I'm wondering what's going on with Champdogs - in my main breed currently there is just one listing under Puppies whereas there used to be at least half a dozen.   I know people aren't breeding as much as in the past, perhaps (sign of the times?) but finding only one litter in a previously numerous breed is very odd.  Where is everybody going?   And why?

I'd noticed the same and ,when looking at some of the less desirable pet sale websites, there still seems to be plenty of adverts for puppies of all breeds, even the more unusual ones. I don't know why this is the case.

Yep - one 'less desirable pet sale website' in particular still has a significant number of adverts - more and more from 'established' breeders!   I miss seeing the pedigrees of litters, on that website.

Why is that, do you think? Does CD charge to advertise a litter? I'd prefer to look for a litter on CD than any of the alternatives.

I'm on the hunt for a breeder for new pup in 18mth-2years. I've noticed breeders advertising on a less than reputable website giving minimal info. The litter then appears a couple of weeks later on champdogs for sale.

What I would like to see is more breeders an champdogs having their own websites so you can see some history of their breeding programmes. I'm not wanting a black but there's hardly any that say what colours they breed. Most don't even include photos especially of litters. Which of course is where the less than reputable websites have the edge, you want to see what you could be having. Unfortunately a picture is all it takes for some people.

I'm wondering what's going on with Champdogs - in my main breed currently there is just one listing under Puppies whereas there used to be at least half a dozen. 

Could it not simply be that we are in the run up to Christmas?

What I would like to see is more breeders an champdogs having their own websites so you can see some history of their breeding programmes. I'm not wanting a black but there's hardly any that say what colours they breed. Most don't even include photos especially of litters.

I know plenty of breeders who do. On my own website you will see photos of every litter I've ever bred, from the day of birth until 8 weeks of age, showing how the pups are brought up. Most litters have about 8-10 pages worth of photos, and end with details of what kind of home each pup went to. Then I have other pages for photos that puppy buyers send me over the years.

> What I would like to see is more breeders an champdogs having their own websites so you can see some history of their breeding programmes. I'm not wanting a black but there's hardly any that say what colours they breed. Most don't even include photos especially of litters.<br /><br />I know plenty of breeders who do. On my own website you will see photos of every litter I've ever bred, from the day of birth until 8 weeks of age, showing how the pups are brought up. Most litters have about 8-10 pages worth of photos, and end with details of what kind of home each pup went to. Then I have other pages for photos that puppy buyers send me over the years.

Why cant more breeders be like you ? Taking the time to do it and keep it up to date shows you have a pride in what you do. So much so that you want everybody to see and that you still care and have an interest in puppies you've bred. Which to me translates that my future pup has had someone who actually wanted to breed a healthy family pet/ show dog.
With us being offshore I want as much info as possible before deciding who to visit to save wasting money and time turning up to someone you've only spoken to or emailed.

I would hope that people wouldn't buy a puppy at Christmas time a very active,noisy time to settle a puppy. When we rescued our kittens as it was getting close to December we casually asked the policy re Christmas! Our Man advised he would suggest giving child a cushion bed and some kitten food as present then collect/pick kitten/cat after festive time. He would not let new pets into homes after 16/12 until 03/01! Not sure about rescue home policy re re homed dogs/puppies. Would breeders not be put off by a getting to leave for homes in the run up to Christmas? Thoughts ?
I see a lot of puppy litters still on KC and here with my breed. I have had alerts for puppy  litters from both sites. I found only a few breeders with their own website. Out of the two I viewed and contacted both sounded  too formal and I felt looked like kennels.

Not everyone has a lively Christmas!  For some, with no children or with children living abroad, maybe with only elderly family around, Christmas can be a very quiet time and ideal for puppy-settling.  And even, not everyone celebrates Christmas at all. 

Horses for courses.

But if a lively merry gathering of the family is expected then a new puppy (or kitten, or any pet really) is not a good idea.

One of the plus-points of buying a puppy from a breeder is the chance to find out about previous generations, and how they have done in the show-ring, the field, or the activity circuit.

may be a combination of time of year, cost and the need to advertise.
I know some will hold off and wait a season to not have puppies in winter
As you have to be a payed member to put up a litter advert could be more people are not wanting to pay for it when they could put up an ad on a free site.
or perhaps with the more reptable breeders that currently don't need to advertise their litters due to having long waiting lists

Ditto Marianne, except my first couple of litters are on one page, as it was pre computer age for me.

Personally In don't advertise on any site that charges as we get very sporadic enquiries, so it's not cost effective, and generally already have a waiting list.

If all pups not spoken for by the time I register them, then I will pay the KC fee (as no longer belong to the ABS, who get listed for free).

So there's no known reason for the decrease in Puppy listings on Champdogs - it's not seasonal with my main breed - the one listing was for a litter born end of May!!!   I'd imagine they are now all sold.    Our litter numbers (KCSB Records) is down, but not to that extent - even if the BYBs outnumber with known 'reputable' breeders in my breed and they'd probably not be seen advertising here.   They are on 'the other' website however.

> I know some will hold off and wait a season to not have puppies in winter

That is certainly it in my case. I had a winter litter 3 years ago & never again! my bitch came in season 6 weeks earlier than normal & had I mated her, they would have been due in 2 weeks time!! If all goes well, the next season will be ideal all round for myself & new owners :)

You pay to be a member and then advertise litters/stud dogs. Also word of mouth re websites etc can determine which a breeder might use. If you have a good impression from the forum, welcome etc maybe you would use that site. If a negative and heated baptism on a forum it might put off said breeder. A good service experience people tell a few  friends however poor,bad negative experience this will be told to many,. Art of good customer service in any area to make sure first impressions are a positive good one. It's hard to start on a bad experience and often the customer moves away.