What Not to Say to Your Breeder

[Mardelin]

Last night I received another wacky inquiry.
Hello Mary,

I found your email address on a Yorkshire Terrier breeders info.
I feel silly for asking this because I can see that you are a pure bred Yorkie breeder.
I just don't know where else to look. I actually want a yorkie, maltese mix. I was hoping, you may know
of a friend who breeds them. I want to meet the breeder and their parent cross, watch the dogs interact, basically do everything you're suppose to do when chosing a dog to come into your life. I think of this decision as a serious responsibility, which is the reason why I'd like breeder to from California(hopefully southern Cal). Every "breeder " of Morkies seem to be out of state and I don't want to travel that far to meet my new friend.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best,

Gary B

[Cerise]

Originally Posted by Mardelin

Last night I received another wacky inquiry.
Hello Mary,

I found your email address on a Yorkshire Terrier breeders info.
I feel silly for asking this because I can see that you are a pure bred Yorkie breeder.
I just don't know where else to look. I actually want a yorkie, maltese mix. I was hoping, you may know
of a friend who breeds them. I want to meet the breeder and their parent cross, watch the dogs interact, basically do everything you're suppose to do when chosing a dog to come into your life. I think of this decision as a serious responsibility, which is the reason why I'd like breeder to from California(hopefully southern Cal). Every "breeder " of Morkies seem to be out of state and I don't want to travel that far to meet my new friend.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best,

Gary B

Wacky indeed! Some people just lack common sense.

[Mardelin]

Here's my response to his inquiry and his response at the top in answer to mine.

Originally Posted by Cerise

Wacky indeed! Some people just lack common sense.

Thank you Mary for your input and well wishes.
Gary


Hi Gary,

Please don’t feel silly, as the only way you can learn anything is by asking questions.

Since you are absolutely right about me and the other breeders that are listed on the Yorkshire Terrier of America’s breeder referral page. We are yorkie purest and breed only to improve the Yorkshire Terrier Breed. We breed for ourselves first, in efforts to produce our next Champion to add to our breeding program.

Now on to a bit of education. While there are those that cross breed, it is a practice that the Yorkshire Terrier Club of America and their members do not condone. Those type of breeders are not reputable and breeding only for the sole purpose of money. These breeders do not take into account that they are possibly breeding in life threatening genetic defects that afflict both breeds. They do not test prior to breeding and most do not take their dogs welfare into consideration. While I do know of these breeders, they are not who I would befriend. If I sound a bit snobbish, I’m sorry, but, these breeders are contributing to the high population of dogs that end up in Shelters.

Good Luck in your search
Mary Lundgren

[Cerise]

Originally Posted by Mardelin

Here's my response to his inquiry and his response at the top in answer to mine.



Thank you Mary for your input and well wishes.
Gary


Hi Gary,

Please don’t feel silly, as the only way you can learn anything is by asking questions.

Since you are absolutely right about me and the other breeders that are listed on the Yorkshire Terrier of America’s breeder referral page. We are yorkie purest and breed only to improve the Yorkshire Terrier Breed. We breed for ourselves first, in efforts to produce our next Champion to add to our breeding program.

Now on to a bit of education. While there are those that cross breed, it is a practice that the Yorkshire Terrier Club of America and their members do not condone. Those type of breeders are not reputable and breeding only for the sole purpose of money. These breeders do not take into account that they are possibly breeding in life threatening genetic defects that afflict both breeds. They do not test prior to breeding and most do not take their dogs welfare into consideration. While I do know of these breeders, they are not who I would befriend. If I sound a bit snobbish, I’m sorry, but, these breeders are contributing to the high population of dogs that end up in Shelters.

Good Luck in your search
Mary Lundgren

Nice reply!

[lingenieuse]

What is a BYB?

[Mardelin]

Originally Posted by lingenieuse

What is a BYB?

Backyard Breeder....one that breeds indiscriminately for the purpose of selling puppies.

[lingenieuse]

BYB are not the only people that sell substandard dogs for show.Some so called reputable breeders do this,taking advantage of new people to dog showing.

[Mardelin]

Originally Posted by lingenieuse

BYB are not the only people that sell substandard dogs for show.Some so called reputable breeders do this,taking advantage of new people to dog showing.

The operative word is Reputable and how to recognize the difference.

This is a funny thread on what breeders have encountered when people are inquiring for puppies....

The statement you made is whole different other thread.

[ckuz13]

Originally Posted by Mardelin

Let me explain a bit. Breeders take offense when people's first and foremost question is how much? We view it as that is their only concern. Not that one shouldn't be concerned, it is a major purchase. But, most of us that breed to improve the breed, feel that a person's first concern should be about us as a breeder. The health of the dogs and puppies. If we hear the first words out of a potential clients mouth are "how much" we feel they are bargin shopping....

I have to say that it is not a silly or stupid question to ask how much a pet costs..or anything you are purchasing for that matter. I would never walk into a Lexus dealership and spend a great deal of time there only to find out that the car I am interested is over priced and I could find the exact same car at another dealer. Of course, we are not talking about cars but if a breeder is in the business of selling dogs..it is a question that will come up and what difference does it make whether it is the first or the last. Just because someone asks..does not always mean that they are bargain shopping..And for those who are on a budget or fixed income this is a very important question, Maybe they ask only to not waste your time and find out whether they can afford one of your dogs..There are alot of dishonest breeders out there selling dogs for thousands of dollars and taking advantage of innocent people. I have not asked a breeder how much as a first question..only because I know pretty much who I am contacting before hand..but I don't think this should be an offensive question in my honest opinion.

