Selection
This subject might be a tough pill for some to swallow and is a bit lengthy due to its importance. Selection is the single most important aspect for a dog to succeed in your family. There are so many variables even with the correct selection, we don't need to make things more difficult. Simply put, there must be a balance when selecting starting with the correct breed down to the right parents of your future companion. I have owned, trained, spent time with hundreds of dogs, mostly Epagneul Bretons but also various other breeds from toy breeds to giant breeds, they all have their purpose but that purpose may or may not be for you.
Here are some quick tips to help you with your decision.
- Conformation and structure of a dog is very important, especially a working dog. A well conformed dog will possess sturdy bone structure, muscle mass, and move correctly thus increase longevity. I have seen dogs where their mind far outlasts their body and the ending is not good.
- Research on the breed, if you acquire from a reputable breeder the odds are your dog will be generally what you read. We focus on consistancy of the breed and breeding toward that.
- Talk with and visit more than one breeder about the breed(s) to feel out their knowledge, talk about health, working ability, training, character, and mentality of their dogs. Every breeder has their own opinion, weigh heavily on experiance as we are a far better breeder now than when we first started. An opinion isn't right or wrong you just need to be on board with it. Broughton dogs are very thoughtful, they are thinkers before doers, it takes a different training method but in the end a better dog is the result IMO. If you visit our kennel and our price fits in your range, I am confident you will strongly consider us as we have kept many dogs for many years and have an efficient system in place with some really great dogs.
- Ask about pedigree, if you seek a working dog its best to have tested dogs in the parents lineage in both field and show. Most people don't need a field trial type dog, in our experiance it will likely be too much of a high powered dog for even experianced trainers/hunters but its good to see there are dogs in the line that possess the qualities needed for a great hunting dog.
- Ask about any health issues in the line, all breeds have ailments. Its up to honest breeders to do their due diligance to breed away from them.
- Go into the purchase with an open mind, you may be suprised how your view changes.
- Talk about breeding goals with the parings, strengths and weaknesses of the reproducers.
- After you have found the right parents, be patient to get your new companion, sometimes waiting 6 months to a year can be the difference between having a pain in the rear and a flowing tranquil addition to the family.
- Do not choose a dog simply by look or color, character and mentality should far outweigh what the parents look like and/or what color the offspring is. I have never met anyone who dosen't love their quality bred dog no matter what the color.
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