I found a breeder! Now I need some sage guidance please.

[MrsGrace]

Hey guys...

I don't want to post too many details (so far, I only have a few) or pictures here, but I got an email from a breeder, she JUST had a litter on this past Tuesday (in the wee hours as she put it!) and she says that she has some puppies available.

Now, how do I find out more research wise about her dogs, their lineage etc?

Of course, I will be asking her a LOT of questions, but some guidance would be nice as to what should I ask?

1. Lineage of course (I have specific names for dam & stud, but wanted to research this myself discreetly if anyone could be of assistance)

2. Testing done, yes? Which tests specifically should I ask about/look for?

3. I would like a male puppy as personally, all my animals have been males and I've done really well with them, bonded quickly etc. But should I let her guide me more as to the best fit? Should I even tell her my preferences? She knows her animals best, I don't. All I am looking for is a healthy puppy really... male would be nice, and color is irrelevant.

What am I looking for pricewise? I don't need a show dog, but I want to spend good $$ now and have a great addition to my family. Maybe do herding and/or agility some day...

Her litter was born on the 27th of March, which means I'm looking at June 5th for the puppies to be 10 weeks old at least, maybe even 12 weeks before they can come "home" after being socialized with the litter, yes?

Okay guys... then comes the fun part! Choosing all of the fun toys, bedding, doggie bowls, leashes, crate etc.

Anything I'm forgetting? Goodness, I hope this works out... I am giddy with excitement! Looking forward to developing a closer relationship with this breeder!

[Louwants]

Well, as far as fun toys...I feel that a kong is necessary. It helps with the teething, chewing and keeps them occupied.

As far as stuffed toys, I just bought Duncan a Tuffie toy and he hasn't destroyed it yet. He is notorious for disemboweling his stuffed toys within minutes if not hours after getting them. They are rather pricey, but you can get them on Ebay starting around $14 plus shipping.

A good brush would be the Furminator. It does wonders taking the dead hair out and when they blow their coat.

[Fluffypants]

Congrats Grace - that's AWESOME!

1) You can google her name and the sire's and dam's name and see if they pop up anywhere. You can also check the PWCCA website (PWCCA) and see if she or the sire/dam are on there.

2) As far as tests, I'm sure our breeder members can give you a very detailed picture of what you should ask about (not to mention all of your other questions, which I'm sure they can answer better than I can as well). But off the top of my head I would say eyes, hips, and VWD.

3) You can tell her your preferences, but if she has a puppy that she thinks is a better match, I (personally) would defer to her decision. She wants the best home for her puppies, so I am sure she'll say something if she thinks a different pup would be a better fit for you. A lot of people end up with something completely different than what they said they wanted, and are very happy with their decision (me, for one . . . the corgi in my avatar is certainly not the R&W, regular coated, male that I said I wanted!).

I don't know what prices are like in WA, but I spent $900 on my pet quality corgi (in CT). Maybe someone who lives closer to your area can give you a better idea about price. One thing you should make sure about is if you want to do AKC herding / agility . . . you should make sure to register your pup with the AKC. If their not registered, they can't compete in AKC events. Yes, 10-12 weeks is about when you should be bringing him/her home.

GOOD LUCK AND HAVE FUN SHOPPING!!!!

[mtoy]

Congratulations! I too just located a breeder w/pups (cardis) so I'm following this thread closely. When we got our Pem we knew good enough not to go to a pet store, but didn't realize we had to be so choosy about anyone calling themselves a "breeder". Live and learn, I guess. It will be nice to do it right this time.

Believe me, I know how excited you must be!

Good luck!

[Dillydoodle]

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[MrsGrace]

Originally Posted by Dillydoodle

Congrats first of all! I know you must be pretty excited...I am pretty good at finding dogs and lineage i have books LOL ( I have a bunch of the PWCCA hand books showing all the champions etc.. ) and i love looking that stuff up ( i do use google to start my searches). If you want to pm me i will be happy to see if i can find any sites or photos for you..

I do think responsible breeders do want to place the right puppy with the right family so i would say defer to the breeder, but if you know you really want a boy, there is nothing wrong with telling her upfront that you want a boy and hope that this litter might have a few boys and that one will be a good match.. I was set on a boy and was willing to wait for the right boy to come along... I was relieved when Dillon ended up such a good fit for us and that we did get him ( he was going to be kept for show until he had one undescended testicle and we got him!) The north east prices range for sure , i have not seen any from reputable breeders out this way less than $800 and up to $1,500 for a pet quality puppy. Not really sure what the prices are out west...

As far as testing goes, the tests that most people refer to are CERF eye, VwD ( von Wildebrand's disease , a bleeding disorder, kind of like hemophelia) and OFA hips... and elbows? that last part i am unsure of, but hips for sure...
Not sure if there are other things that should be tested, but i am sure one of our breeder friends here will give more thorough explaination.

Good luck
Emilie

You have a PM.

[Chip's Mom]

glad to hear that you found a breeder - good luck. I would also tell her that you would like a male and hope she has one. I have two and they are the greatest little pieces of work.

[ColColt]

Congratulations, MrsGrace!

I hope this breeder will have exactly what your heart desires. As you know, male or female you can't go wrong.

[Mvons]

Exciting, a litter born! At first I wanted a female and was worried at the recent litters of 4 males and 2 females. I was told by a breeder that I would have a greater chance of a puppy if I would be willing to take a male because the females usually are saved for breeders. Now we are hoping for a male! But as I told the breeder, personality is higher priority if there is a choice.

What are you looking for pricewise? Price is no object. I'm not asking until we know if the puppy is pet quality for physical reasons (like Pepper had a turned out paw which was a lower price) vs just not meeting standard - too small, ears too big which wouldn't reduce the price much at all. Besides if the mother has a c-section the breeder may have to raise the price. If no price is set yet, no one feels restricted. After all what we pay for a puppy is a drop in the bucket compared to the costs during it's life. Pepper lived the same years as our toyota and cost a lot less for the enjoyment she gave. Now if our toyota without a running engine would only sell.

I researched on-line the lineage by typing in the dog's name, but also typing in the breeder's kennel name - the first part of the name. That helped on the 4th generation out where some photos are no longer posted. What was also fun was to see some of the siblings of the grandparents or parents. Such variety of colors.

The breeder decides when the puppies go home. Do let them know about the herding and agility as that may help determine which puppy is best for you.

I recommend a variety pack of nylabones to see which type the puppy likes to knaw. They never go bad if they don't like a type. Pepper liked the nubby one as a senior and wouldn't touch it earlier. You never know.

Merrie

[MrsGrace]

So, I heard from the breeder yesterday morning early via email. She wanted to know if I was interested in her litter, I replied in the affirmative... now I'm awaiting her reply. I emailed her back right away yesterday morning and have yet to hear anything. Obviously, she has her hands full with her puppies, so I'm curious... (and trying to be patient! )

What is the etiquette here? Should I wait another few days and then call? Or call sometime tomorrow morning? Just a casual check in?

I'm just so excited....

[Dillydoodle]

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[Jespah]

Yes, I have gone through the same anxiety waiting to hear from a breeder - they are busy people at the best of times - but with a new litter can be very difficult to catch in person. Just call or email - they want good concerned owners.

Congrats to you, you must be so excited, these will be the longest 12 weeks of your life!!! But - think of all of the shopping you get to do!!! Are you going to get a sidecar for your spiffy r