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Confused about breeders choosing the dog for the owner?!?

Denisenoele

New Member
My stunning Cane Corso recently passed away at 10 years old. His breeder was Vero Cane Corso / Anthony Faga in Ukiah CA. Unfortunately it appears he no longer breeds dogs. Oh how I wish I could have had this boy to love and pamper for another 10 years!

Not sure if things have changed over 10 years, but I have contacted a few exceptional breeders asking about upcoming breeding pairings so I could do a little research on each dam & sire to see if the combination may produce the pup I'm interested in. The reply I have received from a couple is that, THEY choose the dog for YOU! What?!? Yes, I can choose a litter, but the rest is up to them? Some actually state that the chosen pup is based on temperament and color is a non-issue. If I'm paying a considerable amount of money for my next joined-at-the-hip companion, I sure want to be able to choose anything I want to!

My check list - all good health certificates, good Pennhip scores, male, chestnut brindle and a nice size (a little on the larger size rather than smaller).

Is this common now? Has the breed become so popular that the better breeders have such long waiting lists that they actually choose who gets what pup? Any insight would be very appreciated. As well as any reviews for exceptional breeders (anywhere in the US).

Thank you for any input.
 

Boxergirl

Well-Known Member
This is what I expect from a responsible breeder. Far too often choices left to the purchasing family are based on looks or one with a temperament incompatible with their lifestyle. Or one that reminds them of the one they just lost. (Been there.) A good breeder knows their pups. They should ask you many questions about your family and lifestyle and what you're looking for in a companion. Sometimes you'll have several pups to choose from. Sometimes you'll have one. Or none, if there are no pups that meet your family's needs. It's important to remember that the breeder isn't concerned about putting the buyer's needs and wants first. They're concerned with placing their pups into the home that fits best and has the best chance of success. As they should be.

A good breeder isn't breeding to supply pets for people. They're breeding to make the next generation better than the one they have now. They're going to keep the best pups for their breeding program. The rest will be available for placement. Remember, they know these puppies better than anyone. If you talk to the breeder and let them get to know you, I'm confident they'll be able to pick the best pup or puppies for your home. Trust them. If you don't trust them, then find another breeder.

I hope this didn't come off snarky, because it wasn't intended to. I do understand the disappointment in not getting to choose exactly the pup you think is the right one for you. I truly feel that if you've found a good and responsible breeder they'll help you get the right pup for your home and lifestyle. Trust them. Do a Google search on why breeders pick buyers puppies. See what breeders themselves have to say and see if it makes you feel any differently. Wishing you the best of luck finding the right pup for your family and I'm very sorry you lost your companion.
 

Loverboy Skyline

Well-Known Member
I know it's the breeder's right to do that, and I also know this a breed that requires a certain type of owner to control it. However, I hate being told what to do and what's good for me. I'd rather make that decision myself. I say go find a good breeder who will let you take your pick. They are out there.
 

Loverboy Skyline

Well-Known Member
BTW I watched a guy on YouTube who took a video of himself going to a Cane Corso breeder's house, picking out a puppy for himself, and explaining why he made his choice.
 

Boxergirl

Well-Known Member
I really wish some of our breeders would weigh in. The majority of pet owners don't understand how to pick a puppy based on anything other than looks and first impressions. Perhaps not you, Loverboy Skyline or Denisenoele, but the majority. I know how many people wanted to adopt the dogs I fostered based on looks alone. Some of them ended up with those dogs. Most didn't. Bottom line is that it's the breeder's choice with whom they entrust their puppies to. I doubt most responsible breeders are still allowing full freedom of choosing to buyers, but I could be wrong.

Just as an example of a breeder choosing a dog - A few years ago my SIL purchased a GSD from a very good breeder that supplies the area police and protection dogs. She was very excited when her litter was born, but the week or so before she was due to pick up a puppy they told her they didn't have one for her. She had small children and all the pups had too much drive for a young family. She waited for the next litter and was matched with a beautiful, softer dog that is a perfect fit for them. Win-win.
 

