? We just put down my first springer. He was NOT
yet 5 years old. Here is the story:
My husband wanted a hunting dog. He looked in the paper and found a
litter or springer puppies for $175. Since we didn't really have any money,
and wanted the puppy right away, we called them up. Yes, they had one
liver and white male puppy left. Sure, they'd take a check. We knew all about
health testing, but didn't want to wait, and didn't think we could afford a
puppy from these "reputable" breeders.
The sire and dam were probably about a year old. They had to put the
male away because he didn't like company....put the female away too (don't
know why.....hmmmm). We played with the most adorable puppy I had ever
seen. They had to litter to let her "have just one" and then spay her. All
was well. Rebel was a great obedience prospect. He went to obedience
school (which I taught) every week from the time he came home. He got his
first obedience title (CD) at 15 mo of age in 3 straight shows, with
placements (2 were sole obedience trials!). He was intact. He ran with other intact
male dogs and got along with everyone. He loved people. Every once in a
while, he would do something strange (like bark at a child or be deathly
afraid of a fire hydrant). These were few and far between. I thought I would
get him CERF'd and OFAd and breed him. He was such a great dog. He got his
CGC. He was trained and ready to compete for his CDX. He used to go to
doggie daycare with me and even started agility.
I realized that I wanted to be responsible and that he was not a
"quality" dog, even though he did fit the written AKC standard. I had him
neutered. Then things started to go down hill....He started attacking other dogs!
He started spinning wildly in his crate when any other dog went by. He
started getting grumpy with our lab. He bit my son (didn't leave a mark). He
attacked our lab and drew blood. Things were getting hairy.... He
started attacking our lab on a daily basis. He tried to attack our realtor.
When anyone came to the house he had to be crated and he barked furiously
with a strange glazed expression in his eyes. Rebel was gone....I do not know
who replaced him, buy my sweet baby was gone.
He had hip displaysia. We had his thyroid checked and it was OK. He
had a siezure. He started urinating in the house in front of you. If you
tried to startle him or yell at him he would not even respond. He was afraid
of everyone and everything he didn't know. He spent most of his life with
his eyes glazed over. We had to move to town (when we relocated to a new
state). He could not be trusted.
My sweet puppy that was so wonderful for the first 2 years of his life
is now gone. I held him as he was put to sleep and out of his misery and
horror. It was the worst day of my life. I couldn't fix him...no
matter what I tried, be it behavior modification to anti-depressant drugs! I
feel I failed him. I brought him home and promised him a long and happy
life.......and in the end, the best thing I could do for him was let
him go.
Please don't make the same mistake I did. I love that dog with all my
heart, but I would not EVER wish aggression on anyone. Now I have a
wonderful show dog. She has the most wonderful temperment imaginable.
My vet (and boss) raves over her and so does anyone who meets her. She
goes to work with me when preschool kids come to visit. She touches all their
hands and then rolls over for a herd of 3-5 yr olds to pet her tummy. She
cried when they leave!
I live in Nebraska, so feel free to contact me and I can put you in
touch with some breeders. Don't be afraid to drive for a new puppy....I
bought mine in another state.
I hope you find a wonderful puppy that fits your family.
Beckie
| Subject: What's a "reputable breeder"? Here is something rather timely I found:
The difference between a $350. dollar puppy and a $850. puppy
$850.00 - Both the sire and dam of this puppy came from top quality breeding stock which was developed over years and years of selective and knowledgeable breeding. Both meet the requirement of the written AKC/CandianKC standard for the breed in conformation as well as temperament. Each has a pedigree which has been studied and thoroughly researched. These dogs have been selected to breed to each other because they can both contribute to the excellence of the breed as well as complement on another.
$350.00-The dam of this litter was purchased from a local pet store and originally came from a Missouri puppy mill. She was sick off and on the first year of her life due to to many different types of intestinal parasites and malnutrition. The sire, an over-sized male, lives down the street and was purchased from an ad in the newspaper. Neither owner has ever heard of the AKC/CanadianKC written standard. Neither owner has seen a written pedigree.The female is skittish and snappy. Her owners hope that having a litter will calm her down.
$850.00- Before this breeding ever took place, both male and female had tests including x-rays (front & rear), eye tests & thyroid tests and in some instances...heart tests to determine that there were no physical or genetic problems that might be passed on to offspring. The breeder is well aware of the genetic problems to which the breed is predisposed and uses no animal for breeding unless it is certified clear of defects by a qualified Veterinarian. The health of her pups is guaranteed.
$350.00 -The breeder is totally unaware of the genetic problems within the breed. Trips to the Veterinarian, except for dire emergencies or yearly shots, are considered too expensive. The breeders' hope is to make money off the sale of the puppies. If he keeps expenses down, he can buy that new couch he's been wanting. Puppies are sold with no guarantee.
$850.00- The breeder is a professional and he has a good reputation to maintain. His goal is to produce beautiful and sound specimens which anyone would be proud to own. Profit, if any is made, goes toward future breedings, always aimed toward the betterment of the breed, or for show entries, handler's fees, new equipment and important veterinary tests. Both the mother and pups are fed the highest quality diet. Many trips to the vet assure him that mother and pups are thriving under the very best care. The pups are raised in a busy area of the house or kennel where they are socialized,groomed and exposed to different kinds of stimuli. They are touched and talked to, cuddled and even sung to. They are never sold before they are eight weeks old. Every buyer is interviewed at length and they fill out a questionnaire....pups are placed only in homes where they will receive the best of care. The breeder spends time with each new owner, educating and answering questions. Follow-up calls are made to make sure the pups are adjusting well. Each new owner receives a bill of sale and health guarantees, vaccination record, minimum three-generation pedigree, guarantee of registration with the AKC/CanadianKC and thorough puppy care and nutrition information. If the puppy is not considered to be of such quality as it will better the breed the puppy is sold with a limited registration or non-breeding agreements. The new owners are encouraged to continue a relationship with the breeder, and to call and ask questions at any time during the dogs life.
$350.00- These puppies are born in a box, in the garage and receive little care other than what the mother gives. To cut costs they are weaned on generic dog food and allowed to nurse on the mother as long as possible to keep food bills down. The bitch's health declines rapidly due to poor health and some pups are weak and runty. They are sold as quickly as possible because advertising and vaccines are expensive. They are sold without having had their dewclaws removed, without shots, parasite checks, vet examinations, guarantees or information of any kind. They are sold to anyone who has the cash. If the new owner is lucky he may receive a AKC/CanadianKC registration application. Although the puppy is of very poor quality, it is sold with full breeding rights. The new owner usually disappears with the pup, never to be seen again. If the market is not good, the breeder takes the leftover pups to the local pet shop/and in some instances the pound. The comparison you have just read is hypothetical, but very typical of what we see all too often. Although not every breeder who charges higher prices is reputable and ethical, pet buyers should keep looking until they find one that is. When I am asked why my prices are so much higher than those in some newspaper ads, I mail a copy of this article. Those buyers who respect the quality and excellence are wonderful customers and become "partners" in this hobby that I love so much. Those that are seeking pets deserve nothing less than a nice quality, healthy and trusting animal. As well as a breeder they can count on. Anonymous |
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