Communicating with breeders...

[Buddy'sParents]

So, another thread got me thinking about the process of contacting and keeping in contact with a breeder. I don't feel that I should say too much, but I will say that I was greatly disappointed in the communication with Bella's breeder AFTER we got her. I had worked really hard (or so I thought) to establish a relationship with her. /enough about that...

So, I emailed a breeder a couple days ago. I have always emailed first to introduce myself and ask some mild questions. I've not heard back. I wonder how long is too long to wait to hear back? Should I email again? Should I call? I want more information before I pursue the breeder any further, the site is not at all telling of their health guarantees and their breeding 'philosophies' and I was only able to find them by doing a search for naturally rearing breeders (this thread is NOT about natural rearing).

Sooo.. when you first seek out a breeder, what is the best way to do so? What information do you include? If you don't hear back within ____ days do you try again?

I tend to believe that if I were to call and never get a call back, I'd scratch them off the list, but I'm open to others opinions and experiences and general advice.

 

[HoundedByHounds]

Hmm...well I look differently now that before since I am usually looking for a dog to show vs a pet. BUT when I was new to Beagles...I joined a list and read and intro'd myself. That really is the BEST way to get to know a breed and the people within it.

You can ask questions and get answers and go from there. I would email folks off list about their dogs and they happily answered my questions most times.

I've found the list joining works best to find and develop networks to speak with breeders.

I get emails now and again and I do my utmost to answer every one...but I know some folks get literally HUNDREDS every week solely asking about puppies and well, I can see them picking a choosing to a point.

They could be showing...they could be on vacation...they could be ill...they could be older and prefer a phonecall to an email...there's always good reasons to not receive a response as well as that they aren't interested in speaking with folks. But that does indeed, happen!

ETA: also joining a list is a GREAT way of finding out who to avoid as well! Gossip is gossip and much is best thrown out the window...but honest to goodness dirty deeds, and poor ethics, get discussed and often the same folks come up over and over again....lol. It's very interesting.

 

[Buddy'sParents]

yeah, I'm not upset that I've not heard a response back.. I'm really anticipating a response so I'm disappointed. But say, I don't hear back by the middle of May? Do I try again? We're not getting a dog RIGHT this second, but I do want to to talk with them and learn more. These groups, do you mean yahoo groups? Or are there other groups? I had never thought of that, although, I should have considering I am a member of many yahoo dog groups.

 

[HoundedByHounds]

Breed lists..yahoogroups...or Apple-Ease groups...just email lists in general. There's usually one main one, then offshoots started by people mad about something or another and pitched off the main one HAHA! Some focus on health others on showing others on working etc.

If your breed has a main club, see if there are any links to it?

 

[HoundedByHounds]

No idea if it's Fila's you are looking at but here's a list for them
http://www.filarescue.org/email_lists.shtml

ETA: and yes I think you should email again if you are interested...who knows if the other one even got read? I know I find good stuff in my junk/bulk filters all...the...time!

 

[Buddy'sParents]

OK, I'll give it some time and then email again. And its not a Fila breeder.. we have our hearts set on a Kharma pup. *AHEM*

 

[Lizmo]

The first time I emalied my breeder I heard back pretty quick. (I think I emailed her Friday night, and heard back Monday morning.)

If you haven't heard back from them in 2+ weeks (you never know what they are going through, family emergency, dog got hurt/dying, out on the road showing/trialing/etc. So I try to give some time for those type things that pop up out of the blue) I would email them again to see if they recieved your last email. I know from personal experience that my emails get lost from time to time

I have a good relationship with Blaze's breeder. She offered at least 3 times while we were there to pick him up to email or call if I had any questions or concerns. I've sent a few pictures and she's very good about getting back to me most of the time the same day.

 

[MafiaPrincess]

Think I heard back from Smudge's breeder in 4 days. We emailed back and forth a few times, and then started calling.

We have a good relationship.. I send pics a lot. We talk on the phone every few months. It's more than I was hoping for.

 

[Zoom]

I don't have a breeder pup yet to have a relationship with, but I have started establishing one with an Aussie breeder. Mostly email. And I am on an Aussie forum where I get all the scoops and insights and stuff like that. Also, a lot of people who have some pups from these same lines are on there, so I get to get a pretty good idea of what this upcoming litter will turn out like.

I would given the email a few weeks and then try again. I know there are some breeders I've emailed in the past and I never heard back from them. I didn't try to hard again, because I wasn't really ready for a pup, I just wanted to learn more about the breed/their lines.

 

[corgipower]

I usually give it about a week if I haven't heard from a breeder after emailing. Emails also can get lost in cyberspace. I usually try to make initial contact by phone though.

 

[Buddy'sParents]

Hmm. Ok. Like I said, it's not a huge deal, but I got pretty excited when I found them. But I do realize there are a lot more breeders out there.

 

[Barb04]

OK Nik, what's up with Kharma pups? Have I not been told something?

 

[PWCorgi]

Are you finally getting that Dane? If so, I hope you know there is no way you're going to keep me from showing up at your doorstep, lol!

 

[Buddy'sParents]

You're gonna hafta ask Renee about Kharma pups, because I've yet to see any!