Dazed & confused: need a good strategy for breeder search/database use

Sage advice, thank you!

 

This is the current LCD list of upcoming litters: http://labrador.de/erwartete_wuerfe.html?nav=aus

Looks like around 40 to choose from...

 

If I were you I would be looking for a breeder where the dogs have been used in different ways. Breeders are very proud of their pups and will tell you where they have been used for assistance dogs, guide dogs and detection dogs as well as just pets. You are really looking for a calm intelligent dog who will be easy to train. Show lines can be very bouncy and lack impulse control and working lines are intelligent and quick to learn but also can tend to be nervy. (I've had both) But there are those who just are lovely calm and super bright and a good breeder is the best person to tell you how the pup is likely turn out. After all they don't want all their efforts to go to waste!

 

Excellent advice, thank you. But I have to say, i've now talked to loads of breeders of various breeds and every single one of them has told me the same exact thing: that their breed, and specifically their dogs are the best suited for me. Even when they are totally not, in my humble opinion. Field Spinones and Schutzhund Giant Schnauzers were the biggest misfits and the breeders were convinced they'd make excellent assistance dogs - it was pretty funny.

I don't know if that's just a breeder thing that they do with everyone or that they know that any dog that gets placed with me will be treated like royalty for his/her whole life. Big change from when I adopted my first Rottweiler from a show breeder - I practically had to promise to sell my soul to even get her to look at me as a possible puppy placement. Maybe there is something to be said for being older this time around.

 

Thanks - I did see this, but I didn't think it was super helpful as these are only litters due in the next two months and I'm looking for a pup who will be ready to go to his new home from June onwards (when I'm back in Germany). But maybe still a good place to start to ask if they are breeding again later in the year.

 

Ah, I see.

 

I think a good puppy should be hard to buy.

 

Yes! I agree! I jumped through so many hoops in the past that I must admit that these "my puppies would be great for you!" breeders are sort of freaking me out. I really expect to get the third-degree raked-over-the-coals treatment like I did when I was looking for my first Rottie, and so far here in Germany it just hasn't happened yet. Honestly, I kind of think it's because I've not met the right breeders yet. When I meet the one that makes me answer 100 questions about why I want one of her/his puppies, then that's the one I'll probably choose. Perhaps I have a masochistic streak.

 

No I kind of expect that interview and then going to visit to see if I pass in the person.