Why Are Breeders Rude On The Phone!

[Toybox Yorkies]

For some reason I have seen this posted time and time again. I am a Yorkie Owner, Breeder, Handler and Obedience Trainer, and in all my conversations with people have only been told "Thank You, you have been most helpful", or "Thank you for taking the time to talk to me".

I am not going to defend breeders, nor attack them here. I am merely going to state that "WE" as breeders get many phone calls, e-mails, and questions at Shows from the general public. Sometimes (especially at a show), it is the most inappropriate time to be discussing your love of the breed. When I am getting a top knot up on my dog, or dogs, I have to concentrate on just that and talking to someone is very distracting.

It is best to approach show people before they are getting their breed ready for the ring, ask if you can come back after they show to talk about their breed, puppies etc. Or, wait till after the Yorkies go in the ring and then approach the show people. I never turn someone away from conversation, except when I am putting up a top knot. Then I ask if they wouldn't mind coming back later as it is distracting for me and my dog.

On the telephone, you should have a list of questions ready for a breeder. First and foremost get to the point. If you want a male or female puppy, the approximate size you desire and even the price. Or ask the breeder their prices, pet quality, or show quality. It is annoying to breeders when a buyer leads them on for 20 minutes or more on the telephone and then says how much, Oh, that's to much. It isn't that we don't want to take the time to talk to you, but depending on the size of the kennel, we as breeders have a lot to do with our dogs, show coats, mothers to be, puppies born, possible weak puppies needing Intensive Watching, breeding schedules, not to mention feedings, medications to be given, kennels to be cleaned, dishes to be washed, and so on. Some of the general public just doesn't have a clue as to what goes on behind the scenes.

Again, I am not putting this here to attack anyone either. I am just open for discussion and hoping to answer some questions some of you might have that are looking for puppies now or in the future.

Once, I was just where you were. I was a nobody in the field of Yorkies, Breeding, showing etc. Now, I am not an expert, but I do have enough information to help educate people, and I am the first one to recommend other breeders when I don't have a puppy available for sale.

So if you have any questions about Yorkie puppies, breeding, showing, obedience training of Yorkies etc. ASK AWAY!

[hasrv4fun]

Yay Pauline
As a small breeder and no longer able to be a show person, I agree with all you said.

Most of the public hasn't a clue about how much work we put into our dogs.

I personally spend at least 15 to 20 hrs a week grooming, then the feeding, LOVING on them and getting kisses in return, cleaning and watching puppies. Yes its a full time job and I too , try to always take as much time as a caller wants to answer any and all questions even when I can tell from the "HELLO " that they are just shopping. Nothing wrong with shopping around. I wish more people would shop and ask before just walking into a petstore and seeing a cute puppy.

Enough of my ranting, Just wanted to give you my support as you already have my respect.

[bettyeanne]

Our breeder has "guidelines" and is totally devoted to the breed. She has a rule ... never call before 11:00 because she sets that time aside for her babies. She also wants to keep up with all her babies and know their progress/problems, etc. Any time I have a question or a problem about anything or just to update her on Toto, I know I can call her and she is always glad!! However .... regardless of the time .... I always ask her when she answers the phone, if it's a bad time for her or if she has time to chat? That's just common courtesy ... I ask that of anyone!! If it's not a good time, she tells me and always calls me back! I know how time consuming Toto is ... I cannot imagine how breeders find the time for all they have to do and I for one really appreciate you good breeders who care enough to want to help! I think the least we can do is be considerate of the dedication and be a little more considerate ourselves!

[PennyNLola]

Hi. As a new breeder myself, I'm quite busy right now. I have 4 dogs (1 Yorkie) and the amount of time I need to take care of them etc. does take up some time. Sometimes I'm surprised how long it takes me to get everything done. So I can begin to understand, but I don't think I am up to the level of other breeders (because I do not show, do not own a kennel, am not a professional groomer etc.) I'm one to ask alot of questions and have alot of concerns whenever I buy a pup from any breeder. I find that alot of breeders can be rude. I understand that many have their reasons to be somewhat overwhelmed, but as a breeder, you should be prepared for that. That is never going to change. If times are inconvenient or hectic, then you must do what you must. (call back, have them call you back etc.) But again, I would rather have someone ask me tons of questions, then to ask me only a few. You can tell when people are interested and caring by the way they talk and what they ask. A little off topic, sometimes I'll ask questions to a pet owner at a pet store or something, and they are just rude. I come across dogs that are more friendly then their owners. Getting back to the subject, I know (not by full experience since I am just beginning) that it takes alot to be a good breeder that breeds because they love to improve the standard etc., but I think you as a breeder should expect that. I keep in touch with all of my past sellers/breeders until this day. And unless inconvenient, they have no problem at all speaking with me. I visit them til this day, and I believe that is how it should be. It should be more about the relationship then just a purchase. I just think as a breeder you should be prepared in dealing with so many inquiries. (I am preparing myself for that now...lol) That's all . Thanks!

[LaviniaHyacynth]

Although I totally respect breeders and am aware that they are busy...they don't live by different codes of common courtesy...I am also very busy with my career and accomplished at what I do.Sometimes I work in an open studio and get bombarded with questions from curious and sometimes interested people. I treat each one with respect and kindness...I don't think there is an excuse for being rude. You can say this isn't a good time without being nasty about it.

