Breeder re-home

Codes

Active member
Have any of you breeders done this? Re-homed a dog that didn't turn out to your expectations or place a dog to make way for a new, promsing pup? I've always felt that getting a dog is a lifetime commitment. It's not a snap decision and once a dog is home with you, it stays, always and forever

Fast forward to the real word. Or, a good breeder's word, if you will. Most breeders breed for themselves *myself included* and are hoping to keep a nice pup from their breeding. If you already have multiple dogs when that nice puppy comes along, sometimes a decision needs to be made. And not an easy decision at that. Should you place an older dog or a pup that you were growing out but that just didn't come up to your expectations? Should you just place the puppy and keep the older dogs you have at home? Hard decision.

I think sometimes life throws us a few surprises. I've placed a couple dogs over the years and it seems the dogs/pups I've placed have been fated for those particular owners. It was a match made in heaven.

Take my handsome boy Radisson. My love bug and a half!! I wasn't actively looking to place him. Someone called several months ago and told me about their family dynamics and it seemed Rad would be well suited for them. I put off meeting them for several months. I just couldn't part with my handsome man. No family would ever be good enough. The family and I still kept in touch via email and phone and by the time I set up the appointment to have them come by I had a pretty good idea of who they were and what they were all about. The day came and Radisson immediately took to them and they him. They took him home that day. And called me that night with an update:) I cried. I'm such a sap. But I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that he had an awesome home.

This breeding biz is difficult from every angle. Placing a fabulous dog in hopes of keeping a pup that will hopefully turn out someday is brutal. I've been blessed in that the right homes/people found me. Doesn't get any easier though...

Here's Radisson with his new family




 

nsmarlis

New member
Like Brad, I've been the beneficiary of breeder re-homes & I feel so blessed. Siren was the first, at 14 mos. was not quite what the breeder wanted, a little long in the body. Fonda, her littermate, came a few months later. Being placed because she was a nervous, shy dog & it took over a year for her to be comfortable out & about. Morgen had been the breeders pick of the litter (sorry Brad :D ) but she didn't like to show. And Gracie came because he Penn hip results were such that the breeder felt she shouldn't be bred. And I wasn't the best home for Gracie. A natural in the water, she should have gone to live with my friend at the lake. Instead we went to the lake a lot. And Volare; well, Patti had retired Volare. He came to me & at age 8 had quite a show career here, earning his Canadian CH & winning Veterans at both Am. & Can. Nationals. :) And now Frankie who has a heart murmur & Wendy - a little wee. I've had 16 dogs over 40 yrs. The aforementioned were ones that breeders had kept back for themselves. Others have come because they were returned to the breeder or rescues. My first two were puppies. But never again!!!!
 

Ginny

New member
Letting pups go and, more so, letting adults go, is one of the hardest parts of breeding. We border on becoming hoarders rather than breeders if we keep them all. My mentor once told me, "there are better homes than yours". While initially shocked, a bit insulted, and in disbelief, I've come around to her way of thinking. Even though my dogs and yours aren't 'kennel dogs', placing a dog in a loving one or two dog family, where they're sure to get tons more attention, is doing what's best for the dog. It's so very hard to do and I, like you, sob when they leave, but revel in the happiness you see in their eyes in the family photos...
 

2Paws

New member
Glory was a breeder rehome. She earned her championship and produced two nice litters of puppies. When her breeder made the hand off to me, she whispered in Glory's ear, "Make us proud" and started crying. I gave her a hug and asked if she was sure about this and she said yes.

Glory didn't make the adjustment easily. She is just that kind of girl but she eventually adjusted and we had an incredible journey together. Glory did make her breeder proud. She earned her CGC, DD, CD and WRD to become a VN at the age of seven.

She now is a very outgoing, happy, sassy senior and I can't imagine our life without her. I now understand what a difficult decision this is for conscientious breeders and I'm very thankful this breeder thought we were a good enough home for Glory.
 

new_2_newf

New member
I've also been lucky enough to have a re-home. At 8 months, my Sulley just wasn't what his breeder was looking for in her program, and he HATED showing, so she placed him. He's my first newf and beyond any expectations I could have expressed to his breeder. She got that match dead bang on.
 

Jager's Mom

New member
I can't imagine letting one of my dogs go to other good homes...it must be extremely difficult for breeders to do.

I, for one, never thought that I would want a re-home adult dog... BUT there was one dog....one VERY SPECIAL BOY.... (someone on NN knows exactly who I'm talking about)...that changed my mind. My newf, Bear and I both fell in love with him! Unfortunately, the timing wasn't right... And to this day, I am still sad about it. But I know that he went to a very good home...and is happy and healthy! (I've seen pics). All is good in the newf world.
 

NewfieMama

New member
Cooper is a re-home and is absolutely my heart boy. He went to a home, returned at 6 months for allergies, re-homed to a family who suffered a tragedy and could not keep him, shown by the breeder (he is cute but small to finish, and not competitive in nature). We got him at 2 1/2 and he is PERFECT for us. I've since spoken with many families interested in Newfs but not necessarily a puppy, mostly active families with kids, an recommended they inquire about re-homes as well as rescues.

I LOVE the family pic - looks like you made the best choice for the family and for your boy!
 

BLCOLE

Active member
Morgen had been the breeders pick of the litter (sorry Brad :D ) but she didn't like to show.
No problem! You are probably aware that Vinnie had some orthopedic issues and nerve damage in his back; that's probably why Morgen was the favorie.

I'll make an admission though, Marlis. My favorite Newf so far has been Daddy Zeus! He was the perfect first Newf, my angel dog. I could leave him in the back of my station wagon with the hatch open and he'd be there when I got back...
 

blphome

New member
Our Token was re-homed from the breeder we got Lewis from and she's a wonderful dog. I realize it must be difficult for you as a breeder but if everyone's happy isn't that a win for all involved? No cure for the sadness of giving up a wonderful dog but some of the sadness is offset by the joy he's bringing to that family. Think of all the good Karma from making that family happy!
 

Sound Bay Newfs

Active member
Cooper is a re-home and is absolutely my heart boy. He went to a home, returned at 6 months for allergies, re-homed to a family who suffered a tragedy and could not keep him, shown by the breeder (he is cute but small to finish, and not competitive in nature). We got him at 2 1/2 and he is PERFECT for us.
I couldn't be happier that Cooper found the perfect forever home. :)
 
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