So, last week I went to see a breeder, she was very nice and answered all my questions, but.......

She did not ask me any questions

She had 3 malamutes and 11 huskies, they were in outdoor kennels and the kennels were clean however they were all really noisy and kept jumping on the kennels. Also, the dogs looked liked they hadn't been groomed in a while.

The puppies were all clean and they were outside in a kennel, but she said that she did bring them in the house at night.

I'm just really curious as to what others think about this being a reputable breeder. My biggest concern I guess is how the adult dogs were acting and how they looked, however I do not know what is normal when you go visit a breeder, I've never met with one before. Also, I do not know how a pack of huskies normal reacts to strangers.

I guess when I asked if we could meet the parents I was under the assumption that we would be able to interact with them, however this was not the case, is that normal?

Sending you a PM right now..

Reputable breeder????? I wouldn't get your hopes up to high with this one. Just my but a reputable breeder doesn't do more then one breed, BYB's do what they want to make money.

With Milla, who is from a registered breeder in Australia (she comes with full papers,) I was able to meet and pat her mum, brothers and sisters, thee aunts and father which certainly put my fears at ease. I would be wary, that sounds like a lot of dogs, and not to mention the mixture as well of the mals and sibes..

A reputable breeder also usually asks a lot of questions of the potential owners of their puppies to be sure they are going to the right home. You didn't mention why the breeder is breeding, did you ask? Also, did you ask if all the dogs are health tested, their scores if they are, and how often her dogs are bred? I would have concerns if the adults coats are looking like they are lacking basic proper care though.

Breeding more than one breed is not always a bad sign. I know of a few very reputable breeders who breed two breeds of dog at the same time.

Thank you all, she did say she only breeders 2-3 litters a year and she breeds because she loves the breed and wants to share it with others. She did say that her huskies have a distictive look and people know her dogs. I find her prices reasonably $600, and she says she spends that on dog food alone, so I really do not think she is making any huge profits off of breeding the dogs. I know she did say the adults are all AKC registered and they're hips and eyes are all checked by the vet. And I'm not sure if it matters or not but she said the Malamutes are her husbands.

I think the frustration come in because she does seem to genuinely care about the dogs, she sent me information on 2 places that she considered puppy mills and even sent me a link on the CKC explaining how easy it was to get papers on a dog saying it was a purebred. Ideally, she seems great.

I brought my neighbor with when I went and she had some of the same questions, I think the biggest things were how the adult dogs looked and were acting, but that could be normal. Neither of us knew. I've never been to a breeder and she's been to many GSD breeders and said the dogs were different.

That is not a reason for breeding if that is in fact her reason. Also, our say she's had their eyes and hips checked by the vet, but have they been tested and scored? I would find out what the scores were on their eyes and hips. But the breeders reason for breeding would send me far, far away. Also, does this breeder work her dogs in harness to prove their working ability? Does she show her dogs in confirmation? Love of the breed and wanting to share it are not valid reasons to breed, reputable breeders breed to improve the breed and usually breed for themselves and others with an interest in showing and/or working and find pet homes for the pups that are not the best specimens to contribute to the gene pool.

I honestly think your best bet is to keep looking for another breeder.

Thanks Valerie, I really appreciate your input. No the dogs are not show dogs or used for any sports, honestly I was concerned because she said she walks 2 a day. I know that huskies require a lot of exerccise, so that kind of bothered me. I think I'll take your advice and keep looking; I have a year at least so I have plenty of time.

I love the breed as does everyone here on the forum. That's not a reason to breed, in fact its more of a reason to rescue and adopt out dogs in need. I have done that for 10 or more dogs in the last 5 years and lost money on every one.

Val, she sent me the website, the parents are OFA and CERF tested. I know someone with a pup from them, the dog is now 4. The dog is Zoya on Husky-Owners owned by Mazz. He loved this breeder.

Personally I would look for a breeder who raises the puppies in a household and not out in a kennel. I feel they get much more socialization that way and have a better start in life. I know there are reputable breeders who use large kennels, but I prefer reputable breeders who don't have a ton of dogs and give the puppies all the attention in the world.

Jennet&Embry wrote:

Val, she sent me the website, the parents are OFA and CERF tested. I know someone with a pup from them, the dog is now 4. The dog is Zoya on Husky-Owners owned by Mazz. He loved this breeder.

