Dawn is giving us a description of some of her very practices as an alert now. Please do not buy into this. You DO want other breeders' opinions. How will you know you are getting a good pup without another persons opinion? Just reading a book or taking the breeders word for it is not okay.
Please read all info on heaven sent shih tzu, from this site.
This is in no way an "ALERT" as to who is a "BAD BREEDER", and who is not. Nor do we promote "SECRET PAGES" or "MEMBERS ONLY" password protected pages on our site. This is however an "ALERT" to types of folks you may want to be wary of. To those who are frequent visitors of this page, thank you for spending so much time on our site!
The internet is truly one of the greatest things invented. People can get anything with a simple click of a button from anywhere. But convenience can be a downfall, as well. That is part of the reason, convenience, that pet shops and other "undesirables" still operate.
Just keep in mind, anything can be written on the web by anyone. Whether good or bad, how much is actually legit or pertains to you, the perspective adopter?
Such things as "BREEDER WARS", "SITE COMPETITION", "GOOD/BAD BREEDER" websites, and "LINE JEALOUSY" (Dawn's dogs are not of her own lines) are nothing more than (the persons doing it/saying it) a highly unimaginative selling ploy, and is being used more and more commonly. Those that see these things promoted, should be wary of it. "BAD BREEDER ALERTS" work the same way... Sometimes the information is useful, and sometimes it is not.
A pup and it's breeder should speak for themselves through no words at all, and not by the use of tactless selling ploys, whether it be in seriousness or "just for fun".
There is the thing breeders refer to as "BREEDER WARS". Many times, these are stories or write ins or message board posts that are just one's good or bad experience - then they have their friends write in, or whatever, and it goes on and on to make it seem as though it is a real claim, whether it is or not. What's gossip if it is not juicy, so to speak? This is kept within a circle, and gets bigger like a rubber band ball with each new wrap. Then the other side gets into it. And like the old Atari game Pong... Well, you get the point! The grand word "JEALOUSY" is used - stating one breeder is jealous over another's lines. That one makes me laugh, personally. Everyone's lines go back to a certain few. With enough information on your pedigree, you just might find the same thing elsewhere, or even in your own!
"SITE COMPETITION" - this one is fun. Certain people check another's site continuously, and pick it apart. Then they take the info and place it on their own site in a negative way, therefore attempting to down the initial poster. This is done so "STEALING" is not an issue. This one is very common amongst a few.
Lastly, "GOOD/BAD BREEDER" websites... The way I figure it, if you are all for AKC, they have a suspension list. That right there is internet proof, black and white type. If you want more hands on experience or facts, check it out yourself.
Take all the opinionated "INFORMATION" with a grain of salt. Just like a restaurant... Your friend can rave about the greatness of it, you go and it is awful. Obviously, you both will have a much different opinion, but who is right? Which one of you has the facts? Neither ~ you draw your own conclusions. It is always better to take the time and call, visit, go hands on, and do the leg work yourself. Do not rely on another's opinion for one of your life choices.
I have heard both sides of whether people should adopt their pups from the internet or not. I have done both, and do not prefer one way compared to the other - there has been good and bad points with both. Before you adopt... Research and speak with the breeder (s), visit their homes if possible. You should be able to ask most anything of your potential breeder. Before visiting or speaking to a breeder, you should gather yourself a list of questions that you can refer to if needed. A breeder should always welcome you to their premises (though they do have schedules, do not be offended) and answer all your questions, whether it be then or later. Although you may not be able to go in certain areas (i.E. - nursery) or see the babies for sanitary reasons, you should be able to see most everything else that has to do with dogs.
Also, something to keep in mind... One of the best times to go breeder visiting is when there are NO puppies. This way, you are more tuned into your task, rather then falling for that cute face. I will use a pet shop as an example. Puppies are always available. Either you walk in and buy because: a.) It was just sooo cute, I couldn't resist; or b.) I had to save that puppy...
Ask for references from previous puppy owners, what better reference is there? Ask about their general experience, experience with the breed, how the babies and parents are raised, where they are raised. Ask whatever you feel is important.
THREE PLACES YOU DO NOT WANT TO BUY A DOG FROM!!!
PUPPY MILLS. We've all heard about these places, animals neglected, filthy, deplorable conditions, Some people go ahead and buy from them because they say they feel sorry for the puppy, but remember, if you buy you are adding to the problem and helping keep these people stay in business! If they were not making money they would either stop breeding dogs or clean up their act. If everyone who came across these places refused to buy there, it would not be long before they did not exist.
PET STORES. Most of these puppies come from puppy mills, trucked in, usually from another state. The stores do not check out the places they buy from. They have no idea of the conditions these puppies were raised in. I have seen some of the worst specimens at pet stores. No responsible breeder would sell their pups this way. Also the prices are grossly inflated to make up for the high mortality rate.
BACKYARD BREEDERS. They call themselves "breeders", but about the only thing they know about breeding is to put two dogs of each sex together. They know little or nothing about genetics or heredity. They do not breed to produce quality, healthy pups - they breed because the male "down the street", so to speak, is handy, and a load of cheap pups will make a buck. I have seen this first hand, and it sickens me.
Some might say, "but it's cheaper", and I am sure it is! Trust me you get what you pay for. A good breeder puts alot of time, effort and money in their pups, to assure you will have a happy, healthy pet, and will be there for you if by chance there is an unforeseen problem. Yes, a pup from a good breeder will cost more. A Cadillac costs more than a Kia. If someone's only concern is price, they should go to the local Humane Society. If you want a pet that's socialized, healthy, well bred, has a documented history & guaranteed, go to a reputable breeder.
Thank you S.R. For these great words! Which I believe whole heartedly and have had the same experience with.
Thank you for your time!
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