What Do You Guys Think...Long Post

[comfycorpse]

WARNING: VERY LONG POST

Hey everyone,

I know that I haven't really been posting lately, but I have been lurking...I don't really have that much TO post...although I should be getting more pictures soon. lol, ANYWAYS-I've been thinking about the future, and the next dog that I am going to be wanting...because I'm going to be going off to college, it wouldn't be anytime soon. If I could I would take Dakota with me when I left the house, but she's our family's dog, so I just wouldn't be allowed. Well, I have always assumed that I would get a dog from one of the shelters around here, but in the back of my mind there are a few dog breeds that I've really wanted to have...one of them being the Standard Poodle. One of the main reasons that I didn't want to really bother with getting a purebred (and particularly a poodle or one of the other more popular breeds that I have been attracted to) is because of the fact that if you can't find a reputable breeder you're looking at a mess of health problems...well, I think that I found a great breeder, and she's actually pretty close by. I sent her an email asking her a few questions, and I hope that I get a reply...I let her know that it wouldn't really be anytime soon, but that I am thinking about it and would like to learn more about them, and maybe see her dogs if it would be OK. Anyways, what I'm actually TRYING to get around to asking is this: should I feel guilty that I would be getting a dog from a breeder, as opposed to a shelter? Around here, there aren't really that many poodles available, and while I don't really go by breed, this really is a breed that I think would be quite perfect for my lifestyle, and the lifestyle that I see myself having down the road-and I know that things change, and that they will, but I might as well have an IDEA of what I will be doing later, ESPECIALLY when it comes to my dog! Well, sorry about such the long post-I had to apologize for the UBER-LONG email that I sent her, and I told her how I was just scratching the surface with the questions that I was asking her, but I just wanted to ask what you guys thought about me getting a dog from a breeder and not a shelter. Thanks!

Oh, and here's the link to her site-if you guys have heard anything good/bad about her, please let me know! The site looks good, and I hope to see the place and poodles in person. OH, and for you guys who understand the Purebred Chart in The Stud Dogs Link, when it says the two MacGillivray dogs, does that mean that they were from the same breeder or the same family? I asked her that in the email, but I may or may not get a quicker reply on here. And something that I had also asked her-on the chart I noticed that some of them noted the OFA Testing Results, while others didn't mention it, but on her Home Page it said that all of the dogs were OFA tested-could she have accidentally left them off?

Again, Thanks for the patience guys!

 

[ACooper]

I think you forgot to give us the link, LOL

 

[PoodleMommy]

Yes you forgot the linky.

But the short answer is NO, you should not feel bad about going to a breeder... rescue/shelter dogs are amazing but not for everyone, the most important thing to do is make sure you get the best dog for your situation that you will be able to stand by for LIFE.

 

[Maxy24]

You should not feel bad about going to a breeder at all, you are picking a breed that is right for YOU and that is important. When the time comes to actually get the dog you can still take a look in the rescues and shelters around you and see if their are any Poodles who have a proper Poodle temperament since that is what you feel fits your life and if not go ahead with the breeder since you will be getting a dog whose needs you can meet because you know what Poodles need.

But yes we will need that link

 

[comfycorpse]

hahaha, sorry about that guys.

http://www.signetpoodles.com/welcome.htm

Other than the Home Page, which just has a couple buttons mushed in with the title, I think the site looks pretty good.

 

[Vintage Boxers]

you should NEVER feel bad for going to a responsible/reputable breeder.
Shelters are great, so is adopting, but it is not the right choice for everyone.


They look like they have their stuff together!!!! Only thing i don't see is the health testing..so that is something to ask about!

Good pick, and good luck with your hunt!
S

 

[jess2416]

you should never feel bad for going to a responsible/reputable breeder.
Shelters are great, so is adopting, but it is not the right choice for everyone.


They look like they have their stuff together!!!! Only thing i don't see is the health testing..so that is something to ask about!

Good pick, and good luck with your hunt!
S

all breeding stock is genetically screened for hips (certified with ofa), sebaceous adenitis, thyroid, vwd and eyes (certified opthamologist).

^^

 

[elegy]

no you should not feel guilty for going to a good breeder! i just skimmed the website but it looks good to me. i like that they only breed a couple litters a year. i wish that they did more with their dogs than conformation. poodles are wicked smart and i'd like to see some obedience work on there as well.

ask about addison's disease in their lines. that's a big concern in standard poodles.

 

[milos_mommy]

One of their dogs got a tracking title...

They look like pretty responsible breeders to me.

If you're not looking to compete with the dog, however, you could look at a rescue or petfinder, there are usually some standard poodles for rescue.

 

[Tankstar]

You shouldnt feel gulity. about what you choose.

Im in the same boat as you. But I want a toy poodle. I look on petfinder all the time, and do find alot. but alot have cat or dog issues in their profiles. doesnt work for me (I have a cat and obviously a dog. plus I need and want a dog who doesnt have issues with other dogs and large groups of dogs)

So I have been starting to look at breeders also (wont be adding a 2nd dog until atleast summer)

 

[bjdobson]

Don't feel guilty at all. DO ask the breeder for references from people who have purchased dogs from her in the past. DO ask anyone and everyone you can if they've heard of her and what they think. DO get a vet reference if you can.

Titan came from a breeder. There are very few rescue dogs around here, though, or dogs in shelters so... it's different here.

 

[comfycorpse]

Thanks for all of the quick replies, guys! I emailed her and I'm just waiting for an email back-I think that I may ask if I can go and be around them for a bit...like I said, I'm not planning on getting any particularly soon, and I let her know that in the email right off the bat. I love mutts and plenty of purebreds, but I think that a Standard Poodle would be great for me when I'm positive that I'm ready for one. I had also been considering Dobes or a Boxer or German Shepherd, but they have so many issues health-wise as well. AND, Poodles don't shed.