That's one good thing, I still would not support her reasons for breeding.

In all honestly I wouldn't consider Zoya well bred... I would also vote no on this breeder.

_

Jennet, we are all entitled to our opinions. There is no need to get defensive about it. I have never been particularly impressed with Zoya either. Just having dogs that fit ones interpretation of breed standard does not automatically mean that breeding them will better the breed. Good breeding goes so much deeper than that, which you of all people should know. I also have yet to see what she's done to prove her dogs are breeding material, saying they fit breed standard and having hips and eyes cleared is simply not good enough. A truly reputable breeder will know tons about all their breeding dogs' lineages, they know their dogs' faults and breed them to other dogs with traits that will hopefully improve upon the current generation always seeking to improve the breed with each new litter.

No one is saying that the breeder in question is a bad person, Jennet. But the OP is looking for feedback in trying to find a reputable breeder and we are trying to help in that department. The OP can do much better with a better breeder who is actually breeding for the right reasons in the first place AND proves their dogs in multiple areas such as confirmation, working, health, and temperament. We are not doing the breed any favors by settling for mediocre breeders, there is more than enough of that already.

From the pictures i've seen of Zoya, and from the breeders website of her current breeding dogs... I cannot condone purchasing from them. I love my dogs, and the majority of them fall within standard as well. But that doesn't mean they are breeding quality. I think if you're going to purchase a dog from a breeder- it should be well worth it. Otherwise there are 100's of shelter Siberians that are just as deserving of a home.

arooroomom wrote:

From the pictures i've seen of Zoya, and from the breeders website of her current breeding dogs... I cannot condone purchasing from them. I love my dogs, and the majority of them fall within standard as well. But that doesn't mean they are breeding quality. I think if you're going to purchase a dog from a breeder- it should be well worth it. Otherwise there are 100's of shelter Siberians that are just as deserving of a home.

AMEN!!!!!!

I don't think this should come down to a debate on rescue vs. puppy purchase. I have done both and both can be very rewarding. We shouldn't scrutinize people who want puppies just o praise rescue. Both are taking care of a well deserving pet.

As far as this breeder, they do not seem to be even remotely reputable. They may do health testing, but that does not mean they fall into standard, have good temperaments, do not have some other form of hereditary disease (Canine epilepsy, etc). I would not buy from them. Then again, I wouldn't buy from most people. If the O.P. is looking for a pet puppy in Wisconsin, there are reputable breeders, but they may cost more than 600.00 for a pup. Not to mention, the dogs on this site are not worth of being bred 2 - 3 times a year. A breeder should be breeding for themselves first, in order to find the perfect specimen. These dogs are being bred for pets.

P.S. She also has incorrectly labeled coloring - none of her dogs are agoutis, they are just dirty faced.

I thank everyone for their input, I really didn't mean to upset anyone. I just want to make sure I am getting a good dog. I have no experience with husky breeders and I'm a new dog owner I want to make sure I'm getting a good dog so I do not have to worry as much about health problems and temperment problems. I want a dog that is bred right and that is why I am doing my research and asking for opinions. So again thank you all.

Cassie

CASSIEjm wrote:

I thank everyone for their input, I really didn't mean to upset anyone.

Oh heck the above disagreement is nothing compared to what went down with that puppy mill in NC, or the dog food vendor. Times like this is when I wish the of snarky would do more then just lurk here.

Not my dog, not being defensive.

Since no one thinks I know what a breed standard/reputable breeder is. This is the list I PMed to OP of reputable breeders in Wisconsin when she first posted this thread.

Kristari Siberians
http://www.kristarisiberians.com/

Heartland Siberians
http://www.heartlandsiberians.com/

Jestar Siberians
http://www.jestarsiberians.com/

Sidra Siberians
http://www.sidrasiberians.com/sidra/Welcome_Home.html

PlayMor Siberians
http://www.playmorsiberians.com/home.html

Not posting in this thread again, Cassie if you have any more questions on these breeders feel free to PM me.

.

Jennet, no one said that. The only thing being discussed was the breeder. You provided a link between the unknown breeder and a known dog. I'm sorry of you feel I was attacking you- but I don't consider Zoya a well bred dog. That's it.

P'shaw! Looks like a lot of hurty internet feelings here. Maybe I should talk about eating animals or something.


The hell. Take a deep breath all around. For shame there be differing opinions.