Advice on selecting a breeder

[Jag's Mom]

I have started my search for a reputable breeder. I have been a member here for quite sometime and learned a lot. I think I already know the answer to my question, but I just wanted another opinion or two . I found a breeder who only has hips done on their dogs. Some dogs in the past have had elbows and cardiac check, but not the parents of this litter. Also, the dam of the litter is not 2 yet so she has not had her hips checked. There is a 2 year health guarantee. Puppies are sold with full registration unless they have a disquailifing fault. So I guess my question is should I look elsewhere?
I don't want to give my money to the wrong person.
Thanks,

[spidey]

Has the breeder at least had OFA prelims done on the dam? There are ways to check hips before 2, including PennHIP, which is reliable very early on. How old is the dam?

[Carol Burke]

What is the reason for breeding the dam before OFA and before 2? I think I would look a little more.

[Cherry Heart]

I am about to get my first rottie pup and like you, I have wondered if I am making the right choice. I feel that I am. The woman who I will be getting my pup from is a doll. She has answered any and all of my questions and I feel that she is an honest and ethical breeder. After saying that I may get a bit of a hard time but the sire of this litter just turned 2. His OFA x-rays were done and sent into OFA but she did breed before the offical results were back in. The vet said the X-rays looked good, all the dogs looking back in his pedigree are HD/ED- Frei and so I feel fine that his OFA will pass.

On a different point, I am not so sure about all puppies being sold on a full registration. I am buying mine on a limited because I have no intention of breeding, and I wold think the breeder wouldn't want EVERY pup she sells to beable to breed. I realize they screen future homes, and I am not saying YOU would, but what about the other people. What if they want to "Make their money back" on an AKC dog? I am not sure that THAT would be my deciding factor, but it is a concern.

[Judi W]

I cannot think of any individual dog or bitch that is so critical to the breed that breeding them simply cannot wait until all health clearances have been done and certified. No excuses. Obviously, the breeders you are speaking of does not belong to any club with a code of ethics. Why deal with a breeder that is not involved enough in the breed to belong to any breed clubs and who does not wish to meet even the minimum requirements?

[targonrotts]

a good breeder should always be there for you to answer any questions.
have dogs health checked before breeding.offer assistance with pups.
have well socialized dogs.proven in any field-show/work/etc.
offer guarrantee and take dog back if a problem arises.have pups vet checked,happy and clean.
i don't know why some people are in a hurry to breed their dogs.i first enjoy my dogs and breed when i need to replace my retirees.
hailey will be due around may-her first litter-she is 5.i enjoyed her fully first....and we are still having fun.
good luck in breeder search.i always advise...be patient, look around,feel comfortable with your selection.you are adding a family member to your house...breeder included!

[Judi W]

Oh, and I'll add one thing. Friendly charm does not substitute for knowlege and ethics.

[BostonRott]

I agree with Judi. Even if the hips do turn out to be ok on the "under 2" parents, the point is "where are the ethics???" WHY are they in such a rush to breed? Sounds like $$$ to me. I would not be interested, based solely on the lack of discretion of the "breeder."

[Jag's Mom]

Thanks Everyone! I will definately be looking elsewhere. I was concerned when I found out the dam was not 2 and that she had not had prelims done. Also, I didn't like the fact that there was no spay/neuter agreement and that all pups are sold on full registration. I am not in a hurry to get a puppy, but I sure was tempted. Shame on me, I know better
I do know what the ideal breeder should be and I will keep looking.

Also, I want to get a puppy that will first be a great companion but also I think I would like to get into obedience. What type of lines should I be looking for? I was thinking I should look for dogs with more conformation and obedience titles rather than Sch. titles. I don't want a real high drive dog. I'm spoiled with Jagger, he is like a bombproof trail horse. He is pretty easy going and he is great in any situation. I would like my new dog to be similar.
Thanks again,
Stacy

[BostonRott]

If you want to get involved with obedience, or other dog sports (or is that work??), you will be better off with a dog with some drive.

Just because a dog has drive does not mean it's an unlivable mess. Drive means a dog gets easily excited about it's work, has a high interest in either food, toys/tugs or hopefully both, and that this excitement in toys/food is easily channeled into the dog's work. You can temper the "mouthiness" of the dog just as you would any puppy. However, it's nice to have tug as a game for rewards, it can really help you with particular exercises later in life.

Ideally, you would want to look for a breeder who is out training and trialing their own dogs. You want to look for dogs who come from a working background, as this shows generations of willing workers. A breeder who is training and trialing their own dogs will be more familiar with temperament traits, and what is better for a working prospect puppy. Also, such a breeder will probably put strong emphasis on good structure and health.

Good luck in your search!

[TrishB]

I would recommend that you talk to several people. Get a feel for what lines carry what you like. Go to some obedience trials and see some dogs in the ring working. If you like what you see, ask the owner where they got them / what their lines are. You'll know what you like for you.

I've also found that good breeders - knowing that there is a good home out there for an obedience prospect, will refer owners to other good breeders. That's how I found my boy - through a wonderful network that I'll be forever in debt to.

Things to keep in mind:
1) If COE standards are important to you, only look at COE breeders. Go to clubs that have a COE and take a look at their listings.
2) Go to shows and trials, get a feel for what you like. The more you ask about specific lines, the more contacts you'll be able to make.
3) If all of the health checks are important to you, get them - don't compromise.
4) There is no reason, what so ever, to breed a dog BEFORE it has qualified to be bred (be it for health, show or work). LOTS of people are more than willing to say "Oh he'll finish easily", "He's got HIT written all over him." or "He's healthy as a horse.". But if they can't prove it with titles or certificates, they aren't ready. There is no reason for it to happen, when there are SO many dogs out there that are MORE than qualified to go to.
5) Be sure that you are completely comfortable and at ease with the breeder, their spouse and all of their dogs. They'll be your extended family - for better or for worse for the next 12 years. Be 100% sure.

Most of all, be realistic in what you want. Then be specific about it. Write it down if need be. If for any reason you are being asked to compromise anything on the list, move on. That puppy that you have described on your list is out there - I promise.