I think I found a breeder

browbury · #1 11th May 2006, 11:05 AM

We are ready for another one. We have Chico, a boy that was neutered last week. So, now we are ready to find a girl. Chico is not registered and came from a BYB. Now, I have done my homework and will do it right this time. I found a family that breeds only Boxers. They have been breeding with the same lines for 35 years. They say that they have DNA tested before, but do not feel it is needed since they have been with the same lines for so long. They recently bought a couple of males that are German imports that have been DNA(health) tested. They say they can show me their pedigree lines. These people have a waiting list, so I could not get a puppy until mid summer, which is fine. They sell them for $1,250. I feel pretty good about them. I have talked to several other breeders that don't even come close to this. Does this sound like the "quality" breeder that I should be looking for. What else do I need to ask. I really want a puppy but want to do it the right way. Please advise.
P.S. Chico will always be my baby, I just want another, the right way.

Amber
Chico 9/30/2005

bunkermom · #2 11th May 2006, 11:38 AM

Good for you for try to find a reputable breeder this time.

First of all, DNA testing and health testing are not the same thing. If you read the sticky at the top of the forum, you will find what are the appropriate HEALTH tests that need to be performed. And those tests cannot be performed on the bitch and stud until she/he is atleast 2 years of age.

It is also suggested and universally accepted that they should be showing their boxers in conformation, that way they know that they are breeding boxers that meet the standard for this particular breed. Otherwise how in the world would you know? I think my dog is the most beautiful boxer in the world! And everyone thinks their dogs are beautiful, that is why you must show your dog in conformation to an unbaised judge with experience in this breed so they can determine their quality.

Good luck, I hope this breeder is all you have hoped for!!

Autumn

browbury · #3 11th May 2006, 11:49 AM

What she tells me is that since they have been breeding with the same "lines" for 35 years, they have already done this in the past and feel that the dogs are fine because they have never had problems. The father to the litter that I would be getting is the German import that has had all of the health testing done. As for the mother she already has, this is the in the long line that she has always had. I think they do show their dogs according to their website. So, should the mother be tested anyway, even if they have truely not had problems in that many years. Please help! If I'm going to spend that kind of money on a dog, I want things done right. Plus, I want a healthy dog.

Amber

Maxwell's Ma · #4 11th May 2006, 11:52 AM

Both parents should be health tested. Good luck!

browbury · #5 11th May 2006, 12:03 PM

Looks like I still have work to do.

Amber

shaunamarie · #6 11th May 2006, 12:05 PM

I think you should always want the best and it is alot of money. I am thankful to you for wanting to do it right with this one. I would ask to see the paperwork, and is this transaction going to be handled online/ shipping the dog because I really do recomend going to see the pups and parents of course. It is important for the Mother to be tested and I would not buy a pup unless I saw the parents, or mother and paperwork on the father of course, saw the puppies (witnessing temperment, enviornment, etc.), saw and recieved copies of all health and dna testing, and had really nice talk with the breeder.

Just my thoughts though, good luck!!!

**gmacleod** · #7 11th May 2006, 12:26 PM

DNA "testing" isn't a health test

It is actually DNA profiling, and a requirement of the AKC for dogs that are used extensively in breeding programs (ie. bred many times), multiple-sired litters, and for litters sired by artificial insemination. It is also mandatory for imported breeding stock

The primary purpose is for proof of parentage in the event of a complaint...

More about it here: http://www.akc.org/dna/index.cfm

browbury · #8 11th May 2006, 02:39 PM

I really thought they would be the ones. They are only about 30-45 min away. They are actually the best I have found so far. They are AKC registered. I wish this site had a place for private messages. gmcleod would be so much help to actually talk to. I will check the akc website and keep on looking.

Amber

bunkermom · #9 11th May 2006, 02:52 PM

You are wasting your time with the AKC website.

You need to go to the American Boxer Club website and then find members by state. Most members do the appropriate health testing and show their boxers. You will have much better luck going that route.

The AKC is just a registery body and supposed to guarantee your dog is purebred. Even that is debatable!!

Autumn

browbury · #10 11th May 2006, 07:54 PM

I went to the American Boxer Club site and they had a list of breeders for NC. I went to a few and filled out the applications for puppies. One has already said they don't have any. I am waiting on two more.

Amber

SILLY6PAK · #11 11th May 2006, 08:23 PM

i definately do not think you have found the right breeder yet. IF they have done the tests in the past are they able to show you? Just saying there never have been problems does not make it so. I find it fishy that they have not introduced any new blood in 35 years yeat yours will be from a German import. Again asking you to believe that somewhere in the imports past tests have been done. Sounds like they know just enough to slide and still charge top dollar.
Doing it the right way does require a lot of patience. Waiting lists, interviews...
Try going to Boxer shows and meeting Breeders that way. It is tough but worth the work in the long run.