We've decided to get a puppy - breeder recommendations?

[Houndhill]

[QUOTE=saultgirl;8034795]
Can you offer any suggestions for the wording of these questions?[/QUOTE]

Well no, not any more specifically than I have indicated.

If I were interested in a puppy of another breed, I might say something like, “I understand there may be some health concerns with this breed? What has your experience been?” and then take it from there. I would be forearmed with all knowledge, so I could say, if it hadn’t been brought up, “and what about potential problem X? Is that something you can test the parents for?”. Give them plenty of rope.

I just prefer to keep things low key initially, but I would eventually get all my questions answered. Maybe I have lived in the south too long.

[EKLay]

How Houndhill is explaining things is basically how we went about finding our breeder. In our case, it was just over 2 years between starting to look for a breeder and bringing the puppy home. Lots of talking, looking at dogs, meeting people, deciding who we liked, etc.

I researched everything I could get my hands on about the breed, the breeders we were talking with, their dogs, etc. Always phrased questions in a way that I was asking them for their opinions/thoughts/practices, rather than giving them a loaded question and waiting to see if they answered “correctly”. I honestly felt like I was interviewing/picking them, rather than letting them pick me.

One thing I found to be very helpful was to upfront say that we were NOT looking for a puppy immediately, but were interested in talking to a few people and getting a puppy in a year or so. This really seemed to make people feel comfortable talking to us and let us stress that our primary concern was getting the correct puppy for our situation, not getting a puppy in a specific timeframe.

Our puppy is an Ibizan Hound, so not a common breed, and the good breeders all have waiting lists, and all have fenced yard requirements as these guys love to run and hunt. Recall is not their best feature. When we first started talking with breeders, our yard wasn’t fully fenced, and we always shared why (we’d just purchased the house and moved in) and when we were planning to add fence. No one had an issue with it because we explained what was going on, but I’m sure everyone would have automatically said “no” if we hadn’t been upfront about explaining.

[saultgirl]

[QUOTE=EKLay;8036249]
How Houndhill is explaining things is basically how we went about finding our breeder. In our case, it was just over 2 years between starting to look for a breeder and bringing the puppy home. Lots of talking, looking at dogs, meeting people, deciding who we liked, etc.

I researched everything I could get my hands on about the breed, the breeders we were talking with, their dogs, etc. Always phrased questions in a way that I was asking them for their opinions/thoughts/practices, rather than giving them a loaded question and waiting to see if they answered “correctly”. I honestly felt like I was interviewing/picking them, rather than letting them pick me.

One thing I found to be very helpful was to upfront say that we were NOT looking for a puppy immediately, but were interested in talking to a few people and getting a puppy in a year or so. This really seemed to make people feel comfortable talking to us and let us stress that our primary concern was getting the correct puppy for our situation, not getting a puppy in a specific timeframe.

Our puppy is an Ibizan Hound, so not a common breed, and the good breeders all have waiting lists, and all have fenced yard requirements as these guys love to run and hunt. Recall is not their best feature. When we first started talking with breeders, our yard wasn’t fully fenced, and we always shared why (we’d just purchased the house and moved in) and when we were planning to add fence. No one had an issue with it because we explained what was going on, but I’m sure everyone would have automatically said “no” if we hadn’t been upfront about explaining. :)[/QUOTE]

I’m glad it worked out for you! I’m definitely not interested in waiting 2 years for a puppy, though. I wouldn’t start shopping if I wasn’t in a position to buy.

[Where_sMyWhite]

[QUOTE=saultgirl;8036670]
I’m glad it worked out for you! I’m definitely not interested in waiting 2 years for a puppy, though. I wouldn’t start shopping if I wasn’t in a position to buy.[/QUOTE]

I think what some of us have been trying to say is that while you might be ready to buy, finding the right breeder and building the rapport with them to get a high quality puppy does take time

[saultgirl]

[QUOTE=Where’sMyWhite;8036704]
I think what some of us have been trying to say is that while you might be ready to buy, finding the right breeder and building the rapport with them to get a high quality puppy does take time :)[/QUOTE]

Understood. I’d be willing to wait for a litter planned for sometime in 2015, but if that’s not going to happen, I’ll be exploring other options.

The puppies from the smaller breeders need good homes, too… and I think they are probably at much greater risk of ending up in a bad situation.

[Marshfield]

[QUOTE=saultgirl;8036670]
I’m glad it worked out for you! I’m definitely not interested in waiting 2 years for a puppy, though. I wouldn’t start shopping if I wasn’t in a position to buy.[/QUOTE]

You may find that most folks who are doing the health testing and other things already have a solid wait list for 2015. I have folks who have been waiting since September 2014 and if my planned spring breeding is successful, puppies will go home in August. I have a wait list two litters deep.

