Hello everyone,

I got an interesting reader question last week and I am hoping that some of you might have some input to answer this gentleman’s question. I do not have much experience with dog breeders.

Here’s the question and I hope to get some input from you guys! Thanks.

My problem with breeders is more on the light side. Say you want a dog. I’ve had Cairn terriers, Goldens, and I’m presently looking for an English Setter. I think it’s easy enough to look around, talk to a handful of breeders, and select a decent breeder. I believe that I’ve been fortunate enough to talk to a good number of caring, knowledgable, responsible breeders. The problem for me comes about when I want any kind of commitment from the breeder about my “place in line” and my ability to select a pup from an upcoming litter.

Most of the breeders I settle on here in WI only have one to three litters a year. I think this is good because we’re talking about responsible breeders who care about what they do and act responsibly in the breeding area. But when I ask if any pups will be available from the next litter I start getting the runaround: “I hate to tell you that you will get a dog because you may be very disappointed if this doesn’t actually happen so I’ll just tell you you’re on the list and maybe you will get a dog”.

What becomes clear over time is that a web of intrigue exists involving the breeder’s needs for future dogs, the stud dog owner’s pay-off (usually one pup from the litter), the needs of any breeder friends the litter owner is hoping to satisfy, ya-da, ya-da, ya-da.

Bottom line: if I’m just Joe average asking a good breeder to sell me a dog, I won’t get a straight answer about where I stand in line in the puppy selection process. I fully understand that litter sizes can be erratic. But if I’m willing to pay for a dog ahead of time, or place a substantial deposit, why can’t I be told that I will get, say, #2 choice or #3 choice or…?

It seems that the deck is strongly stacked against the family pet buyer or, in my case, the family pet buyer who entertains at least a thought of breeding his animal. Good, responsible, talented breeders don’t have too many litters per year and they keep most of the best dogs or sell them to breeder friends. A guy like me is going to get a decent dog, well cared for, well socialized, and with parents who have passed xray tests, etc., but is not going to get much of a pick of the litter and is not likely to get an animal worth breeding. Add to this the fact that the last two purebreds I bought in the last 10 years came with a contract I had to sign promising that I wouldn’t breed the dog (must be spayed/neutered to get AKC registry; what’s the point).

I like the idea that I’m getting a dog with parents certified against physical problems. I like talking to good breeders and getting insight into the breed. I like the care responsible breeders provide their pups.

I dislike the idea that I can’t seem to purchase a good breeding dog. I also strongly dislike the buying process, in which the breeder typically fibs to me about what’s going on. What’s going on is that I’m at the bottom of the food chain. I’m considered a “pet owner” and their’s no way a breeder is likely to give me desireable dog from the litter no matter how much I pay or how long I’m willing to wait.

I love dogs. I want to purchase an animal with the best chances of good health. I would like the possibility of breeding my dog. I only see this last possibility as feasible if the breeder will help out, as I know I don’t have the necessary knowledge to do this.

What do I have to do to get a first rate dog? Most breeders seem to have arranged for the sale of the most desirable pups and will only sell “pet” quality dogs to the general public.

Any thoughts?

John K.