As I said, I do not want a "back yard bred" dog. Or an "accidental pregnancy" dog. I'd like one from a good bloodline that I can track to see health issues and temperament.
Did I say it wasn't exactly that? At the pound I can't check out the parents or grand parents, etc.
No I did not become who I am in the first 8-10 weeks of my life but my parents are a very good sign of who am.
If you want a pit bull from a good reputable breeder I can find one. I have many friends who show their dogs and are involved in the "scene" The issue is...a good breeder will NEVER breed for coat color so wanting one a certain color is going to be a problem.
Also...just as an FYI you are going to have a difficult time finding a blue dog that actually fits into breed standards. The American Bully people have taken over the color and lines and are popping out the short big headed hippos like crazy :lol; Blue is SO overbreed and be ready for allergies like crazy!
The second big issue is a reputable breeder generally has their pups spoken for prior to even breeding. They don't just have puppies and then need to get rid of them. You are not going to be able to get a puppy from a good breeder for cheap. You are gonna have to pay for what you get.
Also FYI a good breeder is going to make you sign a contract more than likely about fixing the dog, not breeding, etc. Stay away from anyone that want to co-own with you and use the dog in their breeding stock, etc.
The other
I'll look at both options you guys suggested. The only thing I do not like about what svopro had to say is that they made him fix his bitch before they brought her home. I assume they'd do that with the males too? If so, that's kind of a deal breaker. I've heard arguments on both sides of the table stating how male pups grow in their first 3 years of life when they do and do not get clipped. Most argue that males grow bigger and leaner the longer they stay intact. Diesel was 3 days short of being 4 years old and was still intact. Though he was going to get snipped this winter. He was an amazing specimen of his breed! Lean, tall, strong as hell, very protective of my kids and very playful. Aside from the farting, the car-sized shit piles, the snoring, messy jowls, the constant ear infections, and of course the bone cancer that ultimately took his life, he was a great family dog...despite the fact that I got him from an "accidental pregancy" breeder. I got him before I did all the research I needed to on bully breeds. Had I researched the breed more and got him from a more reputable family/breeder, I might still have my fathead buddy here today.
I really encourage you to look into rescue. I know you want a puppy and they have puppies. if it was me and I had kids I would probably go for a dog 1 1/2 yrs old or around there from a reputable rescue. that means the dog has lived in a foster home and they have had time thoroughly evaluate the dogs temperament. A puppy from any thing other than a good reputable breeder really has an unknown background. So you don't know about temperament issues. if the parents had issues and it is something passed on even if you raise the dog fine, something can still creep up as they become adults.
That said...also be sure to keep in mind the prevalence of dog aggression in this breed. Some dogs do fine until they hit maturity at 1 1/2-2 years. Just a reminder
I wish I wouldaseen this the other day, I just got rid of my last Blue/Red pit the other day...
umm..a blue/red pit isn't even possible. So I'm calling you on your breeding practices. I'd love to know the dogs lines. If you show them, health test them, etc. Cause yeah...blue and red are just colors.
There have been studies done that show that leaving dogs intact is significantly beneficial to their health. A good sign it is ok to neuter your dog is when his/her growth plates have closed and for some dogs that's as late at 18-24 months. It is very common to hear vets still say 6 months is a good time but many of them went to school when a lot of discoveries weren't made yet. Some of the more "up to date" vets will strongly urge waiting until at least 18 months for larger dog breeds.
Read the following:
http://www.naiaonline.org/pdfs/LongTermHealthEffectsOfSpayNeuterInDogs.pdf
There are really studies on both sides of the fence. I personally believe in spaying an neutering as soon as possible. My dog was neuter when he was under 4 months old and it did not stunt his growth. I haven't seen enough research to sway me from not fixing my animals early..although I do know people who prewcribe to this school of thought..and as long as whoever has animals that aren't fixed control them and don't end up with any oops problems that's their prerogative.
Although the benefits of spay/neuter to reduce cancer risks far out way everything else to me. Considering the rapid increase of cancer in animals I want to do everything I can to prevent it.
