what to ask a breeder

[fergie]

Hey, everyone!
I am wondering: what are the kinds of questions to ask a breeder and what are the qualities of a good breeder? I won't be getting a rottweiler for quite a while, but is it too early to start writing to kennels for information? What are the good qualities to look for in a kennel?
Thanks!

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Sarah Ferguson-Lee

[Liz]

<a href="http://members.aol.com/wirottresq/breeder.htm">Questions To Ask Your Breeder</a>

[Nancy Estes]

HerdmyRott makes a good point - talk to other people who have bought puppies from the breeder. They, in turn, might tell you of people that have bought puppies that the breeder might not tell you about. In other words, the breeder is not necessarily going to give you the names of dissatisfied buyers but other buyers might.

Nancy

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von Dorow Rottweilers
doggo@hotbot.com

[Michele Baxter]

One other thing I would like to add-you mention the word kennel, and most kennels are businesses. Attend dog shows in your area, and talk to the people exhibiting or that own rottweilers there. These people are usually small breeders. I know I'm picking on words, but there are kennels who know nothing about "breeding" only the business of owning and running a kennel. As all ethical, reputable breeders will tell you, there is no money to be made in breeding dogs, and I don't know too many businesses that would stay afloat this way. Everything else stated above is absolutely on the mark. You are well ahead of most novice rottweiler owners with all of this information! Good Luck!

[German Vanegas]

Show titles are great, but don't forget about working and / or performance titles as well. A Rottweiler is classified as a working dog, first and foremost. Some people seem to focus on show ribbons overlooking working abilities. Thanks!

[Maggie]

Hi Fergie,No its never to early to start learning,some of my people have had to wait 3 years for a pup and in that time they are taught as much as I can teach them about this wonderful breed, They then become PASSIONATE about the breed. This is what I would look for in a breeder,someone who is truly passionate,who is willing to spend time educating you,who will always be there for you. When looking at dogs,you should be able to handle them,you should get a huge information book,with all relevant information and beware of the breeder who hides his dogs for one reason or another and the one who says when looking at puppies,which one do you want?????this is not a reputable breeder. A reputable breeder will pick your puppy for you,they know what puppy is best suited for you,good luck and you no,you will never stop learning.

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Maggie Murray
Rottweiler Specialist Judge
New Zealand

[Alison]

fergie the best thing to do is start naw asking breeders serten questions for alot of the good breeders have a waighting list thats longer then your arms here is a question eg some one that is vary pashonet about the breed like my self but is on his first liter well i dont have preveous refrences my self for breedings or selling pups for i never have? how can she find out about me for instance ?? would i be a risk or would she go to my dogs breeder ?

[This message has been edited by Alison (edited February 09, 1999).]

[DonnaJo]

Hi Fergie,

Coming from past experience and being burnt by breeders, each time I think of more questions to ask. Besides the normal health testing questions and all that was mentioned above...I would ask questions about the Bitch and Sires littermates, putting emphasis on tempermant and health screeening tests. If its at all possible find out about other breedings if their were any and what they produced. Our breed is so full of health problems right now and having suffered from owning pups with some of these genetic defaults I would hate to see others go through what I have had too.

[HerdmyRott]

Sarah, ask for references. Ask for e-mail addresses and phone numbers of previous puppy buyers. Some breeders can say everything right at the right time, then dump you once the puppy is sent home. The breeder of my puppy goes so far as to insult my puppy behind my back, shows zero interest in him or what he's doing, and is openly competitive with me. Then when he does something good, she tries to take the glory! Not someone I would ever recommend buying a puppy from. You might ask, is it just you she does this to? Nope, she does it to nearly everyone she's sold a puppy to. Sick. http://www.rottweiler.net/rottie/frown.gif

[Nancy Estes]

Alison's case - a first-time breeder. Actually, this can be a very good situation for a buyer. Quite often first-time breeders (ones that are seriously committed to the breed) can be great to work with. No, they don't have the depth of background of some of the more experienced breeders - BUT, a lot of times they will be easier to work with and will be eager for the chance to learn along with their puppy buyers. And, they're less likely to be *ho-hum* about problems and more likely to do anything they can to help out a buyer. So, definitely do your homework but don't discount a first-time breeder out of hand.

Nancy

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von Dorow Rottweilers
doggo@hotbot.com

[Alison]

Nancy Estes thank you and yes you are right
i have the bug but i also have a breeder with lots of expereance behind her that has help me derly with my breeding, so wold she be good for a refrence for the pupys? realy i had don my first breeding with her total advice .

[belgium]

i would say :"hi my name is....and i would like to buy a dog from you"

[Nancy Estes]

Alison - sure, I'd use the experienced breeder who's helped you as a reference - good idea.

Nancy

[Tony4Rotts]

Well Fergie i just want to say that i am in the same boat as you. Except i have previously owned rotties, however it was after i had learned about the breed and found that i should have went through a reputable breeder who wanted to better the breed instead of breeding for profit. Now that i am rottie-less, me and my wife are still going through the careful process that many of these experienced people have discussed. We have been emailing, calling, although some never return our calls http://www.rottweiler.net/rottie/frown.gif Requesting puppy packets, going over pedigrees, and trying to find the right pup, as well as the right breeder. Because the breeder will be the one to help you with questions, concerns, diets, showing, working, and any other information you might have. We are still looking for a working/show dog for we believe strongly in working the rottie before we worry first of showing this beautiful breed. We are planning to purchase one as soon as possible and want this pup to be a family member, then working dog, then show, and finally my bestfriend!