puppy?

Kelly

New member
I am in the process of looking for a Newfie puppy. I have done a lot of research on the internet and have come up with a list of breeders who sound reputable. What do I do now??? Is there a "better business bureau" for breeders? I know it's a silly question..but I want to make sure the breeder I buy from is dedicated to bettering the breed, and also that the pup I purchase has been properly socialized. I know there are a lot of reputable breeders out there, but I also know there are a lot of unsrcupulous people who are only in it for a buck...How do I know?????
Any advice you could give would be helpful!
Thanks
Kelly
 

Jeannie

Super Moderator
Oh Kelly it will be so easy to tell a reputable breeder from a back yard breeder. Some of the things you should check are
1. Does the breeder have certifications for the parents hips, heart and elbow. If not walk away.
2. Does the breeder take time to answer all your questions? Are they knowledgeable answers?
3. How long as the breeder been breeding? Can you get info on any other puppies she has sold just to see them?
4. Does she show her dog? Remember just because she does not show does not mean she is not a reputable breeder.
5. Does the breeder ask a LOT of questions about you? Most reputable breeders are very picky as to whom they sell their pup.
6. Find you local newf club, go to a meeting and you will learn so much and meet many GOOD breeders. If not they can surely direct you in the right way.
7. Most reputable breeders will have a waiting lists to get a puppy. But sometimes things happen where they will have one immediately.
8. Do they only breed Newf? If they breed more than one breed they are most likely a puppy mill.
9. Do they only have 2 dogs a male and female newf? Beware, most backyard breeders will have a pair of breeding newfs because it is cheaper than paying stud fees. But again that is not always the case.
10. How clean is the premisis? Can you see that the dogs are really loved and live in the house or are they just dogs outside in an old barn or something. (If they are in a NICE kennel that would not bother me at all.)

For the most part. Use your common sense and let don't let your heart guide you. Those cute puppies can cause you to forget so much.
Hope this helps


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Jeannie and the rescues
Sara, Samantha and Panda
www.newfland.com
 

Kelly

New member
Thanks Jeannie
Your tips will help. Because I live in a very small state..There is not a Newf Club, and there is only 1 breeder of newfs in the whole state. I have talked to this breeder, and although he seems very nice, I wanted to look at some other breeders so I had something to make a comparison. I contacted a couple breeders I found on the internet..and although they sounded very nice and sincere, my red flags went up at some of their comments. The first one I spoke to (who bragged about all the championships his dogs had won etc....)told me he was breeding 4 bitches this spring. How in the world can he properly socialize 4 litters of puppies at the same time? He wasn't the only one I spoke to who had a similar story.
Many breeders spoke of their "kennel" dogs and their "house dogs". This to me sounds like a puppy mill situation, however this same breeder has won many awards for his dogs. How am I to know?
well..gotta go
thanks again for all your help
 

nice newfie

New member
My breeder has been involved with Newfs for almost 30 years. At the moment they have about 12 or so, The oldest four live in the house, and the expecting mothers also stay there until the puppies are weaned, the puppies are in the house to be socialized with everybody included three cats. The others in the kennel all get personal time ,as they are involved with carting, and drafting, and obedience, and show their dogs as well.I would ask a breeder, What they do with their dogs.I have a black male, and I'm in Norhtern Ontario.
 

Jeannie

Super Moderator
Kelly,
I would not be alarmed that a breeder has kennel dogs. I know of a very reputable breeder that has "house" and "kennel" dogs. (one I use to work for) Even though the dogs may be in the kennel, many times that kennel is as nice as the house and they do spend much time with their dogs. Bitches due to whelp are kept in the house from before whelping until the puppies are weaned.

The one breeder you spoke with that was planning to breed 4 bitches this spring. Did you ask him if they were all HIS? Many breeders stud their dogs to outside breeders.
As far as socializing a puppy--you can only do so much until the puppy is older--8 to 10 weeks, by then they will be going to new homes. Most breeders will not let anyone with the puppies until they are a few weeks old--so they are not exposed to diseases. I know the breeder I worked for--when puppies were young no one came in the house from anywhere-even the kennel or from work unless you took off your shoes. All shoes had to be bleached.

Having kennel dogs and house dogs does not make the breeder a "puppy mill" A puppy mill is a breeder that breeds many breeds of dogs or breeding one breed without any cares to better the breed. They breed only for the money.

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Jeannie and the rescues
Sara, Samantha and Panda
www.newfland.com
 

Jeannie

Super Moderator
I didn't mean for you to think that EVERYONE that breeds more than one breed of dog is a puppy mill. I just wanted to inform her of a possible situation to avoid. Maybe I should have phrased it differently. Such as: If a breeder breeds more than one or two breeds of dogs there is a possibility of a puppy mill situation.

I am sorry for stepping on any toes. Please forgive me.


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Jeannie and the rescues
Sara, Samantha and Panda
www.newfland.com
 
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