Breeders what do you expect from your buyers?

[Marco]

A recent reply to the "What do you expect from your breeder?" post reminded me I wanted to ask this the other way as well.  What do you as a breeder expect from your buyers?  What would you like to see more from those looking to purchase a boerboel?  What would you like to see less of take place?  Would love to hear from any breeders out there.  Help us help you, and ultimately help better the breed!  To those great breeders out there, thanks for what you do.

[Marco]

Any breeders that can comment on this would be helpful.  Thanks

[Mark Fallis]

Marco this is a good subject. I am going to start off with the fact that I have never put a litter of Boerboels on the ground as of yet. I have invested over $22,000 in 4 potential breeding females and to rebuild my kennels to accomadate these dogs. I did this knowing I may never get back my original investment, but I want be a part of the  future of this wonderful breed.

I will expect owners of our pups to understand much more about the Boerboel, than the average dog buyer. I will ask them to read up on the breed and provide info to inform them of pros and cons. The Boerboel has potential to be a dog that developes a bad reputation within the media and amongst dog alarmist.  I will expect these owners to understand this point and do their best to help keep this in mind. I will try to give buyers the true cost and work required to keep a Boerboel. Additionally, training will be made a priority. I am working on a rebated training program to help ensure the follow through.

Another goal will be to let people know how hard it is to produce quality dogs. This is misunderstood among most people. I see posts all the time criticizing breeders for their greed and sales tactics. I rarely read anyone take part of the blame for being so ignorant about the breeder or breed. If breeding Boerboels has made anyone rich please let me know. Dog breeding is hard and not real fruitful for the bank account. This is something I hope all our puppy buyers will fully get. Our guarantee will be clear and well defined so there are no questions as to what you bought and what to expect. To be honest I think most BB breeders have done a good job in this area.

[Roland L]

Well written Mark. I wish you the best in your project and please let me know if I can help in any way.  Good luck with the new pups!

[Fuller Boerboels]

What's most important to me as a breeder is that the buyer is willing to invest the time, energy and finances into molding their Boerboel. I need to know that WHEN the owner has difficulty they will seek out help whether it be from me, a private trainer, or a vet specialty, whatever it is that is needed. 

I prefer that a prospective buyer get to know me and my dogs over an extended period of time through e-mails, phone conversations and a visit to my home - the visit is vital if the buyer does not have BB experience. After the puppy goes home I expect regular updates on the puppy's health & temperament along with photos to evaluate the progress of the pup.

I expect that by the time the puppy goes home we have formed a relationship that will make it easy for the buyer to contact me anytime for any reason. I'm here to help in any way I can.

I expect that if for any reason the buyer cannot keep the BB, that dog will come back to me so I can place the BB in an appropriate home.

My best advice for those looking for a BB puppy would be:

• Take your time and be patient
• Get to know any breeder you are considering - ask what trials they've been through with the breed
• Visit, visit, visit - unless you personally know the lines and what they've produced. It's a good idea to meet the prospective parents and see how the interact with people and each other.
• Ask for health results of the parents
• Ask what the breeder is trying to accomplish with their breedings
• REMEMBER - that no breeder can promise a perfect puppy - things do happen, health issues do come up - you want to find a breeder that will have your back and do what it takes to make things right if there's a problem.