Hello,

We just joined and hoping to have a new addition to our family now that we have settled more into our own home.  Hoping to gain more knowledge and support on all pup matters.

I guess to start I have a question about etiquette particularly during Covid.  How much effort do you go to remaining in contact when you decide on the breeder you would like to own a puppy from?  Sorry if this is a bit long winded, but just to give some background.  We have met with a highly recommended breeder last year prior to Covid.  I explained in my initial correspondences that we were willing to wait and I was probably jumping the gun slightly with inquiries but I wanted my partner to meet with the breeder to make sure he was comfortable with the type of dog and happy with the breeder.  (So that when we were ready, we wouldn't be letting the breeder down and my partner was fully committed)  We had done loads of research and met a few people with the breed over the years but its not the same as speaking to someone who has lived and breed them. And of course I wanted the breeder to feel comfortable with us and raise any concerns if they had any. 

We met with them at a time when they had pups, (again pre covid) and they were lovely, pups were lovely.  This particular breeder goes the extra mile with health testing which my partner was really concerned about and they had a lot of experience to offer and support.  After the meeting we went home and discussed and my partner decided that now really was not the right time as there was quite a few outstanding house repairs needed.  More importantly we didn't realise how much damage was done to our garden over the winter and repairs were needed for our safety let alone kids and a pup.  It be easier to put our full attention to training and raising the pup after this was all completed.   My partner said defo ready for next year (2021).  I emailed them, thanking them and reconfirming that we will need to wait but will be ready for next year.  I never heard from them and can't say I blame them.  Lets face it, they had puppies, and Covid was unfolding and people just get busy.

I emailed them again in November just to ask them how they were doing and letting them know we were still interested as a New Year was approaching and just wondering what their plans were.  I haven't heard from them.  Again, I can fully appreciate why and I hope that we didn't think we were time wasters.  Although I had explained our situation and willingness to wait, I can imagine its still annoying from a breeders perspective.  Plus I have no idea how they may be impacted by the pandemic and may have a lot going on in their personal lives.  Last thing they may need right now is my asking about pups when they have more pressing concerns.  How do you gage that interaction?   Should I email again?  How often?  (Plus from reading the posts it sounds like you guys are inundated with emails/calls).  I do not want to mither them if I've annoyed them previously or email too frequently.  I always feel bad emailing or calling people.  Im trying to balance my eagerness to raise a puppy this year or even next with my reluctance to contact people for fear I am mithering them. 

Again, sorry for the long windedness.
Thanks for reading.

Chances are they may not breed again so soon if they had a litter last year.

Could be your message has gone astray, and as you have made personal contact and visited I would try a phonecall.

Chances are their next litter may be later in the year, and if so you could be accepted for their waiting list.

If they are not breeding again for longer they may put you in touch with a reliable alternative.

> I would try a phonecall.

As you have a previous relationship with this breeder, so would I.    Go carefully because anything might have happened in the interim.   And for sure, if they have shelved their plans, they may know of another breeder (s) who is going ahead - if they have stud dogs at public stud, perhaps somebody has used him recently.

Thank you for your suggestions. I dread calling incase I interrupt anyone but I shall give it a go.

Thanks.

Yumei Koinu:

Give them a call.  It has been a tough year for everyone and at the end of the day, whatever has happened, don't lose the opportunity to have that new addition if possible.
They can only say yes or no and that then gives you the chance to make different plans if necessary.  Good Luck

Thank you for all the advice.  I have not had the nerve to call yet.  I really hate calling people for fear of bothering them.  I know its silly but I just got to work up the nerve to do it.

I did have some other questions.   Are there other websites to connect with owners, breeders other than kennel club or Champdogs? I have to this point avoided Facebook and other social media platforms.   Im hoping it will redirect me to something more constructive than looking obsessively at pets4homes to look at puppies I will never own.

Also, is it advantageous to join a breed club even if we are highly unlikely to show or breed?   I just feel like a fake asking to join if that is something we are unlikely to do although I would never rule it out.  Like to keep ourselves open to new experiences.

Thanks

Yumei Koinu:> is it advantageous to join a breed club even if we are highly unlikely to show or breed?

It is always adventageous to join the Breed Club and they don't advise ONLY those who Show.  Again as before, it is highly likely that waiting for some time will be the only way ahead.  You haven't mentioned which Breed you have decided on...?

Sometimes reputable Breeders on here who don't plan for Litters in the near furure know other reputable Breeders who are planning Litters soon.

Hope this helps.

Definitely speak to the breed clubs they are usually very helpful . You don't have to join just to find out about breeders and pups but may choose to do so later. I didn't show or work my first flat coat but did join the club . you learn all sorts of information but it isnt expected that you are necessarily anything more than an interested owner
If you speak to the litter secretary or whoever keeps the list of breeders etc it may give you more confidence to ring someone as that is what there details are there for

The majority of breed club members in my breed club are purely pet owners.

To be honest without them the club could not function as the numbers of breeders and exhibitors is low.

Yes to locating a breeder via the relevant Breed Club.   They have Codes of Ethics which 'should' rule out you finding yourself with a BYB  by which I mean somebody who is just churning out puppies for income.

Was a time when my main Breed Club had a person who kept records of who had litters available.  I don't know if they still do however.    With the bigger breeders, even if they don't have a litter on the ground (or perhaps not planned given the situation with the virus) they may know of people who do, or perhaps have recently used their stud dog(s).

With my two buy-ins, I found the breeder of my Whippet online, and confess to going to somebody who was reasonably local.   Thankfully she was a reputable person.    With my Basset, I'd known his breeder in the breed for as long, if not longer, than me.

Thank you everyone for your input.  I guess I just assume they would be too busy with breeding and showing rather than offering a support and social element.   I've already looked up the groups in the UK but haven't joined any yet.  We are hoping to be social with other dog owning groups in our area.  But Im a bit shy when contacting/meeting people at first and I find it harder if I don't seem to have a good reason to contact people.  Think I lurked on here reading as much as I could for over a month before posting.

We are looking for a great dane.

> assume they would be too busy with breeding and showing

Just pick out the showing element here....there have been no shows for the past 11 months due to covid & there wont be for some months yet, so you can rule that element out

That is true.    (I can't seem to find a kind of smiley face I want. A smiling blushing one).  Need deep breaths and just bite the bullet.  Going to look at the breed clubs again and join.

A decent club yearbook is worth joining the breed club for. In there you will see adverts showing the best of almost everybody's stock - which can give you an insight into variation in breed type, and let you see whose dogs you prefer.

I am not a great fan of Facebook, but some of the breed/breed club groups can be great for information with a mix of all kinds of owners, breeders, exhibitors.

Within my breeds groups members organise meet ups with others in their area.

Usually a walk with somewhere for on the hoof rereshments.