Need help with finding a good breeder!

Hi everyone, this is my first post. Please excuse the length- I have all of this building up on my chest and I really need to vent and find some advice!! I own a nine- year old neutered male chihuahua and it has always been my dream to own a show chihuahua. well, my husband just got a new job and by next year, we'll have all of our debts paid off and I won't have to work. I decided that it's a good time to get into the dog showing that I always wanted to do. I have already started contacting breeders, because I figured I might have to wait for a litter, and I want to start early and learn a lot along the way before I even get my puppy. This is where I'm having trouble! The two breeders I talked to seemed so defensive and untrusting- like "why do you want to show dogs? what are your intentions? why don't you just go into obedience?
The first breeder said she was the only good breeder in this part of the country- and that there are no good trainers around here! I find that hard to believe. Then when I mentioned this to another breeder, breeder 2 got mad at me for talking about breeder1- even though I didn't mention names! I feel like noone will take a chance on me and sell me a show quality dog, even though I have the best of intentions- I want to show to championship before I even consider breeding- and even then, I might not breed! That's not my priority- I just want to be a part of the dog show world and I feel like I'm being shooed away from some exclusive club, or that everything I say offends them!!
When I told a breeder that I want to wait a year and buy all kinds of books, videos, grooming table, extra crates, and a SECOND car before I get the puppy, she told me to "go find another breeder when you have a lead and a car"!! Am I supposed to act like I'm filthy rich? We planned on spending up to $1,500 for a puppy, $500 for supplies, $600 for vet and puppy classes, plus show fees and travel. What's wrong with that?? Is it so bad that we need a year before we can afford to do it right??
I really need advice on finding the right breeder and tips on what their pet peeves are! It seems like they have a lot of them!

 

WOW...well who ever you talked to aren't good breeders then. A good breeder will be informative, want to work with you and often times help coach their puppies and you through the whole process... Let me do some research and see what I come up with.
What area do you live in so I can do a general search in that area and ask my other breeder friends if they know of anyone in that area thats a good reputable Chi breeder.

I'm astonished that they treated yo uthat way. I look for people like you!!! I personally breed ACD's and honestly if you told me that information and it checked out ok. I would be there every step of the way!!!

 

I know a woman who breeds/rescues Cairn terriers. She doesn't believe in showing either as she feels it's only an ego thing for the person as she feels the dog couldn't care less - maybe this is the mentality you are running up against with the person you spoke with.

You might want to consider going to some shows and see if you can find a good breeder through that route.

 

Breeder politics are crazy and I will offer this suggestion... TRY opting to look at a few of the rare toy breeds that are recognized by smaller clubs like ARBA etc... You can learn to show, and also have a close relationship with a few breeders... It's not the same as AKC but you need to START somewhere and handling etc...takes a lot of schoolling etc... ALSO people who show dogs or have dogs shown by handlers are VERY snooty when it comes to AKC type shows etc...and this may be what you are encountering... Honestly I'd look into seeing about rare breeds and a smaller show world and breeder base before you strike out into the "big dog" world (no pun intended) and deal with the politics involved in showing with the big clubs... Ever heard of a Maitai (kinda like the drink YES).

 

I live in Rhode Island, but am willing to travel to Massachusetts, Connecticut, or anything within 2-4 hours away. Any advice on reputable breeders is welcome!!
I am stuck on the chihuahua as my breed of choice, so I wouldn't consider getting a rare breed, although I see where you're coming from, and it's good advice- I am just in love with this particular breed.

 

Here is a list of some chihuahua breeders in the US. Maybe that may help...

http://puppydogweb.com/caninebreeds/ads/chihuahuas.htm

 

Sara,
Please tell me about the rare toy breeds. What does ARBA stand for.

Thanks!

 

ARBA is the American Rare Breed Association I'll have to look on there for the specific name of the Maitai breed ...you can go to their website and look under the Primitave or the toy breeds and see what all are there...

 

LOL It's not like the maitai drink it's a Mi-Ki and it's a rare toy breed...

here's a website: http://www.puppysites.com/breeder_miki.html

They're cute little buggars!

 

Hi Stacey, I'm sorry that your research has led to some unpleasant experiences, rest assured not all breeders are like that!! (thank goodness). It is unfortunate politics and competition can ruin things both for puppy buyers and breeders. Sad. Avoid breeder 1 and anyone else self-proclaiming to be the only good breeder.

Have you contacted the Chi clubs? Regional, national, international. Use a web search to find club's websites to lead you to breeders or someone who is in charge of breeder referrals. Here's a link to the Chi Club of America. http://www.chihuahuaclubofamerica.com/ and a list of breed clubs throughout the US. http://www.netpets.com/dogs/dogclub/breeds/dogchih.html

While a lot of the time this holds true, I wouldn't label all people as being like this. SOME people are still in it for the breed and are extremely knowledgeable and helpful to anyone who asks. Just have to find the right people!!

If you find a breeder you like be persistent and keep contact with them. if they aren't planning puppies in the future ask them for recommendations. I know some breeders are busy but many will take the time to help. Be prepared for questions, a good breeder will ask a TON and often personal questions. Do not take offense to this!!!!! They really do care about the best possible homes for their babies and want to place them in the right situation. Let them know you are looking for a show prospect and what your intentions are.

Take your time in searching, if you really want to start out right and it sounds like you do, keep searching until you find those knowledgeable people who can help you find a wonderful example of the breed. Don't forget to look up dog shows in your area and attend them. After your breed has finished showing approach the ring and let the handlers know you are looking for a puppy.

Keep us updated on your searches!
Cheers,
Jas