resistance from breeders
by Susan
ORIGINAL MESSAGE:
Recently in my search for a show quality puppy to add to my family I have encountered resistance from breeders who feel they are the only ones qualified to breed the magnificent maltese. On most occasions I have been told that the dog would be co-owned by them until "the dog is finished" in the show ring. It has been said to me, "It would be a shame to have all my work go down the drain and then have you use the dog for a brood bitch." Just because I don't show full time does not disqualify me as a responsible breeder. I strive to improve the breed with each breeding. On the contrary, I spend more quality time with my dogs. I never make money on the sale of a puppy. The veterinarian does all my vaccinations and wormings. I spend more time with my dogs than I did with my children when they were small. My puppies have a very pampered and happy life. I would ask if these people loved their show dogs more.Don't get me wrong, I love to go to shows too. I may even show one day myself. The people who adopt my "grandchildren" could not afford to purchase a "pet quality" puppy from these professional breeders and show people for the ridiculous amount some of them charge. But, they can come to a responsible breeder such as myself and purchase a puppy at a reasonable price. If only show people could breed purebred dogs (as some of them would like to happen) ordinary people would not know the many joys I have experienced since I adopted my first wonderful little maltese. Sometimes arrogance can blind others from knowing something so wonderful. I pray that God will let me know if I ever reach that point. I would like to know how others feel about this subject. Thank you for your input, Susan.
DISCUSSION:
This was a frustrating point for us when we were looking for a furbaby. A lot of the breeders don't want to sell, they don't want us to go to a pet store, they suggest that we adopt from one of the many rescues available, however, the first question is always, fenced in yard? Next! No I don't have a fenced in yard. Chloe hasn't even spent a tremendous time outdoors, because it's been cold. I think that makes me a smart pet owner. The few times I have taken her out, she has prefered to be in my arms than exploring the ground. I think that I am a really good owner. I couldn't even picture myself hooking Chloe's little body to a dog run. And people wonder why so many pet owners ignore their pleas of not making a purchase at pet stores. Sometimes it is about the only way. We got very, very, lucky, but it was starting to look rather hopeless. While I think you should always strive for quality, it would be really nice to see someone who is just as dedicated breed so that others like meself stand a better chance. It is like saying to me that I don't deserve to have a Maltese, because I don't belong in a certain class.
Anne
This is a loaded question to be sure. Unfortunately there is no easy response and no simple solution. I've pondered this question and will attempt to keep my response brief. The breeders are trying to protect their lines, I've not bred dogs but did breed cats and it took years of study - many shows and much time and financial expenditure. I do understand why breeders are reluctant to let go of their lines to someone they do not know and whom they have no idea how those lines will be perpetuated later on. It requires much diligence.
Some of the questions that you ask are dead giveaways that you are not yet ready to begin breeding. This in itself is a reason why a breeder would attach so many strings. There are breeders out there who might be willing to take yuou under their wing and assist your learning experience, but they will attach strings. It is in my opinion to the benefit of the dog, the breed, and all involved that you learn everything possible before delving further into this. Yes, there are many breeders out there who are willing and able to provide you with a breedable female, but one of show quality will have to be considerably older in order for the potential to have been allowed to develop and the dog to properly mature. A breeder who has shown and finished a dog will not allow the dog wo be sold as a breeder, as many will maintain them for themselves or retire them and sell them as pets.
A breeder who will sell you a "show quality pup" is not going to be able to guarantee that pup to be of show quality. Even the best of lines are going to have genetic flukes now and then and the genes need to be studied.
Jay's section on "Reply to Outrageous Prices" is extremely accurate. This does not mean that all breeders charge outrageous prices, it's a totally personal opinion as to what is a reasonable price or not. "What the market will bear" is more common than not. While it's important to breed the best possible quality and most healthy of dogs, it is equally important that they be well cared for and socialized. Any look in a SUnday paper almost anywhere in this country will show you people who are selling pups for as little as two hundred dollars - this certainly will bring to mind many many questions.
As I said, there is no easy answer or simple solution and I do not mean to offend you or anyone, but there is a certain validity to the breeders who so carefully guard their lines and protect their pups.
