We're Buying from a Breeder

[Kfamr]

Everyone, can we take the breeder discussion to PM's? That's not what this thread is about. I don't mean to offend to any of you but, I'd really like to see this thread used to help Tasha find her shelter dog.

Just thought I would let you know that the Lab Kay posted (Tanner) about isnt good with small children. Darn!

I'll keep searching!

[Cataholic]

I know, I know, beating a dead horse.... but I just gotta say, as a BREEDER myself... OUCH, you have no clue. <<off soapbox>>

Crazy-Cat-Lover
Good luck with whatever happens, just follow your heart. I'm glad Kay could help you, she's one amazing woman. The world should have more people like her.

Ohhhh, trust me, I know a dead horse when I see one. The lengths you go to to justify your breeding is very upsetting to me. Bring 'em all into the world....bring 'em all in.

[Pam]

Ohhhh, trust me, I know a dead horse when I see one. The lengths you go to to justify your breeding is very upsetting to me. Bring 'em all into the world....bring 'em all in.

Gosh I don't mean to start anything here, but sometimes Johanna you are just a wee bit abrasive. We could carry this into the human realm as well you know. Why did you or I choose to have our own genetic children when there are children in foster care just waiting to be adopted not to mention those in other countries. I think you need to loosen up here a bit.

[Cataholic]

Gosh I don't mean to start anything here, but sometimes Johanna you are just a wee bit abrasive. We could carry this into the human realm as well you know. Why did you or I choose to have our own genetic children when there are children in foster care just waiting to be adopted not to mention those in other countries. I think you need to loosen up here a bit.

WHAT? Did you read HER post? You must be kidding me. What is it that prevents you from seeing that what I said is my opinion, and that is it? SHE said what she did about a dead horse. Not me. Sheesh. I hate to sound so silly, but, I DIDN'T START IT! Did you pm her and say, "wow, maybe you shouldn't have phrased it like that"? I am betting not. The fact is, you have the same opinion as she does, so, you somehow think your opinion carries more merit than mine. That is what separates opinion from fact! I am all for a difference of opinion. I am not for hypocrisy. I see alot of it, frankly, on here. Alot of it. Sure, I express my opinions. And, I know, if you are not one that believes as I do, you are going to find 'fault' with it. I know that, that is human nature. But, to somehow overlook the post that I was referring to is really quite something.

As for carrying this into the human realm...wow. I am not sure how to address this. As much as I love my cats, and I do love them tons, there is a difference. Adoption, as a single woman, isn't as easy as you might be led to believe. And, it is somewhat costly. I know this personally, as my sister adopted a child from China, and two of my current clients adopted, as single women. It wasn't cheap. Second, Jonah wasn't a planned event, though, he was and is the joy of my life. While I would not trade him for all the tea in China, I hadn't 'planned' on having him. Having said that, I can assure you that I carry him 100% of the way, would not pawn him off on others, would not in a million years consider 'euthanizing' him (hey, you made the comparison, not me), don't keep him chained up outside, I provide quality food for, clothe him, and see that he has access to excellent medical care. I also do not sit around and justify why someone should bring children into the world.

Really, there is no comparison between a child and a pet- though I love them both. I am not quite sure where you are coming from.


I am against breeding, in all forms, for any reason, for anyone. That is my opinion, and I am welcome to it. That yours differs doesn't lessen mine. No matter how many times you state it, or, justify it, or attack me, personally, over it. That might be the difference between someone like you, and someone like me. I can accept it, and carry on. I don't need to be right, or convince you to believe differently.

Johanna

[LuvGold00]

The lengths you go to to justify your breeding is very upsetting to me. Bring 'em all into the world....bring 'em all in.

