[MyFairLacy]

Originally Posted by MyFairLacy

I have met a few of these TX YTCA breeders, and I have friends with dogs from a few of them. I know one or two in the Houston are that I have heard WONDERFUL things about from a good friend of mine, and I would definitely consider buying from them. You are correct that they don't have puppies available often. I don't want to mention any names on a public forum either, but if you PM me I'll be glad to share the names of the breeders I've heard great things about.

I also wanted to comment that while I always recommend the YTCA breeder list to someone just starting their puppy search, you can not assume that all YTCA breeders are good. There is no perfect breeder! I've heard of good and bad experiences with YTCA breeders...some personal. I do think the YTCA list is a good place to start, but you have got to be sure to continue doing your research and ask questions. There are some YTCA breeders I would buy from and some I would not. I think it's a MUCH better place to start out a puppy search then searching classifieds or internet searching. YTCA breeders *should* be following the YTCA code of ethics. I also know there are wonderful show breeders out there that are not YTCA members..but they still follow these code of ethics.

For me, it's really important to buy from a good breeder because I care about the dogs. It's not just about the puppy I'm bringing home. I want to know that the breeder truly cares about the breed and the dogs in their care, that they are breeding with a purpose - to produce the healthiest dogs they can, to produce dogs that meet the standard, to produce dogs that have wonderful temperments. I want a breeder that loves their show/breeding dogs and treats them well. When you buy from a backyard breeder/broker/puppymill/petstore - you may luck out and get a healthy, great puppy, but what about that puppy's parents?? Are they stuck in a kennel or cage somewhere being neglected or mistreated?? I just think it's so important to support only good breeders because if you don't, you're contributing to the suffering of dogs. Everyone makes mistakes...but you have to learn and do better in the future.