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

[Pea-n-Me]

 

[disney dog lover]

I'm a dog breeder, trainer, and a veterinary professional in NE. I had Rescues as well as Purebred dogs before I started breeding. Most reputable breeders have a waiting list- Mine is about 2 years long - and yes the people who have dogs from me previously will wait. The pandemic made everything worse- everyone wanted a dog. I breed 1- 2 litters a year and sometimes it just doesn't take. SO I don't have on demand puppies.
I'd suggest talking to your local breed club- then can help you get a on a list. you cam PM me as well- I may be able to help. That being said, breed rescue maybe able to help as well. Yes I am part of our breed rescue as most reputable breeders are.
If you want a specific breed from a good breeder be prepared to wait. I know its hard _ that what keeps the puppy mills and bad breeders going.
Also HUSU and PETA - are making hard for any one to breed or own dogs. They are trying to push thru anti breeding regulations and are successful in some places.They come off as caring but as they believe dogs should be free- can you imagine a pack of wild pugs running around-
As for rescue- just like breeders some are good and some are bad- there is a new Retail rescue, another place where puppy miller and bad breeders can sell puppies, but as "Rescue". I see so many family at training with their rescue puppy and it will be a long hard struggle to get that dog where it needs to be. I can't tell you how many times people tell me - your dog is so good. ( I don't tell people what I do when I'm in class with my own dogs). Good genetics + good start= Great dogs
Everyone need a different type of dog, you need to get the dog that works best for you and your family situation.
Either way research the breeder/rescue.
I do believe all dogs are valuable, and should be in homes that love them. Shop or adopt do what is right for you.
That being said I know a lot of people will be " rescue" but just think If the only dogs they value are the ones from back yard breeders and puppy mills, they are supporting just that. finding home for someone else's irrresponsibility We need to demand better for our pets - a good breeder will always be there for any puppy they've bred. - sorry off my soap box.
Be patient and the right dog will come

 

[Moliphino]

OP, just in working with fostering, there is a very high demand for small dogs. That might be part of the issue--maybe breeders don't even need to advertise because of word of mouth and demand. I know that when I'm working with rescues, the biggest question we get is "are there any small dogs?" I'd say 90% of dogs in the shelter, seem to be over 40 pounds.

In my area, there aren't many dogs in the shelters to begin with and they're mostly either chihuahuas or pit bulls (I just looked at the two local shelters - one had 3 dogs, 2 old chihuahuas and one younger pit; the other had a chihuahua and an elderly small mixed breed around 11 lbs).

 

[Christine]

In my area, there aren't many dogs in the shelters to begin with and they're mostly either chihuahuas or pit bulls (I just looked at the two local shelters - one had 3 dogs, 2 old chihuahuas and one younger pit; the other had a chihuahua and an elderly small mixed breed around 11 lbs).

It's rare that our shelter or rescues get smaller dogs and when they do, they are gone fast. Our shelters were fairly empty and the rescues couldn't get their hands on dogs fast enough, but it seems like in late 2021/early 2022 it totally reversed. Now our local shelter is full (usually tops out and around 20 dogs and way more cats). They are at a point that they can't really take local surreders and now people have, no kidding, starting abandoning their dogs. We had one just 3 weeks ago where they left 2 pitbulls and a crated cat on a street corner. The pitbulls stayed their for hours waiting for their owners to come get them, I guess. So sad.

 

[punkin]

It's rare that our shelter or rescues get smaller dogs and when they do, they are gone fast. Our shelters were fairly empty and the rescues couldn't get their hands on dogs fast enough, but it seems like in late 2021/early 2022 it totally reversed. Now our local shelter is full (usually tops out and around 20 dogs and way more cats). They are at a point that they can't really take local surreders and now people have, no kidding, starting abandoning their dogs. We had one just 3 weeks ago where they left 2 pitbulls and a crated cat on a street corner. The pitbulls stayed their for hours waiting for their owners to come get them, I guess. So sad.

That's so sad. Pitties are such loyal dogs. I hope someone took them in.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

I know that when I'm working with rescues, the biggest question we get is "are there any small dogs?" I'd say 90% of dogs in the shelter, seem to be over 40 pounds.

I think the size and breed issue is two fold, you have rental situations where there's either a strict no above certain weight or BSL or both and that can make the smaller pets easier to adopt out. A common weight limit for apartments for instance is no bigger than 50 lbs sometimes that's even lower to 35 lbs or even 25 lbs and there are places still in my area that are BSL. I also think people think it's easier to handle a smaller dog.

 

[Adelle Dazeem]

In my area, there aren't many dogs in the shelters to begin with and they're mostly either chihuahuas or pit bulls (I just looked at the two local shelters - one had 3 dogs, 2 old chihuahuas and one younger pit; the other had a chihuahua and an elderly small mixed breed around 11 lbs).