I could go on and on about this, and I'm sure you could too, but both of us know it's a waste of time. All I'm going to say is that there are no lengths I wouldn't take to protect MY breed and MY breeding program. I've had 4 litters of puppies, a total of 30 puppies. 27 of those puppies are spayed/neutered (which I have certificates from their vet to prove) and are on strict contracts stating I get them back if their owners can no longer keep them, or don't want them. The other 3 are show/breeding puppies, of which 1 I completely own and the other 2 I co-own. Those 2 are on strict contracts stating their puppies must be sold on spay/neuter contracts and will go back to the breeder or me if the puppy is no longer wanted. That, plus all their health clearances and health guarantees.
I agree with part of what your saying I know breeders that have 30+ puppies in 2 months time, I think it's terrible. But I can tell you right now I am not adding to the problem, those 30 puppies are over 6 years time and I keep in touch with all of them. I'm more saddened than angry you think all breeding should stop, and I know you are entitled to your own opinion, but sometimes you maybe shouldn't voice it here.

[ParNone]

I have to admit I've never understood going after the responsible to fix problems created by the irresponsible. It's this same type of reasoning that's moved us towards banning breeds.

That said, with your situation, apartment, no yard/fence and a 2 year old, I think it's going to be extremely hard to get a responsible breeder to sell you one of their puppies, especially an active breed like Labs. I think you'd have to have proven experience with dogs and a rock solid plan to be able to talk your way into a puppy from a responsible breeder.

With Oz, I had to prove I had a fence and yard, before the breeder would even consider giving me one of her pups. I also went over with her how I was going to handle integrating him into the pack, since I was upfront with her about Maddie and Murph's dog aggression.

Responsible breeders are going to be discerning about who gets their dog. If they're not, major red flag that they're not responsible breeders.

I have to agree with K9soul, that you shouldn't rule out an adult Lab too.

Par...

[buttercup132]

Generally rescues, shelters, etc have very good reasons for not adopting out a dog to a family without a yard

I was kinda thinking that. Shelters aren't doing it to be mean they want the animals to be adopted out but they don't want them to end up back on the streets or have to save them from being neglected again. They do have there reasons and they are for the better of the animal. I think you should ask them what type of dog would be best for you. Oh and if Hubby dosen't like long haired dogs you can get them shaved....

And to sweet little buttercup132

You really think I'm sweet or were you just exagerating?

[ramanth]

A good breeder will likely ask the same hard questions that the shelter will because they want to make sure their pups are going to good homes.

Many breed specific rescues have dogs that have come from breeders so you can find a nice, calm, adult non-mix.



Either way, good luck finding a dog that will fit in with your family.

[Ginger's Mom]

Sorry to say, a lot of breed rescues are not going to adopt to someone with a two year old child and no yard. Yes, part of the reason is that they don't want the dog returned or let go on the street and part of the reason is they do not want to be held responsible if someone should get hurt as a result of the dog's actions. It is going to be very difficult to find someone who is going to adopt a young dog to you in your situation.
Good luck on your search for the perfect addition to your family.

[Crazy-Cat-Lover]

Thanks to everyone that had positive posts. This place is so negative, I actually would have been better off asking a bunch of strangers on the street. I will and always will be an animal lover. I love all animals, big and small. I have seen threads made here for people that are buying purebred dogs and they were never harrassed about not going to the shelter. Irresponsible people put those dogs in shelters not me - so I feel that I have the choice to choose a breeder. I have looked at all my options, there are NO Lab rescues in BC. None whatsoever. I never said no shelter would adopt to me, just the SPCA. I understand why, but they could be a little less strict.

This means that if I was interested in a dog, that fit in my lifestyle, but they wouldnt adopt to me bacause I dont have a yard - that dog would die. It is the SPCA's fault that alot of these dogs are euthanized. Some of them have been in shelters for years, they just wont adopt to just anyone. I shouldnt have to feel like a pile of crap because I am not a "perfect" dog owner. Shelters do more harm than good here in BC. When there are potential adopters, they overlook them because of small problems.

