Found a breeder close by...they feed raw~!

[schtuffy]

I'll keep these things in mind when I'm looking...I think if I didn't already have a dog, I would be less picky. If I got a dog that needed some work with training and behavior, I could direct all my undivided attention to it. But since I have Louis, the last thing I want is to adopt a dog, and then realize for some reason that I can't care for it or that it has some behavioral issues and won't get along with Louis. Obviously I will do all that I can for a rescue dog that comes my way. And obviously if I did adopt or get an 8 week old puppy, I would never turn it away because it develops some unforseen health issues, I would just rather the odds be somewhat in my favor...

[xellil]

yep I agree - and one thing to keep in mind - I don't know how it is with alot of breeds, but with Dobermans genetic problems often show up as adults, but before they get older - like 2-3 years of age.

since I got my dog when he was 6, I am pretty sure he won't drop dead of cardiomyopathy like alot of Dobies do at a relatively young age.

In the end, i think it's a crapshoot. Personally, I would rather get a little older dog where alot of problems would have already turned up, but then I haven't bought from a breeder so don't have that perspective on what a realistic expectation would be if the ancestors are ok.

good luck! I know you'll get the perfect companion for Louis.

[monkeys23]

I have a good hunch what Lily's background is and I know Scout's (which wasn't good!).

Most Northern breeds that end up in rescue are simply a case of the pet owner being completely unprepared for owning a smart athelete like that. Its pretty easy to get them acclimated to what you need.

If any rescue/shelter won't let you bring Louis and do introductions in a neutral place before any paperwork takes place.... go elsewhere! They should absolutely not only approve, but require the new dog meet the existing animals.

[KlaMarie]

My breeder was the one who actually got me hooked on raw feeding

But quite of few red flags for me too on that breeder, just going by the website. The 3rd sentence on their home page tells you what their focus is:

"We have all coat colors, coat patterns and eye colors. We even have the rare piebald husky puppies on occasion."

It's all about the market for specific colors to them, not health or temperament. And over 20 breeding females!!! Wow, even if some of them are retired and others are too young to breed.....that's a lot of females and a LOT of litters at any one time. I would want a breeder who would be able to give each litter the attention they need, for early socialization and evaluating each pup. Not to even mention health certs and working ability.

If you do decide to go with a reputable breeder, I'm sure there is one out there taking the time to do all the little (and big!) things necessary to have a quality breeding program, plus keeping their dogs on a good diet. Believe me, I did NOT have a dog when I was doing my research which made it even harder to resist the cute puppy faces. But patience, persistence, and not compromising my standards definately paid off in the end.

Good luck!! And I definately expect pics when you do add another dog/pup to your family !!!

[xellil]

From what I have read (and I really have no experience) is that a truly good breeder has a litter per year or less, is truly obsessive about where the pups go to, and never breeds for dollars.

There are alot of things I like about my trainer and I go to him for specific things, but i HATE that he breeds several litters of GDS a year, he has I think three bitches, and sets out the pens during training classes with the puppies to advertise the dogs. THEN you can continue to pay him for training!

Maybe he's good, maybe not. But I know I cringe when I see all the MORE puppies coming into the world.

[schtuffy]

It's all about the market for specific colors to them, not health or temperament. And over 20 breeding females!!! Wow, even if some of them are retired and others are too young to breed.....that's a lot of females and a LOT of litters at any one time. I would want a breeder who would be able to give each litter the attention they need, for early socialization and evaluating each pup. Not to even mention health certs and working ability.

Actually, that thought crossed my mind too! I was looking at past litters and thinking how on earth do they have so many litters per year? Oh right...they have like 40 dogs... Ehhhh

[KittyKat]

Yeah, a lot of females (eeep), and they are just using their own males(?!?)... which to me suggests inbreeding. I'm not seeing any with other kennel names... aka "Awesome Kennel's Flying Ben" or anything to suggest they are bringing in dogs from other locations for breeding.

Etc etc... a lot of red flags. I mean they (Celtic Acres) could be well intentioned or great breeders... but their site is lacking some serious information.

Edit: Upon looking at each page, it seems a few of them come from other kennels... one of which is still related to their own dogs (why?!). Seems like Piper actually comes from championship lines (but the key word is lines... her mom/dad are not champions).

[monkeys23]

Yeah one random champion in a ped does not a good dog make...

[monkeys23]

Here's a website from a reputable breeder as a counterpoint: Kaylenberg Siberian Huskies

[xellil]

Here's a website from a reputable breeder as a counterpoint: Kaylenberg Siberian Huskies

They devote as much information to their rescue work as their breeding on their home page.

They have a bunch of weenie dogs too. Can't beat that!

Edited to add:
I'm really glad you posted that site - they give a great description of the websites of ethical vs. unethical breeders:
http://www.kaylenbergsiberians.com/

Which is timely considering what we were talking about in the pet store thread and i went out and found a teacup poodle site:
http://www.teacuppoodles.net/forsale.htm

Exactly what they said - no mention of parents, focus on puppies and not showing or working etc.