Hi!
I am alsmost 98% determined to get a puppy from a certain breeder.
This particular breeder currently has one pup available, and planning on breeding his bitch ones again sometime in September.
The one that she has right now, supposedly was a pick of the litter for the breeders partner, but since the circumstances have changed, the partner cannot take this pup. Is there a way to tell if the breeder is telling the truth: menaing is this trully a pick of the litter or not???
Are the pups somehow "officially" numbered and rated when they are born?!?!

Also, if she is breeding same female once again in September, and that female gave birth in mid-April, would this have any affect on the litter?!?!
:rolleyes: Thanks!

If you are truely interested in this pup, spend time with it, and talk to the partner to make sure that the story jives. If the breeder will not give you any info you want that is with in reason, then turn and WALK AWAY. Pick of the litter means that the partner gets to pick the very first, and at the time what looks to be the very best of the litter. With out actually talking to this partner you will never know the truth about the pup. If the pedigree, disposition, and guarentee is there, then if it turns out not to be the pick of the litter, it shouldn't matter, other than the fact that the breeder lied to you-which would burn me up <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /> . Personally I feel a breeder that is not forthcoming with information is NO good. Also IMO it is too soon to breed in September. Listen to what your gut tells you and that 2% that is holding you back. Also get references about this litter and past litters. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

hey leon , keep in mind that the PICK of the litter for one person , may not be the appropriate PICK of the litter for the next .
from my limited experience , a reputable breeder will spend as much time screening you , as you do them . it is in everyones' best interest to make sure you get the dog that best suits your needs and specific situation , and not just the dog that happens to be available , no matter how it was "graded" at the time .
if you have to wait to get the best dog for you , that will be a good indication the breeders want the best for you and their dog , and that the wait will be worth it .

Leon What I'd suggest is to evaluate the puppy yourself or bring a qualified person. First you must have a pretty good idea of what you want.

You need to ask these questions, What is it that I want to do with this puppy/dog? (SchH or Ring Sport or IPO), Patrol dog, Protection train, Obedience trails, Agility trails, Show dog, Hunt, Track, Companion or General pet...

What is a good dog for one field, would not necessarily be a good dog for the other fields?

If the breeder was keeping this puppy for a friend who wanted to train it in sports or patrol work, you could pick an easier dog to have to do Tracking, be a pet/companion or compete in Dog Shows, Ob/Agility trails.

A high sprung puppy turns into a williful dog, and it needs a good trainer to bring the best out of it.

This is MO. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />
What is your level of competence as a handler/trainer? Can you pay/get it help from some of the best?

These are the questions, before you make your pick.

What is a 'pick' pup? You may have a very different idea and need for your 'pick' than does the breeder. 'Pick" pup means nothing to me. For instance I have a litter coming up there are already all the deposits taken. There is a picking order. Each person very well would want something different in their particular 'pick'. So which one is actually the pick? Either go and see the pup for yourself(obviously you know what you want(hopefully <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> ). Or if you can't go find an independent person to go check the up out yourself. Of course, if you are asking whether or not to trust the breeder...that brings a whole different question. Why buy a pup from them. If you can't be sure they are telling the truth about something som minor?

Also, you mention they are breeding the bitch again. Back to back breedings are not unheard of. However, normally there is a special circumstance. Like only having one pup or something of that nature. Otherwise, the general thought is it is unhealthy for the mother. Too much stress...

I'll have to agree with the others here...the "pick" pup might not be YOUR "pick." Why I do when I'm talking to someone about a pup (whether for myself or someone else) is I'll ask specific questions about personality traits, drives, etc. That way I can get a feel for if the pup is what I (or whoever I'm looking for a pup for) want. Then if at all possibly, I will travel and evaluate the pups/dog myself, making further notes to base a decision on. If I can't travel, then I tell the breeder what traits I'm looking for and have them make a pick based on which pup would satisfy what I'm looking for.

Take the advice from all these members. Most all have kennels themselves and have far more knowledge then most.

The big question is??
1. What do you want to do with this pup??
2. How much experience you have.
3. Check the references of the breeder/owner of the pup.

Then, whatever you decide, remember that nothing is guranteed, just stack the odds in your favor.

Good Luck with your choice.

Don, I know that I am looking for a Schutzhund dog, however, if I can find one witch could also compete in either IPO or Ring sport it would be very nice. I cannot say that I am at the top level of competence as a trainer, but hopefully I am getting there. I am training with guys who I believe have what it takes, and hopefully I'll be able to enter into trials as HOT



Has anyone seen dogs that were excellentin both let's say : SCH and RING, or SCH and IPO, etc....??? And if 'YES' what should I be looking for in a pup????