Advice on picking a breeder - (Min Pin specifically)

[breyeguy]

Hi, we have a gorgeous min pin that we absolutely love, and are planning getting another. I ran into someone who has two dogs from the same breeder we got ours from - but hers are apparently huge. One of hers is from the same litter as ours! I love the temperment and look of our dog, but am afraid of getting this huge dog gene in a dog that should be 10lbs. So, now I'm researching other breeders, but don't have the rapport with their dogs, and know there are risks involved with all blood lines.

Any suggestions on researching breeders? What questions should I be asking without offending the breeder.

Can you tell if a dog is going to be huge by 8 weeks? I have a cat that is already bothered enough by a dog smaller than it - but it can handle itself - I'd rather have two small tyrants than one big one!

Thanks for your advice,

Brian

[LavenderRott]

Unless you plan on asking for a free pup - there shouldn't be any question that you have that would offend an ETHICAL breeder.

First off - you need to do your breed homework. Look for the national breed club and find out absolutely everything you can about genetic issues that are common in the breed. Make sure that you find a breeder that knows every one of those issues and is breeding to eliminate them from their bloodlines. Make sure you ask for references - preferably puppy buyers.

DO NOT SHOP ONLINE!!

If you find a breeder online, make sure they are someplace that you are willing to travel to. Remember, there is absolutely no quarantee that anything put on a website is true and people selling mass quantities of puppies over the internet are experts at making you think they are what they say they are.

If possible, attend a local show. Look for a dog you like the look of and talk to the exhibitor.

Don't expect to find the right breeder next week. Take your time. Do it right.

Happy Hunting!