I recently came across an add advertising Westie puppies. They are AKC registered, there is a 1 year written health guarantee, both parents are on sight, they are up to date on all of their shots, dw claws removed, parents and puppies are clear of all genetic health problems, and they are raised in the country with small children.
This all sounds really good, but then I came across several other adds that the same breeder had placed for other breeds. It appears she breeds at least 7 different breeds of dogs, all which have the same guarantees and promises as I saw for the Westie puppies.
Do you think this is a reputable breeder? I definitely don't like the idea of several different breeds being raised by one breeder, but then again it sounds like she is really up on taking care of them all, and is even able to offer a guarantee, and they're AKC. What do you think?
2007-01-23 05:11:46 · 10 answers · asked by Sam-I-Am 3 in Pets ➔ Dogs
No, any breeder who raises so many breeds can't possibly find the time to breed for quality. Breeders like that are just breeding for profit; their dogs may not be of the best quality. Even "puppy mills" often offer a one year guarantee, because they know that most medical problems don't become apparent until after one year. If I were you, I'd want to see where the dogs live (the parents of the puppies). I'd want to make sure they live in a decent environment, are well fed, and look in good health. I'd want to see written proof that the parents are genetically tested for diseases and disorders pertinent to Westies (read a good book on Westies to find out what diseases and disorders are usually tested for). AKC is no guarantee of quality, either. "AKC Registered" only means that the parents of the puppy are purebred. It definitely doesn't mean they are quality purebred, or even remotely keep to the breed standard.
I'd really think this one through and do lots of research on the breeder before I bought a puppy from her.
2007-01-23 05:38:12 · answer #1 · answered by rita_alabama 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
There you go !!!!That is a BACK YARD BREEDER.And just think AKC.There is no way you can take excellent care of 7 Different Types of dogs and keep them all separated during exersize.ETC.Beware these people are brokering,by that I mean they will tell a person that buys a puppy that they will buy any and all puppies.And those warranty Papers Beware if it sounds to good to be true it is too good to be true.Read it VERY Carefully!!!The pup would probally have to fall out of a jet airplane to get another pup.And NEVER A REFUND!These warranties are a joke no one in their right mind should ever fall for that!!!AKC is only as good as the person that registers.It is only a Piece of paper.Get to know the Breeder ask for references,Ask about line Breeding,Make sure of names and numbers of mom and dad and make sure they are on premises.Ckeck out the environment ,And if they don,t allow impromptu visits RUN!!!!Just because they are AKC doesn't mean anything.All this Champion stuff is a fancy way of promoting dogs be sure to see the Titles yourself and do not go with name dropping.Also Breed standard You should inform yourself on what you know the dogs should look like.Get a book at Pets Mart or Pet Co or any bookstore.Make sure you know what to look for when you shop.AKC is not the only registry to trust it is all in the things I have mentioned above.There are many more signals to look for,too many to mention here.Good LUCK!!!!!!!
2007-01-23 05:46:39 · answer #2 · answered by mcnatt c 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Run-run away quickly! This is a puppy mill. PLEASE do not support a puppy mill or back yard breeder. What does the health guarantee cover? Can the breeder produce test results that PROVE no genetic flaws will be passed and not just vet checked health papers.? Does the breeder show the mating dogs or have they at least been evaluated by a show judge to determine they are shining examples of the breed? Unfortunately,AKC registration does not guarantee pups to be what breedeers say they are. Please look elsewhere. Contact a branch of the breed club for recommendation to RESPONSIBLE breeders.
2007-01-23 05:43:48 · answer #3 · answered by W. 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would not buy from this breeder and would not think this person "reputable".
Having this many different breeds is a bad sign. Most breeders only focus on one breed and occasionally a second breed that is similar (i.e. border collies and Aussies--herding dogs).
The other issue I would be wary of is that she boasts having both parents on site. It is rare for a truly reputable breeder to own a perfectly matched sire and dam... it can occur, but not typically the case.
Sounds to me like this person has the workings of a puppy mill going on. I would be interested to see what kind of genetic testing that's actually done or if this breeder could even produce the proper paperwork to prove it.
2007-01-23 07:44:54 · answer #4 · answered by Shadow's Melon 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have spotted a red flag! Don't buy from this person! AKC doesn't mean they are from quality sires and dams.
Seven different breeds is not a reputable breeder. I bet the are all small breeds too. Raised in the country is where no one can see what is going on.
You say:
"...but then again it sounds like she is really up on taking care of them all, and even able to offer a guarantee..."
Listen to your first gut feeling. If it doesn't look right don't do it. Don't get caught up in her sales pitch.
Go to www.westieclubamerica.com You can find reputable Westie breeder referrals there.
2007-01-23 05:32:58 · answer #5 · answered by woooh! 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Go check the place out. Ask her if you can see the whelping areas, and where the litters are being raised.
If she says no, then I would be very suspicious. If she welcomes you with open arms to check out her facility from top to bottom, and her dogs look healthy and happy, then she's probably okay.
Thing is, a breeder really should be loyal to one breed, and be doing everything she can to make that one breed better. I wouldn't buy from her because she is so spread out. How is she ensuring that all of her parents are breed standard? A pedigree doesn't mean squat . Lots of substandard dogs are registered with the AKC. You can get an AKC puppy at a pet store, but they are cranked out of puppy mills left and right.
2007-01-23 05:19:05 · answer #6 · answered by GSDJunkie 3 · 3⤊ 1⤋
No, absolutely stay away from this breeder! No reputable breeder has the thorough knowledge or time to be breeding 7 different breeds. Keep on looking and find yourself a better breeder. Why not go to a dog show and meet some westie breeders and owners there?
2007-01-23 05:24:51 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 0⤋
My kennel concentrates on two breeds. In my experience, this kind of thing turns out to be a puppy mill. However, it may depend on how many of each breed she has. Generally, though, it's a puppy mill. Health guarantees aside, I'd look elsewhere.
2007-01-23 06:04:49 · answer #8 · answered by megan nichole 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nope, reputable breeders concentrate on one or maybe two breeds. Keep looking.
Why not check out the West Highland White Terrier Club of America? http://www.westieclubamerica.com/ They should be able to recommend someone.
2007-01-23 05:17:50 · answer #9 · answered by DaBasset - BYBs kill dogs 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
That's a puppy mill.
Do what ever you can to close them down. Call animal control, (you can help them by visiting the property and telling them exact information that is out there) call the irs that they are selling puppies make sure they are reporting their income. Make sure you let everyone know even the papers that had the ads. People are becoming more aware of this being horrible situations for animals.
2007-01-23 05:33:01 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