Dog Breeder

I think reputable breeder is an oxymoron. If you feel you're getting the run-around, why would you trust that the breeder is doing a good job and why would you want to give her your money? Have you looked into any of the excellent rescue organizations in our area? There are many.

Dogs are pregnant an average of 63 days, or 9 weeks, give or take a day or 2. You can confirm a pregnancy via ultrasound at around 25 days gestation at the earliest, and pups will show up on an x-ray at around 42 to 47 days (because that is when their skeletons have mineralized enough to be seen on an x-ray - but usually it's more obvious the dog is pregnant before that). So it really depends on when exactly in March she is saying the dog is "due" - are we talking March 1st, March 31st, or anytime in between? And what day (or days) was the dog bred? Because it's about 2 months from that day that you can expect her to have puppies.

Some breeders are better than others. Some are very knowledgable and responsible, and others are no more than "backyard breeders" or "hobby breeders" that have zero experience. A breeder can be someone who has been breeding for 30 years with many champion show dogs under their belt, or someone who just decided to let their dog get knocked up by another dog. Either way, I've found breeders to be a quirky bunch and some have very old-fashioned or outdated ideas about dog breeding and dog health in general.

If you are not happy with the communication between you and this person, and you are getting some bad feelings, or feel like she is rubbing you the wrong way, ask for your deposit back and walk away. The simple answer to finding dog breeders is to attend a dog show when there in one in your area. But the other route to consider would be to go through a dog rescue that places animals that already need homes, or your local animal shelter.

I think that's a red flag and would look into a different breeder to get your puppy. I am not a breeder, but I recently purchased a puppy from a well-respected breeder after a lot of research. All of the breeders I was in contact with were VERY responsive to my emails and requests. Most of them required me to supply references. Our breeder is in NY and raises Standard and Miniature Poodles. She has also been available for follow-up regarding training and behavorial issues regarding our dog. Let me know if you want her contact information.

save a life! adopt a shelter/rescue pup!!

one of my favorite quotes (but author unknown):

"adopting one animal won't change the world. but it will change the world for that one animal."

Why a purebred? They have shorter lifespans and a plethora of health problems. Petfinder.com often has purebred dogs in need of rescue, as well as adorable mutts. There are often puppies on there as well, if you are looking for a dog with no previous bad experiences.

My sister and I show dogs since we were 12 years old and bred many generations of Samoyeds.

I know we have one or two on here but I am not sure if they are all that active any longer - I do know that animalplanet.com has resources and a whole forum you can bring this to for questions and discussion as well. Basically, if you want fast answers I would go to the animalplanet.com forum as well. In addition can you list the actual issues you are having so those of us that have been a customer of a reputable breeder can help as well?

Look up your local dog training facilities and ask them about that specific breeder. If they are not on their list of breeders I would run from the deal.

Did you stud your male out and that's why you are trying to confirm pregnancy?

Paws up to Debi....save a shelter dog. So many wonderful dogs wanting a forever home, why pay a breeder for a dog. Rescue your best friend from possible euthanasia. At least go visit a shelter or rescue and see those loving faces who would love to go home with you.