A few quick questions

[Mastinilover]

Hello everyone, I'm new here and looking to become the happy owner of Neo this year! However, I have some things on my mind and concerns as to why a breeder might not find me a suitable match and I'm hoping to get some insight on them.

1. I'll start with my concern : My husband and I are younger in age, 22 to be exact. I'm worried that our age will put us off to breeders for various reasons. Even though we own a large home with acreage, steady income, aren't the "typical" young family that we're always seen as, and have experience (especially me due to my field of work) with large breeds of dog. I've found when someone hears 22 they think "immature kids who party and drink all the time" (which we do not) so I have doubts as to whether my dream of 16 years will happen.

2. What type of criteria do breeders look for in prospective adopters or what were some questions you were asked when you inquired about a breeders puppies?

3. And lastly, will breeders sell show or breeding quality pups into pet only homes? We're not looking to breed or show, but would like the best quality if possible. We wouldn't turn down a pet quality fellow though! I'm dead set on going through a respected reputable breeder and won't go elsewhere so, if pet quality is what they recommend for us then I'll be happy with that of course.

I've contacted my dream breeders, but haven't had a reply yet and thought it would be good to ask people who have gone through breeders and maybe even hear from some other breeders I'm not familiar with. Any insight would be greatly appreciated and calm my mind. Even though I'm a while away from doing this I'm already having sleep deprivation due to the anxiety of the wait :blush:

 

[angelbears]

Boards are kind of slow but hang in there. We do have some breeders that respond. I don't think you will have any problems getting a pup.

 

[Sadies Mom]

I did alot of research before we commited to Sadie. I checked out numerous breeders websites, looked at their dame and sire, they also had some questions posted on their website that would be asked. Most breeders I talked to wanted to know what I was going to "use" her for, breeding, showing etc and if she would be a inside or outside dog. They also want to be sure that you realize that the dogs get really big and that vet bills and food, to name a few can get very expensive. A reputable breeder just want to make sure their pups go to a home that knows and realizes that, and that you are prepaired for it and that their pups don't go someone who want them for fighting etc. Just do your research, if you have not already and be prepared for a lot of questions. If you don't get any questions that would be a red flag to me. I would also have a list of questions prepaired for the breeder if you have any. Good Luck

 

[Jeri]

Camo (Neo) was given to me so I didn't go through any of that. But good luck! You're going to love being owned by a Neo!

 

[Jadotha]

In addition to the questions Sadies Mom mentioned, as a buyer I have been asked the following (although not every breeder asked every question here):
> Do you own your own home or rent? If you rent does your lease permit dogs?
> Do you have a fenced in yard? If not, how do plan to exercise your dog?
> What is your experience with giant breeds (or with dogs in general if you don't have giant breed experience)?
> Is everyone in your family in agreement about adding a ____________(breed under consideration)
> What other animals live in your household?
> Do you have young children?
> What do you know about special dietary requirements of giant breed puppies?
> Do both you and your husband/other family members work outside the home? If so, what provisions would you make for your puppy?
> Are you planning to crate? If so, how long would the puppy spend in the crate each day?
> Have you ever surrendered a pet to an animal shelter or rescue?

Question I have asked breeders include:
> How long have you been breeding?
> What are your breeding goals?
> Do you show -- or have you in the past? If not how have you determined that your dogs are good representatives of the breed standard?
> How many litters do you generally have in a year?
> Do the parents/grandparents hold championships?
> Can I visit?
> How long do dogs from your lines typically live?
> Are you aware of any health or temperament issues in your lines?
> What do you feed and what would you recommend for puppies?
> Do you offer any guarantees?
> Do you sell on a contract? Can I read one?

> What health tests have been done on the parents

 

[Cody]

Most of my friends who are breeders look first for a good loving home, regardless of show, breed. However that said if they have 2 potential homes lined up, one wants to show the show quality dog will go there first. Also most will chose the right pup for you and your needs based on temperament 1st.
The breeders I know will only have breed quality dogs on co-own. Not many will sell breeding rights, especially to first time owners.
Your best bet IMO, is to start calling breeders and develop a rapport with them, be honest in what you want and who you are. I am sure you l get the perfect pup

 

[BlackShadowCaneCorso]

Welcome to the board! I can only speak from my prospective on this so you will have to take it for what it is worth

Hello everyone, I'm new here and looking to become the happy owner of Neo this year! However, I have some things on my mind and concerns as to why a breeder might not find me a suitable match and I'm hoping to get some insight on them.

1. I'll start with my concern : My husband and I are younger in age, 22 to be exact. I'm worried that our age will put us off to breeders for various reasons. Even though we own a large home with acreage, steady income, aren't the "typical" young family that we're always seen as, and have experience (especially me due to my field of work) with large breeds of dog. I've found when someone hears 22 they think "immature kids who party and drink all the time" (which we do not) so I have doubts as to whether my dream of 16 years will happen.

