How long to FIND your well bred dog?

[Sharon Marples]

I find this an interesting post. Especially since I am in the market for a new puppy at this time to add a different line to our breeding program. It has been interesting for me to talk to several of the well-known breeders throughout the states. I must say that I feel very complimented that all of them have said that my track record speaks for itself and that they would all be willing to place me high on their lists for a new puppy. I've been doing research for several months now and even tho I know which lines I am specifically looking for, I've still had to do a lot of research work.

I'm researching sire and dam, grandsires and granddams and even further back than that for factors such as basic structure, missing teeth, eye color, movement, coat color and of course, health stats. It's certainly been educational being on this side of the "coin" to speak, buying instead of selling! :) I want a bitch that I can show in breed (both AKC and the Sieger shows), obedience and possibly agility. I specifically know what I want to do with her.

I'm looking at a litter where the bitch was just bred (not far enough along to even determine if she is pregnant yet) and then another where the bitch will be bred in November. It's been great picking the minds of these other breeders and having them excited over the prospect of selling me a pup. They have all been straightforward and since they know that I know what I am talking about and I know what I want, it makes it so much easier for them because they do not have to educate me as much. But I am still learning! And we will still have to wait to see if either of these bitches actually gets pregnant, I may be waiting until their next cycles if they don't get pregnant this time around.

So, a lesson for all who are looking for a pup or are going to look for a pup.......do your research! Take the time and depending on what you want to do with the pup, look for those attributes and definitely ask questions! Should you ever find a breeder who won't answer all your questions with sincerity, then take a hike from that breeder. Don't ever be in a hurry, you may find your pup in a week, but in many instances it could take you months or even longer. Have patience and you will be rewarded!

And, as others have said, you need to purchase from a breeder that will help place the proper pup with you, one that fits your family lifestyle and one that you can live with easily. Again, you may find this quickly or it may take some time.

That's my input speaking from a buyer's standpoint this time around!

[LavenderRott]

I am looking forward to getting a puppy in a couple of years. Since part of my wait is due to my living situation (my BF does not share my love of dogs) and partly due to things I still need to learn, I have plenty of time to research and find what I want. Since the breeders that I am interested in do not always have litters, I have lots of time to make a decision.

Two years ago, I would have picked up the newspaper or followed through on the e-mail I sent to Kimbertal. (THANK YOU ROTT.NET!!!!!!!!)

[tilerspop]

It took me a good 6 months to find Tiler. The first 5 1/2 researching the breed to decide if Rottweilers were the right breed for me and mine.

After reading so much here I decided to try to find a dog at a rescue or the pound before going to the breeders. I expected the search for the right dog to take quite a awhile. The Denver pound usually has several Rotts on hand at any given time but it still took a couple of trips to find the right one, and even then how can you be sure on a short visit in an alien environment.

Actually, it was rather coincidental. I had been on a job in the area of the pound and stopped by to see what they had, I had seen Tiler but wasn't sure. As I was leaving my wife pulled in, she also had been in the area and decided to stop by. The rest is a story for another time and thread, but Tiler eventually came home to me.

Maybe I got lucky, if that's what it was, I got real lucky, Tiler has turned into one of the best dogs I have ever had:D