Choosing between different breeder

ITgirl73

What do you take into consideration when dealing with multiple breeders. How do you decide which one to choose?

Knine

ITgirl73 wrote: »

What do you take into consideration when dealing with multiple breeders. How do you decide which one to choose?

Well for me, I would choose from a breeder that health tests & has a proven record of producing top quality dogs with the correct breed relevant temperament.

They would be registered pure bred dogs. No reputable breeder produces crosses. I also want indoor reared puppies & like to see fit for function dogs e.g - dogs that can do a days work. This is regardless of whether I want a pet, show or working dog. Any breeders I am looking at generally have a waiting list. Unless you are an experienced dog person you are best avoiding online buy & sell/Facebook sites.

A breeder that does not know you should be asking you as many questions as you ask them. Any breeder that sells to the first person with money in their pocket is to be avoided.

I want to see proof of any health testing e.g hip scores, eye tests. Beware of breeders that advertise their dogs as Champion stock on the back of someone elses hard work e.g the grand parents or distant relatives that they don't own.

I like to be able to go visit the breeders & see their adult dogs.

The best of luck!

VonVix

Oooh, where do I begin! Here's things that are important for me, not in any particular order. If you want me to elaborate on anything specific, ask!

1. Litter raised indoors/in the home.
2. IKC registered, both puppies and parents.
3. Breeders are actively involved with their breed. Either showing or working with them. Enthusiasm for their breed is also very important.
4. The breeder isn't quick to sell to you, they should want to suss you out a bit before ever handing a puppy over.
5. Health tested parents, grandparents, etc. They should be tested for common issues within their breed. The bitch should not be bred from if she is any younger than 2 years of age.
6. You should be able to meet at least the mother of the puppies, sometimes it's not possible to meet the sire at their home if he is owned by someone else. The dam's behaviour is a huge reflection on the potential temperament of her puppies. You wouldn't want to meet parents who are fearful of you or display any behaviour that you wouldn't want your dog to have. My GSD is almost a carbon copy of his mother in personality and temperament.
7. Puppies are given mental stimulation, new sounds, noises, textures and meeting new people.

I probably have 100's of others that I can't think of right now...

aonb

+1 for the two replies above.
Just wanted to add that your gut instinct should be considered too - watching how the breeder handles the puppies and the bitch. Watching how the bitch/litter are interacting with the breeder. Is everything clean and geared towards the bitch/puppies. Is the bitchs temperament such that she is confident/happy/well cared for/relaxed with the breeder - and you the visitor. Are the puppies alert and happy and relaxed and confident and playing and inquisitive and interested in the humans and the environment. Is the atmosphere such that everyone is happy/relaxed/cared for. The attitude/personality of the bitch and puppies AND attitude/personality of the breeder should be such that you are happy and comfortable and confident that the puppy you are getting is happy/healthy/well socialized/well bred and given the best possible start in life before you take over.

(oh and a given that the puppies will be wormed, chipped, vaccinations up to date)

good luck with your search.

ITgirl73

Thanks everyone. Went to see one of them myself mother gorgeous and friendly puppies lively & inquisitive however one very small & looked sick & some of them were making snorting noises - I am taking snorting noise is not a great sign. It will be a month at least before the second litter pups are old enough to be viewed. So I think I will have to take chance and wait for second litter. Shame as they are lively lovely pups & their mother is gorgeous. Hard decision

Knine

ITgirl73 wrote: »

Thanks everyone. Went to see one of them myself mother gorgeous and friendly puppies lively & inquisitive however one very small & looked sick & some of them were making snorting noises - I am taking snorting noise is not a great sign. It will be a month at least before the second litter pups are old enough to be viewed. So I think I will have to take chance and wait for second litter. Shame as they are lively lovely pups & their mother is gorgeous. Hard decision

What breed are they?

ITgirl73

Knine wrote: »

What breed are they?

Shih tzu