Okay, I found another breeder, she does have her dogs ofa cert. She does show or have her dogs shown (most of them) they are all akc registered. She charges $600 plus $275 for shipping but what concerns me about this breeder is that she has 22 females and 16 males! Chows are amazing dogs but they require EXTENSIVE socialization and training to become good citizens. I can't see how she can raise almost 40 chows and she has 4 litters coming before winter! This just sounds like a nicely run puppy mill to me, am I being overly judgemental???
That is a lot of chows!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Maybe she is half owner of some of them? I know some kennels will say they have 30 dogs but really only say 8 live when them, the others they are half owners of. In the show world that is very common.
If she does have that many Chows in one place I don't see how good socialization can be taking place.
Yeah it could be she has 30 but some could be on rest for a year or so, maybe some retired. I doubt she's breeding all of them now. Maybe ask what her practices are, how much rest time does she give her females, when does she retire them.
I hate to disagree with Puttin, but I know someone with the same kind of operation, only with Labradors. Real clean, regularly inspected, above standard dogs. There are state laws here in CA that require animals to be socialized before sale. Yeah, that's a lot of dogs. Makes the words backyard breeder more tempting doesn't it? Just think, when people stop backyard breeding, places like that are where everyone will get their dogs. You know they say," be careful what you wish for". Oh, by the way, folks with those puppy mills are the ones MOST interested in seeing that backyard breeding ceases. Won't be any competition, you know. The finest Labs that I have seen were produced by serious hobbiests in their homes and yes, backyards. I would suggest contacting breed clubs to discuss quality dogs among people that know what quality in the breed really is. I think that people that just buy dogs on their own, not researching with the breed clubs, get what they deserve when they find out later that what they have is sub-standard, not show or field worthy, possibly genetically unhealthy, and likely not even AKC registered. I tell anyone that asks me to help them find a dog, to attend specialties and working events[AKC sanctioned] and get to know the dogs and breeders before buying by joining one or more breed clubs...most people give me that lazy attitude that means another puppy mill has made a sale. They aren't worth my time in the 1st place, with that attitude.
I personally see that as a red flag. Especially considering the breed. And especially because you have kids. I would find a breeder that only has a few Chows to ensure that they have been properly socialized since they do have a type of reputation and do require that extra attention like you said.
I don't think I would buy any breed of dog from someone that had that many dogs. I just don't see the need to have that many dogs in your breeding program. Usually, good breeders find 'retirement' homes for their retired confirmation or breeding dogs.
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-The flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all
If you want to pay expenses, and pay kennel help, and maybe make some money, you need to sell a slew of dogs. Think about it. If this is your income, how many dogs would you sell to constituate just breaking even, in today's high priced world. Remember, the vet bills that you have for one dog are multiplied times 40+ and you pay for all the heating/cooling, feeds etc... It is so a non-profit occupation....
Selling dogs for profit.........isn't that a puppymill? I know the chow breed well, and I know that there is probably no way to own that many dogs and give them the attention that a chow needs without having it be a full blown business with "employees", which in my opinion is wrong anyway. People who breed for profit and not the betterment of the breed (which hardly ever comes hand in hand) are puppymills. Even if it is a nicely run puppymill, it is still a puppy producing mess. IMHO
These are Chows we are talking about here. It is impossible or next to impossible to have almost 40 Chows and have them all well socialzied. Chows need that extra mile that a common breed does not. Chow are Very donimant animals, actually the only know breed to have bear in the blood line. I've seen here on TV when they busted a guy that was running a puppy mill of Chows, these dogs were monsters! He had 30 something dogs plus I think it was 4 litters. Chows need constint training and socialzation, they need a experianced owner. I just can't see almost 40 Chows in one place being very friendly.
My hubby has been around Chows his whole like and has owned 2 himself. When I told him about this he shook his head and said "don't get a Chow from that person".
Katz if anything if you can take a drive to these people's place and check it out. See if you see signed of a puppy mill. If so I would personally turn them in. almost 40 Chows can be very dangours.
