says HAS THE RECENT “ADOPT DON’T SHOP” CAMPAIGN BY THE AR ORGANIZATIONS AFFECTED YOUR BREEDING PROGRAM? IF SO, HOW?
meaning people who do not neuter them or screen their placements so unscrupulous “adopters” are using them as breeding stock—that has definitely taken a toll in my area. —Anonymous Yes, I used to breed 2-3 litters a year. Last litter I bred was in 2013. I am fearful of those posing to be potential puppy buyers, as I have heard of them being ARs. I either have had old puppy buyers that want a dog or make sure I know most of the pups will be sold those whom I person- ally know, before I even would think of having a litter. —Anonymous Yes, I think it has—folks don’t seem to care about all the time put into raising a litter. It is more politically correct to adopt a shelter dog or a rescue dog. —Anonymous No, not directly. I raise Pugs and they have almost always been in high demand, as far as quality pups go and low sup- ply. However, I do think it has made a very big impact on dog breeders overall. —Anonymous More calls for mixed something—many refusals to buy registered because they believe the mixed breed are better or saving a puppy at the shelter. —Anonymous “THESE CAMPAIGNS HAVE MADE PEOPLE FEEL GUILTY FOR BUYING A QUALITY PUPPY. BUT THESE PEOPLE ARE NOT THERE FOR THAT BUYER WHEN
Yes. It has made me very conscious of the fact that qual- ity breeders of purebred dogs must offer something peo- ple cannot get from a shelter dog. In addition to providing fully health and temperament guaranteed puppies, I also pro- vide unlimited post-purchase support, which includes six months of canine husbandry, best practices and training les- sons (online due to distance). I also start each puppy well on the way to its future as an obedience, agility, conformation, herding and family dog. Each puppy is leash trained, crate trained, knows sit and down, is comfortable traveling in a car and has a healthy start on housebreaking before they go to their new homes. If we claim we are the best source for the new family pet, we had better make darned sure that state- ment is true. —Anonymous Of course it has had a negative impact. These campaigns have made people feel guilty for buying a quality puppy. But these people are not there for that buyer when problems creep up. And problems will. —Sandi Stephenson No, it has not affected my breeding program! By breeding program I am assuming you mean puppy buyers. If so, I have seen a significant rise in buyers for my breed which is Pugs. —Anonymous No, fortunately, if buyers are hunting for a Bouvier, they generally don’t find them at shelters and our breed rescue is not overrun with dogs needing placement. Our breed’s challenge are the puppy miles undercutting our prices—these dogs are never health tested but unless you’re dealing with an informed client, it’s hard for the buyer to overlook the price difference! —Anonymous I have many people call who had a rescue before (of my breed) and will never do it again. All the rescue dogs are pup- py mill and extremely poor quality and people have spent thousands to keep them alive. They are very happy with my puppies. —Anonymous No, it has not affected my breeding program. I only breed two to three litters a year. Since I breed Chihua- huas, my litters are small; the average litter size is three puppies. In my area, West Virginia, Chihuahuas are rarely found in the shelters—those that do end up in shelters are usually quite old and/or have various medical problems. —Catherine Carpenter Fewer interest and demand for pure bred dogs. I see a lot of people purchasing designer dogs as well so their mix looks like a rescue. Also, I am looked down upon by many because I own pure bred dogs. I have been turned into animal control and the department of agriculture two years after I had a lit- ter just to harass me. —Anonymous Yes, society makes buyers feel guilty for wanting a well- bred dog. I tell them they can still support rescue by donat- ing money and buy a well-bred dog and preserve heritage breeds. The upsetting part is people will pay more for a mixed doodle dog than what we are selling purebreds for and then complaining we charge too much for a purebred. —Anonymous
PROBLEMS CREEP UP.”
152 • S how S ight M agazine , M arch 2018
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