Breeder Websites?

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emmadactryl

Forums Regular
What should I look for on a breeder's website? I only ask because pretty much all of the breeder websites I've been browsing through are fairly sparse on details- as in no/limited information about health tests their dogs have, puppy raising policies, breeding policies... Is that something that isn't often included on a breeder's website and they would divulge that information through either phone or email if you contacted them? I'm just finding it hard to believe that nearly all of these ANKC registered breeders I've come across would neglect to do all of that.
 
I think it's very hard to judge a breeder by their website... you can have a website that looks gorgeous and says all the right things, and have dogs living in filth in your kennels. Likewise, a lot of breeders (including very good ones) don't even have websites. I'd encourage you to contact breeders directly with your questions - they should be more than willing to talk about their program and policies. And remember, there's no substitute for an in-person visit!
 
Yes nothing can substitute contacting and getting to know the breeder. Alot of breeders do not update their sites themselves as they pay others to design and maintain their sites. Also some are soo busy with showing and everyday life that if they maintain their own sites they do not get to update them as often as they would like...I know im about 6 months behind updating things on my site.:uhoh:..

I would suggest if you could, especially since your trial asking around to see whos breeding and what you like the look of and their movement and structure. I think you said you have a few years before you are looking to getting a puppy, perfect! That will allow you to build a relationship with a breeder and get to know them better!
 
in a perfect world all breeders will be computer savvy and have their own blog to share so you can get all info you looking at your fingertips...
reality here in US some do, some do half way and some do not even have any websites which does not reflect their breeding program in the slightest. I love having info on website as I hate phones. Once you figured out if you want to see dogs from this breeder always visit, does not matter if they do not have puppy at the moment. Many will know who from their friends has puppy you are looking for. Most breeders will be happy to talk sheltie with you anyway.
 
When I was hunting Sca I did a lot of internet searching. Surely this was a good idea I figured since I do a lot on the net. Well I found that while looking at puppies is fun many conglomerate sites have a lot of puppy mill traffic. Further some of the most interesting sites were puppy mills (easy to see when they offer 4 breeds). The website of Sca's breeder is very plain and does not discuss puppies that much.

Of course one exception to that seems to be rescues. I have seen some great very nice websites from them with lots of pictures.

Puppy surfing can be fun but unless you want a rescue (lots of cool ones) then I would go to ASSA and get a reference or two or get a reference from someone you know.

DISCLAIMER: Mr Scathan Coimhead (Sca) was found with the help of a B'ham AL ASSA member and I am 100% happy
 
I dont think many sheltie breeders over here are computer savvy. Most of the websites just give pics of current dogs and litters. Many registered breeders advertise on dogzonline andd will give a little more info about their litters. I got Deska from dogzonline and Tully's breeder I contacted through Dogs NSW (the local breeders dont tend to advertise because there are more people in Canberra who want shelties than the local breeders can supply.

Not a lot of testing goes on here. Shelties on the main register must be tested for Collie eye anomoly (CEA), but dogs on the limited register arent required to be tested so few are, although you can ask the breeder what the CEA of the parents are if you want an idea.
 
Thanks, guys. I'm sorry for all the stupid questions ^ . ^

I've had it drilled into my head that quality breeders have all this information available on their websites and if there isn't lists of breeding policies, health testing, testimonials, etc, etc, they're not worth looking into. So I just wanted to get actual clarification since that doesn't seem to be really correct.

Caro: Do you know why there is so little testing over here? Should there be more, or do breeders just not do it because it isn't needed?
 
Rule no. 1 - there are no stupid questions here.

The questions that you ask are valid questions. And I'm beating myself up, because at one time I promised to take the lead on developing a guideline on how to choose a good breeder. That project fell by the wayside because I decided to sell my house and move, and everything else fell away.

The advice that you've so far is correct. A great website does not mean a great breeder. Neither does a poor website indicate a poor breeder.

Word of mouth is critical. Also check out the breeder's pedigree lines. A great resource is this:

http://www.pedigreelines.com/dog/show/name/cedar-sunset's-highland-hunter

If you can at least trace some or part or the line here, then its some indication that the breeder is a serious breeder and not a BYB or puppy mill.

Pups should never be bought over the internet. In this day age, it happens for too often. We treat pups like making a computer purchase. For sure, do your research and shortlist via the internet, but nothing is better than verbal communication, even if it is long distance over the phone.

And don't be shy to ask for references.

I know there's alot more, but its a start, I hope.
 
I agree - a website does not mean a good or great breeder. A lot of breeders may have websites but not always maintain them to what is current in their dogs. With Emma, I actually found her picture on Kijiji, where the breeder had advertised. I checked out her website, which is really a good one, with information not only about her, but also about her dogs. She gives the dog's predigree, testing results (MDR1, vWD etc) as well as the type of personality each dog has. Even with the ones she has up for sale, she does a really good job of giving a good description of the dog. She also links to the Sheltie Rescue in Southern Ontario, which not all websites I have checked out do, as well as giving information about the rescue to New Orleans that she and another Sheltie breeder undertook. A lot of breeders, if they do not have anything available, will gladly refer you to a breeder in your area who has puppies or older dogs available. What I really like about Emma's breeder is that she is upfront with what she expects (a secure fenced yard, completion of a puppy questionnaire), and what she provides (health guaranteed, lifetime support etc.

If you are looking at a website, take time to really look at it and never be afraid to ask for references of dogs the breeder has sold. Also check with the Kennel club, although registration is not a guarantee of a good breeder. I had the experience with Noah of a not so good breeder and with registration of him. Go for a home visit if possible.
 
In looking for a puppy last year, I went through almost all Aussie sheltie breeder websites! Most of these websites I've seen don't contain much information, but they usually contain an email address and/or a number to call. Getting in touch with the breeder, speaking with them, getting to know them and asking them all you want to know is really the best way. And it is their preferred way, as I understand it! Then pay them a visit if you can, whether it is at their home (or at a trial at least). That way you know how the pups are raised - a home environment where they meet lotsa people and hear all the familiar house noises is the best kind.

As I'm overseas, there is a clear prejudice against exporting and I had to show I was truly genuine (and not planning on breeding or whatever). References definitely help (thanks Caro! :smile2:), and especially if they come from another breeder or notable figure in the sheltie community (it's a small one in Aussie apparently), like a committee member of your state's sheltie club. The breeders get tons of emails and calls asking for puppies and they have to weed out the crazies, the exporting agents, the would-be backyard breeders, etc.

As I understand it, some litters aren't tested for certain things because they are "clear by parentage". Presumably several generations of dogs before the pups were tested and were found to be ok, and since these certain problems are genetically passed down, the pups should be ok too.
 
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