July 1, 2009

Dear Customers,

I have seen a few things written about “what a good breeder is” and up until now have been reserved in sharing my opinion.  I feel that with the flood of information out there on the internet it has become somewhat confusing.  Websites are fun to look at, but can become an overload of information - or not enough information to make a responsible choice when looking for a reputable breeder. 

The most important thing on everyone’s list should be that you are looking for a healthy, well socialized companion (especially when you are showing or breeding) who will be a member of your family for a very long time – a healthy dachshund should live to be over 12 years. 

Purchasing a puppy or an adult from a reputable breeder is a rewarding experience for the following reasons (The order listed here has nothing to do with a higher scale of importance because I feel that each item mentioned is equally important.):

• A good breeder has experience, and has a mentor or a network of experienced breeders to turn to for information and help–

• Not everyone is cut out for the dog show world – it is ok to be involved with your breed in other meaningful ways - you do not have to show your dogs to be a good breeder or have a good knowledge base about the breed.

• Purchase Contract to protect both the buyer, and the breeder.

• OFFERS A WRITTEN GUARANTEE – If you find a guarantee is offered for the lifetime of the dog that should indicate that the breeder believes in the genetics of the lines or pedigree that are part of their breeding program.

• The breeder makes a specific request or condition that is in place in your written agreement that the companion puppy you are purchasing will be neutered or spayed.  I have a contract for companion or limited registration that outlines that the puppy must be neutered or spayed within a specific timeline.

• Knowledge which is focused to the breed – knowing a breed and the pedigrees that are being bred takes dedication and time to study and learn. I have known breeders & show people that show multiple dog breeds that are very educated about their breeds, but this is more an exception than a rule!

• Adoption application or an interview with you that asks questions about your experience with the breed or dogs, how the puppy will live, and be cared for.

• Willing to give you time to ask questions, allow you to visit the home, meet the parents of the puppy, and support you for the lifetime of your puppy.

• Explains things and answers your questions – offers advice about what a good fit for a pet will be for your family.  Dogs have unique and individual personalities – a good breeder will have a feel for what will work for your family or lifestyle, and be able to offer good advice about raising your puppy.

• Provides a puppy packet with health information, and copies of all records for your puppy including a supply of food – a very caring breeder will provide a blanket or toy too for the transition.

• The breeder is a member of parent club of their breed, other local dog clubs, State breed clubs, local shelter, or rescue organizations - proudly displays the parent club code of ethics on their website, and believes that AKC paperwork be completed for every litter.  FYI:  Being a member of a club such as the National Miniature Dachshund Club requires multiple sponsorship, and a willingness to work toward the betterment of the breed.

• Breeder is hands on or actively works with the dogs in the home, and has yards with sufficient room for the dogs to play outside.  I feel that raising the dogs in a home setting shows dedication, and commitment to having the breeding dogs life be that of a companion or pet – every dog should be afforded this lifestyle.  If dogs are raised in a kennel - the dogs are afforded lots of area to run and play indoors and outdoors. 

• Cleanliness – cleaning of house or kennel is kept up to date, dogs are kept clean, and the poop patrol is on the job!

Now for Caution signs – things that may signal you to re-think about the person you considering buying a puppy from:

• Focus of solicitation to customers says – Puppies are our business – we take payments – we ship any where or will meet you somewhere instead of inviting you to their home!  FYI:  If you the customer request to meet for your convenience - that is your prerogative, but I would strongly suggest that you take the extra time and effort to go to the breeder's home.

• Home or kennel setting is dirty or unorganized - what you see in the home could very well be the strongest sign of how the animals are cared for.

• No Contract or limited guarantee which covers a few months or a year of time.  Illness happens more often in later years - a reputable breeder wants to know whenever a serious illness occurs so that future breeding can be corrected.

• Too many dogs for the person to provide proper care for - ok...what is too many - look for signs that the dogs have no room to play, that they are dirty, nails not cut, not fed well, water supply not clean,  and so forth.

• Does not provide up to date photographs or give you a peek at where the dogs live or where puppies are raised.  FYI*Please note that it may not be possible for you to physically walk through the areas where the dogs live or where puppies are kept because a cautious breeder does not want to bring disease into their dog's living arrangement, and diseases can be tracked in to a kennel from shoes – so do not be alarmed if you are not allowed to walk everywhere - but you should get a good birds eye view or idea of the general living arrangements of the dogs. 

• Not able to provide references from the vet, or customers if you so desire.

• No questions asked – it is just a transaction! 

• Sells to pet stores, flea markets or other areas where mass sales are conducted.

• Offers stud service to anyone.  We do not offer outside stud service because of health risks to our dogs, and because we are selective about the pedigree we are breeding – so that we can continue to offer our lifetime guarantee.

• Offers a special price for no papers – this is a way to avoid being inspected by the American Kennel Club.

• Registers dogs with uncommon registries – this is a way to avoid being inspected by the American Kennel Club or that the American Kennel Club has restricted their activity.

• Does not make an effort to  participate in any activity even supporting a local shelter - in most good situations there is active support to breed specific club.

• Has negative attitude about show people, registering dogs, or makes excuses.  It is wrong to bad mouth choices that people make, and making excuses is another way of covering things that may not be so positive for you the buyer to know.

• The person is RUDE – Believe it or not this could be anyone including someone that owns the finest dogs that are champions – all of the other signs are absolutely wonderful…but if the person you are buying from cannot be courteous or give time of themselves – it is not saying much about their character.

I hope that this letter, and the information I have discussed helps anyone considering the important decision of adding a puppy to their household.  My opinions or ideas are a work in progress as I learn and grow with my miniature dachshunds here at CBWags4u Dachshunds.  I believe that you will find the CBWags4u Dachsies offers our customer the very finest English Cream Long Coat Miniature Dachshunds, and Traditional Smooth Coat Miniature Dachshund and my integrity has been built upon years of hard work along with some very sound education, experience, and dedication to the Dachshund breed. 

We hope to hear from you, and thank you for giving me an opportunity to share my opinion!

Sincerely,

Bernadette Wagner – Owner Amateur Show Handler & Breeder

CBWags4u Dachsies © Dear Customer – copy or post granted with permission by the author only any reproduction in part or whole without permission is forbidden. 7.1.09

CBWags4u Dachsies