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Original poster

Would you consider a dog that had been returned to the breeder?

32 replies

Earlybird · 12/04/2010 01:24

We have been considering taking the leap into dog ownership.

After a great deal of research, we visited a recommended breeder a few months ago (5 hours drive from where we live). She did not have any dogs available at the time, but we were able to see her facilities, talk in depth about the breed, see and spend time with several of her older dogs, etc.

I've just had an email saying the following:

''I just got back a 3 yr. old female, spayed, who is house broken and needs a new home. Her former owners are at work all day and then escorting their children around to dance, football, etc. and feel bad they are not home enough with the dog. So, we agreed that I would take her back, and try to find her a new home.''

I am a complete novice and have never had a dog before. What are the pros and cons to a situation like this? Should I consider it? What should i ask?

OP posts:

oxocube · 12/04/2010 07:51

Well I certainly WOULD consider this seriously. We had a dog from a shelter - he was 2 yrs old and we knew very litle about him other than he couldn't be left alone and that he had been returned several times by other people who took him because they left him at home after only a few days and he went bananas, poor thing. And after a lot of work he settled down beautifully and was a lovely addition to our home but I do think that we took a gamble, not knowing the history and being first time dog owners.

This breeder sounds very responsible. I think other breeders here will say that they always agree to the pups/dogs they breed being returned if it doesn't work out. This way, you would have a house-trained dog with pretty much full history and a caring breeder. Sounds like a win-win to me! Good luck. What breed is it?

EggyAllenPoe · 12/04/2010 07:58

although i am a bit about a breeeder who would sell to anyone who wasn't at home a reasonable amount - often breeders are lied to by prospective buyers, or in the three years after they sold the dog, things change...

i think a rehome of this kind can be great, though ask what problems the original home encountered (bearing in mind that a whole plethora of probems can be generated by leaving a dog alone too long, and if you don't do this to the dog, it may be fine)

as previous poster says, good breeders should be willing (in fact eager) to look after a dog they bred and take charge of its rehoming.

They should be getting someone close to you to homecheck you as well - have they done this?

midori1999 · 12/04/2010 09:39

The pros are you will get a dog with a known history that also happens to be housetrained etc and could also have some level of basic training and a breeder who is clearly willing to be responsible for the dogs she breeds and should therefore also be willing to offer you 'after sales' support if you do take on the dog, so you can ring her if you experience any problems.

I think you need to clarify with the breeder what, if any, problems the dog may have, (does it steal food, bark/fret if left alone, is it good with other dogs etc) how good the recall, lead walking etc is and what level of training the dog has.

I personally wouldn't expect most breeders to home check you. I don't usually home check puppy buyers. Mainly because by the time they ar eanywhere near ready to take a puppy home they are almost like one of the family, I will have met them so many times and I also make a habit of phoning them to check if they really are at home during the day like they say they are.

I think for a first time dog owner, provided it hasn't got any problems, this sort of dog and situation is ideal. You can get used othaving a dog without the very hard work and inevitable difficulties having a puppy causes and if the owner has had her spayed etc, and is willing to return her to the breeder (quite possibly for no monetary return) they can't be so bad.

wildfig · 12/04/2010 10:02

My older dog came from exactly that situation: her first owner had had a stroke. The breeders took her back immediately and would have kept her (she's a really sweet girl) but we met and fell in love. There's a lot to be said for rehoming an older dog if you're a first time owner; I didn't realise how calm and biddable - and lavatorially reliable - she was until we got a puppy.

Original poster

Earlybird · 12/04/2010 14:44

It is interesting and reassuring that no one is saying 'don't consider it'.

I must say my initial reaction to the breeder's email was to be wary, and think there must be more to this story and perhaps the dog is a challenging dog. But that is because I can't fathom 'returning' a member of the family. And, I can't honestly think how children would ever consent to 'getting rid' of the dog - unless the dog was a 'problem'.

Am I wrong with my gut instinct? Dd and I want a dog, but as novices, don't have the skills to 'de-program' a dog who has learned lots of bad habits......if that is the case here.

And yes, i realise I'm probably jumping to conclusions.

