Chinese Cresteds - Other Breeders
As in every marketplace, competition is rampant among Chinese Crested breeders.
There exist "back yard breeders" who are honest, ethical and produce a healthy, quality pup. Sadly, there are also "back yard breeders" who cut corners on nutrition, exercise, vet expense (worming/innoculations/dental scaling, etc.) because they just don't have the time/finances to adequately devote themselves to the project. They work a fulltime job elsewhere, and the pups emerge from the kennel a scant few hours a night. Exercise is limited and conditions are not optimal.
The same holds true for "long time breeders". "Long time" doesn't mean they know it or do it better - it simply means they have been doing it a long time.
Every breeder, including Bellissima Farms, had to begin w/ foundation stock acquired from other sources. Many, many of our dealings over the years have been gracious, honorable and straight-forward. The dogs have been healthy, of good, strong lineage, well-tempered and luckily - beautiful.
We have interacted w/ both "back yard" and "long time" breeders, searching out the most flawless foundation stock available to carry our family's reputation. We have been lucky enough to work w/ some super breeders, genuinely interested in devoting time to the breed, who also happen to be good and honest business people. These folks not only trade bloodlines to encourage healthy outbreeding, but also share information to enhance the reputation of a strong breed profile. Some of these breeders have come to be personal family friends.
Alas, some dealings have not been so pleasant. Shenanigans sometimes occur:
- Promises of AKC paperwork - that never arrives.
- Huge $ per dog, then demand to remain partial owner
- Somewhat huge $ per dog, demanding unlimited free breedings, etc.
What a crock. They want you to pay for a dog, then retain unlimited "use". What did you pay for? To "rent or lease" a family member? From where I stand, once the money is paid, the dog is yours. Free and clear. No further ties to the seller.
Some sellers refuse to sell unless the Buyer signs a contract that agrees to enter the dog in future exhibitions. Fact is most buyers buy a dog for personal reasons. They are not interested in the exhibition ring and don't care to try it. Dog shows promote the breeder's name. You pay the entry fees, do all the grooming/training and in the end - are paying to "advertise" the breeder's name. Let the breeder pay for their own advertising.
If you feel uncomfortable w/ a sellers' demands, move on to someone else. Some breeders attempt to control the marketplace by placing unreasonable demands on a client.
Some self-proclaimed "purists" argue a contract is necessary to make sure "unworthy" dogs are not bred. Well, it seems they are producing unworthy dogs, doesn't it? Or, the "unworthy" dog becomes "worthy" by paying extra money for breeding fees.
It is reasonable to purchase breeding rights - but additional fees do not transform a "dog who is unworthy to be bred into breeding material"
Who is policing them while they are policing you?
Some claim they are doing it for the sake of the breed. Doing what? Placing unreasonable demands on a person who simply desires a particular breed of dog?
Some claim the only studs worthy to cross w/ your female is one of their own - thus insuring another wad of cash from the buyer.
Baloney!
The truth is: after a contract is signed, a seller cannot climb over your fence and verify the dogs' genitals have not been used properly. They may be able to control AKC papers, but they are not able to control unpapered breedings. Calls, emails, letters, and threats of legal proceedings, etc. are ridiculous.
Forcing a buyer to pay money, then insisting the seller remain on the papers as partial owner, is hogwash. Purchasing a dog is not a request to join in a partnership.
Furthermore, insisting a buyer enter the exhibition arena is a blatant attempt to advertise the breeder's "wares" without the breeder paying entry fees. A sales contract should protect BOTH parties - and should be reasonable.
We have found people desire a particular breed, then choose to lay on the couch w/ said dog - for the rest of their lives.
Do your homework and make sound, reasonable decisions. There are many, many superior breeders who do a remarkable job. They are all over the US, which allows a reduction in transportation costs.
Ask for references.
Put the whole deal in perspective: You are purchasing a dog, not marrying their daughter.
