I'm sorry but I have to ask 2 questions.I feel lucky to be able to live overseas, so when I looked into buying Ponyo in Japan, and the bloodline and specific Japanese looks, I found the perfect place and most adorable little Malt I could! I get comments from many other military people who own Malts that were from the US and they always say how they can see a differerance in personality, looks, teeth and coat.
I had a friend that was intrested in me finding a Malt for her and shipping him/her over sea's to the US for her. Sad to say our deal fell threw after her husband dident see a good enough reason to spend the $ on a overseas dog.
Same goes for our Lab that we brought into our lives here. Slightly diffrent look, and even though we got her very young, she responds to Japanese and english commands! If my husband (and the military would ship on airfare on their pay!) would agree w/ getting two more dogs here before we leave, I would do it in a second!!!
:goodpost:To me, it was important to find a breeder who fell in what I call my 'accepted ethical breeding practices'. For me personally, that meant they only had the number of dogs in their breeding program that they could give the proper time and attention to, (not just their puppies) which also means they may only have a few litters a year. They of course show, breed for not only the breed standard in conformation, but temperament and health as well. They sell with proper contracts for both pet owners and those who want to show, even if they are not in the U.S. I also want to know when they retire their sires and dams and what they do with them once they retire. And I can go to their home and see their set up personally or have a trusted friend who is able to do that. You all might be surprised how some of these breeders who are really looked up to keep their dogs in their breeding program. I understand that when you are breeding to better the breed, you will need to get more dogs into your program then are the typical number you would see in a pet home and they won't get the same type of time and attention we lavish on our babies. But I do want to make sure the sires and dams get love and attention and play time and exercise time. These are after all, living and loving creatures who are bred to be companions and thrive on attention and don't do so well without it.
This is my concern with getting a Maltese from another country. Can you go to their home and see their set up? Has anyone been to either of these breeders homes that are becoming so popular? I would really love it if someone could tell me they have and what the set up is like. It would truly alleviate a huge concern I have. Their set up may be even more wonderful then I can imagine. I don't have any 'inside scoop' that is making me ask this. It is just something that has been a huge concern of mine.
Another huge concern is that at least one of these breeders has been selling to pet owners without a spay/neuter contract which could lead to byb's and greeders getting their hands on these little ones. Someone said that a contract was going to be implemented. Has it?
These are my main concerns with going overseas for a pet puppy.
There are so many wonderful breeders here in the US who have gorgeous faces, like the ones that everyone is raving about with the Korean lines, and are not the ones that everyone talks about so I think are possibly better at returning calls and emails. When looking at the pedigree of these Korean lines, I think you would be surprised how many of them come from right here in the good ole' U.S. of A. When I started my search well over 6 months ago, I expected that it would be at least a year or more before I found my perfect girl. I was shocked when all of the breeders I had contacted got back to me within days and had a baby available. With the current economy, so many of even the breeders who have had super long waiting periods now have babies available. So I'm really sorry but I don't believe it an accurate statement that the breeders here in the US don't get back to you or don't have anything available or the look you want. The look everyone wants was originated here. I fear this look is now being taken to an extreme that no longer falls into the breed standard.
- and now the Korean look is in high demand. They are absolutely adorable!! And I bet in a year or two there will be another breeder in high demand. Kind of like fashion trends.
Or a dog from a certain breeder with a certain "look" that is appealing to you.
Please don't misunderstand what I wrote, folks.
I am not opposed to wanting an attractive dog. I have one myself, lol.
My point was this: if looks is the most important thing, and careful consideration of a puppy's personality isn't thoroughly investigated, some folks might be sadly disappointed afterward, and it isn't fair to the dog. That is why meeting a breeder and a puppy before buying is preferable, to avoid such situations.
