Any help will be greatly appreciated on this matter. Before I tell you the problem I want to tell you a bit about me. I have been looking for a boxer for over a month now. I have done plenty of research on the breed but want my first boxer to teach me more. Eventually I want to improve the breed and show boxers but I currently do not have the funds or space to do that. This first boxer for me will be a learning experience, however, I still want the healthiest boxer I can find. Money is an issue for me though! I thought I had found a good puppy. She is a fawn female with a completely black mask which is exactly what I want and she is $300. She is not AKC and neither were her parents and they did not do anything health testing before breeding. I do not think they are back yard breeders or anything though. This is their first litter and they have one more planned next year from a different female that is AKC registered. I thought this was the puppy I wanted although I was weary about the health. I will only be able to see pictures of the puppy before I get her because of the distance factor. The same goes for the other two I am about to tell you about. The next one I found is a flashy fawn with show potential. She is AKC registered and she is $600. The people are very concerned about placing her in a good home and it sounds like they have taken good care of these puppies. But they did no health testing other than thyroid and everything is fine. The next pup I am looking at is $700 and is AKC registered. SHe is a plain fawn with white on her paws and a completely black mask. The owner has done all the health testing and he has 25 years of experience. He spoke to me for nearly two hours and I felt very reassured. He gave me lots of helpful information. Should I pay the extra 300 to get an AKC registered pup? Or should I pay the extra 400 to get the one who has had health testing done and has a lot of experience. Money is really an issue here. Also, the $600 pup is flashy but the $700 is just a plain fawn. Please help if you can. Is the $300 puppy a big health risk just because testing wasn't done? I feel like she is coming from a good home and has been well cared for. I can pick her up next weekend if I choose her! Please help me make a decision! OR at least give me some good advice. Thank you ahead of time for reading this long post and responding!!
Puppy Dilemma
- Thread starter ses02e
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pinkpuppy
Super Boxer
My best advice is: DO NOT GET the $300 puppy; they are BYB... Everything you said about them is wrong wrong wrong - despite the fact that they are nice people... Just because they're "nice" and love their dog(s), it does not mean that they know what they are doing... It's probably not what you wanted to hear.
If money is an issue - get a beautiful rescue dog, that needs to be loved and in return can teach you a lot.
One month is a short time to be looking for a puppy; don't jump the gun. You want a dog that is healthy, will be healthy, and will be around for a long time-so you can love and cherish her.
Get a dog from a reputable, responsible breeder: like the $700 one. You will save money in the end; the breeder will support you and help you - and teach you; any time you have a question... It's the right thing to do.
Supporting back yard breeders is a vicious cycle - greedy people profit and innocent dogs suffer. Please consider that.
Lastly, don't let your self be guided by the colour of her coat and her markings. You have to love whats inside the pup - and they are all just as sweet. Get a puppy that matches you best. A good breeder will help you to identify a puppy with a temperament that is best for your home. You want the puppy to thrive happily in her new surroundings.
Also, read up on the BW: there has been plenty comments about BYBs & how to identify them; what makes a breeder a responsible one; and what problems puppies from not carefully planned litters are forced to endure. Sure - it may not happen to you; but why take the chance? If money is an issue, how will you afford continuous treatment? How will you deal when your baby is sick? BW also has lots of information on rescues...
Good luck
If money is an issue - get a beautiful rescue dog, that needs to be loved and in return can teach you a lot.
One month is a short time to be looking for a puppy; don't jump the gun. You want a dog that is healthy, will be healthy, and will be around for a long time-so you can love and cherish her.
Get a dog from a reputable, responsible breeder: like the $700 one. You will save money in the end; the breeder will support you and help you - and teach you; any time you have a question... It's the right thing to do.
Supporting back yard breeders is a vicious cycle - greedy people profit and innocent dogs suffer. Please consider that.
Lastly, don't let your self be guided by the colour of her coat and her markings. You have to love whats inside the pup - and they are all just as sweet. Get a puppy that matches you best. A good breeder will help you to identify a puppy with a temperament that is best for your home. You want the puppy to thrive happily in her new surroundings.
Also, read up on the BW: there has been plenty comments about BYBs & how to identify them; what makes a breeder a responsible one; and what problems puppies from not carefully planned litters are forced to endure. Sure - it may not happen to you; but why take the chance? If money is an issue, how will you afford continuous treatment? How will you deal when your baby is sick? BW also has lots of information on rescues...
