Breeder search (a wee bit long)

[YorkvilleNewfie]

I'm close friends with a wonderful couple with 2 small children (2 & 5) who lost their dog 2.5 years ago. Misfit was an American Bulldog that, at 7 years of age, attacked their then-2 year old without provocation. With the assistance of a rescue, they placed her into a loving new home about 35 miles away. Even with almost constant contact (via FB) with her new family and given the circumstances of her rehoming, they still strongly mourn Misfit to this day and haven't been the same family since the loss. Being dogless is unnatural for them (as we can all understand, I'm sure.)

They've finally reached the point, emotionally, where they feel they can bring another dog into their family and have enlisted me in every step of the process, including selecting the right breed for them, given their lifestyle, personal preferences and household/family dynamic. (I tried and tried to convince them to go Newfie, but I just couldn't get them over the grooming requirements hump!)

They've finally reached the decision to go with an English Mastiff and as a result, I've found a great regional breed club rescue, but hit an odd little snag when researching reputable breeders. The Mastiff Club of America charges $5 for a listing of MCA breeders! WTH! Is this not the strangest thing?! I mean, $5 is nothing really and I'll pay it, but it certainly is a good way to drive some potential puppy buyers into the arms of less than reputable breeders, don't you think? I could never imagine the NCA doing something so short-sighted! http://mastiff.org/BREEDERREFERRAL.htm

 

[ElvisTheNewf]

I can see the thought - only reasonable people would pay the fee, but I can see the backlash of people then going to not so hot breeders. That kind of happened to us - no newf rescue nearby would consider us since we didn't have a fence, so went the breeder route and ended up with a bad one.

*Elvis is a great dog (we got lucky), but while his breeder is the nicest person, they just aren't that knowledgeable.

 

[Ivoryudx]

I've seen some rescues charge application fee's as well, so nothing surprises me anymore. I agree, it would seem to be discouraging to the general puppy buyer to have to pay to get the list of breeders.

Maggie, I have no idea of what rescue you looked at to get a Newf from, but SCNR does have on all our information that a fence is needed, HOWEVER, we look at each application on their own merits. We actually have dogs who were escape artists and do better leash walked, so we placed them in homes that fit their needs. Its a case by case bases, and while it could slow down the match making process, no fence is not a deal breaker. The applicant must show responsibility of being able to keep a pet safe though. For example, we wouldn't put a dog who bolts into a home without a fence, and young kids. We want to set up the family and Newf for success.

 

[Whybu1]

I can also see both sides of the idea. If you are not willing to pay $5 to find a reputable breeder and support the national club that promotes the breed then you probably are not an owner they want. It can however lead to people guessing about breeders.

 

[Capri]

I believe it discourages people that are still unsure of the breed to even contact the club, or contact reputable breeders. I know that it's not a lot of money, but to me the hassle of paying it is more than I would bother to do to get a list of breeders (especially when I can google "dog breeders" for free and for no hassle ). I definitely think it's a very bad idea. Glad you're helping them out!