Opinions please?

[Tink]

For the sake of settling my own mind, I would love to get opinions from you all.

I currently have a cafe au lait Poodle stud (Chocolate with silver blended in like coffee with cream in it), and 2 chocolate dams. I have 2 yellow dams that are still too young to breed so have been looking for one or 2 more females to add to my program. I've looked at a few and for one reason or another decided against them; Too hyper, not the right type, etc etc.

I have been offered another chocolate dam, and so far she sounds good, and I will be taking a bit of a drive to look at her soon. What concerns me, is the fact that IF I bought her, I would have 3 chocolate dams.

I personally love chocolate, but quite seriously I don't know any breeders who have put together the number of chocolates I would have and wonder if it's wise for me to. I know being chocolate in no way guarantees I'd have all chocolate litters. My stud carries a wide range of colors including chocolate, so I would likely get some... with the right females. Is there some logical reason I should avoid focusing too much on a single color? Chocolate Labradoodles seem to be in high demand, as they're harder to come by than most other colors; and I know as a rule it's harder to find chocolate breeders... so I'm in an unusual position.

Am I worrying over nothing?

[Taurus Babe]

My goodness I wish I had an answer. But I can say, take a breath and relax and enjoy. Don't stress too much! I hope someone has a better answer for you!

[Janet]

I'm sorry Tink, but I don't have any answers for you . I think, since you are more involved in this breed and the contacts you have....it's something only you can really decide. I sure wish I knew more to be able to offer an opinion.

[Marilyn]

Strictly from a business standpoint, I'd look at the market. If chocolates are in higher demand than the others, this could be a good move. If you want to offer mostly chocolate, with a sprinkling of other colors, and you have some idea what the genetics are of your dogs and that they will make other colors besides chocolate, this again could be a good move. As Janet said, you know more about this breed than we do. I'd go with what you think will sell the best for the highest price.

I know that most good breeders aren't in it strictly for the money, however, if you are going to do this on the scale you are, might as well make it as profitable as possible. Just make sure you don't get stuck with excess inventory of the wrong color.

Do I sound like a business person concerned with inventory management???

[Emmsmom]

I don't know that I would want all chocolates. To be honest I would wait and see what colors you get out of Ava and Chip, and Hickory and Chip. You may end up with an all chocolate litter. I am sure you will figure it out.

[Gina]

Tink sorry I can't offer you any advice either, I wish you luck and hopefully you get your answers real soon. Don't stress the answer will come to you.. Good luck!

[DianaB]

Originally Posted by Marilyn

Strictly from a business standpoint, I'd look at the market. If chocolates are in higher demand than the others, this could be a good move. If you want to offer mostly chocolate, with a sprinkling of other colors, and you have some idea what the genetics are of your dogs and that they will make other colors besides chocolate, this again could be a good move. As Janet said, you know more about this breed than we do. I'd go with what you think will sell the best for the highest price..........

I agree with what Marilyn said. If chocolates are in high demand why not have a good selection of chocolates. If it doesn't work out, you haven't had any problems with rehoming your dogs. I'd say go for it but remember I'm not a breeder.

[Janet]

Originally Posted by Marilyn

Strictly from a business standpoint, I'd look at the market. If chocolates are in higher demand than the others, this could be a good move. If you want to offer mostly chocolate, with a sprinkling of other colors, and you have some idea what the genetics are of your dogs and that they will make other colors besides chocolate, this again could be a good move. As Janet said, you know more about this breed than we do. I'd go with what you think will sell the best for the highest price.

I know that most good breeders aren't in it strictly for the money, however, if you are going to do this on the scale you are, might as well make it as profitable as possible. Just make sure you don't get stuck with excess inventory of the wrong color.

Do I sound like a business person concerned with inventory management???

I think if I would have been more concerned, I'd be better off financially than I am now...that's for sure.