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36 Posts
I know I have been a member here for ages, and rarely post, but I am very shy, and don't much care to have too much info out on the internet. However, I read all new threads every day, and feel just as much a part of SM as you all do!
I wanted to get that out of the way, as I usually only post when I have a question (sorry:blush
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My question is, can any of you provide me with advice on finding a reputable hunting dog breeder?
I am helping my brother in his puppy search, and know exactly what to look for when looking for a maltese puppy, but what about a hunting dog (I'd rather not say the breed or name of Kennel we're considering, as I wouldn't want my post on here to jeopardize my brother's ability to get a dog from them)?
One particular breeder we have spoken with and are really leaning towards (have already spoken about upcoming available puppies) participates in AKC sanctioned hunting events, and has dogs who win at these events, and is an AKC judge for some of these events as well, but does not participate in conformation. Is participating in confirmation a must for him to be considered reputable? I should also say, I found him through the breed club's breeder list, which, just like the AMA, has a code of ethics which include a minimum age for puppy sales, require spay/neuter contracts, etc (although I do also realize that being a member of any breed club does not automatically make you a good breeder).
Both parents of the litter (9 puppies, wow!) have AKC and UKC champion hunting titles (which go before their official name), I'd rather not say the exact titles though b/c they are breed specific, but is this good enough? My brother is looking for a dog that will hunt and wants it to come from working lines.
The breeder was very upfront with us about their personalities (the fact that they are very high energy, which we are aware of), and invited us to visit his home anytime to see the puppies and his other dogs (he does not have a website), as well as invited my brother to go hunting with him and his dogs as well (he is located within driving distance for a day trip from where we are). He also keeps all his puppies until they are 12 weeks old, which is 4 weeks longer than his breed club requires, in order to space our their vaccinations and give him an opportunity to start socializing them as well as teaching them to hunt.
I feel his prices are very reasonable, and are definitely within the budget my brother is looking to spend (also this breed is not a really popular one).
So, I realize its impossible to judge the character of this breeder without knowing who he is or what he breeds, but is there any missing information I should be asking? Is the fact that he only "works" his dogs and doesn't compete in conformation a big no no? Would it be possible for him to have the winning track record he does, if they weren't to breed standard?
Any insight you can provide is greatly appreciated!!!!
Thanks,
Momma2Rocky
I wanted to get that out of the way, as I usually only post when I have a question (sorry:blush
My question is, can any of you provide me with advice on finding a reputable hunting dog breeder?
I am helping my brother in his puppy search, and know exactly what to look for when looking for a maltese puppy, but what about a hunting dog (I'd rather not say the breed or name of Kennel we're considering, as I wouldn't want my post on here to jeopardize my brother's ability to get a dog from them)?
One particular breeder we have spoken with and are really leaning towards (have already spoken about upcoming available puppies) participates in AKC sanctioned hunting events, and has dogs who win at these events, and is an AKC judge for some of these events as well, but does not participate in conformation. Is participating in confirmation a must for him to be considered reputable? I should also say, I found him through the breed club's breeder list, which, just like the AMA, has a code of ethics which include a minimum age for puppy sales, require spay/neuter contracts, etc (although I do also realize that being a member of any breed club does not automatically make you a good breeder).
Both parents of the litter (9 puppies, wow!) have AKC and UKC champion hunting titles (which go before their official name), I'd rather not say the exact titles though b/c they are breed specific, but is this good enough? My brother is looking for a dog that will hunt and wants it to come from working lines.
The breeder was very upfront with us about their personalities (the fact that they are very high energy, which we are aware of), and invited us to visit his home anytime to see the puppies and his other dogs (he does not have a website), as well as invited my brother to go hunting with him and his dogs as well (he is located within driving distance for a day trip from where we are). He also keeps all his puppies until they are 12 weeks old, which is 4 weeks longer than his breed club requires, in order to space our their vaccinations and give him an opportunity to start socializing them as well as teaching them to hunt.
I feel his prices are very reasonable, and are definitely within the budget my brother is looking to spend (also this breed is not a really popular one).
So, I realize its impossible to judge the character of this breeder without knowing who he is or what he breeds, but is there any missing information I should be asking? Is the fact that he only "works" his dogs and doesn't compete in conformation a big no no? Would it be possible for him to have the winning track record he does, if they weren't to breed standard?
Any insight you can provide is greatly appreciated!!!!
Thanks,
Momma2Rocky