OP posts:

2old4thislark · 12/04/2010 15:13

You've got nothing to lose by meeting the dog.

Original poster

Earlybird · 12/04/2010 15:42

Well, in theory you are correct.

But, as the breeder is 5 hours drive from our home, it is not a question of simply popping over to have a look.

OP posts:

ShinyAndNew · 12/04/2010 15:55

I think the fact that the breeder has willingly taken the dog back after three years is very positive. Most back street breeders would never consider this because there is no gain in it for them.

A reputable breeder wouldn't lie about the training a dog has or has not had because, as some one who cares greatly about the breed they would want to find a suitable owner who can offer the dog the very best.

They wouldn't offer a problem dog to novice owners.

Saying that, it's an older dog so there will be settling in problems. It will be used to a set routine that may need to change to fit in with you. But that shouldn't cause too many problems and it would be no where near as bad as training a puppy.

I could never imagine rehoming my cat or dog. But I do think that if I could no longer give them the care and attention that they are used to, it would be cruel to keep them. It's just that I'd rather leave my job or spend half my wages on a dog sitter than rehome, but then I'm a bit pet mad

midori1999 · 12/04/2010 16:08

Lots of people rehome their dogs via the breeders. We have one here (I bred her) that was returned to us at 6 months old. She did have some behaviour problems, but nothing major, just jumping up/over excitement and lack of training. She's now 2 1/2 and wonderful, absolutely no bother at all. I didn't rehome her and kept her as I had wanted to keep her from the litter anyway, but due to circmstances after the litter were born, couldn't. I had hoped to show her myself, but she didn't take to it, far too boring, dontcha know?!

People that rehome via the breeder are generally the most responsible and it may well be that the circumstnces have changed and no longer suit the dog. It also says a lot about the breeder's responsibility. Certainly in my case, if I were to take back a dog I had bred and i had behavioural poblems, I would either keep it myself, or not rehome it until it was re-trained/sorted out. Most breeders would do the same, as otherwise the dog would just be returned ot them again, and most of us just want what is best for the dogs.

The best thing you can do is have a long chat with the breeder.

Original poster

Earlybird · 12/04/2010 16:24

Thanks so much for your thoughtful/helpful comments.

The breeder seems to be a very good one, and certainly has a good reputation. She has spoken to us about 3 dogs as possibilities:
one is a 5 month old puppy - the runt of a litter - a boy who needs a minor hernia operation;
one is a year old boy who is with a family who want a show dog and this dog has grown too big for show standards;
and this 3 year old girl who needs to be re-homed.

It really is so difficult to judge long distance which one might be best for us.........I really don't know where to begin. it feels like guesswork.

OP posts:

2old4thislark · 12/04/2010 16:59

5 hours away? That'd would be a long way to go - sorry. Are they an unusual breed?

EggyAllenPoe · 12/04/2010 18:52

a breeder with a good reputation is a rare find - you could do a lot worse. although 5 hours drive is a long way, i think i would probably go that far to get an appropriate dog, as it is a very important thing to get right.

agree that a long chat with breeder about the dogs available is warranted - i actually think a 3yo spayed bitch is a very good choice for a family. But you need to talk this over. Our dog is a rehome (though from my Mum, so not new to us exactly) and frankly having a dog that was pre-trained was great.

so many dogs that have absolutely nothing wrong with them come up for re-homing - jsut becase the people they went to either can't or won't give thm a decent home any more.

Vallhala · 12/04/2010 20:31

Lots of very wise comments here.

Earlybird, a bit of further reassurance. I find rescue spaces for unwanted dogs and I can promise you that a family deciding to rehome because they can't be arsed to make or find time for the poor dog no longer have as much time as they would like is not unusual in the least, sadly. Of course I can't promise you that this is genuinely the case with the dog you've been offered but ime 99% of the time when a family rehomes because they haven't time it just means that they are selfish buggers and the dog is not to blame for the decision.

PS, you're being very coy about the breed you're aiming at taking on... you've got us all wondering now!

EggyAllenPoe · 12/04/2010 21:44

think about dogs that have size restrictions for show<

Miniature Poodle?

Yorkie? (there is a weight restriction still, isn't there?)

there are really too many....