Age is not a factor if you display the right reasons. There are just as many "mature" people who aren't qualified to own one of our dogs as there is young people. But a willingness to learn and work with a breeder and doing what is right for the dogs in what I want to hear when you are looking at one of my puppies. Acreage is good but even in the city as long as you are committed to make sure the dog has enough exercise and is adequately stimulated I don't have a problem with it. Are their breeders that will look down on the age thing... sure but building a relationship and getting to know them and letting them get to know you can help. If you are close enough see about getting out to visit them at shows and make some trips to the kennels to visit the dogs and get to know them.

2. What type of criteria do breeders look for in prospective adopters or what were some questions you were asked when you inquired about a breeders puppies?

We have a puppy application on our website that we use as a jumping off point to start our relationship. It asks quite a few questions and allows us to get to know you and make notes so that when I contact you in regards to it if I have any questions I can make notes to ask you so that I don't forget (I have a horrible memory ) Also have list ready of questions you want to ask me as that is just as important to me.

3. And lastly, will breeders sell show or breeding quality pups into pet only homes? We're not looking to breed or show, but would like the best quality if possible. We wouldn't turn down a pet quality fellow though! I'm dead set on going through a respected reputable breeder and won't go elsewhere so, if pet quality is what they recommend for us then I'll be happy with that of course.

If I have dogs that I think are or possibly will be bred or show quality they only go on a co-own contract. I don't sell breeding rights outright. I have no problem if someone has an interest in breeding/showing but I like to work with them. Like was said we separate into show/breed quality and pet quality. If you have no aspirations towards showing or breeding and I have others that do then it is unlikely you will get one of those dogs as those are the dogs I want to see mature with the option of adding them either to my program or starting someone else's (with our assistance). There isn't anything wrong with a pet quality it just maybe that it isn't breed or show quality but it doesn't make them any less valuable as a pet.

I've contacted my dream breeders, but haven't had a reply yet and thought it would be good to ask people who have gone through breeders and maybe even hear from some other breeders I'm not familiar with. Any insight would be greatly appreciated and calm my mind. Even though I'm a while away from doing this I'm already having sleep deprivation due to the anxiety of the wait :blush:

Be patient... sometimes it take a breed a bit to respond. But you can always give a call and just tell them you emailed them a little bit ago and are just doing a follow up call to make sure they got the email and leave your number and tell them they can give you a call back at their convenience.

 

[ravendarat]

Just to address your age concern. My friend bought a Neo two years ago when she was 24 and she rents a house, so you sound like your in a much better spot. The age thing won't hold you back as long as you carry yourself properly in your conversations with the breeder. I would direct you to her breeder but I know that she died last year after having a sudden heart attack and she was in her mid 20's as well so it was a real shocker.

 

[Mastinilover]

Thanks everyone! You've really helped calm my nerves and made me that much more excited for this to happen. (A curse and a blessing ) I've told everyone I know that there will soon be a new man in my life (but shhh don't tell the husband!) and that I can't wait for him to be here.

I was contacted by one of the breeders I had emailed (the one I had my heart set on) and was thrilled! She was so kind and informative and assured me that age wasn't a deciding factor, that she herself had gotten her first Neo when she was only 17! She lives only a few hours from my home in Indiana so that mean's I'll be able to pick up my puppy in person if she accepts my deposit....which will be in late August/early September hopefully! After that, it'll just be waiting for the right puppy to come along.

Thanks again for all the help and the example questions! You guys are a big help and have made my day...or possibly many years of my life once this all is set in stone with the breeder.

 

[BlackShadowCaneCorso]

Thanks everyone! You've really helped calm my nerves and made me that much more excited for this to happen. (A curse and a blessing ) I've told everyone I know that there will soon be a new man in my life (but shhh don't tell the husband!) and that I can't wait for him to be here.

I was contacted by one of the breeders I had emailed (the one I had my heart set on) and was thrilled! She was so kind and informative and assured me that age wasn't a deciding factor, that she herself had gotten her first Neo when she was only 17! She lives only a few hours from my home in Indiana so that mean's I'll be able to pick up my puppy in person if she accepts my deposit....which will be in late August/early September hopefully! After that, it'll just be waiting for the right puppy to come along.

Thanks again for all the help and the example questions! You guys are a big help and have made my day...or possibly many years of my life once this all is set in stone with the breeder.

That is wonderful. Also if she close enough maybe see about taking a day trip and dropping your deposit off in person so you can check out the dogs (particular the ones she is breeding at the moment) and get to know them and see their personalities for yourself.

 

[Tiger12490]

I'm sorry I missed this thread and I'm glad this all worked out for you... I'm 22

Tapd on my skyrocket

 

[Jadotha]

Great news!! And I would second Blackshadow's suggestion

 

[Cody]

Yay! Ican't wait to see the pictures of your baby! I love me some neo pups