Questions for the Breeders

[Kerry Jane]

I would like to go back through my girl's pedigree and do research on her ancestors - for things like health related issues, and maybe even common faults, but I am not sure how well questions of this nature will be received, and whether anyone has any tips for how best to go about this.
A while back I sent some questions to the breeder of Star's grandparents on one side, and the breeder seemed to think that I was somehow criticizing her dogs, which was not my intent at all, so I am not sure whether I am just wasting my time trying to gather this information because no-one will be open with me.

I obviously know the dam and the sire of my girl, and the grand-father on one side is the same as the great-grand father on the other side and I have his information. My breeder has told me certain generalities (for example, dogs in this line don't die prematurely from cancer), but I would like to have more specific information.
For example, maybe multiple dogs in her pedigree had heart problems that developed later in life, but where fine when they were bred. I would like to know this.

Has anyone else attempted something like this, and has suggestions or tips for how to go about it? Do you think that people will be honest with me or am I wasting my time trying to gather this information? OR, should I first try and establish a relationship with them (which is hard if you don't live in the same state)?

Thanks for you help and any ideas.
Kerry

[abby's mum]

I am not a breeder of dogs but I do breed horses. I would try to have a relationship with these people or at best maybe ask about positive attributes first. It seems like you may be focusing too much on the negative aspects of their contributions to your boxer. Although I do agree they are valid questions. It just may be that you may put people off and mistakingly be thought as insulting by only asking about health problems and other faults. Good luck on finding a history for your boxer.

[Kerry Jane]

Yeah, that is what I suspected. Start with relationship and see how that goes...
It sure would be nice if there was a database with all of this information in it! But, I guess a lot is soooo subjective.

[kassa]

Do you have a relationship with the breeders of your girl? That's your best place to start.

Unfortunately, you have to understand that a lot of historical health testing "information" is basically rumor. If tests weren't done, and you can't see numbers on a piece of paper, you're going to have to take somebody's word for why that animal died. I can tell you information I "know" about dogs I never met, but I'm basing my "knowledge" on my mentor's relationship with HER mentors and their intimate knowledge of those dogs. And who was told what by whom. I've been around for 10+ years and I've kept my ears open and I've decided whom I can trust and who's just badmouthing other people and who wouldn't know an unpleasant truth if it bit them in the behind. There are people who will tell anybody who asks the truth about any flaws/tragedies in their lines, and others whose word I'd accept only when backed with a notarized veterinary certificate from my own vet.

That doesn't mean, however, that I necessarily share what I "know" with people I don't know well, because I don't know what they'll do with the information.

Aside from building your own web of contacts (best way is simply to show your dog and socialize), I'd simply mention to people that you have a puppy descended from ____ and you're trying to learn all you can about what you have for the sake of future breeding decisions and wonder what they'd say his strong points/weak points are, how long he lived, and what his personality was like. That may lead to a larger conversation in which you can ask about general health, but I wouldn't push for veterinary background checks on dogs from total strangers

When it comes time to choose a stud dog for your girl, that's when you ask for documentation and as much info as you can drag out of them. Again, though, popular stud dog owners aren't likely to provide this to just anybody who asks -- they may only do so with those who they have a reasonable expectation will use their dog. Start off by describing your girl and what you're looking for and asking whether they have found that his puppies demonstrate strength in the areas you're looking to improve. Ask for referrals to websites or local offspring that you can see in person. If they live locally, see the dog in person and chat about his strengths and weaknesses (temperamentally as well as physically and mentally). There are great "soft" temperaments and great "hard" temperaments so "great" isn't enough information. You may not want to mix two super strong personalities for fear of what the puppies will be like. Likewise, two very placid animals might produce unconfident offspring.

You don't say "he's nice but isn't there aggression in his line?" but "my girl's very dominant and pushy so I'd especially like a very stable dog who's producing stable temperments in his pups."

By feeling people out about their dogs in a meaningful way, you'll make it easier for them to share the more personal and delicate information later.

[Kerry Jane]

Thanks for the information. Yes, I do have a good relationship with the breeders of my girl, and they have given me lots of infomation BUT I must confess that I worry about how accurate it is - not that I think that they are lying to me, but, i think that they are just repeating the things that they have heard.....and so, I wonder about how meaningful the information is.

I am pretty new to all of this, so I guess I just need to learn that it takes time to build relationships and that over time I will be able gather information and learn more about her background. I just want to know it all, and know it now....need to learn patience.....

[trebeausetc1]

First, a reputable breeder would be glad to share any information they can with you, and educate you on the breed, and anything they know about their bloodline.
Even more so if they know you plan on breeding that dog later, because the genetics and health problems could reflect back on them later down the line.
A reputable breeder will be a good mentor to anyone buying a puppy from them, and will develop a very long relationship with each buyer.
Their name is involved in any breedings you plan to undertake, therefore their name is at stake.
Always ask questions before committing to buying a puppy in the first place. If a seller is not willing to cooperate, find someone else. Someone who is!
If whom you bought your girl from, are reputable breeders, openly tell them that you aren't trying to critisize their bloodline, but that you would like to obtain as much information as possible (educate yourself) on possible health issues or concerns, so, if and/or when you decide to breed your girl, you can find the right mating for her so you don't compound the problem.
A reputable breeder (sorry to keep repeating that phrase, but it is of utmost importance), will develop a relationship with YOU from the get go. Asking them questions is not offensive to them, nor a criticism to their bloodline. Folks will never learn about the breed if we aren't willing to educate them. That is, those of us who know about the breed!
I wish you luck in your endeavors of a health education research on your girl.
I would rather people ask me outright, than have them go behind my back and down me to someone else, but then everyone doesn't feel that way! Some DO take questions as a put-down, and respond defensively.
I have found that honesty truly IS the best policy!

[courtney323]

trebeausetc1 -

Please re-read the Rules. You need to post your introduction before you continue to post elsewhere on the site.

www.boxerworld.com/rules