When I was at the SPCA doing my practicum, the vet actually said to me that if they saw my tattoo, they would see me as a whole different person. Why? Because I live in Surrey, BC. Yes, the place with the highest number of car thefts, an increasing amount of murders and lots of drugs. I live in a indesirable (to the shelters) place in Surrey. Many people that live in these apartments are irresponsible dog owners. That makes ME look like one, which I am not. The SPCA is always here, whether its to remove a negleted/abused animal or another reason.

Now, as for my daughter being so young... She is a very well behaved little girl and I can almost guarantee you that if you met her, you'd think she was older than she is. I am a good mother, I taught her how to be respectful early in life. She never does ANYTHING without asking me. She is smart and knows how to properly play with puppies - after all, her Auntie has a ACD/BC/Lab mix. She is not your typical 2 year old, she is the complete opposite. People are actually shocked when they find out shes only 2, because she is very well mannered and respectful.

Cats... I have three of them and they adore dogs. Whether its a calm, happy dog or an energetic puppy - they adore them.

Do any of you live in Surrey, BC? No, didnt think so. Do you know how our shelters work? Surrey is a harsh place, every second house has a pittie lunging at the fence, every young 16 year old kid is walking a Rotti. These are all for protection purposes. How can you judge someone you dont know? You have never met my daughter, seen my aparmtent, met my cats or my DH. You dont know enough about me to judge me. I know myself better than everyone and know that I am ready for a puppy. Not just because they're cute, but because I will be the one raising the puppy.

You cannot judge a dog in a shelter just by looking/petting him. Even taking the dog out for a walk or doing a trial period isnt enough. I dont want to end up with an adult dog that has "hidden" issues that will force me to return him. I would much rather raise a puppy and know exactly what goes into that dog. We have already agreed that the puppy with go through obedience training, Canine Good Neighbor (BC's version of Canine Good Citizen), agility and possibly therapy work.

I may not have a yard, but I have a wonderful, LARGE 2 bedroom, ground floor apartment. I would never let my dog run loose in a yard anyway. You know how many times my mom has had stray dogs in her yard? Not to mention the amount of coyotes in the city. Dogs should be inside with their owners, not locked up outside. I have a HUGE park one block from here that has a fenced off area I can let the dog run in. We are the city of parks, every where you go theres a park.

Labs are a good match for apartment living ANY DOG IS! Who cares if I dont have a 3 bedroom, 2000 square foot house on an acre of land. It wouldnt change how I treat my dog or how I love my dog. It makes no sense to me why people see an apartment as a bad place for a dog. What about some of you young kids? I know some of you are under 16. Do you think that when you move out you will be able to buy a house with no troubles? You to will have to rent and when you do, slap yourself in the head for telling me my apartment isnt good enough.

[Corinna]

ccl People arn't trying to be negitive the concerns are genuine, it's not just the dog we worry about it's you and your child as well. Most of the responding folks have had years of working around dogs and people . They have seen a lot of the type of situation you are in and how most turned out. I'm not saying you will be one of those you most likely will be the exception . But we are just wanting you to really think out all the possiblities that can happen. I do hope you fond the best match for you.
I will most likely get it from others but a medium dog would be the best for you a Cocker sized Small enough for the apt and yet large enough not to hurt your daughter if she gets knocked down by it.
You should go on the Akc Or ckc sites and see what you can find tht fits your needs in that size .

[Vela]

A good breeder will likely ask the same hard questions that the shelter will because they want to make sure their pups are going to good homes.

Many breed specific rescues have dogs that have come from breeders so you can find a nice, calm, adult non-mix.



Either way, good luck finding a dog that will fit in with your family.

This is true. Actually in all reality, if a shelter and/or rescue won't place a dog because of the situation, finding a good breeder who will may be even harder. I hope things work out for the best but be prepared to be let down quite a bit in your quest and don't settle for a BYB dog because you want one as soon as you can, it could turn out really badly. You can also ask good reputable breeders if they have any adults they are trying to rehome. Many good breeders look for good homes for their females who are done producing as they can't keep all of them once they are done having puppies and they often have older dogs who didn't turn out or didn't like the show ring etc and are in need of good homes. You can find a really great dog that way, I did.