[vainchick5]

I agree with the everything everyone is saying. Yes breeders are very busy and I am grateful everyday for what the reputable breeders do to provide beautiful babies for us; however, this does not give any breeder the right to be rude or lack courtesy in person or over the phone. I am busy in my life with my family, my career, ect. It's like when celebrities complain about paparazzi or their personal lives being displayed. It's part of the job. I could be wrong (and mean no disrespect) but as breeders, and people who know more about the breed, it is your responsibility to answer as many questions as the adoptive parents may have, even if they are just shopping around.That is how people learn about what to expect. Yorkies aren't exactly a cheap breed so people want to make sure they are getting their money's worth and that if they pay that price, that they know what they are getting themselves into. I had come across many rude breeders when I was looking for my Coco, and it was such a turn off. Especially the one's the show their dogs. They just had a snobbiness about them that I didn't care for. No matter how good of a breeder one is, at one time, they were nothing but a regular person learning about a breed. I think that if one is unwilling to answer questions, or educate others about the breed, you should just breed for yourself, instead of selling the pups (not directed at anyone, just general). Just like reputable breeders want to find the best forever home for their pups, the buyers are blindly trying to find the perfect puppy, and with the help of a good breeder, they may be able to do it without being blinded. I was very lucky, in that Coco's breeder is available to me and my thousand questions any time of day, even in Oaklahoma.

[Toybox Yorkies]

Originally Posted by vainchick5

I agree with the everything everyone is saying. Yes breeders are very busy and I am grateful everyday for what the reputable breeders do to provide beautiful babies for us; however, this does not give any breeder the right to be rude or lack courtesy in person or over the phone. I am busy in my life with my family, my career, ect. It's like when celebrities complain about paparazzi or their personal lives being displayed. It's part of the job. I could be wrong (and mean no disrespect) but as breeders, and people who know more about the breed, it is your responsibility to answer as many questions as the adoptive parents may have, even if they are just shopping around.That is how people learn about what to expect. Yorkies aren't exactly a cheap breed so people want to make sure they are getting their money's worth and that if they pay that price, that they know what they are getting themselves into. I had come across many rude breeders when I was looking for my Coco, and it was such a turn off. Especially the one's the show their dogs. They just had a snobbiness about them that I didn't care for. No matter how good of a breeder one is, at one time, they were nothing but a regular person learning about a breed. I think that if one is unwilling to answer questions, or educate others about the breed, you should just breed for yourself, instead of selling the pups (not directed at anyone, just general). Just like reputable breeders want to find the best forever home for their pups, the buyers are blindly trying to find the perfect puppy, and with the help of a good breeder, they may be able to do it without being blinded. I was very lucky, in that Coco's breeder is available to me and my thousand questions any time of day, even in Oaklahoma.

This is exactly my point - Yes, we as breeders should be available to answer questions of the general public as much as possible.

I, myself, am never to busy to talk to anyone. I have given up to 45 minutes of my time on the telephone without making a sale. It is not about the sale for me, it is about educating the new puppy owner, or new Yorkie Owner. My puppies are my life - each one I sell is still a part of my life. I still get pictures from the pet people - I go to Agility shows to watch my Yorkies compete with others - and of course when I start selling Show Quality puppies, I will be there to cheer them on (even if it means beating me) haha.

The other thing I see from the Show aspect of things is Owner/Handlers both seem so close mouth about what products they use on their dogs coat. What is wrong with sharing this information???? Do you think that if you help them they are going to beat you with your information??? Guess what, they will beat you anyway if they have a good show dog. Depending on the judge and the day, no one is that good. I have seen even the best of the best fall to a nobody. As a matter of fact, my first male champion did just that. We went to a very big show - went up against 25-30 dogs in the open ring and came out with 2- 5 point major, 2 days of a 4 day show - back to back. We went over some of the biggest kennel names around. So all that said to me was the judges liked my dog on those 2 days over what was out their. He rose above the rest. On the first day he acted goofy and the last day I bumped him up to Specials. He wasn't ready for specials class at this time, he had no coat going for him at 18 months of age, but his spirit was still on. Now he is the love of the house - my stud muffin.

Getting back on track - I am glad for this conversation. All points taken. I started this discussion just for this purpose. Both sides of the coin, and yes, no one should be rude on the phone - doesn't matter if your a breeder or not.

[barbg402]

Bravo, well said!

[bugaboosmom]

People saying that when they talk to breeders that they are rude and short with them. Well all I know is I love the breed and love to talk to people about them even if I cannot place a puppy with them. I think the breeders they are running into are just in it for the money, and/or Burned Out!

[Hanna]

Since I have been looking on line and by telephone. I have to say I have not had any breeder that I spoke to be rude to me. The one breeder had me on the phone for over an hour. The other breeder was so nice to me she called me back to see if I had gotten a puppie yet. She stated she was going to a friend house and she would talk to that breeder for me. Maybe it is the way I talk to them or that they know that I have had yorkies in the life before.
Or that I am very nice to them.
Hanna

[txshopper73]

Excellent thread, Pauline!!! I have spent large amounts of time on the phone with potential buyers. Some will come right out and the first question the ask is price.

I remember a thread here a while back where someone posted on the opposite side of this. For the life of me I can't remember who said what but basically, a breeder said that price should be the last thing asked or not even brought up in the first conversation.

I guess it just depends on the breeder. Some don't have a problem with the issue and others do.

But you're right. The show ring is the last place to approach a breeder when there is so much to do in preparation for the show.