Breeders? What do people look for?

[Cody]

So here is my question, regardless of breed what is it that people want/look for in a breeder?
What makes a breeder a good or even great breeder in your opinions?
How do you get past the pretty websites? Most claim to be breeding to better the breed, to be working or showing or both, when in reality it is easy to make such a claim and maybe show up once a year at a show one day , how do you sort through what is real and what is not?

Experiences please

 

[Mongo]

Its not just "showing", the dog should be receiving titles and bred after they've finished or soon to be. The breeder should also tell you what is all included in the price and should be fairly reasonably. Do ALL necessary health testing depending on breed. Most reputable breeders do NOT have both sire and dam on premises, if they do... its a little suspicious. Breeding pair should not be younger than 2. The dogs should be a part of the family, living indoors. THEY DO NOT PUT OUT ADS!!! EVER!

Its kind of early still lol if I can think of anything a little later I will add it

 

[Bentley]

I suggest, when looking at websites, trying to determine if the site is there to 'show off' dogs they are proud of or if they seem to be aimed more at saying look at these dogs you might want. Also a breeder should be able to able to arrange for you to contact someone else who has had a dog from them.

 

[Cody]

I am just curious as to others opinions. In the Corso world at least there are a lot of "breeders" out there, making plenty of "claims" yet breeding incorrect dogs, or dogs with glaring faults that they can hide in pictures using angles and other "tricks".
This thread is more aimed for the newbie, who is trying to sort out and find a decent dog, and a decent breeder. I know what I look for, am wondering about others.
Great answers so far!

 

[ricosr98]

Excellent post Cody. Just my opinion when it comes to the breeders out there they should stand by their word and not find a loop hole just to get out of correcting a problem.

 

[Ripsmom]

what do you guys think about this: since most of the parent clubs are involved with breed rescue for whatever breed, would it make sense to contact the rescue and ask them which breeders are reputable assuming that since they are in fact dealing with rescued dogs they may know who breeding crap dogs and who isn't? i talk with people about this subject at work quite a bit and often refer them to the breed rescue for guidance in order to prevent them from buying a pet store or BYB dog. just a question too: "Mongo" you mentioned that having both parents on the premises is suspicious...why is that?

 

[Mongo]

just a question too: "Mongo" you mentioned that having both parents on the premises is suspicious...why is that?

Because its easy breeding. Also when breeding you want to pair dogs that compliment each other, finding a dog that has EVERYTHING you need for that breeding. When breeders purchase "show prospects" they wont know how that pup looks full grown until well he is full grown and has finished in shows. How would they know that the pup would be a good match for their breeding dogs? Plus not many breed the same 2 dogs every single time. So having one sex (usually female) and finding the mate is a little more practical. Im not saying that no reputable breeder has both parents... but thats not usually the case.

 

[Ripsmom]

makes sense

 

[Tailcreek]

Some things to consider when evaluating a breeder:

Are they a member of a breed club with a code of ethics?
Are they involved in rescue at all?
What activities/events do they do with their dogs?
How often do their girls get bred? and how many times does each dog get bred?
What health testing is done before breeding?
What is contained in their purchase contract?
Do they follow their breed standard?
Do they have a specific goal to improve what they are producing with each breeding?

Jennifer
www.tailcreekmastiffs.com

 

[ElJayBee]

i personally look for breeders who have the following:

Health Check Certs on all breeding stock
Good stacked pics of their breeding stock so that you can get a good idea of the conformation
Age, sex, bio (including temperament), and pedigree on each animal
A clear mission statement
Buyer's contract on each available-for-sale animal, preferably with at least 2-year limited health guarantee with provisions

Pluses include:

Testimonials from previous clients and/or their vet of choice
Working and showing titles (sometimes a requirement for me depending on the breed)
Temperament, CGC, etc. certs.
Videos of their animals showing movement and interaction with others.