How to find a responsible dog breeder

[Brindlebtch]

mekasmom, are you thinking about showing the St. Bernard or did you 'just' want a beautiful pet or both? (I'm sure everybody's pets are beautiful, like mine!)

I was hiding from Maggie, my b*tch that just finished, because she was with a handler in the ring (I had a knee replacement 7 mo. ago) and was standing by some young handlers by the lab ring. I don't know if they were actually showing labs or other breeds, but some of the stuff coming out of their mouths just boggled the mind. I had my back to them so I could watch my ring so they couldn't see my eyes rolling in my head. It was really pretty funny in a weird kind of way. I got the impression they had come up though the junior handler ranks.

One thing I have noticed about a lot of dog people is that they do dogs because they do dogs better than people.

 

[hollyclyff]

One thing I have noticed about a lot of dog people is that they do dogs because they do dogs better than people.

Yeah, some people are just plain not nice. Maybe dogs attract more than their fair share because people who can't get along with other people can still get along with dogs.

I was at the DCA nationals one year watching the parade of veterans and field trial champions. Their was one field champion dog that was older than dirt and I believe had been a rescue. He was not a beautiful dog by show standards, but he was still strutting his stuff and happy as could be. *Most* everyone in the room (including breeders of some of the top ranked show dogs) was clapping enthusiastically and there were even a few tears shed when his history and list of accomplishments was read. But a couple of grumpy looking women sitting near me were talking trash about him because of his looks. I wanted to punch them. Funny thing is, they weren't anyone I recognized and I never saw them win anything with any of their dogs. Some people just feel better about themselves when they denigrate others. Sad.​

 

[Redyre Rotties]

I will say that I sell all my puppies to be pets. I don't sell dogs to outdoor homes.

The show dog part is secondary, the quality of the home is the first consideration for me.

And I think it all depends on what you want out of a dog as to where a person goes to look for one.

You fall in love with these little bundles so fast. It is heartbreaking if a puppy ends up with serious health issues, or dies too young from a disease that is preventable if it is screened for.

I disagree that rescue organizations yank dogs from shelters in order to sell them at a higher price. I am a member of a regional rescue group. We are doing fund raisers ALL the time because it costs a lot to get most dogs ready for adoption. Spay/neuter, heart work treatment, foster homes, screening potential forever homes, this all requires funding, time, volunteers, etc.

These dogs needing homes in shelters often come from those pet breeders who breed and sell dogs, and then don't keep up with the dogs and their owners over time.

If one wants a pure bred puppy who has been selectively bred to be healthy and typical, a breeder who is breeding for this would be the place to go.

Bottom line tho, all dogs deserve a loving responsible home, no matter where they come from.

 

[mekasmom]

I'm not planning on showing, but daughter wants to. And the dog was a gift to hubby, so I wanted it to be a nice one.
I personally don't think this dog is show quality, her ears are a bit long. But she has good size and shape.

 

[Redyre Rotties]

meka's mom, if your child wants to show in Jr. Showmanship, the quality of the dog is not judged, only the child's ability to present it.

Once you begin attending dog shows opportunities to acquire a better example will present themselves if that is what you would like to do.

If you want to PM me with your location I may be able to locate some resources for training and instruction in your area.

 

[19sarah90]

I have been in 4H for seven years, six of them with my rescue mix (looks like border collie) dog, Tipster. Just this last Novemeber I got myself my first AKC registered bloodhound for show purposes. I'm loving showing her. I am blessed to have found the breeder and group of people that I did. They are very knowledgabe and caring when it comes to their hounds. I cannot stress the importance of researching enough.