Back Yard Breeders/Puppy Mills

[Maureen]

kim, jts, Molly and all, one part of our very wonderful "business" as breeders is loving meeting people like you guys who care about your puppy, and realize the value in excellent breeding, not just the right color, or even the "right" coat.

so on behalf of Jac, Di, Linda, and all the other breeders here, and on behalf of our puppies, THANK YOU!

[Jac]

Very well said, Maureen...thank you for adding that extremely important part of the mix.

In support of Maureen's heartfelt thanks...I'd like to add mine too. You guys are fabulous!

[dixiedi]

Thanks Jac, you always have the right words to say and such a way of getting across what needs to be said. This subject is such a thorn in all our sides. I have a real hard time with the fact that there are so many people out there that call themselves "breeders" that have no conscience or heart. How they can hand these puppies, litter after litter, over to brokers, not knowing where they are going to end up or what kind of existence they are going to lead is beyond me. For the life of me, I can't understand why these people can't be stopped. I guess as long as people keep buying from pet shops and from BYB, it will continue

[Jac]

Boy, I hear you! I still have 4 puppies left in my litter and I had a person write wanting to buy one...and I just got heartsick thinking of losing him! I want him to have his own loving home...but what about me?? lol

Yep, I don't get it...how they treat them like "things" instead of family.

[Maureen]

A local family came over to meet me and our puppies. Yet, they were considering buying a puppy from someone 100's of miles away because she would sell them an f1b puppy for $450-500. I read her "guarantee" and it's good for 1yr. and there was NO protection against coccidia, or giardia, once the puppy left her, purporting that none of them were present when the puppy was delivered. Does she offer proof of that before she delivers?

I could not say she was a PM because I haven't been there. But there were so many "red flags" on her site and I was sad that with this fmaily the pricetag was going to trump all of it. I would at least like someone to come and negotiate, if they see any value in the care and temperments, and socialization our puppies have been given.

[dixiedi]

I know, so many people don't have a clue what goes in to raising a healthy, socialized litter of puppies. The sad thing is, they will more than likely end up paying in the end and more times than not, the puppy will also

One day last week, I spent 1/2 the day taking pictures and e-mailing back and forth with this girl in Florida. She filled out my puppy application and she was just in love with Sarah Jane. I spent at least an hour on the phone with the airlines seeing when I could arrange the earliest flight to Florida (and as most you breeders know, most of that time was on hold), when I got that information I e-mailed it to her and told her that this time of year, the flights out of Tulsa fill up really fast because Continental is the only airlines we can use in this heat and if she wanted the puppy soon, to let me know asap. She e-mailed me back and thanked me for taking the time to send pics and get airline info but she was also looking at another puppy from a "reputable" breeder that was selling hers for 450.00. UGH!!!!! Needless to say, I haven't heard back from her so I'm sure she bought the 450.00 puppy. I guess she thought I would come back and say, well, I'll let mine go for 450.00. WRONG!!! It probably all worked out for the best.

[Jac]

You know, money is a strong influence for many people and it is very hard for most people to understand that "reputable" breeding is far different than what they think. So when they see someone selling one of those "expensive" Labradoodles for bargain prices...they jump at the deal. I can't say as I blame them, given the fact that they don't know what we know.

It is very frustrating...still, I try (as I know you all do too) to educate them.

Maureen...I think that if it was only an issue of having a puppy buyer learn the hard way that they made a mistake, I could deal with that...after all, they have to suffer the consequences of their decisions...BUT because this whole thing endangers the life and well being of an innocent puppy, as you have said, I get very, very involved, very upset.

Guess I am just a crusader.

[Maureen]

Jac, I guess we're co-crusaders!

About pricing: how many of our clients are aware of the price of, say, a standard poodle??! Or how about Yorkies selling for over $1000?
It feels like an impediment, but since most of our clientele are Retriever-lovers, do they even know that non-shedding breeds almost always cost more? I know I've written this before but I absolutely fit that category. 6 yrs ago, before I knew of Labradoodles, our family was making the transition from Labs to std. poodles and it was a HUGE sticker shock!

[kim26]

You're right Maureen. I also considered getting a Wheaten Terrier and they cost $2000.00 from a quality breeder.

Plus, I paid $500.00 11 years ago for my Bichon Frise from a reputable breeder, so why shouldn't prices go up like everything else?

[gracielou]

I just bought a red St Poodle puppy and pd 1500.00 so as to get a good guarantee on him. I found out with Rogan how good a breeder is when I had him tested and he had HD in his Right Hip and the breeder won't even discuss it with me!!! That is the defintion of a BYB or PM if you ask me. Any one selling pups without a good health guarantee should not be selling them. I realize I made the maistake by buying him and taking the chance because I wanted red so bad but I didn't make the same mistake the 2nd time around and won't ever again I'll stop breeding first! And it's my life so that should tell you something...

[Maureen]

oh Linda I'm so sorry!

[Kimberley]

[size=12]I am looking into purchasing a Labradoodle and was wondering what question I should ask a Breeder before purchasing... Of course I know some things to ask from reading through this website and others, but thought I'd ask just the same in case I'm missing something..
Thanks for any help you can give
K~

[Jac]

Welcome Kimberly! I am thrilled to see you post this question and I will respond to you in a private email because I tend to be long winded! (So check your private email in box...it's on the menu, at the title part of this page, listed on the bottom. Hope that makes sense.)


Linda...I had no idea! I am so disappointed about Rogan! (And mad as hell at your breeder!)

This is actually a good lesson for all of the puppy buyers...breeders, even with their knowledge and experience can be taken advantage of...there are no sure bets...but some things are important to find out and to contract for...poor Linda...you are so trusting. I am dreadfully sorry.

[Maureen]

hi Kimberly and welcome!
there are several breeders on this site...and I think all of us have puppies available right now.

I think the most important part of working with a breeder is to be able to feel comfortable with who they are and to try to scout out a bit about their reputation. For example, you'll see several posts on this forum about whether someone has had experience with XX________ breeder? And if someone knows something, you'll find out! I offer references, but frankly I feel guilty when I do it because of course I am going to send you to people who were happy with our/their puppy!

one other idea - how about asking if a breeder has ever had a problem with a buyer/puppy that they had to resolve? Most of us have... how did that breeder resolve it? that's just a thought off the top of my head.

thanks for asking such a good question!
best wishes finding your puppy,

[gracielou]

You know it all worked out with Rogan in a very positive way, I found a great lady who was in a car accident and is disabled now. She was on a fixed income and did not have the money to buy a puppy. I ended up giving her Rogan at no charge and he is going to be in a class getting training to help her with simple tasks like opening doors and so one. He will be a great therapy for her and help her live a normal life! Sometimes I think things happen for a reason and fall into place very nicely. His HD was mild and with some calcium supliments and a good owner he will have a full and happy life and give so very much love and joy to his new owner.