Question to Breeders

[Lilie]

I'm looking at breeder's sites regarding the purchase of a puppy. Some of the sites have tons of info and is really helpful. But some of the sites lack information that is important to me.

What is considered 'politically correct' when contacting a breeder? Tell them first what I'm looking for in a pup, a little about my self etc. and then wait for a reply to ask about a warranty etc, or send one email loaded with everything?

[Freestep]

I'm not a breeder, but I say to heck with political correctness--just ask the questions you want answered! Be polite, but to the point; ask 2 or 3 of the most important questions or dealbreakers in the first email, wait for a reply, then ask a few more questions if you're still on board. It's good to say what you're looking for or what your goals are, but don't go on and on about yourself unless asked. This is what I do, at least.

[Liesje]

Yup, I don't really overthink it, but usually bring up my deal-breakers right away. Price, whether any pups from the litter(s) I'm interested in are available, full registration, stock coat.

[selzer]

Originally Posted by Freestep

I'm not a breeder, but I say to heck with political correctness--just ask the questions you want answered! Be polite, but to the point; ask 2 or 3 of the most important questions or dealbreakers in the first email, wait for a reply, then ask a few more questions if you're still on board. It's good to say what you're looking for or what your goals are, but don't go on and on about yourself unless asked. This is what I do, at least.

This, exactly.

Some people get icky about asking the price, but I usually wonder if people are really serious if they do not ask. So it does not matter to me, in fact I prefer to get that out of the way.

[Ace952]

Don't take too much into a website. Pick up the phone and talk to someone. There are kennels that are terrible but have awesome websites.
There are great breeders with no websites. So just call and talk and ask everything you have. Make a list ahead of time and try to do background on what you want and the dogs they have so you can get more details and shows that you have been doing your homework.

[robinhuerta]

If I could ADD one thing to anyone's list (?).....PLEASE tell the breeder..... "exactly what you are looking for in a puppy & what your true goals are".
This is one of the first questions that I ask ANY buyer. Before I can honestly say that I may have a puppy for consideration.....I REALLY need to KNOW, if I do.

I have people contact me (because we have WGSLs) and want a puppy who's *described* temperament is that of a stuffed animal......
You have no idea on how many people I have to direct elsewhere because of that.
PLEASE...KNOW what you want in your puppy.....and don't be afraid to ask questions.
JMO

[carmspack]

I think a good idea is to pick up the phone and have a conversation first , then use web sites, links , email as back up information or visuals.

One year I advertised in the Dogs In Canada Annual , and almost every response I got was a form letter to multiple breeders -- even started off with "dear breeder" . Still I answered with a personal response, in the beginning , and then it got tedious. The following year I advertised and I stated something along the lines of no form letters will be answered.
Who knows if there even ever was any interest or if you were on some automatic list like the robo-calls.

At the beginning state what you want. Don't let the breeder send you "the book" only to find out with one brief sentence -- sorry only interested in black and tans.

Don't expect the breeder to be a mind reader.

Carmen
Carmspack Working German Shepherd Dogs

[VTcoach]

I would expect there should be many interactions with a prospective breeder about all kinds of things. If you were inquiring with me, I would probably have more questions I want answers to about YOU, than you would have for me. lol.

[LaRen616]

I would first ask people on this forum what great breeders are in your area.

Then I would look at all of their websites to see if I like the look of their dogs.

I would then contact the breeders of the dogs I liked best and ask them about their dogs, what their temperment is like, what their energy and drive is like, do they work?

Then I would ask the breeder what they are looking to accomplish with their breeding stock, what goals do they have?

Then I would tell them exactly what I am looking for in my next dog, what kind of personality I want, what kind of energy and drive do I want, what I plan on doing with the dog.

You may end up with more than one breeder that you like, I think that is great, keep in touch with both breeders incase one doesn't have a puppy that fits your needs then you have a back up.

P.s. I am so excited for you!

[lhczth]

I would be as thorough in your first email as possible. I like people who provide me with a whole lot of information. I will respond and send a person my questionnaire and my contract if they ask for it. Only emails I don't answer are those that only ask price and I don't bother with people who won't fill out my questionnaire.