How to judge Breeders

[sherrynk]

What do you think are the most important things to learn about the breeder, and what's the best way to find out? Do breeders let you contact "satisfied customers" or is that not done?

When I visit a kennel, what things should I be looking for in the breeder/premisis? What should I be looking for when I see the sire and dam? What would be a gold star and what would be a red flag?

When I travelled from Omaha to Phoenix to get my very first puppy, a Belgian Tervuren, I knew very little. But when the breeder said "I separated the pups from their mother at 5 weeks so they wouldn't learn excessive shyness from her" I knew, without knowing why I knew, that I should just walk away. But my heart was set and I'd travelled all that way and I was determined to go home with a puppy, so I made the decision with only my heart and ignored what my head was telling me.

I want to do better next time around. Be prepared. Any words of wisdom?
Thank you for your time.

 

[Nasus]

Sher if u checked the forum on Breeders u would get a list of questions to ask. A good breeder will not only allow u to ask questions but will be questing u as well. The breeder will want to know what you really know about the breed, what u can expect and even if u have enough money for the breed.. not the payment for the pup but the upkeep of a newf. A good breeder will be with the dog for life to answer all your questions and even take the dog back if for some reason you can't care for him/her in the future.. a good breeder will give u a limited owner rights so u won't be starting your own puppy mill or become a back yard breeder. A good breeder won't give u a puppy less than 10 weeks old to take home, or maybe even 12 weeks.
Take your time.. ask lots of questions on NN and if u get an uhoh feeling listen to it.. don't be swayed by fancy Homepages, or words such as "all my dogs are healthy.. we breed for health, or my dogs are breed to not drool. Fancy web pages have got many a newf owner a sick dog.. Anyone can make a fancy web page, lure u in with all sorts of claims but if u know what to ask and if u have taken your time and learned what to expect u won't be fooled.. remember a Newf is a member of your family.

 

[Bluedog]

Hi Sher. Nasus touched on some very good points. As she said check, the General forum here. There is a sticky thread titled Questions to ask breeders. It should answer most of your questions. Good luck in your search.

 

[Sherrie]

One more thing. Many breeders will want a co-ownership on their dogs. This is for the dogs protection. If that happens be sure you have everything spelled out on the contract. Things change over time so it needs to be in writing.
Sherrie
http://chimneyrocknewfs.tripod.com/

 

[Pam G]

Originally posted by Sherrie:
Many breeders will want a co-ownership on their dogs. This is for the dogs protection.

Are there breeders out there that require co-ownership with pups sold as pets..or just breeding and show prospects?

 

[sarnewfie]

some breeders will co own both so they can for sure get them back should they be returned to a shelter instead of them.
some do it so as to keep track that they were registered properly.
there are a lot of reasons they may do that for a whole litter instead of just the show breeding prospects.
ANY breeder you consider should be your COACH
look at it from that standpoint and it is self explanatory.

 

[Sound Bay Newfs]

One of the best things you have already learned is to trust your gut feeling about a kennel or breeder. When visiting a breeder, go with an open mind. You can narrow your search by seeing newfs at local events and asking for recommendations. You can do this by joining your regional club, going to their fun events, and going to dog shows.
You can find more information about this on:
www.infodog.com (show information)
www.newfdogclub.org (NCA site - to find regional club and breeders list).
This board is a great resource to learn about the breed too.

 

[ardeagold]

Are there breeders out there that require co-ownership with pups sold as pets..or just breeding and show prospects?

All pups that come from Canada to the US, and are going to be AKC registered must come in on a full registration, even if the puppy isn't to be bred in the future, per the contract.

Co-ownership often insures that IF a pup is supposed to be neutered/spayed and is instead bred, that the co-owner can contact the AKC and insure that the resultant puppies are unable to be AKC registered.

This is just one scenerio that explains why many out of the country breeders require co-ownership. However, there are MANY reasons for co-ownership.