Where did all the small dog breeders go? What the what...

[Mrs.AMC]

I doubt a responsible breeder would ship a puppy…

They do indeed ship them. They often have someone that will accompany them but they are very responsible and do ship them. And this is coming from someone that doesn't agree with it. Not agreeing with it don't mean it's irresponsible.

 

[Mrs.AMC]

Yes, there are companies that do this, most breeders want to meet the purchasers and expect them to meet the puppy before purchase. Unethical breeders use shipping nannies.

Both can happen. You can meet the buyer and the buyer can meet the puppy and not be local. Ever heard of flying beforehand?

 

[mjkacmom]

They do indeed ship them. They often have someone that will accompany them but they are very responsible and do ship them. And this is coming from someone that doesn't agree with it. Not agreeing with it don't mean it's irresponsible.

I don’t think having a shipping person is the irresponsible part, I think the vast majority of shippers are puppy mills/backyard breeders.

 

[Sleepy425]

Try contacting local training facilities that offer dog sports. My mutt (9lb chi mix) and I do agility, and it is almost all pure bred dogs from good breeders, and everyone is always talking about which show they are going to and who else they know from the dog world that will be there. I only rescue, but if I ever got the crazy notion to buy a dog I have no doubt they would be able to find me a reputable breeder.

 

[Disneylover99]

I doubt a responsible breeder would ship a puppy…

If you’re interested in a rare or uncommon breed, there may not be a reputable breeder near you. If that’s the case, shipping may be necessary. You shouldn’t assume, because they ship, they’re not a responsible breeder.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I think the issue with shipping is taking an (hopefully) 8 wk old puppy away from its mom and everything it’s known and sticking it in a crate to be shipped, alone, with lots of terrifying sights and sounds and bumps and bangs in the cargo hold of an airplane, which can have extremes of temperatures and frequently lose pets, etc. I think a pp was implying that many good breeders won’t subject their beloved puppies to this sort of thing. Many say NO SHIPPING on their websites. Though I’m sure some can be found that do, too. I’ve read about dogs over the years having fear issues related to noises which could possibly be traced back to an experience like this during such a critical time of development.

OTOH, having someone fly with them in the passenger area of a plane isn’t a lot different than someone leaving in a car with a puppy. For a short time they’ll be comfortable with a stranger who will assure their well-being, until they meet their forever family when they land.

So I think there is a difference.

I worked with rescues recently who required I drive to distant states because they did not allow shipping, either. (And I was willing to do it for the right dog.)

 

[mjkacmom]

If you’re interested in a rare or uncommon breed, there may not be a reputable breeder near you. If that’s the case, shipping may be necessary. You shouldn’t assume, because they ship, they’re not a responsible breeder.

Yes, if one is looking for a unicorn dog yes, but shipping a Boston terrier should raise concern. There are just so many more for profit breeders that legitimate good breeders.

 

[OppR2nist]

We rescued our puggle at 5 years old, and he's truly been the best dog. I'm a firm believer in rescues.

 

[TheIncredibles!]

We rescued our puggle at 5 years old, and he's truly been the best dog. I'm a firm believer in rescues.

Rescues are great for many people, and not so great for others unfortunately. I am glad rescuing works well for your family

 

[OppR2nist]

Rescues are great for many people, and not so great for others unfortunately. I am glad rescuing works well for your family

Thank you. On top of singlehandedly turning my wife into a dog person overnight, it's been a really great feeling to know that we gave that living creature a chance to have a good life.

 

[nw6675]

I posted early in the thread about the 4000 rescue beagles. Our local shelter just got 50 of them and it is killing me not to foster or adopt! We have a diva Shih Tzu and two rescue cats so my DH says no way.

 

[Adelle Dazeem]

We rescued our puggle at 5 years old, and he's truly been the best dog. I'm a firm believer in rescues.

I think everyone believes in rescues, but not everyone is able to find what they are looking for through a rescue.

 

[OppR2nist]

I think everyone believes in rescues, but not everyone is able to find what they are looking for through a rescue.

Sure. We got lucky where we found our guy almost instantly.

 

[easyas123]

I think everyone believes in rescues, but not everyone is able to find what they are looking for through a rescue.

Exactly! And I type this as I am looking at my from a breeder great dane and the english bulldog we are currently fostering (he's our 9th foster in the past few years...) so there are can be a plus & a minus to each situation.
I also have a from a breeder bull terrier, and our recent late boy Ladd was a rescue. So I agree, the right dog needs to be the right fit and the home has to be the right fit for the pup, and strictly rescue or strictly rescue doesn't always fit every households needs.