Loverboy Skyline

Well-Known Member
Matching a puppy to an owner is what service organizations do. They don't make money from placing puppies, they just want a good home for the puppy. In this case, I think that's fine because this is non-profit work and any adoption fees are minimal anyway. Denisenoele and I are puppy consumers, both with past experience raising large protection dogs and looking for good breeders with health certs. We pay good money for our dogs. I see this as a free market. If a breeder wants to match his puppies to the buyers that's okay with me, but he's probably not getting my business. I'm also betting that if he wants to cater to responsible owners who title and train their dogs they are going about it the wrong way because those people are very particular about their dogs and usually know what they are doing.
 

Denisenoele

New Member
This is what I expect from a responsible breeder. Far too often choices left to the purchasing family are based on looks or one with a temperament incompatible with their lifestyle. Or one that reminds them of the one they just lost. (Been there.) A good breeder knows their pups. They should ask you many questions about your family and lifestyle and what you're looking for in a companion. Sometimes you'll have several pups to choose from. Sometimes you'll have one. Or none, if there are no pups that meet your family's needs. It's important to remember that the breeder isn't concerned about putting the buyer's needs and wants first. They're concerned with placing their pups into the home that fits best and has the best chance of success. As they should be.

A good breeder isn't breeding to supply pets for people. They're breeding to make the next generation better than the one they have now. They're going to keep the best pups for their breeding program. The rest will be available for placement. Remember, they know these puppies better than anyone. If you talk to the breeder and let them get to know you, I'm confident they'll be able to pick the best pup or puppies for your home. Trust them. If you don't trust them, then find another breeder.

I hope this didn't come off snarky, because it wasn't intended to. I do understand the disappointment in not getting to choose exactly the pup you think is the right one for you. I truly feel that if you've found a good and responsible breeder they'll help you get the right pup for your home and lifestyle. Trust them. Do a Google search on why breeders pick buyers puppies. See what breeders themselves have to say and see if it makes you feel any differently. Wishing you the best of luck finding the right pup for your family and I'm very sorry you lost your companion.
This is what I expect from a responsible breeder. Far too often choices left to the purchasing family are based on looks or one with a temperament incompatible with their lifestyle. Or one that reminds them of the one they just lost. (Been there.) A good breeder knows their pups. They should ask you many questions about your family and lifestyle and what you're looking for in a companion. Sometimes you'll have several pups to choose from. Sometimes you'll have one. Or none, if there are no pups that meet your family's needs. It's important to remember that the breeder isn't concerned about putting the buyer's needs and wants first. They're concerned with placing their pups into the home that fits best and has the best chance of success. As they should be.

A good breeder isn't breeding to supply pets for people. They're breeding to make the next generation better than the one they have now. They're going to keep the best pups for their breeding program. The rest will be available for placement. Remember, they know these puppies better than anyone. If you talk to the breeder and let them get to know you, I'm confident they'll be able to pick the best pup or puppies for your home. Trust them. If you don't trust them, then find another breeder.

I hope this didn't come off snarky, because it wasn't intended to. I do understand the disappointment in not getting to choose exactly the pup you think is the right one for you. I truly feel that if you've found a good and responsible breeder they'll help you get the right pup for your home and lifestyle. Trust them. Do a Google search on why breeders pick buyers puppies. See what breeders themselves have to say and see if it makes you feel any differently. Wishing you the best of luck finding the right pup for your family and I'm very sorry you lost your companion.


Thank you and no, you did not come off as snarky at all! Now that a little time has passed since I posted the question, I have a better understanding of this. It was surprising at first as I didn't come across this 10 years ago. It seems so strange at first - to not have any choice in the dog I am purchasing. However, just as you've mentioned, if it's properly done, there is great thought put behind the placement of each pup. I have found an exceptional breeder and very happy. If all goes well, the pups will arrive the start of July. I'm looking forward to starting this journey again - but this new little guy has some really big paw prints to fill, as the dog that passed away was a dream of a companion. Thank you again, for your time and help - it was very appreciated.
 

Denisenoele

New Member
I really wish some of our breeders would weigh in. The majority of pet owners don't understand how to pick a puppy based on anything other than looks and first impressions. Perhaps not you, Loverboy Skyline or Denisenoele, but the majority. I know how many people wanted to adopt the dogs I fostered based on looks alone. Some of them ended up with those dogs. Most didn't. Bottom line is that it's the breeder's choice with whom they entrust their puppies to. I doubt most responsible breeders are still allowing full freedom of choosing to buyers, but I could be wrong.

