|
I thought I would address a topic that I often
hear about.
As a breeder who has a website online, I often get inquiries on stud service, and/or puppy
availability. Since I rarely breed, and I am not interested in using my male at this
point, I often make myself available to help these people locate a mentor near them, or
breeders, etc... What I have been seeing and hearing lately really disturbs me, and I felt
it was necessary to address this topic for the potential future puppy buyers out there!!
What I am talking about is the many claims, promises, and "guarantees" I hear
some puppy shoppers are hearing from breeders. Now, first let me say that I am not
referring to any one person, or ALL breeders, but they are out there!
These are the breeders who tell people who are searching for a show puppy one, or all of
the following things when they ask about available pups:
#1 - The pup is a guaranteed winner/champion.
#2 - The pup WILL BE a 'Specials Dog' or 'Top 20 Champion'.
#3 - The dog IS show quality.
While I am newer to boxers, I do have a mentor. I never was told ANY of these things when
I purchased my first show boxer, or my male. So, let me go on to say what I think
about all of the above.
#1- If a pup is a GUARANTEED winner.... I think the breeder would probably hang onto that
pup! There is NO WAY to tell in a young puppy what he/she will be when they mature. There
are many factors, including enviroment, nutrition, etc.. that are variables that play into
how a pup matures. NO PUPPY is a guaranteed winner. If you want guarantees, buy a
finished adult.
#2 - A top 20 winner, or Specials dog?? I wish I had the puppy evaluating skills
that some of these people seem to have. Hmm... I don't think any breeder in their right
mind would state such things about 10-12 week old pups! I think almost every breeder out
there has been surprised by pups, I have heard stories of the 'Ugly Duckling' blossoming,
and the perfect pup in the litter turning out to be a troll! If someone tells you a YOUNG
PUPPY will be a Top 20 dog, I would walk away! (Or ask them if they will be replacing your
'Top 20 puppy' if he/she doesn't make it into the 'Top 20'!!!)
#3- When a breeder STATES 'Show quality' MOST mean 'Show POTENTIAL'. All a breeder can
really see is potential. It would be like looking at a 12 week old baby and saying, this
baby WILL BE a doctor. Or he/she WILL BE 5ft 6 inches tall. It can't be done. All we can
do is guestimate, or make educated guesses based on our knowledge of sire, dam, and lines.
While some of the better traits in puppies can be seen at a young age, no one can
guarantee how they will develop with time. We can see angles, bone structure etc... but
when we say 'Show POTENTIAL' we are basing our opinions on what we see THAT DAY.
(All of the above are not even CONSIDERING attitude, temperament etc... MORE factors that
play into a 'show puppy')
I sometimes am amazed by the things people are told by some breeders about available 'show
pups'. Now, I think you will find MOST breeders to be honest, and open about their pups.
Most of these breeders will tell you just what they see in their pups, and not make any
promises re:the dogs future show career! If you meet the breeder who tells you they 'only'
have 2 show pups in their litter, and that they cannot guarantee you the dog will
finish, but DO tell you what they like about the pups, don't take that as a BAD thing!!
This sounds like the HONEST breeder!!! These are the breeders who ONLY want the BEST
dogs they have bred in the ring, no false promises, no unrealistic guarantees.
I have spoken to my mentors about some of the things I have heard, and BOTH
have chuckled, and asked "Are these breeders prepared to stand behind their
guarantees? Will they make their promises of a champion good if that pup doesnt turn out?
" And both said they wished after their 20+ years in dogs that they had the
evaluating skills that some of these people have!
On to the topic of studs.... lately, I have ALSO spoken with a few people who are looking
at different males to breed to. (I also was in the position in late1998 - I had the same
experience) What I see is that many people with available males tend to 'promote' them, or
suggest them to people seeking studs.
Now, its my position that there are MANY wonderful males out there, and its the bitch
owner who should decide who they will breed to. When I was looking into a few different
options for my 99 litter, I was sent a VARIETY of unsolicited stud information from
various breeders. And, again, I must stress that this is not what MOST breeders
would do!!!! I was amazed at the many times I was told " You should use MY
male!" or, "I'll send you pedigrees, just think about it." If I
wanted information on a male, I would ask for it. The local owners of TWO Sires of
Merit that I talk to on a regular basis have NEVER suggested or hinted to me or anyone
else that I know of to use their male. I think in most cases, the quality of what a dog is
producing is 'advertisment' enough. They have no need to 'pimp' their males, since the
dogs offspring create
enough interest.
Now this also applies to the people who seem to 'chase' anyone who they know
is seeking a show puppy.... (this happens too!) If I was interested in a pup, I would ask,
and likewise - if someone is interested in my litter, they will ASK.
Now that I own a male, I know that I could never in good conscience 'push' or suggest him
to someone as a potential stud. I know the huge responsiblity that goes along with
owning a male, and honestly am in no hurry to begin using my guy! My thoughts are, if I am
the only person who ever breeds to him, he has done what I wanted... after all, he was
bought firstly as a pet, and secondly to add to MY breeding program. If I use him once, he
has accomplished that. I don't feel a male has to be bred multiple times to prove his
'worth' as a stud dog.
I do hope that some of you will find this interesting, educational, or both! I believe
this should be said. Theres alot of self-promotion and not enough honest evaluation going
on in some cases.
To sum this up, I think MOST breeders are GOOD breeders.... but a buyer must know what to
expect, and look out for when they are searching. I think even now, people need to follow
the old adage, "Honesty is the Best policy" and the breeders need to remember
what we are here for, TO IMPROVE THE BREED, not boost our egos! I will also say again,
that I am fairly new to boxers, but its my goal to NEVER forget the things I was/am taught
by my mentors, and to never stop learning about my breed. Its my opinion that we would do
best to follow the rule that, the day we think we know it ALL, is the day we need to get
out of breeding.
|