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There are some horse people who are also dog people, but by far they are the exceptions among the horse crowd who also produce puppies. There is a purpose to their breeding programs and you are likely to see them in the show rings whether it be conformation or performance or both.
There is a mindset and practices that have gotten so cliche, they have become stereotype. Had several on this forum and just from the wording of the posts one can spot 'em a mile away. Looking at the website you've mentioned, batting 1000.
Puppy alley at horse shows, cross breeding the horsey set popular breeds - corgis to JRT's, ACD's, Border Collies, Aussie - they are pocket change to spend at the vendors at the horse show.
I find a particular irony, even hypocrisy to all the screening, scrutiny, standards and ethics put into their horse breedings, yet with a dog - you have a male and I have a female and let's make puppies. I'm also not fond of the dog as barn accessory mentality either.
They are also the greatest supplier of corgis to our rescue program and make numerous contributions to many others.
Back to you perhaps leaving the puppy sometimes, but not sure if you'll be able to because your Mom is eccentric. 14 years old, still in school; where will the puppy stay while you are at school?
No need to really give you any suggestions or advice, the price is right; you've found the breeder you will buy from. This is pretty much settled. While you've done a pretty good expense estimate, you've left out a lot as well. Vaccinations - will come out cheaper giving them yourself, BUT which vaccination protocol are you going to follow and you need to check TX law as to whether rabies vaccinations must be given by a vet or not. Are you planning on doing any training classes with the puppy? That's another $cha-ching. Vitamins, and other supplements you might want to add - $cha-ching. Grooming products: brush, comb, shampoo for starters - $cha-ching. Monthly eartworm preventative and flea tick protection, both ESSENTIAL in TX - cha-ching. These are basics too. I dropped $10 on a lark on Saturday - dog treats and a picture with Santa (proceeds went to a rescue group) for Bruin. Sunday was another $40 on dog food, that's $50 in two days.
Michael is absolutely right when he said there are breeders and then there are Breeders (capital B mine). Why settle for a breeder when one can go to a Breeder?
Debbie
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