Well, we did it, we picked out a new puppy

[ScoutLove]

We went and looked at puppies yesterday. The kids were really wanting to find a new family member. So we went and looked at two litter, a four week old litter and a ten week old litter, and we picked a little girl from the four week old litter. This will be good since she will have no preconceived notions about cats and the four of them that let us live in their house, and since it will still be a couple of weeks till she comes home. That gives us some time to cope with our recent loss a little more.

Anyway, the young lady that was selling this litter only lives a few blocks from us. She owns the momma which she rescued a few years ago. Momma is a flashy fawn that reminds of us our Scout. Daddy was a white boxer that is owned by a friend. There were 10 puppies in the litter - 5 white and 5 fawn and white. We picked a fawn and white that has a half white face and the other half has the traditional boxer mask. DH wanted one that had some white like our first sweet girl, and I wanted one that did not look just like her.

https://picasaweb.google.com/4boysmom10/Puppies711#5626390717820342898
https://picasaweb.google.com/4boysmom10/Puppies711#5626390815388028514

It has been a while, almost 7 years to be exact, since we have had a puppy in the house. I expect that I will be searching Boxer World a lot, and asking for a lot of help. Thank you in advance for your patience with me.

 

[darwinsmom]

Oh dear. First let me say that I am sorry for your recent loss and am happy that you have chosen to welcome a new puppy into your family, but you are not going to find much support in these forums for your choice of breeder. It is probably too late to change your mind about this puppy but it would have been better if you could have spent a little time in the 'Choosing A Breeder' forums before starting your search. Your breeder is what is known as a backyard breeder and while puppies from backyard breeders can turn out ok, your chances for a healthy dog are much higher if you acquire a puppy from a breed enthusiast who breeds for health, temperament, and appearance and most importantly only breeds dogs that have passed numerous health tests (heart, hips, eyes, thyroid, and more).

-Karlyn

 

[Doodlepup]

Backyard breeders

I'd just like to say that whilst im against irresponsible breeding, and breeding just for the cash - i got my dog from a ''backyard breeder''. so far he's been very well looked after and seems very happy mentally.
there are a few people out there who although they dont only breed full pedigree akc registered dogs, still look after the puppies well and care about their welfare
The people i bought my dog off refused to sell 2 puppies to someone on the basis that they suspected that the person on the phone was a dog-fighter!
im not trying to argue, im just saying it isnt the end of the world if you bought your dog from an unregistered breeder.

 

[Sansal]

The puppies look very cute and I'm sure you and your family are already in love with the puppy you picked out. But PLEASE consider passing on this one and spend some more time looking for a responsible breeder and buy from a responsible breeder or rescue. It is highly unlikely that any health testing was done with the parents of the litter and that the dad is a white boxer is another big no no.
There are tons of BW members that have bought their boxers from BYBs, including myself, like Doodlepup I thought it was okay to buy from people because "they really care about the puppies" and this can't be that bad. Since becoming a BW member I have learned a lot and changed my mind. Yes, you could get lucky and your puppy could be healthy but the chances are high that you will run into health problems and heart break. Please read some of those threads.
http://www.boxerworld.com/forums/choosing-breeder/76541-backyard-breeding-consequences.html
http://www.boxerworld.com/forums/choosing-breeder/69379-health-tests-your-breeder-should-do.html
It is your decision and I know it is hard to pass on a puppy that you are already in love with but I hope that you will reconsider and start searching for a responsible breeder or rescue a puppy.

 

[larrygs]

Like nearly everyone, we have obtained dogs from backyard breeders that have captured our souls. However, like some of the others, my heart sank heavily as I read your e-mail. I frankly didn't know how to respond initially. Fortunately others did.

You have received advise that was being respectful and straining to be gentle, yet extremely concerned. Emotions run high on this subject, because we all have had successes, and boxers are such great dogs. However many have seen or experienced things when they take a terrible turn and the resulting emotional and financial costs. Basically the odds are not with you. In addition many dogs are brought into the world and needlessly suffer because of the support byb and puppy mills get. I know this is not what you want to hear after sharing your excitement of a new pup.

I will also add, not too long ago we fell in love with a pup at 4 weeks and later had to change our mind at 8 weeks. Issues and questions began to surface we could not longer ignore. It was quite difficult, actually demoralizing, kind of decision. We were so determined and hooked into this one pup. However, later Layla came along and has been unbelievable. We are so very happy with her, ( except when she is a premadonna )

Saying all that, please realize that whatever your decision, there will be much help in the BW forum for you, and wish you well.

