Are Breeders Part Of The Problem As To Why Puppy Mills Exist?

May I ask why you have decided on getting a Doberman? Since they are best with experienced owners, they wouldn't be appropriate for many "regular customers". One way an inexperienced owner wouldn't be like every other regular customer is if he wanted to get involved in showing

Has it occurred to you that the breeder feels inclined to turn you down for some other reason, and issue of showing is being used as a deal breaker? We don't know you, and we don't know what you, as a pet owner, possess that will enhance the life of a dog.

I'm not implying you want a Doberman as an attack dog or something. I'm curious about your expectations, about whether you understand what would be involved in raising one. Reputable breeders should be willing to take a dog back at any point in its life, but I'm sure they want to minimize the chance of it.

They are asking you if you've raised a Doberman before, and you have to answer no. It's like applying for a job for which you have no experience. The dilemma, of course, is how to get experience if no one will hire you. Tsk....shelter or rescue.

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I'm really sorry about your Doberman puppy having to be put to sleep. A few months ago I tried to help you find ways to exercise him when it was cold out.

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=ArzDk...

You had a heck of a time crate training and housetraining. Are you sure you're ready for all this again so soon?

Any breeder who breeds for show also has pet quality puppies and if a breeder says they don't, they are likely crappy breeders to begin with. There are plenty of good breeders who will place a good puppy in a pet home. The problem is unlike the puppy mills, they don't breed a ton of litters and have them made to order at the drop of a hate. You have to be ready to wait for good as a responsible breeder doesn't have litter after litter after litter. If a breeder has a litter and only the show quality pups are left for placement, sometimes they will place them in non-show homes anyway but basically they have fairly long lists of pet homes and you have to be patient. No, breeders aren't the reason puppy mills exist - irresponsible, impulsive buyers are why puppy mills exist.

add: BTW, simply because a breeder is a member of the DPCA or their breed's parent club in no way means they are automatically a responsible breeder - there are a number of irresponsible greeders in the DPCA but the comments you say are actually pretty indicative of a responsible breeder -- they don't have puppies available all the time but do have lists of people waiting - if you want a good dog, establish a good reparte with several breeders - go to trials and/or shows and meet their dogs and learn more about the breed and don't expect to purchase impulsively and yes, even after waiting a year a purchase can be impulse based.

Also, you post this on a public forum and will get the responses you get - trying to dictate what you get so that it is something that suits you says way more about you than those that would respond as you whine about. Perhaps after talking with you a while, the breeders realized you are not suitable as a home for a Doberman, regardless of what you think about yourself?

Responsible breeders do not have pups available all the time. And often they have waiting lists, expecially for pets.

Yes, the "pet quality" pups from my experience are way more in demand than the "show quality". Simply because with show pups you have to put in more time, work and money to show them, or have them shown.

As a breeder, I have found that people are very frustrated that my "pet" pups are difficult to get (just supply and demand -- I have 1 to 2 litters a year -- maybe that's 6-8 pet pups). I'm not doing this on purpose, I just don't have the time and energy to do more litters than this. I will offer a show pup, if they live close and will let me groom him, train him and show him (they pay the show fees). Few people even want to make the minimal effort.

I do refer to other responsible breeders in the area, but guess what -- they are like me, can only do a litter or two a year at best, so again, pups are in high demand.

The best thing to do is get on a breeder's list and wait a year or two. I know it sounds long, but you will have a wonderful dog at the end of this wait. Depending on the breed, rescue may have some nice dogs. Dobermans are fairly common (unlike my breed) so you may have some luck there.

The other option is think about showin g your dog -- it is a lot of fun and you'll open up a whole new area of interest for you!

As someone else said, all reputable breeders have pet quality puppies available to good homes that do not want to show or breed. That is how I got my lovely dogs. However, good breeders do not always have litters of puppies waiting for buyers to show up. Each litter is carefully planned, sometimes years in advance. Also, due to the economy, some breeders are holding off their breeding because the potential quality homes for their puppies are not as plentiful.

If you are serious about getting a well bred Doberman ask to be put on a waiting list. A well bred puppy from the right breeder is worth the wait.

Also, you can visit some shows and go meet the breeders in person. It is sometimes easier to make a good impression face to face.

