How do you know I ignored what they said? I am a beginner breeder but thanks, see ya!
sorry, but breeding is one of those things that doesn't have a "beginner" level.
Simple reading up before hand would have told you that you could at least get a preliminary OFA reading of her hips before 2 years old.
A simple AKC event search would give you a long list of every show in your area for the entire year where you could meet and talk to breeders who are working in the breed.
That OFA tests after the pups are born is like buying auto insurance after you total the car. At this point all you can do would be to call the buyers and say "OOPS sorry. Hope your dog doesn't end up having a debilitating disease"
It was the "well, I'm going to do what I'm going to do and I don't care if it's the best way to do it or not. I don't want to wait, I want it now now now" attitude.
You see, I'm also a beginning breeder. I spent 4 years shopping for a potential litter that I wanted a dog from. The dog is now 2. In that 6 years I spent time reading, researching and mentoring with other breeders of many different breeds. I joined my local kennel club and became involved with all of their activities and seminars. I show in conformation, rally, and obedience. I did his OFAs at 2 and breathed a huge sigh of relief when they came back good/normal. I have done eye tests. Researched the health and working ability of the dogs in his pedigree. Worked closely with his breeder (who owns the breeding rights to the dog right now) on deciding who he will be bred too.
That still isn't enough to garner the attention of any "outside" people but we are getting there. He is going to be bred sometime this spring to a female owned by his breeder. He wants to continue my dog's line in his kennel. I've still got a ton of work to do before anyone else will even look at him twice as a potential stud. There are several people though who are interested in how his first litter grows out so that it a good sign.
Saying "well I'm a beginner, I didn't know" isn't an excuse. Especially when you turn around and do it a second time, still without knowing anything about the dogs you are putting together.
Opinions that are very black and white in thinking are often very limited in application by default, and yes, will often be ignored. I'm not convinced that they shouldn't be.
