Would you get a breed sight unseen?

[crazedACD]

I was perusing some different breeds, just because, and it got me thinking.

Would you ever purchase a puppy from a breed you have never met, say a rareish breed that you have little chance of meeting the breed beforehand? Just based on internet research and discussion? Why/why not? For those that have done this, did the dog end up being what you expected?

 

[Toller_08]

Probably not. When I was seriously considering Koolies I made a point of meeting a couple. I was even going to go meet Traveler and Didgeridoo. I didn't want to be caught off guard. I am sure I would have been happy with a puppy even if I hadn't met the breed, but I feel better meeting prospective breeds first.

 

[Linds]

Pfft, never. Who would do that?



Seriously though, did it, and would do it again depending on the circumstances. When I end up importing another Koolie from a different line it'll be similar since lines can be so different.

Worked out fantastic for me the first time! Traveler ended up being everything I wanted and more. I'm glad I went with my gut.

 

[*blackrose]

I did, so....yes!

Before purchasing Abrams, I'd never met or interacted with any Chessies. Did a lot of research and talked to a lot of people, and it seemed like the breed as a whole would be a good fit for what I wanted.

Abrams is exactly what I thought he'd be. I didn't think he'd be so talkative or loud, but everything else about him is what I pictured.

That being said, I *did* know I liked retrievers as a whole. If I was branching out into a different "type" of dog that I didn't have experience living with/interacting with, I would likely be more inclined to want to spend time with my breed of choice.

 

[Linds]

That being said, I *did* know I liked retrievers as a whole. If I was branching out into a different "type" of dog that I didn't have experience living with/interacting with, I would likely be more inclined to want to spend time with my breed of choice.

I actually never thought about that part. Staying within the type but never meeting THAT breed. That would be a easier leap.

I went from Kaylee to herder because I figured a herder would fit me better form what I read on paper. I either know myself very well or am very lucky!

 

[Melle]

It would honestly depend on the breed for me, and what kind of temperament type I thought I could handle.

For example if I were to do it, I'd be more likely to take on an Aussie or a Lab, as opposed to an Akita or a Beauceron, because with the latter I'd feel way in over my head at this point with the role I'd take on as an owner.

 

[meepitsmeagan]

I would have to say no. There are quirks of some breeds I just couldn't live with and like to learn that before I commit.

 

[Southpaw]

Sure. Why not.

I'm pretty comfortable just doing breed research and making a decision from that. Other peoples dogs can be deceptive lol.

 

[sassafras]

I might, depending on the breed.

 

[Grab]

I would, assuming I'd done enough reading on the breed from various sources.

 

[Michiyo-Fir]

Yes I would.

If I have talked to people I trust, especially in respect to successful dog sports, and they are all happy with the breeder then absolutely. I don't get to see a lot of breeds because they're just not that common. For example silken windhounds, Koolies, etc.

I would in fact get a dog that people I trust have described that fits my requirements of a breed I've never met over a breed I have met from pet owners (lots of byb, pet bred dogs). For example, with regards to border collies, I've met a lot and they've been so different. If I compare some pet bred BCs that almost act like goldens and then went and got a working lines BC, I would have no idea what I've gotten myself into.

 

[Paviche]

I came into this thread going "hmm, I wonder if I could do that"... and then remembered that I did

Rowan was the first Brittany I ever met. I did a lot of reading about them and thought they sounded like a good fit so I put in an application to a breed rescue. I was approved, met Rowan, liked him, adopted him, and it turns out he's the perfect dog for me. I guess technically I met him before I committed to him, but I was pretty sure at that point a Brittany was right for me. So yeah, I think with proper research, I would do it again.

 

[lancerandrara]

Yes I would, because I have! Rara was one such. She actually turned out to be a totally different dog than the descriptions of Mini Aussies online, while Lancer is pretty much a typical Aussie (plus paranoia and fear issues). I haven't met Aussies or Mini Aussies in real life before then, believe it or not. I don't have many dog-related acquaintances in real life.

It also really depends on the breed... on what kinds of descriptions I would find online haha

 

[BostonBanker]

I would not, because I came close to doing so and it would have failed.

On paper Kelpies are just what I wanted in my next dog. I read everything, joined online groups and forums -and through one of those got an invite to spend a bit of time with a group of them.

And oh no. In less than an hour, I knew they were not for me. I would go out of my way to travel and spend the money to meet a couple of adults of whatever breed I seriously considered.

 

[Laurelin]

No, I wouldn't. I've had a similar experience as BB.... with Aussies and tollers. I like both on paper... tollers just don't excite me too much in real life but I think I'd enjoy one ok and most aussies I meet kind of annoy me for reasons I can't quite put my finger on. But I like a lot of the MAS oddly enough and certain working line aussies. But your average Aussie? No, just no.

When I was first trying to decide on a bigger dog (which I still haven't gotten lmao) they seemed to fit me better than BCs, ACDs, etc because they were less intense. But I find them more overwhelming in general.

 

[Elrohwen]

I did meet 2 Welshies before getting Watson, but for the most part I picked out the breed without ever meeting one. One I met before she was bred, but she didn't get pregnant. That breeder put me in touch with someone else who already had a litter on the ground and I met them and the mother when they were 5.5 weeks old. And that was it.

I do prefer to meet at least one of the parents, or some relatives, before buying a specific puppy, but I'm comfortable with committing to a breed I've never met.

 

[Bruschnazzy]

Yes! It's how it went for Chomper - I'd never met a Miniature Australian Shepherd or an Australian Shepherd before (we don't really have many herding breed owners around here, I've noticed). It'll most likely be the case for a couple other breeds I want to own too, because I don't know many close dog people in general, and who might have certain breeds, and I don't feel like traveling to, myself!

 

[Jadex]

I would. I pretty much decided on a Redbone before I ever met one. I did go and meet the breeder and her dogs before putting down a deposit though. I adopted Gypsy before I even met her.

 

[DJEtzel]

I did, but I don't know that I would again in the future.

When I was in high school, talking with my ex about possible breeds (his mom told him he could get a puppy if he didn't enlist) we threw around a TON. I knew a lot about a lot of breeds, but I lived in a SMALL rural town and hadn't *met* very many breeds.

We considered Huskies, Weims, GSPs, and GSDs... maybe a couple more on the list. And we hit the classifieds.

I can't say I had ever met a purebred GSD before that. I knew of a few (with awful aggression problems) that my parents' friend's had owned, but never met.

We picked up Frag and I have been sold on GSDs ever since. He was the best decision we made. SO thankful I didn't get another breed we were considering. I will likely always own a GSD.

But, I think it is fairly irresponsible to get a breed you haven't interacted with/don't know that you will like *in general* so I would be hesitant to do that, in case it didn't work out - I would have no one to blame, but myself. Likewise, honestly, if someone else didn't meet any of the breed they were going to be purchasing, got a dog and decided that wasn't their style and rehomed, I would likely judge a little bit. If it worked out, of course, fantastic! It worked out in my case, but I don't think it was a smart move.

 

[Julee]

I would, yeah.