question about breeder and puppy

JAYJ · #1 09-22-2009, 06:06 AM

Hi. We are searching for a new boxer baby. We went to a house yesterday and looked at some adorable little ones. We noticed the parents were in a pen outside. The breeder said that The mom digs alot, so they don't let her run the yard. She also said that when the male was younger he was pretty naughty, until they got him a playmate. My husband noticed one of the puppies had some pretty bad diareah. Are these things that we need to stay away from in searching for a new puppy? They were only 4 weeks old.
We lost our 4 year old boxer girl to lymphoma about 6 weeks ago and this time we are wanting to make sure we look for all the right things in a breeder. This is also the first litter the mom has had. Any advise would be great!!!! Thank you.

Cami · #2 09-22-2009, 08:27 AM

What is more important than behavior issues like digging with the mom are the results of the genetic health tests that were run on BOTH parents prior to breeding.
Have any been done and did the breeder offer those results to you?
If not then simply walk away.

Caney Creek · #3 09-22-2009, 08:42 AM

The few things you've mentioned are really not good signs, this is definitely not a reputable breeder. Good breeders very rarely own both the sire and dam; BYBs are more likely to own both parents because it makes breeding more convenient. While owning both parents is not always a bad thing, it is DEFINITELY bad in this case because both dogs were kept in a pen outside and obviously neither of them have been paid much attention. If the owners had spent more time with the female hen she wouldn't dig out of boredom. And instead of TRAINING and EXERCISING the "naughty" male boxer, they got him a playmate (translation = LAZINESS). Also, if you weren't even invited to meet the adult dogs who WERE on the property then that is another red flag. Last but not least, the puppy with diarrhea. There is really no telling what could have caused it -- there could even be a reasonable explanation -- but I would assume the worst about this particular breeder. They are obviously breeding for profit, NOT to better the breed. I am willing to bet that they do not perform any genetic testing on the dogs they breed and considering the way they "care for" the adult dogs it would not surprise me if these puppies have already been exposed to disease.

Read through this site top to bottom.
Finding a Responsible Breeder

When you're ready to start looking for another breeder, start with your local boxer club. Most regional clubs have breeder referrals and may also list websites or contact information for their members. Don't assume that ALL breeders listed on the club site are reputable -- you should still ask lots of questions (and get GOOD answers) before you decide to purchase a puppy.
U.S. Boxer Clubs

Another great way to get in contact with breeders is to attend a dog show. Chat up one of the boxer breeders; if the breeder you talk to doesn't have puppies at the time, they will probably know of someone who does and may refer you to them.

JAYJ · #4 09-22-2009, 09:18 AM

Thank you both so very much for your replies!!!! I am so missing my Chloe girl that I am not clearly thinking about this. My husband tells me that I would not approve of a dog being left outside any other time, and he is correct. I am in too big of a hurry. I will look into a boxer club for breeders. I really do appreciate your answers!!!!

LILYLARUE · #5 09-22-2009, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JAYJ

Thank you both so very much for your replies!!!! I am so missing my Chloe girl that I am not clearly thinking about this. My husband tells me that I would not approve of a dog being left outside any other time, and he is correct. I am in too big of a hurry. I will look into a boxer club for breeders. I really do appreciate your answers!!!!

I know how exciting it is to finally have room in your heart again to be able to welcome another pup, AND how easily compulsive it can be.

Just remember, a rash decision may cause you to make hard choices sooner than you want. You want to take your time and make sure that your chances of sharing a life a lot longer with the next babe is the wisest choice.

Boy, once our hearts open up again..........we want a storm to rush right in don't we? LOL I have an opening getting larger myself.....just a big enough spot for a boston terrier. But I know I have to wait, research and make a good decision in order to enjoy him for many years to come. Sigh.......

Good luck on your search!

ELubas · #6 09-22-2009, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JAYJ

Thank you both so very much for your replies!!!! I am so missing my Chloe girl that I am not clearly thinking about this. My husband tells me that I would not approve of a dog being left outside any other time, and he is correct. I am in too big of a hurry. I will look into a boxer club for breeders. I really do appreciate your answers!!!!

Your hubby sounds like a wise man

You are lucky to have him to look out for you. I lost a girl young to heart disease so I know how you feel. Best of luck in your search and my rule-find out about all the testing and check it all out before you go anywhere near a pup! Those boxer pups are too hard to resist