Decisions Decisions

[Tink]

I've retired Canada, and Gypsy is only a baby, so won't be ready to breed for a long time. So I put out some ads looking for breeding age female Labs to add to my breeding program. I want to be able to have 4-5 litters per year so want at least 2, maybe 3 more females.

Luckily, I've gotten leads on a couple since placing my ads last night. Now I have to try to decide which to pursue and how far I'm willing to go to get them. lol

I have been offered a yellow AKC female at a very fair price, but would have to spend the better part of a day going to get her. She's over in Minnesota about 3.5 - 4 hrs away.

I've been offered a yellow purebred 2 hrs from home that is free, and the owner offered to meet me half way; but is with a lesser registry than AKC. She looks incredibly like my Gypsy, so is a very nice looking dog.

They are both approaching 2 yrs old so that's ideal.

Now I can't decide what to do. lol
Since I'm breeding hybrids, the registry shouldn't be a big factor as long as I'm sure they ARE registered purebreds. What to do, what to do!?

[DianaB]

Personally I think that I'd stick with the registered labs. I think that if you want to build a good business a lot of people will be more impressed with registered dogs. I'm not saying that there aren't a lot of nice labs that aren't registered only that I think that buyers would prefer knowing that they're registered dogs.

[AngieDoogles]

Originally Posted by DianaB

Personally I think that I'd stick with the registered labs. I think that if you want to build a good business a lot of people will be more impressed with registered dogs. I'm not saying that there aren't a lot of nice labs that aren't registered only that I think that buyers would prefer knowing that they're registered dogs.

I agree with Diana. She's right that the registry doesn't make the dog better, but it does make buyers a little more confident about the purchase. And even if it takes a whole day of travel, I think it would be worth it to you in the end for you to get what will be best for your program.

Either way, I know you'll make the right decision and that your new female will be perfect for you!

[Tink]

Thanks ladies.
The second dog is registered, but with APRI which is a lesser known registry than AKC.
Right now I'm waiting for photos of the AKC female since I'm not about to drive that far without some idea of what she looks like.

I've also been offered a white mini poodle female, which peaked my interest until I learned she's only 10" tall at the shoulder which means technically she's a toy... which I can't use. If she'd have been 16" or more I'd have scooped her up in a heartbeat. I really want a moyen poodle stud, which means a standard bred to a mini... and could be used with lab females. Oh well, all in good time.

[Janet]

Originally Posted by DianaB

Personally I think that I'd stick with the registered labs. I think that if you want to build a good business a lot of people will be more impressed with registered dogs. I'm not saying that there aren't a lot of nice labs that aren't registered only that I think that buyers would prefer knowing that they're registered dogs.

[judy]

I'm not knowledgeable about how important AKC registration is with a mix like Labradoodles. Has anyone who bought the pups asked? I'm under the impression that they aren't accepting mixtures as being fully registered? I thought it's something they haven't decided yet.

I definitely think you should look at their pictures first.

Keep us posted!

[Tink]

I'm still waiting for the photos to be sent.
Judy, of the 20+ Labradoodle pups I've sold so far, not one buyer has asked about registration or to see papers. Since it will be many years before Labradoodles are a recognized breed, (if ever) they can currently only be registered as Hybrids which I think is misleading so I haven't done that at all.

In my opinion, registering a hybrid feels like trying to pass them off as something other than they are. If registration papers are important to a buyer, then they should probably buy a purebred dog rather than a hybrid. Quite seriously, anyone who knows anything at all about dogs can look at my Labs and know what they are. They're all very typical in type and I haven't gotten any with ring tails, narrow chests and long legs, like some that people have papers on. Mine are all within the approved colors as well, even though outside of AKC's view several breeders are breeding for silvers, whites and other oddities that would actually ban them from showing.