[Jgerdes03]

So, I'm ready to buy a puppy. After a lot of research, I have found some breeders through my state's registered dog breeders association. Unfortunately, the breed that I want, there are limited breeders in my state and each are over 100 miles away from me.

So, the ones that have responded to me telling me when they are expecting their next litter and pricing, they will stop responding to me when I ask about being put on a waiting list for their upcoming litter.

I have copy and pasted my reply to one such breeder below:


"Yes! I'd like to be put on the waiting list for a male! B&W Female would be second option if a male won't be available. (If that is possible)"

So, this was me responding to them after they told me that they had a waiting list and that I would be 2nd in line.

It's been similar to other breeders that have answered back to my initial inquiry. Once I ask about waiting list, they stop responding.

Is there a better way for me to word things so they respond back? Am I just doing it wrong?

Thank you kindly for your advice.

 

[LeoRose]

What breed are you looking for? I've never heard of a state registered dog breeders association. Have you looked at your breed's national breed club for a list of breeders?

When contacting a breeder, writing up a bit a "dog resume" about yourself is a good idea. Tell them why you are interested in this breed, and their dogs in particular. Let them know what experience you've had with this breed (if any) and general past dog experience. Also, tell them what your plans are for your new dog (show, performance, pet, etc.), as well as your family and lifestyle. Good breeders will want to match you with the puppy that they think will best suit your family.

Also, limiting yourself to breeders within "x distance" will limit your chances of finding a breeder you mesh with, and who has the type of dog you want. I have a friend in Minnesota who's male dog came from Canada and who's female came from Texas. Another friend in The Chicago area has a male littermate of the first friend's female, and her new female is from Oregon. For that matter, the breeder here in Texas got her foundation bitch from the same breeder in Oregon.

 

[Jgerdes03]

Sorry, I'm new to breeder searching. I found them through my state's licensed commercial dog breeding association. I'm really wanting a pet quality Boston Terrier. What sucks is that if it involves a lot of traveling across the US, my husband will put his foot down. (I have spent 2 years trying to convince him, he finally said yes)

We have a nice private back yard in a really nice neighborhood and I'm a stay at home mom with a 7 year old, so it's not like the puppy wouldn't get proper attention and training. We also plan in enrolling in obedience classes as well.

So far, I have contacted every registered breeder in MN. They tell me they are expecting a litter, and when I ask about a waiting list, they ghost me. Like, why even respond to me in the first place?

I will take your advice on creating a resume. I might have to create a new email account and start over.

 

[petpeeve]

Sorry, I'm new to breeder searching. I found them through my state's licensed commercial dog breeding association.

I would be VERY cautious of anyone found on a "commercial" dog breeders listing. Some quick research seems to indicate that in MN, a commercial breeder license is required anyone who has more than 10 breeding adults and has 5 or more litters per year (ie: puppy mill). That could be great cause for concern, IMO. And in fact, personally, I wouldn't touch them with a 20 foot pole. I'd look more for a 'hobby' -type breeder who only has occasional litters on a very limited, very selective basis.

If you haven't seen this already, you can find some good info to start with here ... Finding a good dog breeder

 

[Jgerdes03]

Thanks so much that's very helpful!

 

[LeoRose]

Yes, the Boston Terrier Club of America's breeder listing is a much better option for finding a good breeder. The Boston Terrier Club Of America Another option is to go to some shows, and see which dogs you like, and then check the catalog to see who their breeder is, as not all good breeder are BTCA members. I know you want a pet, but there are pet puppies born in every litter. Someone who breeds with no thought beyond "boy dog + girl dog = puppies to sell" is someone to be avoided.

Whichever breeder you choose, make sure that they are doing the recommended health testing on their breeding dogs, which at the moment are an annual eye exam by a board certified ophthalmologist, an exam far patellar luxation, and a BAER hearing test.

 

[InkedMarie]

Everything LeoRose said. I’m strictly a pet dog owner but likes purebreds and like people who breed, show etc, I deserve a well bred dog with the best possible health. That means purchasing from a reputable breeder. Go through the Boston Terrier club of America.

 

[Jgerdes03]

Thanks! I found a couple through that organization and I emailed a few with details about our house, family, my history raising dobermans, what I'm looking for and it's been successful! I was even able to speak with a couple on the phone and they were happy to put me on a waiting list! Thanks so much for everyones advice!!