Recently I've been looking and researching into getting a puppy within the next year or so. Right now, Border Collies and Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers have caught my eye. However, while I like what I see on paper from what I've read, I've never actually met any of these dogs in real life. I know Border Collies are known as the crazy, hyper-active breed that can never sit still, but I'd like to see this in real life for myself, and I know Tollers aren't that common. There's some breeders near me that I've found and I really like their ideals/goals and their dogs. Would it be insulting (for lack of a better word) for me to get in touch with these breeders and meet them and their dogs and ask any questions I have about if the breed would be a good fit for me? Especially since I'm still in the research phase?
Is it okay to visit breeders to see if the breed is right for you?
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The best place to do that would be at a dog show. Agility, obedience, confirmation, whatever. You'll likely find quite a few dog people who would be willing to talk with you. Figure out which shows the breeders you're interested in attend and make a connection there. You could also try contacting them beforehand and give them a heads up.
Don't take it personally if they don't have time to speak with you at a show, though. You will at least get to observe the breeds you are interested in even if you don't get to talk to the breeders for any great length of time.
It never hurts to make a phone call or send an email, though, and explain that you're trying to learn more about the breeds. I think most breeders would appreciate that you are doing your research and want a breed that will fit in with your lifestyle as well as possible.
Don't take it personally if they don't have time to speak with you at a show, though. You will at least get to observe the breeds you are interested in even if you don't get to talk to the breeders for any great length of time.
It never hurts to make a phone call or send an email, though, and explain that you're trying to learn more about the breeds. I think most breeders would appreciate that you are doing your research and want a breed that will fit in with your lifestyle as well as possible.
I think many breeders would be happy to share information about their breed and if you are serious most will be happy to let you meet a dog and talk to you about the pros and cons of the breed . They might not be willing to let you near pups for obvious reasons but there is no harm in asking for a bit of education about a breed before plunging in headfirst.
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Most good breeders like to meet with and talk to potential new and serious buyers. Also, at some dog shows, especially after the dog has been shown, many breeders are very friendly and happy to meet with potential buyers.
If you are polite when you ask, most people will talk with you, suggest a different time, or tell you it isn't a good time right now.
Another point that I'm surprised no-one mentioned. The difference in dog personality within a given breed can vary more than the general differences between two different breeds. You could probably find a Lab, Golden, and Border Collie that were all crazy, and just as easily find some that are calm and bullet proof. ;-) . My point is that personalities vary even within litters, and a breeder can match you with puppy. In addition, with training, exercise, and calm exposure to every day situations, you can reduce some of potential excitability. Border collies are intelligent dogs that like to be trained and like to have a job...
If you are polite when you ask, most people will talk with you, suggest a different time, or tell you it isn't a good time right now.
Another point that I'm surprised no-one mentioned. The difference in dog personality within a given breed can vary more than the general differences between two different breeds. You could probably find a Lab, Golden, and Border Collie that were all crazy, and just as easily find some that are calm and bullet proof. ;-) . My point is that personalities vary even within litters, and a breeder can match you with puppy. In addition, with training, exercise, and calm exposure to every day situations, you can reduce some of potential excitability. Border collies are intelligent dogs that like to be trained and like to have a job...
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