Yea we're going on Wednesday to look at a 4 week old red to join my 4 year old at home can't waitHey there! I am skittish about doing that too. I have always met the breeder and pups and at least one parent.
As for importing, I have been scared to try that too, but I've heard of some successes as I've gotten to know folks here, and have only heard of one problem situation so far.
Oh, @Gelcoater was talking about someone else who had imported.If you don't mind me asking how much did that cost ya
@GennyB is about to import, maybe she can help. I'd be nervous too but as long as you do your homework, as you should with meeting a breeder in person too, I don't see the harm.
Thanks for your reply fortunately I do have a breeder here in NY that's only about 3 hours drive away. I always wondered what people's thoughts were in the importing so this is good information to considerWell I don't know if what I have to say will help or not but I'm happy to tell you about my experience.
I started my search for a pup, did tons of research and started contacting breeders. At first my search was limited to the US. It never occurred to me to even consider anything else. I, like everyone else, had my fears of importing. After I finally got a few breeders to respond to me, it was time to look at some pups. I drove all over the place meeting breeders and pups at their home, dog shows, where ever. The problem I was having was the ridiculous contracts they wanted me to sign. And of course the pressure to show the dog and obtain the all mighty title. I am just not in a place in my life that I can make that kind of commitment. Of course the response when the breeder learned that I was in search of a lowly "pet", who knew that pet was a dirty word.
It was actually my hubby that brought up the idea of importing. And yes I was adamantly opposed to doing so at first. But the need for the perfect pup for me caused me to take a look at the possibility of importing.
My ultimate goal in this process was to find a pup with a solid pedigree, a breeder I could work with and no pressure to title the dog. In the end I wanted the choice of when/if to spay her. Not sign a contract that said I had to by the time she was 6 months old. I wanted us (hubby and I) to be the exclusive owners and not co-owners with contractual obligations to meet.
I found what I was looking for in a import.
I contacted the breeder and we had a good conversation. I told her I had to talk to hubby and I would get back to her. In the mean time the breeder took a look at my facebook page and friended me. When I did get back to her one of the first things out of her mouth was "I hope we can come to a deal here. Who would not want one of their pups in your home? You love and care for your dogs, that's a breeders dream."
I liked that she was confident enough in the quality of her dogs that she didn't need to sell every pup to a home that was going to live for putting titles on them. Her first and foremost goal was a good home.
As far as the experience of dealing with a breeder so far away, all I can say is you will learn a lot. Yes, things are done differently in Europe. That does not mean it is wrong, it's just different. You may come up against a language barrier, while challenging, it certainly is not insurmountable.
The important thing is to do your research, talk to the breeder, look at the pedigrees for health and longevity. Yes it's a ton of work but worth it for the right pup.
The internet is a valuable asset in this process because people with problems don't hesitate to tell the world of their bad experience. I researched the kennel that my pup comes from and nothing bad. Speaks volumes to me because usually you can find something even if it's not true. Some people just can't play nice and just have to give a bad review. But you can easily figure that out.
As far as price goes, it is very comparable. I actually paid a bit less for my pup, shipping included.
I would have to agree that health testing be on top of the list. Then if you are looking for a working dog or something more showy, I would want to know history and titles by parents, grandparents ect...
One you are owned by a Doberman it only follows that you will be a snob because they are regal, sophisticated, gorgeous and absolutely LOYAL. How could you not become a snob??Now I sound like a dog snob.
I am so with you on the appearance thing. I was just going to click "agree" but I didn't want it to apply to the last sentence.Health and longevity are HUGE! Honestly while on my search for a pup there was more than one kennel ruled out because I didn't like the look of the dogs. I figure if I'm going to lay out good money for a dog, I might as well be able to like what I see.
Now I sound like a dog snob.