We're Buying from a Breeder

[CagneyDog]

Would going to a rescue in Alberta be an option?

[and sorry if this has been mentioned, I haven't read all the replies]

[Kfamr]

-sigh- I tried.

[luvofallhorses]

may I ask why the dog has to be purebred?

[Cataholic]

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. What needs to stop is indicriminant breeding of designer dogs and pets and the negligence of not spaying and nuetering. I will gladly support ANY responsible and ethical breeder who takes the time and money to do it right because I LOVE certain breds of dogs and thier characteristics and they would be bred out and disappear if the good breeders weren't supported. This is my opinion though, and thankfully we are allowed a difference of opinions=) Responsible breeders cannot be held accountable for all of those who aren't..they can only do their best to make sure THEIR dogs are as healthy and of sound mind and body as possible. They are not the cause of the overpopulation problem, most produce very few puppies, it's the mills and stupid people of the world that won't fix their pets that cause the problem, blame should be placed duly where it belongs. I do support rescues and those who do it and no kill shelters, I donate to several, but I also think GOOD breeders are necessary as well.

Vela, (and Pam, if I remember correctly),
I think ALL breeding should stop. All. My bone of contention is that there are some people (even on this board ) that get some special pass when it comes to breeding, and I have never quite understood it. Sure there are BYB that are just unspeakable, and then, there are some BYB that make sure their puppies go to good loving homes. It is still the same, to me. There are too many pets- whether they come from Mr. X or Mrs. Y. The term 'responsible' that we banter about is so completely subjective. Just because so and so says, "oh, I do all sorts of tests, blah, blah, I don't do it for money, blah, blah" doesn't do anything about decreasing the pet population. These people that breed, without a recongnizable kennel name, or some strong affiliation with show (or agility, field, or whatever the goal they are seeking might be), are BYBs. The AKC doesn't spend much time (if any, as they are regulatory in nature) weeding out, admonishing, halting, ceasing, etc., when it comes to registration, the very thing that people cry out, "I am not BYB, I am breeding dogs/cats registered with the AKC"! That
is a tragedy. Yes, I do think they **should** do something.

I don't think we need anymore animals-pure, mixed-period, born into this world. When we start to lose some of this "gotta have a purebred" mentality, we can really get back to humanity- saving those that are already here, through no fault of their own.

I think, for me, it comes down to realizing that while I can't affect the world at large with my personal decision (in this case to adopt from a shelter, rather than go to a breeder), I can work towards eliminating the pet overpopulation. It is about supply and demand. If people would stop buying from BYB, pet stores, eventually- shoot, maybe not in my lifetime- it will come down to what you claim-only the responsible breeders are left to breed-
It truly saddens my heart to know that people really interested in a PET (as many, many of us are), would overlook adoption for, IMO, no real reason.

Johanna

PS- don't pick on my mispellings...I think I got the difference between two, too, and to all ironed out.

PSS- and, don't claim anything is a joke! That isn't allowed anymore....you must be 100% PC at all times less your fragile ego is shattered.

PSS- I don't really mean any of this towards you! Truly. No joke.

[buttercup132]

http://www.lrro.on.ca/

i found a site to a lab rescue in ontario please look at it if you dont reply ill pm it to you

[Vela]

Vela, (and Pam, if I remember correctly),
I think ALL breeding should stop. All. My bone of contention is that there are some people (even on this board ) that get some special pass when it comes to breeding, and I have never quite understood it. Sure there are BYB that are just unspeakable, and then, there are some BYB that make sure their puppies go to good loving homes. It is still the same, to me. There are too many pets- whether they come from Mr. X or Mrs. Y. The term 'responsible' that we banter about is so completely subjective. Just because so and so says, "oh, I do all sorts of tests, blah, blah, I don't do it for money, blah, blah" doesn't do anything about decreasing the pet population. These people that breed, without a recongnizable kennel name, or some strong affiliation with show (or agility, field, or whatever the goal they are seeking might be), are BYBs. The AKC doesn't spend much time (if any, as they are regulatory in nature) weeding out, admonishing, halting, ceasing, etc., when it comes to registration, the very thing that people cry out, "I am not BYB, I am breeding dogs/cats registered with the AKC"! That

SO
is a tragedy. Yes, I do think they **should** do something.