Original poster

Earlybird · 12/04/2010 21:58

Oh - didn't mean to be coy.....

We're considering a Lakeland Terrier - it is a good size for us and our living space, don't shed much, don't have many 'typical' physical ailments, live a long life, are highly intelligent and lovable, most every owner I've spoken to would recommend, and I simply love the way they look!

Now please don't come on here and tell me the breed are nightmare dogs.......unless they really are, of course!

OP posts:

CarGirl · 12/04/2010 22:07

Aren't most terrier's actually very bright? Lots of mental stimulation/exercise required - probably why one has been returned!

Dim dogs are much easier.

Vallhala · 12/04/2010 22:26

Oooh! Lakelands are lovely!

mum2seb · 12/04/2010 22:50

I have a Lakeland, and I love him to bits!! I'm so glad we got him!! We drove 4 hours to get him - a worthwhile journey imo!! He's brilliant with my 3yo and 5yo sons. I'd say go for it - go and see what all 3 are like, and make a decision when you're there - but be careful you don't come away with all 3 of them (I'd be hard-pushed to choose, that's for sure!!). Let us know what you decide and if you bring one home!! Do I sound keen enough?!! I could gush about my beloved Lakey all day, if you like!!!

mum2seb · 12/04/2010 22:51

By the way - where are you travelling to to see your Lakey? We had to drive to the North Lake District - at least it was a picturesque journey, even if it was long!!

GrimmaTheNome · 12/04/2010 23:00

Sounds like a good breeder - either the 3 year old bitch or the too-big boy might suit you. (we got a 10 month old boy from a breeder who'd kept him for show but he didn't make the grade - DH drove from Preston to Dover to look at him and bring him home!).

Do talk to the breeder again - if they are good they will welcome your questions. really you do need to go and see the dogs - you just must be mentally prepared to leave empty handed if none of them suit you.

Original poster

Earlybird · 14/04/2010 21:39

Have now talked to the breeder.

The year old too-big boy has gone to another family.

The 3 year old girl is still available. She is housebroken, spayed, sleeps in a crate and goes a bit crazy when the hoover is on or when children rough-house. She is supposed to be a very good companion dog, is fine around other dogs, and is good with children (unless they are squealing/fighting). I have dd (age 9), so there won't be too much squealing/fighting around here, and I only hoover occasionally!

I have asked the breeder to send me photos, and will try to find out more on Friday when the breeder can talk in more depth.

Any other questions I should ask?

OP posts:

Vallhala · 14/04/2010 21:57

Recall, obedience, what's she like on a lead? Is she vaxed and chipped? Any health issues? Erm... can't think of much else!

Original poster

Earlybird · 15/04/2010 12:37

Would it be completely unacceptable (and weird) to ask if I could speak to the former owners of the dog? The breeder knows the woman well - they used to work together.

The breeder is travelling a great deal at the moment to various dog shows, and is having problems in her personal life. I am not sure she is able (or interested) in the level of hand-holding this nervously excited first time pet owner seeks......

OP posts:

Vallhala · 15/04/2010 13:21

Put it this way, if the breeder is unwilling to let you speak to the former owner you'd be right to ask why and to be wary. If I were you I'd certainly ask if I could do so, good idea Earlybird... (now why didn't I think of that?!).

Original poster

Earlybird · 16/04/2010 14:58

Very frustrating.

I spoke to the breeder briefly last night - she was unable to take photos of the girl dog and send them via email, as she promised. She left home today, and will be away 10 days at a dog show. She promised to groom the girl and send photos when she returns 'if the dog is still available'.

. Am I making too big a thing out of wanting to see photos before we commit?

As I mentioned before, the breeder is very busy atm with dog shows, and is also going through a divorce. She has a young son too. She is under a great deal of pressure - and I sympathise - but often am made to feel I am 'imposing' on her with my requests.

When do we simply take a leap of faith, and say we'll move forward? Wondering if I should simply send her a deposit for the dog to ensure it isn't sold to someone local, and tell her we'll make a final decision once we've seen photos and travelled to meet the dog.

Any wise words of advice from anyone?

OP posts:

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