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breeder questions

2K views 6 replies 5 participants last post by  mom24doggies 
#1 ·
Hello all, I have posted a couple times before and just finished reading through a thread on choosing a breeder that shows over one that does not. I am trying to inform myself in order to make the best choice but I just get overwhelmed the more I read on here. I know nothing about showing and wouldnt even know where to begin should I want to. I am still trying to figure out the raw diet vs dogfood.
Anyway, i have decided on a black mini poo. I live in the Atlanta Ga area. I can not find a non backyard breeder here. Surely there must be someone who shows minis in Ga! I have never owned a show dog. Do they tend to be more hyper and difficult than a non show dog? And if a dog has better breeding, why would it be more difficult? I would think it would be the opposite.
I have been thinking about EagleHill, but she has agility dogs and I just want a pet. Somewhere in the middle of couch potato and hyper. lol.

Does anyone know of a reputable Ga breeder of mini poos. I tried to look on here for a list but couldnt find the thread.

Thank you all for your help.
 
#2 ·
There are many great poodle breeders. I just went and visited a local poodle show and saw so many amazing and beautiful dogs, super friendly dogs too! I don't think you need to worry about your dog being a show dog if it comes from show stock or being an agility dog if it comes from agility stock. Most breeders have told me that show dogs are only show dogs because of the way they are raised. My current breeder is very reputable and is actually flying to judge in Japan. She has said that a show dog has to be raised as a show dog and you can't treat them the same way as a pet or they don't perform in the show ring as well. She says they need schedules and after they are done showing and retire then they can be spoiled and be pets. A backyard breeder just sounds negative, I don't like that term because I don't think anyone should get a dog from a backyard breeder...that sounds like they don't spend any effort on their dogs. There are reputable breeders however that do NOT show. I have met some and they have great dogs too. They breed primarily for personality and sometimes color, but a reputable breeder--even if not a show breeder will still perform the necessary health screenings. I think that is an excellent way to screen for your new puppy. I would be highly cautious if someone doesn't do health screenings. A breeder whether a show breeder or a hobby breeder (hobby sounds better than backyard), who does the necessary health screenings, well that shows they have a comittment to the health of their dogs. A reputable breeder will also screen YOU to make sure you are a good owner. My breeder required 5 references. A good breeder will care about their puppies long after they leave her/his home and travel to their new families. Good luck in your search and remember that basic health screenings will give you some peace of mind that you have done all that you can do to find a healthy dog.
 
#3 ·
I haven't shown poodles yet, but have a moderate amount of experience with showing AKC greyhounds and being around a variety of other breeds and their owners. I have to disagree that show dogs need to be treated differently than pet dogs. Except for coat care and teaching a show dog to stand for inspection, gait properly in the ring, etc., there isn't any difference that I've experienced.

As to personality, yes, there are genetic and environmental factors which might influence personality and behavior. But there can be wide differences in behavior in any litter of pups, clutch of chickens, or human family. Some breeders will do temperament testing, which can help you pinpoint the kind of basic personality you are looking for (Volhard Testing is one such test).

Go with your gut, get a variety of opinions, and good luck with your puppy search.
 
#4 ·
I think I am just going to go with EagleHill. I really liked what I read. For all intents and purposes, it appears she does all the genetic testing. I can't find a breeder in Atlanta area that does genetic testing. That doesn't mean they don't exist, but I can't find one on line. I just didn't want to spend 1500 for a pet. Well my husband doesn't lol, I don't really care. My last girl had some of the genetic defects that testing rules out. She suffered a good bit and I dont want another of my babies to go through that ever again. Since I am only wanting a pet, it is important to get a loving friendly dog. When I read somewhere that show dogs temperament were different and more difficult, I was concerned.

And if I am posting this in the wrong place, I apologize. I cant figure out how to post anywhere else. If someone would let me know what to do I will remedy that. ty
 
#5 ·
Please do not settle on a breeder! Look until you are happy and satisfied!!!

when you say genetic testing what testing are you talking about? In my search, I have found that some places say they test, but do not do health testing for everything they should. I have also found some that boast about testing, but when I look at the actual test, I find out I did not like the results!!! If you are interested in learning more, PM me and I can dig up the posts that I read that helped me.

Some people who show dogs do not have dogs with great temperaments, but 'show dog = not good house pet' IS NOT a general rule! I know several show dogs that are therapy dogs now! I also know many actively showing dogs who are house pets with all the spoiling and love the non-showing dogs get. I think the idea of "can't treat them the same way as a pet or they don't perform in the show ring as well." is an excuse. However, the PP is right that just because you get a pup from a show or agility breeder, does not mean you have to compete yourself.

I think I had more to say, but picked a terrible time to post (I am suppose to getting supper ready!) Hope you find the perfect pup for you!
 
#6 ·
She has said that a show dog has to be raised as a show dog and you can't treat them the same way as a pet or they don't perform in the show ring as well. She says they need schedules and after they are done showing and retire then they can be spoiled and be pets.

I probably should have been more careful with my wording. The breeders show poodles are sweet and cuddly dogs. I was just trying to point out that a show dog can be a pet dog, it just depends on how they are raised and what they have been trained to do. The show dogs usually are on a strict schedule with grooming, feeding, exercise etc, but that said are still very much part of the family. Once they retire they make wonderful family pets and can be spoiled with endless treats, put into a comfortable trim without their hair bound up etc. The point really is just that a breeder may breed a dog that can be groomed into a show dog, but it can also make a wonderful pet. I have seen so many poodles on the sidelines at shows that are people's cherished and pampered pets who love the breed and often are more stunning to me than the dogs being shown inside the ring.
 
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