I don't think we need anymore animals-pure, mixed-period, born into this world. When we start to lose some of this "gotta have a purebred" mentality, we can really get back to humanity- saving those that are already here, through no fault of their own.

I think, for me, it comes down to realizing that while I can't affect the world at large with my personal decision (in this case to adopt from a shelter, rather than go to a breeder), I can work towards eliminating the pet overpopulation. It is about supply and demand. If people would stop buying from BYB, pet stores, eventually- shoot, maybe not in my lifetime- it will come down to what you claim-only the responsible breeders are left to breed-
It truly saddens my heart to know that people really interested in a PET (as many, many of us are), would overlook adoption for, IMO, no real reason.

Johanna

PS- don't pick on my mispellings...I think I got the difference between two, too, and to all ironed out.

PSS- and, don't claim anything is a joke! That isn't allowed anymore....you must be 100% PC at all times less your fragile ego is shattered.

PSS- I don't really mean any of this towards you! Truly. No joke.

Responsible breeders, and yes they are out there, don't cause the problem and should not be held accountable for the rest. And being repsonsible doesn't just mean saying you have done the testing, they have paperwork to back it up.

BTW, your no breeding of any kind thing would eventually cause dogs to disappear since they do grow old and die and I'm really not up on the whole cloning thing being a good idea...If responsible breeders stopped breeding until the unhomed pets all found homes, then by the time that happened there would be no dogs for them to breed resposibly with because their dogs would all be dead from old age and the only dogs left would be ill bred or mixed breed dogs...I think it would be a shame to lose all of the wonderful breeds out there.

[Vela]

BTW I do understand WHY you feel that way, and that all dogs deserve a good home and not to die in a shelter, but i just don't agree with the method of going about it because then the other breeds would be lost to us as well.

[CountryWolf07]

You know what, you are as entitled as anyone else to choose where you get your dog from. I think it is unfair to pass judgement on someone just because they choose to get a dog from a breeder rather than a shelter. (I didn't say anyone has at this point but often people do). I bought Cracker from a breeder and I don't regret it for one minute. Yes for those who get dogs from shelters, this is wonderful, but not everyone wants to do the same thing and it's not wrong to buy a puppy from a responsible ehthical breeder. It gets tiresome for people to assume everyone should do something a certain way because they do it that way. I have had wonderful shelter dogs, I also have a wonderful purebred dog I bought from a breeder. There is nothing wrong with your decision to do so and don't feel bad about it. Everyone is entitled to do what works for THEM at each particular point in time. If you want a certain type or breed of dog and you want to purchase that dog from a reputable breeder then you go for it. It's your dog, your decision. Don't let anyone make you feel bad for it. Rescue is wonderful, adopting dogs from shelters is wonderful, but so is buying a well bred dog if that's the kind of dog you want.

The best thing you can probably do is research what kind of testing is "required" of breeding stock for the breed you are looking at. Is the breed prone to hip dysplasia, etc etc. And then find out if the breeder has hips, eyes, and other testing done on their breeding stock. That will help you decide if they are responsible about helping bring healthy dogs into the world. Most puppies are fine to leave at 8 weeks, but before that really is not in their best interest. See if they have health histories of past puppies and maybe even see about talking to some people who have bought puppies from them before. Also check on the treatment of the parents, etc. Their living conditions, how many times they breed the bitch in a lifetime, etc. Good luck with your search for the right puppy, and don't feel bad about it.

Yes the problem of too many pets in shelters is awful, but the OP didn't cause the problem and her buying a puppy from a breeder won't stop the problem. I for one appreciate responsible ethical breeders of purebred dogs who try to maintain a breed and health standard. Not all breeders do that but I appreciate those who do. Let's not try to make her feel bad and just wish her luck with her puppy finding. If there weren't good responsible breeders breeding dogs true to breed, pretty soon there wouldn't be any purebreds, only BYB dogs and accident dogs and while those can be wonderful dogs, some people like certain breeds, there is nothing wrong with that. The problem is in irresponsible owners who won't spay and neuter their pets, so don't make the OP feel bad for wanting a certain breed or type of dog and for doing research and trying to obtain one from a reputable breeder.

