advice on etiquette with breeders please

[sununu]

I read somewhere that you should not put yourself on the waiting list with more than one breeder (and the breeder I've found said 'please let us know if you find someone you would rather get a puppy from, so we can take you off our list'). I totally understand they don't want all their list backing out at the last moment, but what if you wait eg. six months for a puppy and then for some reason there isn't a dog for you in that litter? if you don't have a back-up possibility you might be starting all over again on another list. what did other people do, and breeders, what do you expect and what do you feel is time-wasting?

[midori1999]

Well, the idea is that if you find a breeder you are happy with and you like their dogs (both in looks and temprement and obviously good health test results are vital) then you would be prepared to wait for them to breed the puppy you want. Most good breeders breed infrequently anyway, so once a year would be often for most. The dog is going to be with you for anything between 12-17 years and you may need support from the breeder at any point during that time and want to maintain a good/friendly reltionship with them, so it's also nice if you can have a good rapport with the breeder.

People do back out of waiting lists, for whatever reason, not always because they ave found another breeder and breeders do expect that. I have had people waiting for around 2 years for a puppy from one of my bitches. We mated her unsuccessfully at the end of last year and due to her age (although she is well within the age allowed by the KC, I feel at 6 she shouldn't be expected to have another litter) we will not be breeding from her again. A couple of people that wer on my waiting list have been referred on to a friend of mine nd some chose to stay on m list and will instead wait until we breed from my girl's daughter, although that may well not before another year or so.

Most good breeders know a lot of other good breeders and will be happy to refer you on to someone else they know who may suit you and has puppies left in a litter or is expecting a litter and doesn't have a full waiting list.

One member on here that I know of waited a very long time for a puppy from a particular breeder the liked. After several failed matings the breeder referred them onto smeone else she knew nd as far as I know that person is now very happy with the puppy they have. Thy didn't have to wait any longer than they would had the second mating worked ut.