Leslie R
Thank Goodness! I was beginning to feel all alone in the world. Thank you for responding to my discussion. I would hope that we will always be free to choose the breed of dog we would like to adopt into our family. I can't imagine life without my little furbabies. I almost have to apologize to some people because I am a breeder. It's true that some are irresponsible, and I strive every day to overcome the misconceptions that have occurred because of the unethical practices of some breeders, pet stores, and puppy farms.Thanks to this forum for allowing me to air my frustrations. Susan
Susan
Susan & Anne - I need to add here that I did not meet the criteria for most breeders preferences either when I began searching for a Maltese. Those who did approve of me did not meet my criteria! When I purchased Phoebe we were living in an apartment, not a problem with anyone.... I had had toy dogs before, good.... I had two grandchildren under the age of six living with us - goodbye....... It mattered not that I have had toy dogs for many many years and the children were raised with one. It mattered not that I knew exactly how to groom, what health problem to keep an eye out for or that I was home all day.
It was very very frustrating! I did find a breeder who had children, did not show her dogs because she has a disabled teenager, and had lovely Maltese. She interviewed me and I interviewed her, when we arrived it was love at first sight between Phoebe and I. However, I have since learned that this particular breeder is letting her pups go at eight weeks now and when I got Phoebe at thirteen weeks I was told by her that they all stayed until twelve weeks. If it were not for the fact that Phoebe's bit is off she would indeed be show quality, her breeder did pay for the first teeth extraction and offered to take her back when the vet said her bite was "questionable". I would not have sold her back on day two for ten times what I payed for her!
I now live in the country, have an acre and a half and not a fence on the place. The grandchildren live an hour away, but I doubt if I would be a good Maltese Mom candidate by most breeders because of not having a fence! Never mind that Phoebe is wee pad trained, hates the rain, hates the dirt, and runs this household.
Susan, you mentioned your "granbabies" and I assume you were referring to your pups - well you can then identify with the breeders to an extent. I do hate that it has had to come to such a state of snobbery for those of us who could/and do provide wonderful homes for our pets - that our breed of choice is nearly impossible to come by.Pardon my babbling! thanks
Leslie R
I understand to some extent why a breeder is so careful. But from my own personal point of view, to make it almost impossible to buy a breeder's puppy, and then have them tell me I should stay away from the pet store, is a little offensive. After all the problems with recent litters I have read about this week on the internet, I don't think I could ever put my Chloe through that. But I must admit, when my search was beginning to make me feel dispaired, in spite of the warnings here on MO, I felt tempted to buy a Maltese from the pet store anyway. We are only human, and when one means gets taken, another is searched for. I was very fortunate. God place Chloe in our path before we got to the pet store! By the way, I wouldn't apologise for being a breeder. You will probably never know all there is to know, and always be working at it. If this is the path you have chosen, and are dedicated, you will eventually be as responsible as the experts, who were once beginners themselves.
Anne
Thank you Anne and Leslie for all your input. I get very frustrated at times and it is nice to know there are maltese lovers out there who are as passionate about their little furbabies as I am about mine. I meant it when I said the puppies are my "grandbabies". A piece of my heart goes with each one when he or she goes home with the new mommy and daddy. We are not allowed to call the babies dogs in our house. They are "the children", or "the babies", or "the puppies". I know where each one lives. They receive gifts for their birthday and Christmas. I know I sound a little obsessed, but that's okay. Maltese do that to a person.Yes, Leslie, I can relate somewhat to breeders because I am one. But when I question a potential owner, it is not out of condescendence or snobbery. It is out of a concern for the well being of the puppy and the potential owner. I don't feel it is my job to tell the new owner what he or she can do with the puppy once it leaves my house. Some professional breeders and show people seem to feel superior to other people, especially if the other people just want the love and companionship of a wonderful maltese. I don't want to purchase a maltese of excellent quality if I cannot become full owner of the puppy. Why would I want to spend $2000.00+ for a puppy and have the breeder as co-owner? Believe me, I have been told that would be the case many times. I have to say "Thanks, but no thanks!" Anne, I am so glad you found a wonderful baby to love. I can't imagine life without my maltese children. I guess I have rambled, but this subject always gets me stirred up. Thanks for listening! Susan
Susan
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