Edited to add that Sarah's post was very well written and informative. Good advice there on what to look for.

Very well said, and I agree. Good luck on your search! You'll find that perfect Lab.

[Pam]

Responsible breeders, and yes they are out there, don't cause the problem and should not be held accountable for the rest.

You have done it again Vela and stolen the words right out of my mouth. The responsibility lies in EDUCATING people about spaying and neutering and the responsibilities of pet ownership once they get a dog, whether from a breeder or shelter or anywhere they might find him/her.

I am in the unique situation of having had purebred poodles for over 30 years and three years ago adopted a shelter poodle. Do I consider love Ripley any less or think of him as a "lesser" dog because his lineage is uncertain. Of course not. And, honestly, any future dog I get will be a rescue, but I certainly do understand why people go to breeders and do see a need for them. I happen to be a *hopelessly poodle person* and love the breed and the traits, etc. I would hate it if they disappeared into ....oodles and apoos, etc., etc.

[Crazy-Cat-Lover]

Thanks everyone.

[Crazy-Cat-Lover]

-sigh- I tried.

Once again Kay, thank you. YOU have made me have a change of heart. I will adopt from a shelter - NO breeders for me unless I want to go into shows. I thought about it for a long time last night and it just seems like I could take that $700.00 I was going to spend on a lab and adopt a $165.00 shelter dog, then donate some money to them. I read alot about having a puppy and a 2 year old, though I am perfectly capable, I feel that I should wait until she is older then get a puppy. I emailed my landlord and she said that as long as I poop and scoop, she doesnt care what my dog is mixed with. I still dont want a lab mixed with a Rottweiler or Pitbull though. This means that I now have the option of adopting a different breed.

That being said, as soon as a dog comes into the shelter that is a match, we will go and see him.

Thank you to everyone who helped me, all I needed was someone to knock some sense into my head. Sorry to everyone else...

What other breeds are recommended for small children?

[dab_20]

Yes!! Good for you for rescueing!!

For children smaller breeds are recommended. If you are willing to get a smaller breed.... Cockers are great with children. Some Boxers are, too.

Please take this test. It will definatly hyaelp you find the breed you are looking for.

http://dogbreedinfo.com/search.htm

[Crazy-Cat-Lover]

Yes!! Good for you for rescueing!!

For children smaller breeds are recommended. If you are willing to get a smaller breed.... Cockers are great with children. Some Boxers are, too.

Please take this test. It will definatly hyaelp you find the breed you are looking for.

http://dogbreedinfo.com/search.htm

Ugh, I dont really like small breed dogs. There is not one breed I like that came up with that quiz. I am asking everyone here, not the internet. The internet actually recommends an APBT! I want a large dog, labs are considered medium large. I dont want a small dog, I think the smallest dog I would own would still be medium sized. MOST smaller dogs ARENT recommended for small children.

[K9soul]

I'd actually not recommend smaller dog personally, I find medium to larger dogs are often more able to handle the sometimes rougher handling of a young one. First one that pops to mind for me at the moment are golden retrievers, often wonderful around other pets and small children, but still need exercise and activity (as would any dog really). In my experience they are oftentimes a bit more mellow than labs. ANY breed can be wonderful with kids really (including rotties and pitties). If you look for an adult dog I'd make sure the dog had experience around kids and was known to be loving and tolerant around them.

[caseysmom]

I NEVER thought I would be a small dog person but my daughter talked me into getting a small dog, hehe I figured it would get her away from boys for a while...well...she still likes boys and the small dog is now MY dog...

I LOVE him, I can count to 10 when I sit down and he will be on my lap, he is the most lovable thing you could ever imagine. He is gentle with kids too.