Reserving a puppy - Ettiquette

[Benjamin]

If you were to find a few breeders you liked, and knew they were planning a litter in the future, how would it work if you decided against it nearer the time?
If I put my name down a say 3 different breeders, and then decided that I only want one from the first one say, is it bad ettiquette to do this?
I have short listed 3 breeders and I can't decide between them. I know nature will probably dictate which one I go for but up until then, have I done the wrong thing?

P x

 

[amabelscott]

personally i wouldn't have more that two breeders on hold - i know as a breeder myself it is annoying when you have found homes for the pups and then someone pulls out, but i am lucky that as i have a popular breed of dog it isn't difficult to find homes for any excess! i would just try and tell the two breeders who you wont be having pups from as soon as possible to give them as much time to find homes for the pups! have fun with your new puppy btw!

 

[MurphysMinder]

No longer a breeder, but when I was I would not have a problem with people expressing an interest in a litter due in the future, and putting their name down, as long as they let me know if they decided against it. Once a litter is born I think it is only fair to let the breeder know straight away if you are not interested. There is nothing more annoying than turning away prospective new owners because you thought all pups were sold, only to have someone let you down at the last minute. One reason why I always tried to keep a reserve list.
Just being nosy, what breed are you looking at?

 

[prose]

The breeders I've had contact with in the past didn't seem to mind at all. In fact, many of the breeders instructed me to express an interest in several, due to the fact that waiting lists are ordinary procedure for well-known breeders.

 

[KJJ]

Hey P,

I would suggest you arrange with the breeders NOW to go and see mummy and daddy for their temperments, this will help you decide and seeing the parents prior to the hormones going round will show tyou their 'true' temperment.

I'd personally as said above only have the 2 breeders.. however if you advise the breeder that you also have 2 other breeders in mind and they don't have a problem with it then sure it'll be fine.

 

[Benjamin]

Thank you all for your advice.

K - we are planning on visiting the 3 breeders soon. Although they are all at opposite ends of the country!

They have all offered to entertain us for the day and spend some time with the dogs. So excited!

 

[KJJ]

[ QUOTE ]
Thank you all for your advice.

K - we are planning on visiting the 3 breeders soon. Although they are all at opposite ends of the country!

They have all offered to entertain us for the day and spend some time with the dogs. So excited!

[/ QUOTE ]Excellent - spending the day (or at least a few hours) with dogs and breeders is only going to benefit you!!

Good Luck!!

 

[Foxfolly]

We have just (Yesterday) had a litter of patterdale pups, I have been advertising the litter since they were concieved, I have up to now got a list of 12 people who expressed an interest, and I have emailed them all to let them know what we've got, and asked what sex or colour they are interested in, so I can get a list together.

I have invited them all to come and see the pups once they are 2-3weeks old, and said that I will take a deposit at that point, but if anyone wants a specific pup then we will take a deposit earlier after we have spoken to them on the phone.

We wouldn't take a deposit without seeing the person unless we were sure that they would be providing a suitable home and until the pups are at least a week old, so that we know they are all ok.