Senna I want you to know that nothing I posted was done to make you feel like you don't deserve to own and raise the dogs you want. I think you have every right. What I was trying to explain was how a lot of us as breeders, think of our animals as family members and wouldn't have a baby and just hand it over without knowing what it's life was going to be. Price? If 30 years ago I spent 25k on the top GSD (my first breed on my own) in Germany and Europe (should see the prices now) and continue to have him handled and shown there for a year before I even met him, then bring him home to do the exact same things here, there's no way I'm selling a puppy for 200 bucks. And let me tell you, that dog was really a human in GSD clothing. He picked the buyers. If he'd sit by you and let you hug on him, you passed. If he came over and put his head on my lap and sighed and gave me those beautiful eyes as if to say "I don't like them mom" you didn't pass. He was amazing, always by my side or guarding my then 2 little girls or even other members of my family when they were around. Not eveyone who has the money is worthy. I did however give pups to kids in Junior Showmanship. It's how I started and I was always looking for the right kid, or the kid that had a heart and was gonna be awesome, but couldn't afford a dog to do what they wanted to do. Or a kid who got into trouble but you could see that the dogs helped them to find something that helped them change. I would GIVE a pup away, before I'd sell it to someone I didn't think was going to be the best place for my babies. I just hope you understand where most of us are coming from. I'm sure you would be an awesome owner. As a breeder, I have no idea, because we haven't sat down and talked about it.
OK in the state of California, at least the the areas I know of, you can not wait to alter a puppy until it's 6 months old. It has to be done by 12 weeks. Thats another debate, but I think 12 weeks is rediculous. Some dogs don't show potential until they are 1 or 2 years old. My opinion, but like I said, it's another argument and I haven't posted to do that, just to give you the breeder side.
If you are going to be breeding for working dogs, I think you need to look more towards those who are doing the same thing. AKC is NOT the only registry out there. They are the oldest her, yes. But it doesn't make them better than another. I've seen several slammed, because as I mentioned before, people think they are getting so much more when a dog is AKC registered, because they don't know any better and only go by heresay. There have been many registries in this country that have been attacked and bad mouthed to the point that it must be gospel, because it's in the papers and on the net and so and so said so. Many have been bad mouthed about things that AKC has started doing themselves, so it's a power thing.
AKC started out as a registry for field trials. People wanted to register there dogs, the money was there, so they grew. So never think you can't go with another. Look into them, read their sites, ask for literature, but learn about them and do it with an open mind.
Go to trials! Not only are they fun and exciting, you can learn sooooo much! You can also talk to people. If they don't give you the time of day, go talk to somene else. There are lots of canine activities and places to go to meet breeders. OR....Maybe they aren't the breeder, but can help you contact theirs. Also look for Rare Breed shows. Those are usually far from AKC shows and most of the breeds aren't even AKC elegible. In my opinion (yet again) it means they haven't been torn apart and put back together so they fit the breed club standard that AKC will finally accept. You should be able to meet and make friends with lots of people. If we show dogs, more often then not, we are gonna talk dogs. Then again you do get the snobs, but really not as many as most people think.
Do not just walk up and ask if they have something you can buy and breed. Ask them about their breed. If you've owned before, still ask and if you have information yourself, share it. But if you just approach someone and say you want to get into breeding a working dog, they think you see money signs. They may not be willing to continue to talk to you. Ask how they started with the breed and how long after they got into breeding. Just be friendly and if you truely want to get that particular breed, you WILL find what you're looking for.
Once you start breeding though, please remember that the dogs you produce ARE your responsibility. They are living creatures that were bred to be human companions and workers and they deserve to be placed with people who feel the same way. And remember, it's expensive as H to raise a litter to even 8 weeks before sending them to their new homes. Man could I get into that, but won't. Just trust me. But, just feeding, worming and shots and anything that could go wrong? You get the picture. I could add all the tests and certification of the breeding dogs, but this is after all a chicken forum. LOL
Always have a buyers list waiting before you breed. This is like the number one have to do thing. If you have a breed that usually has 10 pups per litter, line up 30 prospective buyers. This is something a lot of people never do and then end up with a backyard full of half grown pups that go to a rescue or shelter. Again. Expensive! Collect deposits, collect the rest when it's time for the pup to be placed and be clear the money needs to be in time on time and at what age you are placing. Here it has to be 8 weeks. I have always done 8 - 12.
Also want to mention that you can also join a group even if you do not yet own a dog of that breed, or own one that will do the job the group is for. Just get envolved a little and you'll meet who you need to meet. You don't have to show, just get yourself out there and someone may even offer you one.
I sincerly hope you get to fullfill your goal. I hope you have the best stock out there and people beat your door down, because you have become the person to go to, because they know you are doing it right. Keep your options open and remember that there are people who are willing to work with you. Oh and I want to see lots of pics once you get what you want. Some video working them would be nice to! hehe
I have one more thing to say, but have to be very very careful.
For all of you using the P word on here. Don't. Go read the rules of the board. I kind of missed that section and I have 20 pts against me here because I thought I'd share something I found about said P word online. ummmm I've never gotten into trouble on here till then and I'd hate for any of you to be reprimanded, so please be careful and go read the P word rules. I'm to chicken to even say I agree with you at this point, but I have to look after my family of BYCers here. But I do have my opinion of them also, but I like it here and I'm not about to get into any trouble because of them. Just thought I'd let you all know.
Senna, if you don't care about an AKC registration, pm me and I'll ask around to see who has what in what registry. Maybe someone I know, knows someone.
OH and I do import and there's nothing wrong with that. Can't do it anymore, but if I could I would. Maybe someday again. Maybe.
I lied. I have something else to say. Border Collies. I have never watched them in the ring at an AKC show. A truely amazing breed, that I have loved to watch work for decades now. I have family that work cattle and horse and always have these dogs. Most I have watched were at trials or even exibitions at shows including AKC before they were ever eligible. I actually wish they hadn't added them. They were better off in the hands of the breeders who worked them decades ago. Again, someone wanted pretty without the work. Sad.