Hello Everyone,
I am new to the forum and found this site while researching about how to find a breeder. After spending a few days staying up late reading posts, i have decided to join in. I am so excited and thankful to be part of this community.
I started out looking for a poodle to be my companion for long walks & jogs. I'm an artist, so work at home and would love my dog to hang out with me while I work. After failing to rescue a poodle, because it went to another family, or because I didn't feel experienced enough to care for the dog's trauma, I've come to the idea of seeking a breeder. But finding a breeder is about more than avoiding a puppy mill! There is so much to understand about the testing, nurturing- socialization, showing and homing of the dogs! What constitutes a "good breeder" is continually being re-defined... I have a few questions.
1.) I have seen a number of people post a preference for breeders who show their dogs. Is this important so as to instill a better puppy culture by the adult dogs, because they are more stimulated and engaged? I was trying to explain this to someone else, and realized, I didn't quite understand why it is important - are there beneficial things that come from that kind of environment?
2.) It seems like some breeders breed their own dogs with each other, and some look for partner poodles outside their own pool of poodles. I'm guessing this is to diversify the gene pool? How many dogs constitutes a "small" home breeder?
3.) The advice page strongly advises seeing the puppy with the mom. Would this be before you have put a deposit on your puppy, when you pick up or is a visit to the breeder before agreeing to a contract advisable and customary? So far, no breeder has invited me for a visit, but I've only spoken with 2 breeders.
4.) Although I see that there are big range of rates for puppies, how much should I expect to pay for a well bred family dog? I've seen 1200- 1500- 1800 and 2000 dollars up to 3500. I want to attend obedience classes, and hopefully more classes so that I can learn how to offer my dog stimulating and engaging interactions, but I don't want to show.
5.) Finally, I live just outside Chicago, and am willing to drive up to 8 hours to get a dog. Any recommendations for breeders is most welcome! I have been combing over the site to find recommendations too.
Thank you everyone, this is such a great forum. I look forward to posting a picture of my puppy or dog once he/she comes home!
I am new to the forum and found this site while researching about how to find a breeder. After spending a few days staying up late reading posts, i have decided to join in. I am so excited and thankful to be part of this community.
I started out looking for a poodle to be my companion for long walks & jogs. I'm an artist, so work at home and would love my dog to hang out with me while I work. After failing to rescue a poodle, because it went to another family, or because I didn't feel experienced enough to care for the dog's trauma, I've come to the idea of seeking a breeder. But finding a breeder is about more than avoiding a puppy mill! There is so much to understand about the testing, nurturing- socialization, showing and homing of the dogs! What constitutes a "good breeder" is continually being re-defined... I have a few questions.
1.) I have seen a number of people post a preference for breeders who show their dogs. Is this important so as to instill a better puppy culture by the adult dogs, because they are more stimulated and engaged? I was trying to explain this to someone else, and realized, I didn't quite understand why it is important - are there beneficial things that come from that kind of environment?
2.) It seems like some breeders breed their own dogs with each other, and some look for partner poodles outside their own pool of poodles. I'm guessing this is to diversify the gene pool? How many dogs constitutes a "small" home breeder?
3.) The advice page strongly advises seeing the puppy with the mom. Would this be before you have put a deposit on your puppy, when you pick up or is a visit to the breeder before agreeing to a contract advisable and customary? So far, no breeder has invited me for a visit, but I've only spoken with 2 breeders.
4.) Although I see that there are big range of rates for puppies, how much should I expect to pay for a well bred family dog? I've seen 1200- 1500- 1800 and 2000 dollars up to 3500. I want to attend obedience classes, and hopefully more classes so that I can learn how to offer my dog stimulating and engaging interactions, but I don't want to show.
5.) Finally, I live just outside Chicago, and am willing to drive up to 8 hours to get a dog. Any recommendations for breeders is most welcome! I have been combing over the site to find recommendations too.
Thank you everyone, this is such a great forum. I look forward to posting a picture of my puppy or dog once he/she comes home!