We're Buying from a Breeder

[Pam]

As to cataholic, there is a HUGE difference between irresponsible BYB breeders and responsible breeders who do health testing, conformation testing, and tempermanet testing on their dogs before breeding. I disagree with your opinion that all breeding should stop, if that was the case then only the irresponsible breeders would be left and sickly and poor representations of each breed are all that would exist.

Amen!! Thank you for that!!! I was going to say the same thing only you have done it so much more eloquently.

My daughter had a two year old with a very large puppy and, yes it involves monitoring puppy and child carefully but if you are up to the task I say go for it! I think having any dog without a fenced yard will present the most problems with you and your young child. During the housetraining process you will be going out many, many times a day with the pup and won't be able to leave the two year old inside alone in the apartment, so that will mean a trip outside for the two of you each time the pup needs to go potty. In that regard I think an adult, already trained dog, might be the best idea. Whatever you decide, please do let us know and don't be turned off by a few. We all love dogs here but just look at things a little differently at times.

[bckrazy]

Hmm. I probably missed something, but I thought you were getting an ACD mix pup? Oh well.

You probably dont care about my opinion at ALL, as I think you told me off before about my views on puppies and such ... but, I really do understand wanting to purchase a purebred pup from a reputable breeder. IMHO, even though rescue is saving a life, if it better suits you situation, it is NOT the responsible, purebred, dedicated, contract breeders who take back any puppy if/when it needs a new home who are pumping out pups that go straight into shelters. I absolutely understand wanting a very healthy dog from great parents who has been raised with lots of care & socialization.

If I were in your shoes, I would adopt an adult Lab, but that's me. It really is difficult to judge an innocent 8 week-old puppy as to whether or not they'll be kid-friendly, gentle, mellow, etc. My sister has a Lab (who she got as a tiny little puppy) who is now 100+ lbs and although he is extremely sweet, he could easily injure a small child because he does NOT know his own strength, even though he's 4 years old and matured. Anyway, it really is hard to predict a pup for your somewhat sensitive situation (as far as having a toddler, and living in an apartment, which both would not suit a very high-drive high-energy dog... sometimes, no matter how they're brought up). There is also the option of getting an older puppy/retired adult from a reputable breeder in your area. Lots of breeders need to re-home pups that turn out not to be show quality, or retired show dogs. Whatever you do, good luck! Either way, you are definitely committed, which is great.