[S1969]

[QUOTE=Marshfield;8037085]
You may find that most folks who are doing the health testing and other things already have a solid wait list for 2015. I have folks who have been waiting since September 2014 and if my planned spring breeding is successful, puppies will go home in August. I have a wait list two litters deep.[/QUOTE]

I agree. It’s good to start looking now but you may find yourself disappointed for a spring 2015 litter. Most breeders I know with spring breedings are already well into the process of selecting homes (if they haven’t already). However, things happen, and sometimes homes fall though…and there are some breeders that do not have every puppy claimed yet. There will always be some breeders that do not have a waiting list before breeding; sometimes good breeders, and often less good ones. As hard as it is to wait; try not to be too impatient and make a snap decision on a litter with which you are not 100% in love.

[saultgirl]

When breeders say they will require references, who do they usually accept as references? Aside from the vet?

[S1969]

[QUOTE=saultgirl;8037172]
When breeders say they will require references, who do they usually accept as references? Aside from the vet?[/QUOTE]

I think it really depends on the breeder. In an ideal world? Maybe a vet, a person knowledgeable of both the individual and the breed, and/or another breeder. Obviously that’s not realistic if you haven’t previously owned this breed.

So…maybe vet, dog trainer, and/or a friend that is dog-savvy? Although I would think that if you discuss with a breeder and don’t have what they are looking for exactly, they might not require the references if you otherwise seem like a good home.

[saultgirl]

Another question regarding deposits:

I’m more than happy to pay a deposit as long as a written sales contract is in place. I’ve received an application form which indicates a deposit cheque should be enclosed with the application, and the deposit becomes non-refundable once the application is approved. I’m not comfortable with this and will be discussing it further with the breeder. Is it common for breeders to ask for a deposit with the application form? I haven’t even seen/requested a copy of the sales contract yet.

[S1969]

[QUOTE=saultgirl;8037217]
Another question regarding deposits:

I’m more than happy to pay a deposit as long as a written sales contract is in place. I’ve received an application form which indicates a deposit cheque should be enclosed with the application, and the deposit becomes non-refundable once the application is approved. I’m not comfortable with this and will be discussing it further with the breeder. Is it common for breeders to ask for a deposit with the application form? I haven’t even seen/requested a copy of the sales contract yet.[/QUOTE]

Most of the breeders I would not expect a check with an application off the internet - what a waste of time if a litter hasn’t even been bred! Then again, most of the breeders I know don’t even have an updated website, let alone one that includes details about deposits and applications - some do, but most don’t.

I wouldn’t do anything without having a lengthy phone conversation with the breeder, if you cannot meet with them in person. 99% of the questions you might have would probably be answered by them; and/or asked by you.

I would be wary of any website that suggests a deposit should be sent with an application before you know anything about the breeder or litter. There are some technologically savvy breeders out there, but many of them are simply too busy with their dogs to have a slick website. Many of them have active Facebook pages, though, so if you find a breeder on the internet - see if they have a Facebook page and it might be more update.

[Bicoastal]

[QUOTE=saultgirl;8034795]
Can you offer any suggestions for the wording of these questions?[/QUOTE]
I’ve read and re-read Ruffly Speaking’s blog posts about puppy buyer etiquette, responsible breeding, and questions to ask breeders after you know they are responsible. I’ve framed inquires off the puppy buyer etiquette post. There is a nice paragraph coaching a buyer on how to introduce herself.

[saultgirl]

[QUOTE=S1969;8037235]
Most of the breeders I would not expect a check with an application off the internet - what a waste of time if a litter hasn’t even been bred! Then again, most of the breeders I know don’t even have an updated website, let alone one that includes details about deposits and applications - some do, but most don’t.

I wouldn’t do anything without having a lengthy phone conversation with the breeder, if you cannot meet with them in person. 99% of the questions you might have would probably be answered by them; and/or asked by you.

I would be wary of any website that suggests a deposit should be sent with an application before you know anything about the breeder or litter. There are some technologically savvy breeders out there, but many of them are simply too busy with their dogs to have a slick website. Many of them have active Facebook pages, though, so if you find a breeder on the internet - see if they have a Facebook page and it might be more update.[/QUOTE]

This is a breeder I was referred to by someone locally and I spoke with her on the phone (not a super lengthy conversation, but I think we kind of covered the basics). She directly emailed me the application form.

She seemed very nice and was very highly recommended; further away than I would like (i.e. puppy will need to be flown here) but I’m not ready to pay a non-refundable deposit without seeing all the details of the sales contract.

