family dog

[Latestarter]

I love dogs. They are wonderful creatures and most people are not aware of all of things that can train your dog (or your horse) to do. I detest dog breeders. They only have $ in their eyes and their dogs suffer for it.

This is a very harsh, critical, stereotypical, and unfair statement. I too am over 60, & the breeders that I have worked with over many years have been aboveboard, honest, caring and centrally concentrated on the health and well being of their animals as well as the breed, over and above virtually every other consideration. If someone wants to make $$, being a reputable breeder certainly will NOT achieve that aim. If someone wants to operate a "puppy mill" I don't consider them a reputable breeder, and in my opinion, reputable breeders out number puppy mills by a wide margin. I also am of the belief that since puppy mills have become more in the public view/knowledge, most folks try to avoid buying from such a source.

On the other hand, quality pure bred dogs are becoming so expensive to (raise as well as) purchase, that the "average" person simply can no longer afford them. Thereby helping to prolong the puppy mill mentality and operation.

 

[promiseacres]

This will be his first year.... but he's been very dedicated to helping care for our family dog. I took Maizy to a basic obeidence course when she was about 6 months, though it was more for socialicing as she was and is still shy. She has been very easy to train though we will see how well she listens to her "brother"

 

[BoboFarm]

@ducks4you I've bred working rotties for years. With the time, effort and money that it takes to raise high quality, healthy litters, it is by no means a money-making endeavor! All of the dogs that get the nod of approval to breed must pass all of their health clearances, show well and have working titles and be fed high quality food (raw, which is not cheap). Then, when puppies come, the dam must continue to be fed a high quality food in order to produce well for the litter, the litter needs to be socialized and temperament tested through the 8 weeks that we have them (this takes a HUGE amount of time and effort), they need to be weaned on to a high quality feed, they need to have a vet check, shots and health certificate to go to new homes, then they need to be evaluated for new owners. THEN, my contract has a "First Right of Refusal" clause. If any puppy or dog needs to be rehomed for any reason, they come back to me. Every puppy buyer has a lifetime of support from me as well. Breeding and raising dogs is exhausting. We have taken a long brake because it is so time consuming. We may not get back into it because it's so very expensive, monetarily and mentally. We've lost entire litters because not everything is hearts and flowers with animals. It's often times a heartbreaking endeavor. We bred our dogs to try to maintain and improve our breed. If you've seen rotties as of late they are being bred to the extreme. Most code of ethics breeders try to keep as close to the standard as possible. Backyard "greeders" are the ones that are just out to make a buck. they don't do what good breeders do. Please keep them separated from good breeders in your mind because they are not comparable to a good breeder.

Rant over. I'll get off my soapbox now.

 

[Ridgetop]

The cost of raising a healthy well adjusted litter is immense, especially if you are reputable breeder. By this I mean the breeder who tests for the genetic problems in their breed, as well as the standard problems (dysplasia, etc.) that are common to all breeds now. The reputable breeder uses healthy stock with good conformation. The conformation standard of any species is designed for the use of the breed, not just to be pretty. Udders for dairy, meat making for meat animals, and dogs for their working use. You don't want a LGD if you want to compete in obedience, or a herding breed if you want to hunt ducks, so choose the breed for the use. The good breeder will also have a contract requiring the buyer to return the dog to them if for any reason the dog needs to be rehomed. A reputable breeder will also quiz the prospective buyer about the fencing, housing, and care the dog will receive, and judge the buyer's fitness for one of their precious puppies. Any "breeder" who tells the buyer to "just come on out and pick out pup" without making sure that the buyer knows what the breed characteristics and temperaments are is not a reputable breeder. A good breeder guards their reputation like gold and is careful where they place their pups because they want the pup and owner to be successful.
Rescue dogs and Heinz 57s can make good pets and occasionally one will be phenomenal at herding, etc., but buying a purebred takes away a lot of the guess work. Buying a puppy and raising it will also avoid getting a dog that is super sweet until Aunt Jane shows up looking like the person who previously abused the dog. Surprise and horror when Aunt Jane gets bitten. This happened to me with my brother's new 2 year old rescue dog that had been acting so sweet and suddenly came at me growling out of the blue. I had been petting the dog previously with no indication of what would happen. I did not get bitten because I knew how to act when the dog turned aggressive, but you never know with a rescue what their previous experiences have been.
Everyone has their preference as to what they like. If you are getting a dog for 4-H showing you will need a purebred for conformation, and you might as well start with puppy if the child wants to show in obedience. If you want to compete or just train the dog for herding then choose a herding breed. You will be time, effort and money ahead in the long run.
Good luck with your new dog whatever you choose! All dogs deserve a happy life.