 

[Gatorblu]

I am sorry for your loss of Scout. And your new puppy is absoulutely adorable! I have to agree about BYB's, however this puppy has to go somewhere and better a loving home than an already overcrowded shelter.

I would however talk to the breeder about a health guarantee.(and get in writing!) I learned about BYBs the hardway. My first girl was a mess! She came home very sick. It has been suggested that having to fight so hard so young may have compromised her immune system making it a rough for her at times later in life. So I was a bit more "picky" about my next dog. He came from a similar situation as yours. The breeder was a lovely lady who really seemed to care. And he was healthy upto he was 8 years old. He was diagnosed with hypothyroidism and had an mct. A year later he was diagnosed with arrythmias. Had his parents been tested would he have had to deal with this, who knows for sure, but chances could have been reduced.

I have to wonder tho', how truthful your breeder will be with you. You said the mother of the pups is a rescue. I don't know of any rescue or shelter that lets a dog go without being spayed or neutered.

I wish you and your family the best no matter what you decide.

(I must have accidently hit the thumbs up, I didn't want that there and can't delete it)

 

[ehayes21]

I would not give this woman one red cent for this puppy. I have to agree with the others in not supporting this BYB. This woman is the reason for so many homeless/dying boxers in the world.

 

[ehayes21]

FWIW - breeding a white boxer is highly unethical.

 

[chrystel]

Aghh such a tight position..

First of all: Congratulations on deciding to add another baby after your loss of Scout lovicon
She looks like a cutie

Now.. I have to agree. The 1st red flag is the dad is white. The second it the woman saying that her female is a "rescue" - when no rescue would be intact (not spayed) - Maybe the lady was trying to get you emotional...

Also.. I have made the "mistake" of Backyard Breeder.. and not just once. That was before I learned better.
First of all, those people make puppies a business and they are not bred to "better" the breed. They don't care of breeding a white boxer (?? - search white boxer and deaf boxers). Are you sure the parent's heart are ok? ( - search cardiomopathy)

I would request parents testing.

I have 2 boys.

Snatch is 8 years old and has heart murmur. He collapses when he gets overheated. I love him to DEATH! don't get me wrong! but it is a pain in the butt We can't take him hiking, camping.. etc...
Also, Snatch is hypothyroid.

Oxford is 4 years old and has the "palmares" of BYB puppy problems...
*First he had one testicule that never dropped.. -> surgery (it was stuck somewhere in his abdomen - this is hereditary)
*He had ringworm
*He had demodex mange

What else... Oh! yes, he is fear-aggressive. Meaning, he is not well balanced in his head and was not socialized well while puppy. He showed the behavior since the day I got him. I guess Ok as a puppy, now a pain to hold a 72lbs boxer lunging.

Both had ACL surgeries (torn knee ACL) - some say it could be caused by bad breeding.

Not only it is emotional... but it is also EXPENSIVE..

I am mad at myself because I should have done better research. I should have asked parents' health testing before even looking at the pups.
Next pup will be a rescue. I do not want to make those irresponsable breeders richer. I believe many buy females to breed them with the neighbor's male. Then so many females are "for adoption" a few years later - Just a look at craigslist, and it's sooo soooo sad to see so many puppies for sale.

NOW, that being said: I totally understand your "mistake" because I did it.. and twice.. I wish I'd known better.. Please reconsider Or at least, like said before, request health guarantees

lovicon

 

[Sansal]

I don't think a health guarantee would help you much. Many problems show up later in life. The other thing is, even if the BYB signs a health guarantee, that doesn't really mean you would really get the money for any vet expenses, it sounds like she is pretty much selling the puppies "under the table". And returning a puppy to a breeder due to health problems is heart braking, especially if it is a BYB situation and you can't be sure what would happen with the puppy.
I know it is so easy to say "this puppy still needs a good forever home" but it would still mean supporting a BYB and for every puppy bought from a BYB or pet store a new one is born - the only way to stop backyard breeding and puppy mills is to completely stop supporting them.
I hope you don't take this personal, we all love Boxers and want the best for the breed and save you and your family from emotional distress and financial strain.