[magicgenie]

Just now I received a call from a man who, after being told the only puppy I have left is $1800, started screaming "get the f... out of here (other unintelligible words) bitch" then hung up. Sadly, he will eventually find someone with a puppy in his price range...

[Nancy1999]

Originally Posted by ckuz13

I have to say that it is not a silly or stupid question to ask how much a pet costs..or anything you are purchasing for that matter. I would never walk into a Lexus dealership and spend a great deal of time there only to find out that the car I am interested is over priced and I could find the exact same car at another dealer. Of course, we are not talking about cars but if a breeder is in the business of selling dogs..it is a question that will come up and what difference does it make whether it is the first or the last. Just because someone asks..does not always mean that they are bargain shopping..And for those who are on a budget or fixed income this is a very important question, Maybe they ask only to not waste your time and find out whether they can afford one of your dogs..There are alot of dishonest breeders out there selling dogs for thousands of dollars and taking advantage of innocent people. I have not asked a breeder how much as a first question..only because I know pretty much who I am contacting before hand..but I don't think this should be an offensive question in my honest opinion.

I felt the way you do, but I've learned a few things, first and foremost is that a reputable breeder isn't interested in "selling dogs". She doesn't even care if you buy one of her dogs or not, she wants to educate you. I felt like I was "wasting their time", if I couldn't afford one of their dogs. But they don't feel like it's wasting their time to educate you. Now, if it were a "salesman" you were talking to, it would be wasting their time because they are only interested in selling you one of their products. Reputable breeders are looking for good homes, and if you haven't researched enough to learn why "how much is your dog" shouldn't be the first question, then you haven't researched enough.

[ckuz13]

Originally Posted by Mardelin

Let me explain a bit. Breeders take offense when people's first and foremost question is how much? We view it as that is their only concern. Not that one shouldn't be concerned, it is a major purchase. But, most of us that breed to improve the breed, feel that a person's first concern should be about us as a breeder. The health of the dogs and puppies. If we hear the first words out of a potential clients mouth are "how much" we feel they are bargin shopping....

Originally Posted by Nancy1999

I felt the way you do, but I've learned a few things, first and foremost is that a reputable breeder isn't interested in "selling dogs". She doesn't even care if you buy one of her dogs or not, she wants to educate you. I felt like I was "wasting their time", if I couldn't afford one of their dogs. But they don't feel like it's wasting their time to educate you. Now, if it were a "salesman" you were talking to, it would be wasting their time because they are only interested in selling you one of their products. Reputable breeders are looking for good homes, and if you haven't researched enough to learn why "how much is your dog" shouldn't be the first question, then you haven't researched enough.

Any question should be a valid question whether it is about price, size, akc..whatever it may be. If the breeder is really a great breeder and really wants to educate..that is the perfect opportunity to do so. These are people wanting a dog..that is all. If they are calling you ( the reputable breeder) than that is a start in the right direction. My point is really this..We all know who should not own certain dogs..and who should not breed. I think we all judge to hastily. Very reputable breeders I am sure have said the wrong thing from time to time too, which could have sent some red flags..but that does not mean that they are not reputable.

[ckuz13]

Originally Posted by magicgenie

Just now I received a call from a man who, after being told the only puppy I have left is $1800, started screaming "get the f... out of here (other unintelligible words) bitch" then hung up. Sadly, he will eventually find someone with a puppy in his price range...

Geez..now that was someone looking for a bargain!! That is scary. Sorry, that can never be easy..

[Mardelin]

Originally Posted by ckuz13

Any question should be a valid question whether it is about price, size, akc..whatever it may be. If the breeder is really a great breeder and really wants to educate..that is the perfect opportunity to do so. These are people wanting a dog..that is all. If they are calling you ( the reputable breeder) than that is a start in the right direction. My point is really this..We all know who should not own certain dogs..and who should not breed. I think we all judge to hastily. Very reputable breeders I am sure have said the wrong thing from time to time too, which could have sent some red flags..but that does not mean that they are not reputable.

Again, as Nancy has stated reputable breeders on not in the business of selling dogs. Yes, people are wanting a dog, and I may not always have them. If the first question out of a potential client's mouth is how much....I take offense. Since my first concern is the welfare of the puppy where it goes to, I feel the first concern for possible new owner should be where that puppy came from, it's health, temperament and rearing. What kind of breeder I am. Bottom line that is how I operate, one does not have to buy a puppy from me.

But, I will say none of the homes where my puppies were placed, was their first concern about money. And even though I have a set companion price, I have been known to come down and not because they asked, but because I knew these people would give the puppy the best possible home.

[magicgenie]

Originally Posted by ckuz13

Any question should be a valid question whether it is about price, size, akc..whatever it may be. If the breeder is really a great breeder and really wants to educate..that is the perfect opportunity to do so. These are people wanting a dog..that is all. If they are calling you ( the reputable breeder) than that is a start in the right direction. My point is really this..We all know who should not own certain dogs..and who should not breed. I think we all judge to hastily. Very reputable breeders I am sure have said the wrong thing from time to time too, which could have sent some red flags..but that does not mean that they are not reputable.

Ideally, someone phoning me for a puppy already knows a good one in this region will be $1800-$2000, but I don't mind establishing that before entering into a lengthy conversation. Sometime someone is surprised to find the price that high but comes to understand the reasons for it in the course of conversation. The difficult ones say "I don't need a show dog, I only want a pet." It's tempting to say "you need to find a reputable BYB, and good luck with that." I usually just urge them to proceed with caution and seek out more information.