[saultgirl]

[QUOTE=Bicoastal;8037244]
I’ve read and re-read Ruffly Speaking’s blog posts about puppy buyer etiquette, responsible breeding, and questions to ask breeders after you know they are responsible. I’ve framed inquires off the puppy buyer etiquette post. There is a nice paragraph coaching a buyer on how to introduce herself.[/QUOTE]

From the link:

"7) PLEASE FINISH THE ENCOUNTER WITH ONE BREEDER BEFORE BEGINNING ONE WITH ANOTHER. If you end a conversation with me saying “Well, this just all sounds wonderful, and I’m going to talk it over with my wife and we’ll call you about getting on your waiting list,” and then you hang up and call the next person on your list, that’s not OK. "

Really?

[Houndhill]

[QUOTE=saultgirl;8037259]
This is a breeder I was referred to by someone locally and I spoke with her on the phone (not a super lengthy conversation, but I think we kind of covered the basics). She directly emailed me the application form.

She seemed very nice and was very highly recommended; further away than I would like (i.e. puppy will need to be flown here) but I’m not ready to pay a non-refundable deposit without seeing all the details of the sales contract.[/QUOTE]

Many of the breeders I know (including myself) do not accept any kind of deposits, and certainly would not want someone to feel obligated to go through with acquiring a puppy if their circumstances changed, or for any reason, for fear of losing a non-refundable deposit!

Also, if the breeder has not even seen your application, how do they know they would even consider you for a puppy? It seems premature of the breeder to require a deposit when they haven’t even seen the application, let alone one that is non-refundable.

I don’t blame you for not being comftable with that, I wouldn’t be either.

[Houndhill]

[QUOTE=Bicoastal;8037244]
I’ve read and re-read Ruffly Speaking’s blog posts about puppy buyer etiquette, responsible breeding, and questions to ask breeders after you know they are responsible. I’ve framed inquires off the puppy buyer etiquette post. There is a nice paragraph coaching a buyer on how to introduce herself.[/QUOTE]

That is very interesting, good post. I think each breed has a slightly different “culture”, there are some subtle differences, but this is a good general guide.

We usually encourage people to talk to many breeders and visit as many as possible before an “exclusive” relationship is formed.

[S1969]

[QUOTE=saultgirl;8037268]
From the link:

"7) PLEASE FINISH THE ENCOUNTER WITH ONE BREEDER BEFORE BEGINNING ONE WITH ANOTHER. If you end a conversation with me saying “Well, this just all sounds wonderful, and I’m going to talk it over with my wife and we’ll call you about getting on your waiting list,” and then you hang up and call the next person on your list, that’s not OK. "

Really?[/QUOTE]

I think it depends on what you say. If you are acting like you are ready to take a puppy, then I agree.

If you are just asking about the breeder’s breeding program, whether they will have any upcoming litters, etc., then no; I think it’s fine to call other breeders.

As for the breeder that sent you the application - just ask them. Do they even have a litter due? What is the purpose of their application form - to determine whether you are even worthy of a puppy? Or to put an official deposit on a puppy?

Is the deposit for a puppy, or simply for the privilege of having an application read – perhaps to discourage people who are not really interested from just filling out applications with every breeder in the world?

If it were me - I’d email her back and let her know that you are happy to fill out an application but not ready to place a deposit until you know more about her breeding program and upcoming litters…

[Where_sMyWhite]

I have a ‘deposit’ down on my hopeful puppy, which is refundable, along with the questionnaire. Breeder would not place me on the list without one. But, it is refundable.

I thought not a bad idea to keep away the tire kickers and identify those who are serious about getting a puppy.

I put down the person who told me about the litter as well as my groomer/friend.

I’ve now gotten feedback from two people that this is a good breeder and a nice litter. I’m happy to wait. I’m happy with the refundable deposit. I’m happy to have not seen the actual contract. I did ask about health guarantee. Parents are health tested. I’m good (now I hope I’m good enough ).

[Marshfield]

[QUOTE=saultgirl;8037172]
When breeders say they will require references, who do they usually accept as references? Aside from the vet?[/QUOTE]

To most I know, it typically means checking with veterinarian and verifying that routine care was provided for any prior pets

[PlanB]

[QUOTE=Where’sMyWhite;8037366]
I have a ‘deposit’ down on my hopeful puppy, which is refundable, along with the questionnaire. Breeder would not place me on the list without one. But, it is refundable.

I thought not a bad idea to keep away the tire kickers and identify those who are serious about getting a puppy.

I put down the person who told me about the litter as well as my groomer/friend.

I’ve now gotten feedback from two people that this is a good breeder and a nice litter. I’m happy to wait. I’m happy with the refundable deposit. I’m happy to have not seen the actual contract. I did ask about health guarantee. Parents are health tested. I’m good (now I hope I’m good enough ).[/QUOTE]

For those who are referring to refundable deposits, under what circumstances are they refundable?

I’ve never purchased a dog from a breeder but usually deposits to hold horses are not refundable (unless it’s a deposit contingent on a vet check)?