Hi as a few of you may know I've been researching breeds for my next dog and now feel I am ready to start contacting breed clubs in order to discuss life with their breeds, however, I'm a little worried about how my culturally background and living arrangements may be taken. To put it bluntly, my culturally background is that of a showman (travelling fun fairs?) and as such live in caravans (the large ones) although we have recently settled down on a showman site. My issue is will a good, caring responsible breeder even consider me? Our yard (plot of land for uninitated) has large gates on the front and the garden is sectioned off for the dogs to play in, no dog is left tethered up and they are walked twice a day. All my life I've been associated with gypsies and the stigma and stereotypes which go along with them, I personally have nothing against gypsies myself butI'm a little worried about whether I'll even be considered for a well bred puppy. I'm not looking for a puppy a good 2 years + yet but I wanna get out there and make contact with breeders so I can not only do right by myself but by my future puppy.

Thanks for listening to me waffle :)

Luckygirl xxx

Some may be put off by it other may not, like with working people some breeders say no working at all others are happy with working people. Just be honist and explain you situation, the worst that can happen is some don't like it and don't get back to you.

Unfortunately breeders are as varied in their preconceptions and prejudices as anyone else, so really the more honest you are the better.

Also doing as you are a lot of research in advance, perhaps visiting breeders at club and championship shows, so that people can meet and get to know you will mean your more likely to be considered.

The breed will also play a part.

You might be surprised.  I've turned down people with wonderful homes - that are out 10 hours a day and expect to go home to a delightful dog.  I've turned down people who are home all day but have 3 children under 5 years old, because I think that they already have their hands full!

But I had a couple approach me a few years back, who hid nothing (I like that) and said that they lived on a boat.  They were late 50's and had 'work from home' jobs on the internet.  They had lost their old dog, who was used to wearing a custom made lifejacket.  I get regular updates on how the dog I let them have has been introduced to all the other people living on boats.  Seems it's a thriving community these days!

As I said you might be surprised, all breeders have their own criteria.

All you can do is test the waters and see what reaction you get, be honest because if breeders find out later it will put you in a bad light.

Some breeds will suit this lifestyle better than others so be flexible with your choices.

It would not put me off but then I have experience of fairground and circus living so I would be more than happy - however you may find those who have a narrow experience of life and would be put off. Get to know as many breeders as you can and I am sure you will be accepted by those you find you like and trust - these things work both way. Oh! yes, be straight and honest, only way in the end.

As you're looking in a long time frame, it'll give you time to find someone who won't be put off. If it was me, I'd be slightly startled just by the idea (sounds fun though!) and I wouldn't rule you out, and over the time that we knew each other before the litter you were waiting for was born, I would I'm sure have my doubts put to rest. Just be honest from the start, as good breeders will be much more put off by finding out about a slightly unusual lifestyle some time down the line, than if you tell them right away, and explain how the dog will be cared for just as well (and quite likely better!) than many in a more conventional house / home. :-)

It was fun but unfortunately we are a dying breed (vulnerable native breed you could say!). I was a little worried about this as a travelling friend of ours was turned down by a rescue when she wanted to rehome a Staffie cross, they have a special pen built for their dog so they are not tied up, the dog that they own currently goes to work with them in the pay box and sleeps by the side of the bed but due to their 'unusual lifestyle' the rescue centre refused to rehouse the dog. I believe it's still in the rescue now. I will keep my options of breed open and honesty will be the best policy by the sounds out it!

Rescues often have much narrower and many consider unreasonable blanket policies.  Breeders are often much more about taking each individual potential home on the basis of it's own merits.

That is not to say they will sell to just anyone (like a Back yard breeder or Puppy farmer will), as if they are responsible it is not in their interests to end up having lots of pups back because of unsuitable home situations. 

So some will make blanket rules, as feeling they are not prepared to take certain risks, such as very young children with toy or elderly owners wtih very large breeds.

I have a few 'rules' that generally I will not home a puppy with but in 30 years I have broken my own rule 3 times because the potential owners had thought through their situation and reassured me that my fears were unfounded and each case has worked very well.

I have to say that I would be wary of your situation in the first instance BUT you are an articulate person who is obviously thinking things through and so I would definitely take the time to get to know you better with a view to having a precious puppy. :)

One of the most important things a breeder looks for is that lifelong home, where a dog will be well cared for, loved, exercised and stimulated.

The problem you may well have which you have highlighted yourself is the view that you are like gypsies, who occasionally dump their dogs and allow them to wander, I'm not saying that there are not also gypsies who love and care for their dogs however dumping or leaving dogs behind is something that rescues often have to deal with once they have moved on.

You really need to make sure that you are very clear with any breeder that a dog will have a lifelong home with you, pluses are the dog will go to work with you (if still working as a showman) and be loved, many breeders also do not like the thought of pets left outdoors so if a dog is to be in your caravan when you are there to sleep etc, make sure that you state this too, how you will care for the dog day to day, that you will use praise and reward to train a pup and no dominance or punishment training, pluses again are in a large community there is always someone to look after a dog whether sick, away or whilst working.

There are a lot of pluses for a dog with your background, if you are knowledgeable and keen about the breed and answer all questions honestly you will have the same chance as anyone else. :-)

Thank you everyone for all your replies, I'm about to make contact with a few people and test the waters! This journey to find a puppy is all very excited :)

Carrington, you have hit the nail on the head. Rescue centres have the reverse side of the coin experience with 'gypsies' taking IN so many dumped/abandoned/neglected/ill treated/over bred dogs from this group.  Therefore they do have a very cautious view to anyone of this background wanting to rehome. That's the nature of the beast, bad experience teaches you to be very wary. Those that don't behave the same way can't be separated out and are a high risk. So I think those posters who said that rescues are too rigid just don't see that side of it.  Good luck with your search OP, as others have said just be yourself and be completely honest about your situation and see where it goes.