Looking for a French Ring-trained Belgian Malinois...

mandyy4

I'm probably going to buy one online and ship him here from Germany or wherever he may be.... But how do I know if I'm getting him from a reputable breeder?

Criosphynx

there are sooo many variables....basic stuff being health testing and proof of working ability.

mandyy4

And how do you check for those things if you can't go see the dog?

Criosphynx

don't need the dog...OFAs and Titles are all public record.

Does the breeder your looking at have a website?

mandyy4

This is the one I'd LIKE to get him from: Protection Dogs - German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, and Dutch Shepherds for Personal Protection- CCK9


The dog doesn't have to be ring-trained... Just has to be personal protection-trained. That site looks really good to me, but their dogs are REALLY expensive, so I might try to find another one.

Mikey

I dont' have all the answers-but when looking for a breeder I look for:

1) do they do only one breed? Especially imporant that they aren't breeding horses, dogs, cats, rats, chinchilla's-basically anything with reproductive organs.

2) Do they show

3) Do they health check and offer a guarantee/contract

4) Are they health checking for probs common with the breed (ie. hips not a big deal with chihuahuas, big deal for rotties)

5) Do they know all about the breed? Are the asking you questions? Do they have a waiting list-basically are they interested in you as an owner and the breed in general and dog welfare etc.

That's my checklist when buying from a breeder. There are no guarantees of course. Anyways-good luck and keep us posted on your new pup!!!

Criosphynx

thats particular kennel says they get 50% of their dogs from an outside breeder...

I can't find anything talking about titles (except they occasionally sell dogs with titles) I can't find anything on the breeding stock, they mention OFA and say that if the dog has an issue within 2 years you can exchange it....heres the thing tho...ofas are done after the dog turns two...so their guarantee is useless.

Personally I wouldn't buy from this kennel.

Why doyou want the dog already trained? The best bet is the train the dog yourself, with a trainer. As much as they claim training will transfer over...its not the same.

mandyy4

Thanks. I'll look for a different one, then.

Is it common for people to buy an untrained dog and have a trainer work with them? I thought a lot of the dogs that start training end up not being good enough and are sold as pets. How would you know if the dog you buy has enough potential?




I'll keep you updated, but I'm not going to be getting the dog until this time next year... I'm just planning ahead : ]

Criosphynx

very common. If you are worried about the dog "making the cut" so to speak you would buy a dog thats bloodlines prove to be cut out for the task...perhaps buy an older (6 months or so) pup so you get a better idea of the drive in that dog.

That said there are lots of drivey drivey dogs of all breeds...I have personally met a standard poodle trained in protection work, as well as seen many many bully breeds do it...I have seen dogs as small as JRT doing the job.

Personally I would want to be with the dog as young as possible and have my hands in its training as much as possible...these dogs are drivey drivey drivey and I want the reward history to be with ME.


also with the training, it has LOTS of upkeep. So you will be training constantly anyway. Might as well start from scratch.

fawkese1

ok, i give up...what exactly does "ring-trained" mean? i googled it, but all the sites are blocked from my work computer...