I have some questions I thought I would ask the people on this board.
I have been looking at various breeder websites and have some questions.
I understand that buying a dog long distance can be risky and is a bit impersonal but for a lot of us it is really a necessity when there aren't quality working dogs in our area.
But it seems that some of these breeders just don't care who they sell a dog to. I have contacted a few just to put feelers out so to speak. I am looking for a possible SAR prospect in the Fall.
They basically have no questions at all for me. It is just a matter of send your deposit if you see something you like on our website. I even saw one that appeared to have an order form to fill out online and put in your credit card info. (In all fairness I didn't do it so I don't know how far it will take you)
I just don't know what to think about all of this.
What do you all think of this?
Any advice for the long distance buyer?

Patton- If you really like a breeder and their dogs, if at all possible make arrangements to go out and visit them personally and see it all firsthand. If you are unable to do that see if they have any references available and by all means check the references out. Good luck, Dave

Patton, I recently purchased a dog "online". I know what you mean about the screening process (or lack of). The site that I bought from had many photos of pups & adult dogs. They claimed to "screen" buyers although I never even filled out a questionaire. The bottom line for me is this: I was naive, inexperienced and impulsive. I do feel however that I got lucky. I'm very happy with my pup....but would not buy so quick again without more research. I think this board is a good place for breeder referrals. Most people posting seam to be more concerned with training & working than churning out fifty or more pups a year. That's it from me...Read Eds Q&A on buying pups long distance. Another thing. I know a good breeder who will take back dogs that customers can't keep or are not happy with. She had a great dog there that she took back from people that didn't even give the dog three weeks to settle in. Working dogs are not for the faint of heart.

Get a Leerburg Dog.

OK...sorry!LOL No sucking up here! No I'm NOT on the payroll! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> (I don't even have a Leerburg dog!)LOL

References,references,references! Probably your best tool. Everything carries some degree of risk. If you can make a trip, do it.

I was lucky..a local breeder had a litter and they were Leerburg stock dogs. However; I did my homework first before committing to the purchase which included verifying referances, interacting with the parent producers and seeing the hip certification certificates. In my conversations with the breeder; he asked questions about my personal knowledge and was obviously interested as to who and where his pups were going. His contract was specific and well written including stipulations of food, vet care and health guarentee. I would recommend this breeder and if you are interested; please email me.

I just purchased a dog in FL and I live in IN. I exchanged phone calls and emails with them for about 2 months and also check references. I drove to the kennel to meet the Dam and check the litter out as stated on one of Ed's tapes. I looked at it as a mini vaction I also did some site seeing. I am very pleased with the purchase. This breeder seemed more concern on what I wanted the dog for than anything else. This was my first experience buying pup.
Good Luck,

Patton-

Where do you live? I'm sure someone from the board will recommend a breeder that may be closer than you think. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />
I drove 5 hours each way to pick up my pup. The breeder grilled me with all kinds of ?'s. I would stay away from breeders that don't ask any ?'s.

Wow,
Thanks all for your input.
I think upon re-reading my original post it makes it sound as if I am looking for a dog right now. My mistake. I'm not right now, I have selected a breeder I feel comfortable with even though it is long distance. Their contract is extensive with things I agree to do with my pup and we have had extensive conversations about what i am looking for and the home I will provide.
I am still thinking about the future however and trying to learn more and more. There is no limit to the amount of knowledge I can get.
So I was mostly just wondering what people think about breeders who don't seem to care where their pups go. Because you always hear to look for a breeder that really cares.
I haven't just encountered this mentality at small places but larger breeders that have been recommended to me as well.
Should one not expect to be asked questions until there is a deposit made? Is this the way breeders weed out those who aren't serious?

Thanks for all your help.

Patton,

The best breeders, large or small, are going to attempt to match the puppy to the buyer. When I started looking for a new puppy I spent hours on the phone with one breeder. And every time I said something that she didn't understand she hesitated to sell me a puppy. With working dogs in particular it is important to make sure where the dog is going and what you plan to do with the dog. A dog with the kind of drives a working dog has needs a job. If you don't give them one they will find something to do, and that will probably be destructive. The pup will probably lose it's happy home. You may end up with a puppy with severe personality problems in a short period of time if the dog is not properly handled.

In addition, if the breeder is going to match the puppy to your needs and abilities they need to know what your experience and desires are for the puppy. That takes some time. I would expect conversations to go on even after a deposit is made, often after the puppy goes home. Not everybody has all the skills they think they have when it comes to a working dog.

Patton,

A Truly good breeder is going to ask a potential puppy buyer tons of questions! I am in the process of purchasing my next GSD pup from a breeder whom I talked to several times and for several hours. I also visited her home and kennel (at her insistance!) and met all her dogs one on one. She talked to me for a long time to determine what I was looking for in a pup and she would not even accept a deposit from me until SHE was satisfied. I was so glad she did this! It was one of MY requirements in finding a breeder and after going through her screening process, I would reccommend her.

I do not think much of any breeder who does not ask questions of their potential buyers. A reputable breeder is going to be concerned for and responsible for every life they bring into this world. A breeder who just tells me "give me the $$ and you'll get a dog" is not a breeder, they are a puppy mill IMO.

Sorry if I sound a little hot-headed on this subject, but breeding is SUCH a huge responsibility and life committment - when done without that responsibility and committment it is only the dogs and puppy buyers that suffer.

Glad to hear you have found a breeder you trust! Best of luck to you! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />