Quote:
Originally Posted by Ladymom  I agree 100%. To me an AKC show breeder is the bare minimum requirement, the starting point in a search for a puppy. After that, genetic screening and health testing are the next criteria I look for. I would not consider getting either a Maltese puppy or especially a Yorkie puppy without knowing that both parents had been tested for liver disease. Dr. Center recommends that all puppies be given bile acids tests before going to their new homes (with sixteen weeks being ideal) so I would make sure that was done, too. |
I agree. I save website or info of breeders I may contact in the future when I'm ready to buy my next puppy. The first thing I look for on a website is to see if the breeder shows their dogs. That is the first thing I look for...if they don't, I stop there. If they do, then I continue to look at the site. I look at the breeder's history and their sires and dams. If they have a sample contract I look at that. Basically I look at all the info on their site, and if it meets my standards I save the site in my favorites. However, I know a website is not enough to make me buy a puppy from someone. When the time comes, I will of course contact that breeder and ask all kinds of questions. Showing is just a starting point for me. I also want to see beautiful dogs that clearly meet the standard - HEALTHY dogs. I want the breeder to be testing all their dogs - knees, hips, liver, heart, eyes, ears, ect. I don't want to see any dogs being bred with ANY health problems in their pedigree. Puppies should leave no earlier than 12 weeks of age. They should be appropriately vaccinated for their age, socialized, and started on potty training. They should be well groomed, happy, and healthy puppies with good temperaments. All puppies going to non-show homes should be sold with a spay/neuter contract and limited registration. The breeder should take back and dogs if the buyer ever cannot keep them. I want to see AT LEAST a one year health guarantee....preferably longer. Anyway, just a few things I can think of just off the top of my head right now in a breeder I want. Like Ladymom said, showing is just the start for me.
I don't really understand why a reputable breeder would not be showing their dogs. I can maybe understand not really being into the showing aspect, but then why not hire a professional handler to show the dog for you? I've seen several show breeders on here say how much they love the showing aspect but aren't crazy about the breeding that comes along with it. But they get such a thrill out of producing their next little champion. I guess it seems to me that reputable breeders breed to improve the breed and of course LOVE the breed...so why wouldn't they be excited to have the dog shown and proven to be a great example of the breed?