Should I choose an alternate dog breeder?
I contacted a local breeder by email, informing them that I was interested in their puppies and the time frame for the purchase, along with some other details. I asked about upcoming litters, and also if they could provide references. I received a very short reply that really didn’t address any of my questions. In the pictures the puppies look healthy and adorable, and I have a co-worker that purchased a dog from them some time ago, and they are happy with their dog. However, I am very put off by this short, impersonal response, especially the lack of references. What should I do?
For those of you that think I should visit a shelter or wait for a rescue…I appreciate your opinion, but at this point, that is not what is right for my family. I need a smaller dog (we live in a townhouse, so a large breed isn’t right for us at this time), and I want to have it from the time it is a puppy so that it is my family that is having an impact on it’s temperament. I am all for adopting dogs, but it isn’t right for us at this time. Thanks for the suggestions, though!
Please don’t care what ANYONE writes about shelters vs. breeders. The MOST responsible thing you can do is whatever is right for your family. My hubby and I initially adopted form a shelter…. it did not work out and we returned the dog. We could not find another one that suited us through our area shelters and ended up going through a breeder. And I do not feel the least bit guilty!
That being said… I think it is very important to have a good vibe about the breeder. If you are concerned about how they answered your questions then I would look elsewhere. If something ends up being wrong with the dog you may need to rely on the breeder as a resource and it sounds like these people won’t be for you or the puppy if you need them.
I would recommend you look for other breeders.
November 10th, 2009 at 3:15 pm
ADOPT A DOG FROM YOUR LOCAL RESCUE.
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November 10th, 2009 at 3:24 pm
If the breeder will not answer your questions and provide references, then go to another breeder.
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November 10th, 2009 at 4:05 pm
Look somewhere else.
There is no reason NOT to address your questions. Any reputable breeder would be offended if you DIDN’T ask questions!
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November 10th, 2009 at 4:12 pm
Go somewhere else. A good breeder would have answered all your questions, and then asked you twice as many.
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November 10th, 2009 at 4:54 pm
You should run. Far, far away.
Reputable breeders REQUIRE that potential buyers come in for a personal interview and fill out a questionaire about their household, previous pets, etc. They want to know everything they can about the homes their dogs are going to, and they would be happy to offer references, paperwork, shot records, pedigrees, and allow you to meet the dogs parents. Your "breeder" sounds like a backyard breeder or puppy mill, someone out to make money with no regard for the welfare of their animals. I think it’s a huge red flag, and you should look elsewhere.
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November 10th, 2009 at 5:20 pm
I’d pass on this breeder. No good and responible breeder would do this. I think your friend may have just gotten lucky with her dog.
Look for someone who will answer all your questions.
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November 10th, 2009 at 5:39 pm
go visit..if u can…contact their area breed club…ask around.
all puppies are cute…and look healthy in picures…. doesn’t mean they are…i would go else where.
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November 10th, 2009 at 6:07 pm
Rescue from a local shelter, or if it is a particular breed you want, do an online search for that breed rescue.
Don’t let a breeder profit from the suffering of animals – and, believe me, most back yard breeders and puppy mills are hell holes where the dogs live in misery cranking out puppies constantly just so the breeder can make a buck.
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November 10th, 2009 at 6:37 pm
I agree with the other two answers. if the breeder will not answer questions do not by from them. You should also never buy from a breeder that is not willing to let you visit their property to see the conditions. pictures can be deceiving. I wouldn’t trust it.
I would recommend visiting your local shelter or spca. You can find pure breds there that really need a good home.
try checking petfinder.com. you can find all kinds of dogs in your area that need homes.
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November 10th, 2009 at 7:18 pm
Email them back and say they didn’t give you the information you wanted: you will now find a responsible dog breeder to buy your puppies from, someone who cares where their going. Or, don’t email them back until you get a puppy, and then say: I got this really cute puppy so I don’t need you anymore. It’s so adorable and sweet and healthy, and the owners were nice and they told me all about it and everything!
Or, don’t take my advice. I get hyper too easily.
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November 10th, 2009 at 7:37 pm
If they don’t answer your question, try another breeder, or adopt a puppy and save a life. You might want to send another e-mail. If they don’t respond answering your question, again, try another breeder, or adopt a puppy and save a life.
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November 10th, 2009 at 7:54 pm
Good breeders usually go out of their way to answer all your questions and then some. I would question the "goodness" of this breeder. Have you looked on your choice of breed’s national breed club’s website? They will have a list of reputable and very informative breeders that would welcome your questions with enthusiasm!
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November 10th, 2009 at 8:27 pm
I would look for a breed specific rescue if you are set on that breed of dog..
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November 10th, 2009 at 8:59 pm
I’m not being rude, I’m giving you the best possible advice that I can…
********RUN!!!!!!!!!!!!**********
Please find another breeder. If the answers were vague, that is a HUGE red flag.
It seems to me they have something to hide or don’t have any GOOD references….
Do you know if they show? Do you know if they genetically test their dogs against hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia/….
I could give you more specific questions to ask if I knew what breed you were looking at…
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Rottweiler owner/handler/trainer 15 yrs
Professional dog show handler
November 10th, 2009 at 9:29 pm
Just because a co-worker purchased a dog from them doesn’t mean you have to.
You said it yourself they didn’t answer your questions and wouldn’t give you any references.
So go to a different breeder.
There are plenty out there. Just be careful and do plenty of research. Not all breeders are reputable.
Make sure they check for genetic conditions and breed to better the breed. Check out their place and see how the dogs live.
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November 10th, 2009 at 10:01 pm
I would be seeking out a different breeder. If they won’t answer your questions, then that would be a red flag to me.
You seem to be interested in a good reputable breeder and you’re on the right track to finding one. Go to akc.org, search for the breed club of the breed you are looking for. From there, you should be able to find breeders in your area. Be sure to do a lot of homework on your breed. Find out if there are any genetic things this breed should be tested for and passing, before allowing to produce any litters and make sure that breeder is doing the proper testing. Find a breeder who is in to showing, as they are most often where you will find good, healthy, properly tested dogs.
Good for you wanting to find a reputable breeder… now if some of the others on here would do this, the shelters would be less over populated!
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November 10th, 2009 at 10:48 pm
Please don’t care what ANYONE writes about shelters vs. breeders. The MOST responsible thing you can do is whatever is right for your family. My hubby and I initially adopted form a shelter…. it did not work out and we returned the dog. We could not find another one that suited us through our area shelters and ended up going through a breeder. And I do not feel the least bit guilty!
That being said… I think it is very important to have a good vibe about the breeder. If you are concerned about how they answered your questions then I would look elsewhere. If something ends up being wrong with the dog you may need to rely on the breeder as a resource and it sounds like these people won’t be for you or the puppy if you need them.
I would recommend you look for other breeders.
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November 10th, 2009 at 11:37 pm
Go here:
http://www.akc.org/clubs/search/index.cfm?action=national&display=on
and enter the name of the breed you are interested in.
Email the national club secretary and request referrals for reputable breeders who are in good standing with the breed club.
You can’t go wrong by choosing a reputable, responsible breeder who is referred by his or her peers.
Good luck!
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