Did I do something wrong?

[AliciaD]

So I've been talking to this breeder about Karelian Bear Dogs, mostly about the breed in general, and they've been very helpful. Sept. 29 I sent an email asking about their breeding program, but I haven't heard back from them at all. I understand they could be busy, or that it may have ended up in spam on accident, but before I resend it is there anything I asked that was, I don't know, a faux pas?

About your breeding program in particular, do you do any health testing? What kind? Do you offer any sort of guarantee against genetic diseases?

Can I see a copy of your contract?

Could/do you provide references of people who have received puppies in the past?

I know some breeders differ on the genetic health guarantee and whatnot, but I can't really see anything else wrong with my questions.

Their website didn't have any testimonials, although it did show pictures of their pups all grown up and in their new homes! I just thought it would be nice if I could talk to someone who got a puppy through them, what their experiences were with the breed, etc (since I don't know many at all who have Karelians). I know they place puppies in some companion homes, so it's not that.

Any thoughts?

 

[Dizzy]

Maybe they're busy?

Maybe they deleted it by mistake?

Maybe they would have liked a bit more dialogue before bringing out the big guns?

Maybe they think you're too nosy?

Maybe there's a million other reasons they didn't reply!!!!

 

[Zoom]

Or they don't have good answers for those questions.

Who knows?

 

[Sapphire-Light]

For my experience when talking to breeders, it's better to take the number of this type of question slow.

Think of talking with a long know friend.

 

[AliciaD]

Thanks you guys. Since we were talking about the breed in general, maybe I should wait a little while longer and then send an email describing what I would do with the dog, why I think I'm good match, etc. Maybe it came off like I was jumping the guns when they don't really know me.

Hmmmn... thanks.

 

[HayleyMarie]

Could you call them??

I know when I was interested in the Cane Corso I found a breeder I really like and I emailed them once, did not get a reply and then emailed them twice no reply.

I dont know breeders can be busy, but really it takes 5 minutes to reply an email. I eventually met the breeders dogs at a show and was highly dissapointed.

I think the best breeders are the one's who are friendly who will answer all your questions who act sort of like a mentor.

I've been turned off breeders that dont answer questions, but I think if you are really intested in this breeder give them a call and go from there.

 

[PitBullLove]

Sound like perfectly okay questions to me. Try giving them a call, there are a million reasons why they could have failed to reply. Although some breeders may feel uncomfortable giving people interested phone numbers of people who had aquired a puppy from them in the past, I don't see any reason why she couldn't say so if that is the problem. Good breeders really are SO busy. I work with a breeder and I know when I'm there by myself caring for the dogs and puppies and picking up after them, I have NO time to hop on the computer. Of course I'd get carried away playing with them for hours and doing training, but either way, I know if I did need to get on my e-mail it wouldn't be until late evening after pottying after dinnertime and by then I'm exhausted anyway. Think about the TONS of e-mails responsible breeders get and keeping up with updating sites and registering pedigrees as well, and obviously every e-mail is going to be well thought out and educational. There are also many e-mails just asking for advice and questions about the breed, and arranging shipping, etc. etc. Jesus I am exhausted thinking about it.

 

[Teal]

From my experience, breeders in general are notoriously hard to get ahold of by email.

I would take the email you sent, and add on something letting them know that you're still interested and would love to speak with them. If you don't hear back in a few weeks, phone them if there is a number available. If not... you might just have to wait.

A friend of mine was speaking with a Dalmatian breeder who suddenly fell off the face of the earth. A full year later, the breeder emailed her asking if she was still looking for a puppy!

 

[Saeleofu]

Logan's breeder can take a long time to answer emails sometimes. Between showing dogs, caring for dogs, and working so they can afford said dogs, it's understandable. That being said, she was always prompt when I was asking questions before I got Logan, and those are a lot of big questions all at one time. She may be overhwemled, gathering resources, whatever.

 

[MafiaPrincess]

I emailed a cocker breeder some weeks ago. Then re-emailed from gmail in case it went to spam. No reply. I'm only doing homework, not wanting a puppy now.. so I'm likely not going to call... And while pretty I was essentially asking about drive which they probably had less of than I wanted.

 

[adojrts]

You didn't do anything wrong, it is your right as a prospective purchaser to ask these questions and be provided with proof of genetic testing before you purchase a pup etc.
Yes, there could be valid reasons why they haven't replied and I would either send other emails or call if I was serious about a breed/breeder.
If I didn't get a response I would move on and find a breeder that does have time for me.
Bottomline is I run from breeders that dodge my questions

 

[BlackShadowCaneCorso]

I don't see anything wrong with it at all but if they are super busy sometimes sitting down to answer and email and making sure you get all the info you are looking for can take some time. I agree with sending again but add something at the bottom that if it is more convenient for them to please contact you and provide a phone number or ask if there is a good time to call them to go over some of your questions. I know multi-tasking (talking on the phone and doing something else) is so much easier than me sitting down to write a lengthy email and then if there are more questions that arise from my answers I can reply to those right then as well.