Yeah - seems to be the same at many shelters. I feel bad for those dogs, but those are two breeds I would NEVER own. A neighbor had one of the worst chihuahuas I have ever seen - bit me, visitors to my home (when it was running loose), and everyone in the owner's family. No pitbulls EVER.

 

[TheIncredibles!]

I am in NJ and know a very good Shih Tzu breeder. I was actually following her page for over 10 years before I got a dog from her. It's been the most unbelievable experience. If Shih Tzu is a breed you are interested in please let me know and I will get you in contact with my breeder.

 

[TheIncredibles!]

@Pea-n-Me - just want to echo a lot of what you said. I was fostering for a bit (ended up with a foster fail) and what goes on with animals is absolutely heartbreaking. I can barely look at some of the things going on. Glad to hear you found a dog that fits in with your family!

OP, just in working with fostering, there is a very high demand for small dogs. That might be part of the issue--maybe breeders don't even need to advertise because of word of mouth and demand. I know that when I'm working with rescues, the biggest question we get is "are there any small dogs?" I'd say 90% of dogs in the shelter, seem to be over 40 pounds.

This! Also watch and AVOID breeders that are advertising "tea cup" sizes. These dogs are often not healthy because they've been bred to be as tiny as possible.

 

[Moliphino]

Yeah - seems to be the same at many shelters. I feel bad for those dogs, but those are two breeds I would NEVER own. A neighbor had one of the worst chihuahuas I have ever seen - bit me, visitors to my home (when it was running loose), and everyone in the owner's family. No pitbulls EVER.

That's why I wound up with a dog brought up from Alabama. I have nothing against pit bulls in general, but I like my dogs fluffy. Chihuahuas are way too small for me.

 

[Adelle Dazeem]

This! Also watch and AVOID breeders that are advertising "tea cup" sizes. These dogs are often not healthy because they've been bred to be as tiny as possible.

Yes - any breeder that is bragging about how small the dog will be is one to AVOID AT ALL COSTS.

 

[dez1978]

It's rare that our shelter or rescues get smaller dogs and when they do, they are gone fast. Our shelters were fairly empty and the rescues couldn't get their hands on dogs fast enough, but it seems like in late 2021/early 2022 it totally reversed. Now our local shelter is full (usually tops out and around 20 dogs and way more cats). They are at a point that they can't really take local surreders and now people have, no kidding, starting abandoning their dogs. We had one just 3 weeks ago where they left 2 pitbulls and a crated cat on a street corner. The pitbulls stayed their for hours waiting for their owners to come get them, I guess. So sad.

I hate people sometimes.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I wasn’t a huge Chihuahua fan. We used to dog sit one who was cute in his own way, but super high maintenance (mainly due to the way his owner spoiled him). But I met two at a dog park one day who were super adorable and I remember thinking I could have one or two if they were like that. Small dog people (which I can claim myself now) have to remember that small dogs are still dogs, and they should really be treated that way, not like babies. I think if you get one that’s not spoiled yet and treat it like a dog, it will probably be fine.

Lap aggression is a big thing with small dogs (as we learned when the dog we were about to adopt bit my dog in the face). If a dog is on someone‘s lap and it acts aggressively toward someone coming nearby (dog or person), the dog should be corrected and let off the lap. Lap privileges only happen when there’s good behavior. Too many people continue to pat the dog when it happens and scratch their heads wondering why they did that. Dog sees that as a reward and it increases the behavior!

 

[#1hoosierfan]

This is Obi. Named after Obi-Wan Kenobi. We got him just over 2 weeks ago. We also have two rescue dogs.

 

[Kittyblue]

You might have to expand your search area. My friend was looking for a particular breed and found a reputable breeder several states away. The puppy was flown to her for a fee.

 

[mjkacmom]

You might have to expand your search area. My friend was looking for a particular breed and found a reputable breeder several states away. The puppy was flown to her for a fee.

I doubt a responsible breeder would ship a puppy…

 

[Kittyblue]

I doubt a responsible breeder would ship a puppy…

Why not? Someone flew with the puppy and she picked it up at the airport. What's irresponsible about that?

 

[RogueX]

I doubt a responsible breeder would ship a puppy…

I can't remember the name of the company, but there was a plane that flew in a few times and their service was specifically for delivering purebred dogs.

This is in MA.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

This is Obi. Named after Obi-Wan Kenobi. We got him just over 2 weeks ago. We also have two rescue dogs.

View attachment 687860

Omg, adorable! I have his cousin, a Cairn!

 

[mjkacmom]

I can't remember the name of the company, but there was a plane that flew in a few times and their service was specifically for delivering purebred dogs.

This is in MA.

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.