OP- too bad you are on the “wrong” coast. I just saw this girl on my local CL
http://reading.craigslist.org/pet/4184888430.html
She even has the floppy ears
[QUOTE=DoubleClick;7257050]
With the health problems that now exist in many purebred breeds and the number of dogs ending up homeless, there is just no question when it comes to reputable breeder vs. backyard breeder. Thankfully, I really do think that the word is getting out to more and more prospective dog owners about the importance of purchasing from a reputable breeder. I am a reputable breeder, and when I breed, which is infrequent, I am looking to place my puppies in their FOREVER homes. Thus, yes you will interviewed and found worthy of having one of my puppies, and I see zero fault in that. Our puppies are an extension of our family - they are not merchandise. We love, treasure, and worry about them from the moment they are conceived through the end of their lives. Yes, there will be a contract and limited registration, and most REPUTABLE and trustworthy prospective owners have zero problem with that because they are looking for a well-bred companion who has a breeder that will support them for the life of that dog and beyond. I don’t think I’m enforcing ridiculous rules and exercising my “superiority” over anybody. I chose to bring lives into the world, and as the person who made the choice as to their existence, it is my basic responsibility to ensure that I stack the deck in their favor when it comes to their genetics, health, social preparedness, and future homes. I’m sorry that you see my dedication to my dogs, my breed and its history, and my puppy owners as controlling and egotistical.[/QUOTE]
Well said.
I have three purebred dogs, and have owned four of this breed (my first is now deceased) over the last 15 years. I’ve shown two of them, and my youngest is exceptionally well-bred and a very fine specimen of the breed…proven in the ring and working in the field. And I would never consider myself knowledgeable enough to be a “breeder”. I am terrified to consider what will happen when my dog is sought after as a stud, and what will happen to his offspring. And I will absolutely not allow him to be used by a breeder who WON’T require contracts and potentially co-ownership or limited registration for “new” puppy owners. Although, to be honest, I don’t think we will have any trouble finding owners who are ok with that.
For the sake of semantics, most of the good breeders I know breed small numbers of selective litters from their home. So of course their puppies play in their backyard. I think “backyard breeder” is a term that meant the owner found their intact dogs mating in the backyard…or someone else’s. 
If a person buying a horse from a breeder were asked to sign the kind of contract dog breeders use, they would be told to run as fast as they can away from this crazy controlling breeder.
Since I’m already comparing dogs to horses, as far as I am concerned, AKC show dog breeders are the halter horse breeders of the dog world.
Those health problem you want to blame on byb are found in AKC show champions because breeders are willing to breed dogs that don’t pass all health clearances as long as they deem them perfect in every other way.
I knew it happened but was really shocked by the number of people on the Doberman talk forum who admitted they did it. Responsible breeders take any dog that does not pass all health clearances out of their breeding program. No exceptions.
I just had my Doberman put down at 13 years and 2 weeks. I got her from someone that had a nice family dog she wanted to breed and had a friend with a male. She was healthy up until about 6 months before other than being slower at getting around and going deaf. No cancer or heart problems. She was vWd clear. I choose to leave her ears floppy. She was what a Doberman should be.
So, for my next Doberman, I will go with another byb with one or two nice family pets that they decided to breed. Hopefully I will have her for 12 or 13 years. I absolutely believe I have a better chance at a healthy dog with a long life from someone other than a “responsible” show breeder.
Oh yeah, someone mentioned it takes up to a year to train ears? I’ve never had it take longer than 2 months. That was for a working crop though.
[QUOTE=dacasodivine;7257403]
If a person buying a horse from a breeder were asked to sign the kind of contract dog breeders use, they would be told to run as fast as they can away from this crazy controlling breeder.[/QUOTE]
And if horses could produce 8-12 offspring every year, everyone would think differently about it too. :rolleyes:
And some AKC show breeders are like halter horse breeders, and some are not. Again, sort of a pointless comparison.
It is the inference that backyard breeders are not ethical, do not care where their puppies go, and all the rest of the points mentioned that I take umbrage to. I am a back yard breeder. I am a reputable breeder. I am not a puppy mill and if that is what you mean, then say so.
I would not be buying any dog from someone who wants to take a considerable amount of money from me and then write contracts that are not enforceable and I find demeaning. Someone who would crop a dog’s ears even if I did not want it. I feel I am perfectly able to chose the appropriate dog for me, along with friendly discussion with the owner - but the final choice is mine.
If comparing with a horse situation, if my trainer had any opinions on whether the horse and I were compatible, they could say so, but I would be the one caring for and riding the horse, and it would be my $$ and my say so.
Have never understood this show doggy stuff with rules and restrictions.
But that’s ok, I’d just not put my money there.
S1969- 2 of the dogs have the same parents, the third was from a different line.
Windyisles- We will have to agree to disagree. I think it is fabulous that she doesn’t force you to take a puppy that might not be a good fit with pointless ear crop. No way would I buy a dog with ears done. It is a terrible thing to do to a dog for no reason. Also 2 of the dogs I got were from a high active/drive litter. She knows me enough to know that would be a good fit since I am also very active and can easily handle that kind of dog. She takes the time to know her potential puppy owners. Her lines do not have any of the “doberman” issues. She tests all her dogs before each breeding.