Also, have you considered an older pup or adult dog. The breeders sometimes have these available if no litters are planned.

Even reputable show breeders have pet-quality puppies. Even from the best planned litters.. not all of the pups will be show-potential.

Unless you are asking about a breeding dog? No reputable breeder will sell you a dog with breeding rights unless you plan on showing or working the dog.

It doesnt sound like you were being denied a dog.. just that the breeders do not have any litters planned at the moment. Since you are looking for a pet, its almost pointless to put you on a waiting list if there's no planned litters - you will probably find a pet doberman somewhere else long before they plan a breeding.. someone wanting a nice show dog may be put on a waiting list.

I don't know what breeders you have been dealing with but EVERY breeder has pet quality pups. Not every pup is going to be 100% perfect for showing and its possible to run into a breeder with a litterthat was bred strictly for future show dogs, but on average you should have been able to find ONE breeder at least with a pet quality pup or two. And no puppymills exist because they are in it to make money and to take advantage of those who don't know any better when it comes to purchasing a puppy. Their target market are the impulse buyers. Its as simple as that.

And what do you mean the pace changed? Were you flat out told they wouldn't be selling to non-show dog homes? A reputable breeder is not going to turn someone away without good reason. Every breeder I have run in to will gladly recommended another breeder if they don't have what the person is looking for in a pet.

ADD: it would help to know exactly what you said beyond you weren't planning to show the pup.

First off thank you for going through the doberman pincher club of america.

What you get with reputable breeders is a few pet quality dogs and typically one or two show Potential dogs that at any point could prove unworthy of being bred. Any breeder saying they dont have pet quality pups around is a crapshot. What did the breeders respond with when you stated you only wanted a family pet?

All you have to say is I want a pet quality from your next available liter. If they are providing potential show dogs constantly, I would be worried. I would call again and state you are interested in a doberman, yet you want a pet quality doberman. Do your research and be prepared to answer many questions. Also, do your research about BSL since the breeds you tend to choose have been highly affected by it.

Would you be willing to list who you called?

NEVER go through a news paper! Reputable breeders don't advertise in papers. They don't need to. The majority of their litters are reserved before breedings either take place.

It sounds to me like you have a lot of snooty breeders where you live, which is weird. A lot of dogs bred from breeders who do conformation are usually not show quality. There are so many different little things that can be a huge show flaw. You are lucky if you get 3 or 4 show quality dogs in a litter. Most get 1 or 2 if they are lucky. The rest should be sold as pet quality under a strict spay/neuter contract, and I have NEVER met a responsible breeder who has a problem with that. Again, makes me wonder about those breeders.

If you are going through breeders who breed working line dobermans, that could be your problem. Working lines are WAY different then show lines. Their entire mentality is different. They are based on a drive system. Low drive, medium drive, and high drive. Most breeders who breed working dogs will NOT sell a high drive to someone who is not experienced with the breed and not going to work it. Most are even iffy about selling the medium drives to non-working families, and it is usually only the low drives that are sold as pet quality. Low drives are not nearly as common in working litters. Most dogs bred from working lines will be medium-high drives. So that COULD be your problem.

I don't like how the breeders you are calling sound. They don't sound like good breeders to me. EVERYONE starts as a begginer, and good breeders understand that. A good breeder will work with you and help you find a good dog. If they do not have a dog at the moment that would work for you, they should look at their upcomin litters, or most will point you to other good breeders. I have never heard of a good breeder shutting down the minute you say you aren't going to show their dogs. Again, a lot of their dogs won't be show quality.

Try finding local doberman clubs in your area. They are usually the best place to point you in the direction of GOOD breeders.

Good luck, and just keep trying! You'll find the perfect dog, and be thankful you put all the time and effort into it!

Well it's either reputable breeders or shelters.

If you do not wish to show, reputable breeders will still sell you a dog as long as you sign a spay/neuter contract.

God do no longer purchase from the puppy shop, you're no longer "saving" you're giving them funds for a sparkling dogs to take his place there, and helping what they're doing. all your questions are great to invite, and could be responded by skill of a good breeder, and nevertheless analyzing on the Pug club of united statesa.'s internet site. i do no longer know what "chinese language pug" skill, however the breed itself originates in China. do no longer cost-save a dogs, you get what you pay for.