Good luck
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New Pup
Please go & see these pups & their breeders check out all their credentials before you make a decision, they sound like byb too me, why would they breed a dog that is not AKC reg. or health tested & charge $ 300.00 this is greed, if this were my Boxer, she would have been fixed & if an accidental breeding happened, I would be searching for the best homes for my babies & would not charge a fee, just signature on a contract in forever homes for these babies to be taken care of & never bred,& if things didn't work out my puppies would be brought back to me & not dumped in some shelter or abandoned. So please check on all these breeders! Boxer Pal, Hanley
Please go & see these pups & their breeders check out all their credentials before you make a decision, they sound like byb too me, why would they breed a dog that is not AKC reg. or health tested & charge $ 300.00 this is greed, if this were my Boxer, she would have been fixed & if an accidental breeding happened, I would be searching for the best homes for my babies & would not charge a fee, just signature on a contract in forever homes for these babies to be taken care of & never bred,& if things didn't work out my puppies would be brought back to me & not dumped in some shelter or abandoned. So please check on all these breeders! Boxer Pal, Hanley
Thank you Pinkpuppy
Thank you for the advice. I have read a lot about back yard breeders on this site and should know better. It's just that I can get her next week and it's exciting. You are right, I should choose the $700 one. He spent lots of time with me on the phone and reassured me that he would be there in the future if I needed anything. I would rescue a boxer but I don't think it is a good idea for me to get a dog that already has baggage because I am in an apartment and I am not knowledgable enough to deal with that. I think after having my first boxer and training her, then in the future I will be ready to possibly get a rescue boxer. Thank you!
Thank you for the advice. I have read a lot about back yard breeders on this site and should know better. It's just that I can get her next week and it's exciting. You are right, I should choose the $700 one. He spent lots of time with me on the phone and reassured me that he would be there in the future if I needed anything. I would rescue a boxer but I don't think it is a good idea for me to get a dog that already has baggage because I am in an apartment and I am not knowledgable enough to deal with that. I think after having my first boxer and training her, then in the future I will be ready to possibly get a rescue boxer. Thank you!
Please check on rescues, they all don't come with baggage,most of them want love & security, they are very greatful for the love & care you give them.You could be missing out if you don't check it out,I know there are a lot of Boxers in Florida rescues right now, that need a good home. Boxer Pal, Hanley
Don't blame you for wanting a boxer - they are really special. However, I believe it was Layla's mom who pointed out a very important point to be considered when mulling over the idea of getting a dog - they can be very expensive. I spent thousands on medical care for my late boxer, and just shelled out another $1000.00 for a two stay in intensive care for my 13 yr old mastiff. I am not made of money, but have no regrets - they are worth every dime. The others are right, there are so many healthy displaced boxers in rescue who need homes now, you might want to reconsider adopting - they are vet checked and screened. What ever you decide, I know you will find the right one for you. Good luck and enjoy - cathy
Scrapper's Mom
Boxer Insane
The difference between the $300 and the $700 could be "penny-wise and pound foolish." Meaning that the cheaper puppy could develop some very expensive medical problems since there was no health testing. No puppy comes with a 100 percent guarantee but it's worth a LOT to have the breeder there for you in the future; to help answer your questions and reassure you if a situation comes up where you need a more experienced hand. Check with your local Boxer club. They can help steer you towards a reputable breeder. BYBs don't always appear evil with horns, their pups aren't always kept in dirty conditions and may be well-loved. They may only be ignorant, not malicious. But every darling puppy grows up to be an adult dog. That cuteness will be forgotten when there is a 60 or 70 pound bad-tempered dog rampaging around, or the vet hands you the bill for some expensive treatment.
I waited a long time to get Scrapper. I could have called an ad in the local paper and gotten a puppy that weekend; but thankfully I decided to do a more thorough search. I lucked out and found one of the best breeders around. She is a wealth of information, always happy to answer questions, and over time, since I got Scrapper, we have become friends. I can't tell you how much I've learned from her, and now that Holly, our darling new little girl has come to live here, we have a great show prospect to take to the ring and we will do it together. I never would have gotten her if Christina hadn't come to know and trust me sufficiently over time.
And if money is a consideration, please think carefully about getting any dog. You can't cut too many corners; standard vet care, good quality food, toys and the occasional emergency room visit can cost more than you think. And obedience training is also a good idea.
Good luck!
Genie
I waited a long time to get Scrapper. I could have called an ad in the local paper and gotten a puppy that weekend; but thankfully I decided to do a more thorough search. I lucked out and found one of the best breeders around. She is a wealth of information, always happy to answer questions, and over time, since I got Scrapper, we have become friends. I can't tell you how much I've learned from her, and now that Holly, our darling new little girl has come to live here, we have a great show prospect to take to the ring and we will do it together. I never would have gotten her if Christina hadn't come to know and trust me sufficiently over time.
And if money is a consideration, please think carefully about getting any dog. You can't cut too many corners; standard vet care, good quality food, toys and the occasional emergency room visit can cost more than you think. And obedience training is also a good idea.
Good luck!
Genie
SoleilBxrs
Banned
ses02e-
from your other posts, it seems that you have already committed to the $300 puppy. if i were you, i would run fast and FAR from this lady. She is obviously a BYB and she is not showing her dogs (there by proving they should be used as breeding stock for the breed), nor is she properly health testing her dogs.. by this i mean getting hearts, hips, thyroid and eyes certified as tested clear (certified) for any problems. (these tests are much more extensive than just a vet's once over) do a search here on backyard breeders, and i'm sure you will find many sad stories of bargain pups dying suddenly at 4mos, or getting hip dysplasia at 9mos. I speak from experience as my first dog was a BYB dog.. an AKC registered cocker spaniel that came down with epilepsy at 4mos. (goes to show you that an "AKC" registered dog doesn't mean squat about health quality or closeness to breed standard) he was a steal at $350 but for what we spent on his vet bills in the next few months, we could have purchased a winning, champion stud or bitch. (and the epilepsy was never cured.. the meds we gave him all his short life slowly ate away at his insides and we ended up putting him to sleep at 6yrs) The money spent on a well-bred, health tested dog is worth the extra couple of hundred as it will save you thousands of dollars in the long run, and the pain and guilt of having to explain to your kids why their new puppy needs hip surgery at 10mos, or why their puppy died suddenly.
