How Soon To Make Contact?

[KitKat]

So, moral to the story is I guess that it's never too early to start making friends in the breed as people do get to know you, and they do appreciate the help and love the breed enthusiasm (hey, we're all crazy dog people, right? ) and when the time finally comes when you're ready for a pup, chances are you'll be offered something pretty special.

That is so true. The better the relationship you have with Berner breeders around the place the more likely you are to be offered something of real quality when the time comes. It can be difficult for breeders to trust somebody they haven't known for long, so the longer you've shown commitment, the better!

to you both...that's the way i had it figured...i mean if i still want a Berner in five odd years, and a breeder wants to me to have a great pup of theirs - what more could i want?

[Snout Girl]

I have been wondering exactly the same thing (how early is too early). we want to get another pug (a little blackie this time) in about a years time, when our other dogs are around 2 years old.

it took sooooooooo long to find bert, it was hard to break into 'pug world' for a first time pug owner (tho my family dog of 12 years is a pug, but technically isnt mine).

we have no idea when the right time to put our names down is, hoping it might be a bit easier this time round!

*note* none of the breeders we spoke to were rude or discourteous, a lot just said their dogs only went to show homes or homes with those experienced with the breed

[cassie]

I think they are just beautiful but I heard that they are quite short lived? Is this true?

They can be prone to cancer yes, plus other hereditary diseases. But their average life span is similar to other breeds of their size, approx 8-10 years. The oldest one I know of reached 14.

ETA: Research is the key, which KitKat I know you're doing

Edited March 9, 2010 by cassie