Quote:
Originally Posted by FlDebra  "But at first glance I, as a buyer, would mostly choose from the small litter breeder than the large (with all other things being equal in the pup) just because I don't believe the one with so many running around could possibly be adequately caring for them.
I take mine daily (5 days/wk) for car rides, one day (alternating days) a week just one pup comes to work with me for more individualized time (queen/king for the day sort of thing), etc., etc. It'd be hard for one person with 10+ pups to do that consistently and frequently I think"
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kjcmsw -- Keep in mind there are always other factors that go into how much time is actually spent on puppy care & development. For instance, you mention taking one at a time to work with you. Many do not work outside of the home and have ALL day 24/7 to contribute to the care of their pups. Others are away a huge portion of the day for work, transportation, socialization, etc. Some have several human children that need to share in the available "care hours." One breeder may devote most of her waking time to puppy/dog care and socialization. Another may see it as a chore to be taken care of and move on to their other interests.
There just isn't one formula that will fit for all. Sometimes there is a family involved with the business so the man-hours are doubled, tripled, or more..... giving the pups even more human contact & care than what you might see in a one person, one litter at a time operation. It just is never as simple as saying it is better to go with a smaller output breeding program. I think that is what is so important about knowing the breeder. Once you really get to know them and see them in action (more than once), you can get a feel for the true contribution they make to the puppies' care. Reputations are built on well-socialized pups as well as those closely adhering to the standards. That is sort of spilling over to the other factors you already mentioned like lines & respectability. |
I understand all the possible variants. Just thinking "basically" with all things being equal.
The when a line starts conversation: wouldn't one's line start with the very first pup they bred and kept? Every line starts somewhere.