choosing a breeder section

[sagelfn]

I think it would be a good idea if there were posting rules for that section. A lot of posts there lately are just "looking for a breeder in _____" and nothing more.

Could we require that they've at least done some minimal research on the breed? Be able to tell us why they want a GSD and why the breed fits their lifestyle, what type of GSD they're looking for(this does not mean the color of the dog or coat length!), plans for the dog, etc...

[GSD Fan]

I think there should be a thread that recommends a breeder for every state in the U.S. and some of Canada, but I'm wondering if the section would still have meaning if such a thread existed . . .

[Rerun]

Originally Posted by GSD Fan

I think there should be a thread that recommends a breeder for every state in the U.S. and some of Canada, but I'm wondering if the section would still have meaning if such a thread existed . . .

A list like that would never be sustainable. who decides who is allowed on the list, who decides if someone needs to be removed from the list, etc. Recommended breeders are different depending on what you are looking for, so you can't just put a general list that says "If you're in Indiana we recommend the following..."

Personally I don't think you should "require" that people do anything. They come here to research, and post asking for opinions. You really can't tell them what their criteria is allowed to be. If they want to look for a long coated oversized black and red male then that's there right as a puppy purchaser. I don't think it's right to tell someone they have to give us their life story to get a recommendation. If they want to provide info to get a better recommendation (or one at all) then that's their decision IMHO.

They came here after all, so they must be doing at least basic research.

[Whiteshepherds]

Agreeing with ReRun.

No one should be intimidated by a list of requirements before posting a question...it just leads to lurking.

[sagelfn]

Originally Posted by Rerun

Personally I don't think you should "require" that people do anything. They come here to research, and post asking for opinions. You really can't tell them what their criteria is allowed to be. If they want to look for a long coated oversized black and red male then that's there right as a puppy purchaser. I don't think it's right to tell someone they have to give us their life story to get a recommendation. If they want to provide info to get a better recommendation (or one at all) then that's their decision IMHO.

They came here after all, so they must be doing at least basic research.

I didn't say they had to be looking for dogs of only breeders I would approve. There are many posters from that section that have only posted in that section and do so the day they join. I do not assume all people here are researching about the breed. A ton of people treat it like yahoo answers. They ask get an answer and leave.

This is a board for people who love the breed right? Is it not our responsibility to take care when suggesting a breeder to someone? If they are here learning then they should know what they want, they'll have to tell a responsible breeder what they're looking for anyway. If that is to intimidating then I don't think this is the breed for them. How can we suggest a breeder if we don't know what they want. Example..Chris Wild is an excellent breeder. Her dogs are not suitable for every person though and I would not suggest her to everyone looking for a GSD in her area.

I do not think its too much to ask of someone to be able to say basic things they're looking for in a GSD. A good breeder is going to require more info.

[Jessiewessie99]

I agree with Brandi. A list of the basics in what you want in a dog will help us steer them in the right direction.

[PupperLove]

Is there a way to sort threads alphabetically? Users from the board post their State and city in the title, and in the message, write about their positive experience with the breeder and a bio about their dog, or add their experience to another established thread under their location. That way recommendations would be coming from other pleased puppy buyers on this forum and no breeders are getting bashed.

Any other country could also be listed in the title by a user who made a good purchase- that way we aren't leaving any countries out since locations are established by new threads.

I'm sure we would recommend breeders who would are willing to research their buyers, that way we can leave the questions and answers up to the buyer and breeder and nobody has to explain on here.

[selzer]

Maybe just a reminder to provide as much information about the kind of dog you are looking for would be nice.

Not sure how you would go about doing that though.

[JeanKBBMMMAAN]

A reminder could work - something like...

In order to get the best responses to your question, it would help greatly if you supply the following information. The more information you can provide, the more people will be able to help (if that's true).

Your activity level/interests
If known, "type" of GSD interested in
Possible activities you will involve yourself in
General location/shipping okay
Basic price range
Values based things of importance to you

Or whatever it is that would help people to recommend breeders?

[Vinnie]

Maybe we could make a "sticky" at the beginning of that forum that would include these suggestions to go along with the 'Things to look for in a 'Responsible' Breeder' sticky. That would make it easier for us all to post a link to the sticky in threads that don't include this information. ???