Pet only homes

[animalhouse]

I was just wondering if reputable breeders feel that it's a waste selling to homes that are just looking for a pet. Since rotties are working dogs and good breeders put so much time, money and effort into competing with their dogs do you feel a high quality working/show dog is wasted by selling to someone who is not going to compete?

[Birdie'sMom]

I'm not anywhere close to a breeder, but I'd say that not every dog that a breeder produces is show/working quality, so these dogs would be in need of pet only homes!:)

[Carol Burke]

When I have puppies for sale the most important thing is that they go to a home that will love them and make them part of the family. If they will also show and do obedience that's wonderful and I do require at least one obedience course, but I would rather have them live their lives as couch potatoes then live their lives in a kennel only being brought out to pump up someone's ego in the show ring.

My puppies must be house dogs first, show and working second.

[frontierrots]

My pups go to the home that will provide the best match for that puppy's personality. If that home is a pet home and the pup is a show prospect, then the pup is sold to a pet home on a spay/neuter contract.

The well being and happiness of the pups comes before competition homes. I'm in it for the dogs, not production awards

[thoradopter]

The replies of Carol and Diane are to be greatly appreciated and respected.

Not being (or thinking of being) a breeder, I would just like to add a perspective/question to this thread. For pups that are being placed in homes at 8-10 weeks, how firm a line is it possible for a breeder to draw between those who have show potential and those who do not (for a pet home)?

The reason that I am curious is that our breeder kept all of Phoenix's siblings until at least 6 months of age to evaluate the differences. When we got Phoenix at 6 mos of age he was 'show potential' and we were willing to see how he did. Now, at 27 months, he has 10 points, including a major. Two of his brothers (who were designated at 6 mos as those with the greatest show potential) have already finished, another 2 and his solo sister are on their way. On what basis is a decision made at 8-10 weeks? Thanks.

Linda

[frontierrots]

conformation, movement, temperament and attitude is the general method (of course a lack of disqualifying faults also)

A show prospect of less than12 months of age is always a gamble. So much can and often does change. A breeder with extensive knowledge of their lines and how they mature is a big plus :)

This gamble % is why I personally think a puppy price over $1000 is a bit rediculous, but hey that's just me

[poohbearsmom]

Carol and Diane took the words out of my mouth. :) The permanent welfare and well being of the puppy is the number one concern of mine.

[BostonRott]

My A Litter was bred for working homes, but with a "liveable" temperament, adaptable to all situations. When I didn't find the female I hoped for in the litter, and had a long list of GREAT pet homes available, I placed every single puppy in a pet home, with not one inkling of working/titling the dogs. To me, a solid home is better than a "show/work" home.

As a breeder, I feel it is up to ME to title the dogs out of my breedings and to prove my bitch via MY work, not put it off on others to accomplish. My B Litter went to some excellent homes, where over half the litter will be worked/titled. To me, that's just icing on the cake. The puppies were bred for the work (a combo of German working lines and Austrian militgary lines), yet they are also bred to have excellent health and correct temperament, meaning that they can live in the house, and are not spastic messes.

I had considered holding back two females from the B litter and growing them out to about 6mos and then deciding between the two, but decided not to. I'd rather have the puppy get into a good home at 8 weeks and be raised properly, initial training done, and more one-on-one attention than it would have if kept at my house with a sibling. Studies also show that two equal siblings kept in the same home to be raised together will not turn out equally, one will always come up as less than the initial potential indicated.

I completely agree with Diane and Carole, a GOOD home, where the puppy will live it's entire life, be loved and spoiled, and kept as a good member of canine society is THE most important thing.

[frontierrots]

And we all know that Bea is not the least teeny bit spoiled is she Gretchen???? LOL

I agree "I" keep what I think is the best pup to move forward with and then 9 times out of 10 sell ALL the remaining pups into pet homes where they will be loved within an inch of their lives but rarely are they actually put to much work

[animalhouse]

Thank you all for your answers. I have to admitt I am particularly happy with Diane and Gretchens answers because if and when I am every ready and at a place in my life where I can have a puppy you two would be where I would look first! Right now I have my hands full with my 2 adult rescues and a baby but I can always dream!

Thank you again

[Karlan]

I am a first time Rottweiler owner. I researched breeders in my state via internet and by attending shows. I met the breeder I ended up getting a pup through at a dog show. The first thing I said to her was that I was looking for a companion dog , NOT a show dog. She said she might have one for me as she had some females. She said she would sell me a companion dog for $1000. I contacted her and went to see the dogs. She encouraged me to "take the dog all the way". I said it is very doubtful but not out of the question as I had no idea what that would entail. After many phone calls she finally said she would sell me a dog for $1500 as they are all show quality. I didn't know any better than to argue about the $500 increase from what she quoted me at the show, I just wanted the dog.....(am I a sucker?) The contract stated that I would make every effort to show the dog but I absolutely had to get her an Obedience Title. I signed it and now own the dog. Question: Can I get her fixed? I have NO intention of showing her or "taking her all the way". I do have her in a puppy class and will work on getting her an obedience title when the time comes. Please advise!

[BostonRott]

Depends what the contract says, and if you feel like living up to your half of it.

In all honesty, if you were clear with the breeder that youonly wanted a pet, with no interest in showing/breeding, then I would go ahead and spay her. It's far healthier for her, especially if done before the first heat cycle (usually around 7-9mos).

My guess is that a breeder who has pulled these kinds of moves on you will not be interested in re-possessing a spayed bitch.......and you can't un-spay her. ;) :p

[LynnS]

Not being (or thinking of being) a breeder, I would just like to add a perspective/question to this thread. For pups that are being placed in homes at 8-10 weeks, how firm a line is it possible for a breeder to draw between those who have show potential and those who do not (for a pet home)?

I am not sure how common this is, but my breeder sells most of her puppies with limited akc registration (can't show). She then evaluates the puppies again around 6 months if owner is interested in showing and if they show promise, the registration is changed.

[LJSmith]

.

am not sure how common this is, but my breeder sells most of her puppies with limited akc registration

Oscar's breeder also sold all her dogs on a limited registration. She reserved the right to change it if the owner was interested in showing, and the dog had promise. She and Carol Burke shared the same school of thought. Loved family member first, working/showing dog second

[Sharon Marples]

I'm with everyone else here, a good home comes way ahead of just a "show" home. It is the health and well-being of the long term conditions for the dog that we are interested in.

If we sell them as show quality, so be it, but we sell more as pet quality (even if they are show quality) because of the good homes that come along for them. That is the most important thing in our minds.