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

[Earlybird]

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?

If you have any doubts about the breeder, don't do it. One thing you have to remember though is that there is only one of her and potentially hundreds of people who have either bought puppies from her in the past and stay in touch or are enquiring about puppies, so she may be spread somewhat thinly.

It can sometimes be hard to find the balance of a breeder who has impeccable knowledge of the breed, experience, good ethics and the time to help new owners as much as they'd like, not least as often the breeders who have been doing it the longest also judge.

If you get a dog you are making a commitment for up to 15 years or maybe more. To an animal that will live as part of your family and be a huge part of your life, both a companion and a lifestyle. So it is really important to not be in a rush and to find the right dog.

My friend who runs an agility club has recently taken on a dog who was returned to the breeder. she already has another dog from the same breeder who she is close friends with.

The reason this dog was returned was that the older dog had health problems and they didn't have the time for him. However in reality it seems that he wasn't quite up to the demands of the obedience standard that they wanted him to be at. I found it quite shocking that they would return him after 3 years of training. He seems to have been crated all the time and only let out for training, he would only eat and drink back in his crate.

I think some people have such high expectations of what the breed will be that they don't consider whether the individual personality of the dog will fit.
If I was looking for a dog I would certainly consider one that had been returned to the breeder for the reasons you have mentioned.

My Springer came from a breeder in the Lake District and he came with the promise that the breeder would have him back at any time, any age if I ever found that I can no longer look after him.

We just took on an 8 year old rescue Westie. He was returned to the rescue service who originally homed him because the owner died and his wife (the owner's, not the dog's) couldn't cope with him.

He is a fantastic dog, it is well worth taking on an older dog if you don't want to go through the puppy stage or can't commit to training a puppy.

He is a feisty little bugger, but is settling in well.

I would ask if the dog/bitch is OK with loud noises, etc. We've found out in the last few weeks that he doesn't like gunshot (going to be a nightmare in pheasant season - we are surrounded by shoots) and he is scared of thunder. Also, couldn't cope with a baby monitor, when the baby cried he couldn't work out where the noise was coming from (my nephews, so only an occasional problem). Oh, and the hoover, but I solved that by not hoovering

I think the point of my post is that older dogs can be very rewarding and when dogs are sent back it is more often something wrong with the owner than the dog!

Thank you for the reassuring stories. It is good to know that a returned dog is not necessarily a problem dog.

I have a BM and recue DDB. Maggie was 15months when we got her and the only 'issue' she has is with other dogs - wants to get to them - which can look indimidating. however if she does get near (find a willing owner is hard!) she is fine and just wants to play. she is fine with our BM boy.

there are bound to be 'issues' which need working on, but like maggies dog issue, no one made us aware of it at the time!!

im still scratching my head about it!!

hope you find you perfect pooch xx

Well.......looks as if our search for a dog will be starting over.

I finally spoke to the breeder at length and she has told me that the dog is probably not right for us. After speaking again to the former owners, the breeder was told that the dog evidently gets over-excited around rambunctious/noisy children, and has nipped once or twice. Nothing serious (in fact, it has nothing to do with why the family 'returned' the dog), but still it is not a risk I (or the breeder) think is wise for our family.

The breeder has 3 bitches due to go into heat in the next month or so, so it is possible the 'right' dog for us will come from one of those litters.

I feel disappointed, but know it is better to wait.

Good decision - and good the breeder honourably put you off the nipper.

Sounds like there's a decent chance you'll get a pup before too long and it'll be worth the wait.