Need tips on buying a dog from a breeder

[MoeMag]

Just buy a dog. There are a lot to choose from.

[Lohman446]

AKC means squat, as they have no real authority, and anyone can get a cert.

If you're insisting on that breed, make sure you meet other people who have dogs from the same breeder, same breeding pair if you can.

I doubt I'd EVER buy a dog from a breeder when there are so many in rescues or Humane Society shelters, but to each his own.

The "pounds" around here are not pounds but individual organizations that pay there top staffers (who happen to be the owners) serious money to remain non-profit (pay over profit). They charge as much for an adoption fee as you can purchase most breeds for. I walked into one the other day and before I was even allowed to look around they wanted application forms and home visits. No big deal but before I can look?? At this point I am going to go somewhere I can see both parents, and frankly where the staff is not so simply arrogant.

[Warwitch]

Whats the same breed Pits and bull terriers? If thats what you are saying you are wrong. They are similar breeds that share common ancestors but are distinct. A bull terrier is no more a pitbull then a labrador is a golden.

Yeah, there is a lot of confusion surrounding anything with the name "bull" in it. Thats why I posted the pic. They are not even close to the same breed Stormin.

ANd I hear what you are saying about their tenacity NU. Thats one of their selling attributes IMO. If Im going to own a dog less than 100# its going to be a tough little bugger. Though sweet of course! I should note that we are planning on getting a female too.


I appreciate all the input guys. We take this very seriously. Ive been doing breed research for almost a year so we are definitely well informed about bt's. Just not so much on the breeder selection.

[Fred]

The "pounds" around here are not pounds but individual organizations that pay there top staffers (who happen to be the owners) serious money to remain non-profit (pay over profit). They charge as much for an adoption fee as you can purchase most breeds for. I walked into one the other day and before I was even allowed to look around they wanted application forms and home visits. No big deal but before I can look?? At this point I am going to go somewhere I can see both parents, and frankly where the staff is not so simply arrogant.

The Humane Society I dealt with near Ann Arbor was awesome... I just hated having to wait 6 days to take my dog home, since he had only arrived the day before we visited...

If I still lived in MI i'd be back there already for my next dog, as that HS shelter gets a lot of K9 Rejects and I'm seriously considering a german shepherd as my next dog... when I have a yard big enough for one at least.