Is it possible to get an older puppy from a breeder?

SaskiaTas · #1 06-05-2007, 02:13 PM

We are interested in getting our first dog, and are looking for a young boxer. I would really like to get a dog that is still young (under 1 year) but old enough that it is physically able to be house trained and sleep through the night. I have had dogs all my life, but my husband hasn't and I just know that although he is very willing to spent time exercising, training, and loving a dog, his patience has limits when it comes to biological messes and sleepless nights.

I don't want our first dog to cause my husband to get a bad attitude about them, because eventually I want to have more.

I have been looking on Petfinder and have emailed for information twice, but both boxers have been adopted (I'm happy for them!) by someone else. I really would prefer to go with a reputable breeder that has done the medical checks. However, I haven't found any nearby and I'm not really sure even how getting a dog from a breeder works. My questions are:
Do you just find a breeder you like based on browsing the 'net and contact them about future pups and put a 'bid' in for a future pup?
Will breeders keep puppies until they are a bit older?

I hope I've put this question in the right forum...thank you for any advice you can offer!

ELubas · #2 06-05-2007, 02:44 PM

Hi there. You can go to the AKC website and they have breeder referral or the American Boxer Club or a local breed club. Remember just because you go through breeder refereral you still need to do all your research on the testing the breeder has done. Some breeders will have older puppies they are willing to sell. Some they thought to show but it did not pan out or pups returned to them. Have you thought of trying boxer rescue. They tend to have lots of great dogs and some are quite young as they get turned in when they become boxer crazy. Good luck in your search

Mega's Mom · #3 06-05-2007, 03:00 PM

Well, I got Cornelius at 16 weeks from a reputable breeder. I was actually looking for a younger puppy and had been dealing with another breeder. I was looking for a fawn and she had brindles and whites. She then put me on to a colleague of hers that had recently had a litter of pups (16 weeks). And that, as they say, is all she wrote. I knew I was a goner as soon as I laid eyes on him.

Having said all that, I guess it's all in the timing as to whether breeders will have older puppies. Good luck!

northernboxr · #4 06-05-2007, 09:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ELubas

Some breeders will have older puppies they are willing to sell. Some they thought to show but it did not pan out or pups returned to them.

I know that my breeder does this quite often. They keep the pups with the best show potential for themselves, but they don't always grow up to fit the breed standard as perfectly as desired (I'm sure they are still so gorgeous that the common boxer lover couldn't tell!)

At about 6 months or so they will rehome a well-loved, house trained, obedience-trained puppy. LOL... My little monster is almost 4 months I am starting to think that would have been a great idea!!

You could find a breeder that you like and ask them if they could 'keep an ear to the ground' for you. They will probably have lots of high quality breeder friends from dog shows that they would be able to put you in contact with.

Good luck- I think you're very responsible for knowing that you aren't in a position to handle a very young dog. I wish more people would think it through as much as you!

**GoCougs** · #5 06-06-2007, 10:37 AM

Responsible breeders can, and often do, take in dogs from their own breedings that unintentionally end up at homes that can take care of them, or violate contractual agreements. Most breeders require that they be given the first chance to take in, or rehome, a dog from their own breedings before they are forfeited to a shelter or rescue group.

So the short answer to your question is, yes, you can sometimes find a breeder who is trying to find homes for older puppies/dogs. Short of that, you should really consider rescue. Sometimes rescue dogs come with the false label of "damaged goods", but you can find great companions through this avenue as well.

Good luck.