Just as an example of a breeder choosing a dog - A few years ago my SIL purchased a GSD from a very good breeder that supplies the area police and protection dogs. She was very excited when her litter was born, but the week or so before she was due to pick up a puppy they told her they didn't have one for her. She had small children and all the pups had too much drive for a young family. She waited for the next litter and was matched with a beautiful, softer dog that is a perfect fit for them. Win-win.

Since I posted my original question I have gone on to read notes from breeders giving rather snappy mentions of those that contact them and ask only "how big?" and "how much?" - and now I understand why they have zero tolerance for this type of buyer. The breeder I've found is wonderful and had a very detailed application, so I do feel that she will choose the best pups for the best client. Thank you very much for your reply.
 

Denisenoele

New Member
Matching a puppy to an owner is what service organizations do. They don't make money from placing puppies, they just want a good home for the puppy. In this case, I think that's fine because this is non-profit work and any adoption fees are minimal anyway. Denisenoele and I are puppy consumers, both with past experience raising large protection dogs and looking for good breeders with health certs. We pay good money for our dogs. I see this as a free market. If a breeder wants to match his puppies to the buyers that's okay with me, but he's probably not getting my business. I'm also betting that if he wants to cater to responsible owners who title and train their dogs they are going about it the wrong way because those people are very particular about their dogs and usually know what they are doing.

So I ended up with a great breeder. Health, temperament, confirmation and breed standard are incredibly important to her. The way she explained it is that first she determines which pups (if any) are to be pulled as show or working dogs, then the remaining are companion pups. Of each category (depending on the number of pups), the clients can choose in order of deposit paid. I'm sure being a previous Cane Corso owner is helpful. But as you said, we pay quite a bit of money for dogs from good breeders, so if I'm interested in a brindle and not a solid black dog, I wouldn't be thrilled to be handed a black dog that someone else chose for me. Of the litter I have chosen, all pups have been claimed and deposits paid. I have however seen past litters where this is not the case and "available pups" are listed and if you're in the right place at the right time and see a pup that captures your attention, you can choose the one you want. Maybe this existed 10 years ago (although not with the breeder/litter I chose) or maybe it's become this way partially because the popularity of the breed has grown so quickly. Just hoping all falls into place.
Thank you for your reply - you certainly understood my thoughts!
 

Loverboy Skyline

Well-Known Member
So I ended up with a great breeder. Health, temperament, confirmation and breed standard are incredibly important to her. The way she explained it is that first she determines which pups (if any) are to be pulled as show or working dogs, then the remaining are companion pups. Of each category (depending on the number of pups), the clients can choose in order of deposit paid. I'm sure being a previous Cane Corso owner is helpful. But as you said, we pay quite a bit of money for dogs from good breeders, so if I'm interested in a brindle and not a solid black dog, I wouldn't be thrilled to be handed a black dog that someone else chose for me. Of the litter I have chosen, all pups have been claimed and deposits paid. I have however seen past litters where this is not the case and "available pups" are listed and if you're in the right place at the right time and see a pup that captures your attention, you can choose the one you want. Maybe this existed 10 years ago (although not with the breeder/litter I chose) or maybe it's become this way partially because the popularity of the breed has grown so quickly. Just hoping all falls into place.
Thank you for your reply - you certainly understood my thoughts!
It sounds like you've done your homework which is more than what the majority of puppy buyers do. You'll most likely be very happy with your puppy. I was looking into this myself, and it seems a lot of CC breeders do this. At least having a choice between a pool of working dogs or a pool of show dogs can be a good thing because they are already pre-screened by someone who has spent lots of time with the litter.
 

Elizabeth Balcomb

Well-Known Member
Thank you and no, you did not come off as snarky at all! Now that a little time has passed since I posted the question, I have a better understanding of this. It was surprising at first as I didn't come across this 10 years ago. It seems so strange at first - to not have any choice in the dog I am purchasing. However, just as you've mentioned, if it's properly done, there is great thought put behind the placement of each pup. I have found an exceptional breeder and very happy. If all goes well, the pups will arrive the start of July. I'm looking forward to starting this journey again - but this new little guy has some really big paw prints to fill, as the dog that passed away was a dream of a companion. Thank you again, for your time and help - it was very appreciated.
Looking forward to seeing your pup! Just for interest sake, what is the name of the kennel?