Looking for breeder in TN

[Maria Dial]

I lost my 2 year old flashy fawn boxer Thanksgiving. She was our little girl. I think I am ready for another puppy, I know my husband and son are!! The problem is finding a trust worthy breeder. Though I loved Molly she had her share of heath problems, unfortunately when I picked her up I was told she was Extra special because her father was white, I believed them, now I know better. I don't think it would of made a difference if I new the truth, after all I was looking for a pet not a show dog. I just don't like being miss led. Now my husband and I have decided once we have a 2 healthy boxers from good blood lines (they do not have to be chapion blood lines) we would like to start breeding. We just need to get started. I really do not care what sex the first puppy is, I just want a puppy.
Does any one Know of a responsible breeder in Tennesse, North western KY,or South East Missouri? We live in west Tennessee, but are willing to travel, we bought Molly in Nashville,TN.

[Sabrina Jay]

I suggest that you look at the following section on Boxerworld.
http://www.boxerworld.com/breeders

This area explains about genetic testing (which is not cheap). You are looking at roughly (depending upon your area) approx $1000 - $1200 per dog for the testing. Some of the tests, need to be run EVERY TIME prior to breeding.

Generally, dogs that come from *pet type* breedings, can not produce dogs that are correct for the standards. (general rule of thumb.....a dog can not produce what they are not themselves).

You will not find a responsible breeder that has *good lines* sell you a puppy without co-ownership of the pup, or with full breeding rights. Responsible breeders have worked hard to develop their line and they do not want unethical breeding to ruin what they have worked so hard to achieve. A reputable breeder would take you under their wing, and guide you in breeding, showing, etc, if you are serious, but don't expect them to sell you a pup with full breeding rights outright.

Do you really know the difference between a show quality dog and a pet companion dog? The difference can be very minimal when dealing with a responsible breeder. The difference is very great when dealing with backyard breeders or commerical dog breeders (puppy mills), or Pet Stores.

Here is a few more links for you to look at:

http://www.boxerworld.com/puppy/breeding/

http://www.worldwideboxer.com/

http://newcastle.falcin.com/breederquestions.shtml

[Maria Dial]

Thank you for your reply, the links you recommended were very helpful. Like I said I am new to the world of breeding, I have tried to learn as much as possible and am still learning. I did not realize how difficult it is to get started, though not at all discourging. I believe I'll take one step at time and try to locate a local breeder to guide me, all though finding one locally had proved to be nearly impossible.
There is a "breeder" (I have become weary of that word) in the area who claims to have champion boxers of the "Dimond Dynasty"blood line, I have tried to research what exactly is ment by that, I refused to be lied to again! I want to know what questions to ask before I contact him.
Does anyone have any input on that? He is located in West Tennessee, if that is of any help.