 

[JesseroDo]

Rescues, 100% You may imagine you know what youre getting with a breeder, but its a total crap shoot. Worse than with a rescue. Rescues are usually VERY picky about who their dogs go to. They will help you find one that suits your particular situation. You wont just walk in to a place and randomly choose a dog. Most rescues know their dogs quite well, as they have been fostered for some time. Personally, I wouldnt trust the opinion of any breeder as they want you to buy a dog. Its their business and if they cant sell their dogs, they lose money. A rescues #1 concern is the dogs well being. Theyre in no rush to rehome any of them. A breeder trying to sell a litter is in a big hurry. Puppies sell... old dogs dont.

Ive experience with both and if you want a really wonderful dog, you cant beat an older dog from a rescue. You WILL know what you get and you WILL know their healthy situation. Rescues sole reason for existing is to help dogs. What is the reason for breeders? Oh yes... to make money. My vote goes to a rescue dog. You wont regret it.

 

[JesseroDo]

"The cost of raising a healthy well adjusted litter is immense, especially if you are reputable breeder. " IE - This is why, even for a 'reputable' breeder (if there is such a thing) is very motivated to sell their dogs. If they dont sell them all... crazy, ill, etc, or not... they will not recoup any of their money.

 

[Latestarter]

x2 Ahhhh the view through rose colored glasses... we should all see so clearly.

 

[CntryBoy777]

I don't have a whole lot to add to the on going discussion, but there is 1 very important thing that has to be considered with whatever breed ya settle on....your son. I can tell ya from experience that to him the ideal dog will be a pup....with them growing up together they will have their own special relationship that will be priceless for his entire life....and he won't care if it is PB or mix....breeder born or shelter rescue...or, even the amount it cost to get it. Personally, I would research the breeds that "Fit the Bill" of the purpose for the dog and the characteristics and personality that would best fit your son. Having farm animals also has to play a part in the choosing....in the size range that ya are looking for I wouldn't discredit a Jack Russell....they are a terrier, but are highly trainable and very loyal....and Super smart. I know whatever ya decide it will be a really good one....just remember there aren't any perfect dogs out there....they all have their own personal quirks and personalities....just like all the other animals ya deal with.....

 

[JesseroDo]

x2 Ahhhh the view through rose colored glasses... we should all see so clearly.

What is that supposed to mean? Ive worked with rescue dogs for decades and have seen the sh*te that comes from supposed reputable breeders. Those 'titled' dogs end up in shelters more often than you know. Its really sick how someone can spend thousands on a dog and then dump them in a shelter when they dont want them any more. It happens ALL the feckin time. Sorry, hun, no rose colored glasses here. Just someone who has seen the reality of it all. Maybe you should volunteer at a rescue or shelter and help kill these supposedly well bred dogs? You might change your breeder loving tune.

 

[Ridgetop]

A breeder trying to sell a litter is in a big hurry. Puppies sell... old dogs dont.

Ive experience with both and if you want a really wonderful dog, you cant beat an older dog from a rescue. You WILL know what you get and you WILL know their healthy situation. Rescues sole reason for existing is to help dogs. What is the reason for breeders? Oh yes... to make money. My vote goes to a rescue dog. You wont regret it.