i definately do not want to turn you away from a puppy or boxers, but you must really think to yourself if you are ready to undertake another huge responsibility. A boxer puppy from a reputable breeder who cost $7-1000 will still cost more money beyond that initial purchase price.. even the healthiest boxer pups, shots and all will find their way in to trouble and need to see a vet every-so-often because they've injested something strange, or they've broken out in huge hives, or some other ailment that you cannot home remedy right away. Even if you get the bargain-basement price for a puppy, the amount of dollars following, will add up quickly, and soon you will have spent thousands.. if not on vet bills, then on food, and toys and crates and other necessities. Like i said, i do not in anyway want to turn you away from purchasing a puppy, or even a boxer overall, but boxers are not a cheap breed to keep... and as a person who loves the breed, and knows how much effort one needs to keep up these somewhat "high maintenece" dogs.
Also, you say you eventually want to "show and improve the breed", why not start now? It is expensive to show, so maybe thats not in the picture for now, but why continue to hurt the breed by purchasing a poorly bred, sickly BYB boxer pup? This just perpetuates the endless cycle of BYB-ing. There are enough of those in the world, and too many good pups/dogs in rescues and shelters. why not start helping improve the breed NOW, by helping rescue a boxer in need. As Hanley said, not all rescue boxers come with baggage. good luck with your decision, hope you make the correct one.
-Kat, Cassius and Nikita
from your other posts, it seems that you have already committed to the $300 puppy. if i were you, i would run fast and FAR from this lady. She is obviously a BYB and she is not showing her dogs (there by proving they should be used as breeding stock for the breed), nor is she properly health testing her dogs.. by this i mean getting hearts, hips, thyroid and eyes certified as tested clear (certified) for any problems. (these tests are much more extensive than just a vet's once over) do a search here on backyard breeders, and i'm sure you will find many sad stories of bargain pups dying suddenly at 4mos, or getting hip dysplasia at 9mos. I speak from experience as my first dog was a BYB dog.. an AKC registered cocker spaniel that came down with epilepsy at 4mos. (goes to show you that an "AKC" registered dog doesn't mean squat about health quality or closeness to breed standard) he was a steal at $350 but for what we spent on his vet bills in the next few months, we could have purchased a winning, champion stud or bitch. (and the epilepsy was never cured.. the meds we gave him all his short life slowly ate away at his insides and we ended up putting him to sleep at 6yrs) The money spent on a well-bred, health tested dog is worth the extra couple of hundred as it will save you thousands of dollars in the long run, and the pain and guilt of having to explain to your kids why their new puppy needs hip surgery at 10mos, or why their puppy died suddenly.
i definately do not want to turn you away from a puppy or boxers, but you must really think to yourself if you are ready to undertake another huge responsibility. A boxer puppy from a reputable breeder who cost $7-1000 will still cost more money beyond that initial purchase price.. even the healthiest boxer pups, shots and all will find their way in to trouble and need to see a vet every-so-often because they've injested something strange, or they've broken out in huge hives, or some other ailment that you cannot home remedy right away. Even if you get the bargain-basement price for a puppy, the amount of dollars following, will add up quickly, and soon you will have spent thousands.. if not on vet bills, then on food, and toys and crates and other necessities. Like i said, i do not in anyway want to turn you away from purchasing a puppy, or even a boxer overall, but boxers are not a cheap breed to keep... and as a person who loves the breed, and knows how much effort one needs to keep up these somewhat "high maintenece" dogs.
Also, you say you eventually want to "show and improve the breed", why not start now? It is expensive to show, so maybe thats not in the picture for now, but why continue to hurt the breed by purchasing a poorly bred, sickly BYB boxer pup? This just perpetuates the endless cycle of BYB-ing. There are enough of those in the world, and too many good pups/dogs in rescues and shelters. why not start helping improve the breed NOW, by helping rescue a boxer in need. As Hanley said, not all rescue boxers come with baggage. good luck with your decision, hope you make the correct one.
-Kat, Cassius and Nikita
PLEASE PLEASE look into rescue. I have a 2yr old female from a reputable breeder and we just adopted a 2yr old male from Florida Boxer Rescue in March. Let me tell you they all do not come with baggage. My Male has better manners then my female is the gentlest dog I have ever seen with other dogs, kids you name it. We did obedience classes with him and he just passed the Canine Good Citizen test. So please check out the rescue. They take the time to match you with the dog and you get to meet them play with them etc. We had to take our female to meet him just to make sure they would get along. The people are wonderful and would love to help and get a good match for a permanent home the these furbabies. They do also have alot of dogs under a year old so that you can go through the training etc. Good luck and check our the FLBR website.
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