waiting list

[FuzzyDustBunnies]

Someone mentioned being on waiting lists for litters that ended up being small litters, so they didn't get a puppy. This brought a few questions to my mind...
Not knowing how long it'll be til I'm able to get a puppy I often wonder when it's the "right" time to check out breeders. Is it a "turn off" when you tell them you have no idea when you'll be ready for a puppy? Can you be put on a waiting list and turn down a puppy and still be on the list? I've heard of people that it's taken like 2 years to find a breeder and get a puppy...so I'm worried if I don't start looking NOW, that when the time comes I'll be waiting forever! I'm also not sure how to handle looking "seriously" at more than one breeder. Is this frowned upon? I'm to the point now where I'd like to start looking, I'm just not sure of what the "etiquette" is! HELP!!!!!!

 

[ROM Newf]

Contact breeders now. Ask if you can come meet them and their dogs. Once you've visited many breeders, decide which breeder you feel most comfortable with- which dogs do you like the best (as far as type, personality, activity level, etc as all lines are different). Then talk to that breeder- ask them what their "policy" is- do they have waiting lists? (Many don't anymore) How do you get on one? Be open that you won't be getting a puppy for a while. There's no harm done in looking now- and it will make the job much easier once you do decide it's time to get a puppy.

 

[naturemama]

We talked with and visited several breeders and their dogs. We eventually found 2 that we were very impressed with. It took us almost a year from first visit to puppy because what you'll likely find is that many breeders don't breed more than 1 or 2 litters a year. Throw in variables like breedings that don't take or small litters and you may not be guaranteed a puppy from the first litter you set your heart on.

My suggestion is to just be up front with the breeders that you visit. Personally, I wouldn't go with a breeder who was upset if you shopped around. Some things that were really important to us when we were looking:

1) Breeder will not only tell you the positive things about newfies, but also anything that some might find negative (e.g. size, drool, health issues, etc).
2) Breeder appears very knowledgable about the breed and the bloodlines of their dogs. Breeder is able to produce pedigree for pups about to be born.
3) Breeding stock is health certified.
4) Breeder offers health guarantee on pups (when searching, we came across guarantees varying from 12-24 months).
5) Breeder is open to a visit to the kennel. Kennel is clean and well maintained. Dogs are clean, healthy, and friendly.
6) Breeder doesn't breed dozens of litters during the year. In my eyes, this gives the appearance of breeding for money rather than love of the breed or a desire to better the standard.
7) If you can, meet both parents of a prospective litter. You can get a better idea of type of the pups if you see both parents.
8) Don't feel intimidated if the breeder probes and asks many questions about your family and home. It just shows that they care where their pups are placed. Also, some breeders will require more than one meeting before they allow you to be put on a waiting list. In this respect, they are picking you as much as you are picking them.

I know there are others that I am forgetting, but these are just off the top of my head. There is certainly no harm in starting breeder shopping now. It may take you more time than you realize to finally find that *right* breeder. Another suggestion is going to dog shows in your area and talking with those showing Newfies. We went to several shows and not only did we learn alot, but it was great fun as well. Picking a breeder is a big decision. After all, this is a selection that will likely affect your life (and your dog's life) for the next 10+ years.

Good Luck to you

Lisa

 

[ROM Newf]

Lisa said to try to meet both parents but don't be upset or eliminate that breeder if the sire is not there (not owned by the breeder). The majority of breeders do not use their own males. They are not just breeding a male to a female. They have researched and found the best male for that female based on pedigrees, strengths and weakness of the female and male. Sometimes it will work out where a male owned by the breeder can be bred to the female because of the strengths and weaknesses but that often isn't the case. The breeder should be able to put you in contact with the sire's owner and you may be able to see him.

 

[naturemama]

This was the case with one of the breeders we met. They had bred their female with a male not in their kennel. We did have to go to another locale to see him, but it was an option for us. I didn't mean to imply that both dogs would always be at the same location.

Lisa