breeders that have young adults are often ones who have been kept for showing but turned out to be pet quality and then sold on as pets.. or most good breeders have a return policy.. so if one of there owners has a problem and cant keep a pup its returned to the breeder to rehome..

if you are after a dog no one else wants why not rescue ??

where abouts in the world are you ??

 

I wouldn't say that I'm after a dog that nobody else wants in particular, but I would get a Dobe that may not be a good "show dog" yet would make a great pet/companion for a family.
What worries me is the reason why someone would return a dog. A dog that is good enough to show will definitely be good enough as a pet etc, but it doesn't always wrok the other way around. That's why a "show dog" may be more appealing (health, longevity, temperament), even though there's absolutely no plans on actually showing the dog.

I really like the idea of rescuing, but again there is that fear of getting an unhealthy dog or one with a bad temperament.

I'm (will be) in SE Pennsylvania.

p.s. I'm the guy who was ready to get a Kimbertal dog (purely based on their website) and luckily found this site in time to not do that!

 

Usually, they are dogs that the breeder kept to grow out as a show prospect and for whatever reason, they didn't come together to be show worthy. It's not that no one wants them, it's usually just that they don't quite have what it takes to be successful in shows, which has no bearing on what kind of pet they'll be.

I have occasionally placed young adults around the age of 18-20 months when I've finally decided that they aren't quite what I hoped when it comes to showing, and I'm not going to use them in my breeding program. These dogs often have some health testing done (vWD, CERF, sometimes thyroid), they are house trained, crate trained, leash trained, some have earned some points at shows but I realize they won't finish their championships, they are comfortable travelling in the car, some have some obedience training, etc. One of them already had earned her CGC (Canine Good Citizen), and they are often already spayed/neutered for the new owner. They are like push-button pets! They usually fit right into a pet home with little trouble.

The other situation is that young adults may be dogs that were returned to the breeder for whatever reason. It could be that they are in that age range where they are starting to push their boundaries and the owners aren't dealing with it as they should have, or it could be something as simple as the owner was moving or divorcing, etc and it really has nothing to do with the dog.

 

The comes the next natural question...How does one find that breeder that will have that young adult and will be responsible enough not to let you adopt a dog with health problems or behavior problems?

Also, can some breeders tell by 6months if they will not be showing a dog..it'd give a new owner the best of both worlds - a couple of months of semi-puppy experience/bonding and at the same time none of the really young pup difficulties

 

A young adult could be a dog who the breeder has decided isn't going to cut it in the show ring, so now wants to place in a pet home. It could be a dog who was returned to the breeder due to the changing life circumstances of the original owner. I don't think there's any higher chance of them having problems later than any other dog.

My red male came to me at 20 months old from his breeders. Within a week of bringing him home, it was like he'd always been here. No problems whatsoever with him adjusting to a new environment, or bonding with us. He's passed extensive health testing with flying colors, and is the best behaved dog in the house.

For me, it was a win/win situation-no puppy hassles, he came to me "fully operational"-trained, ears standing, etc. I'd definitely consider a young adult again, probably before considering a young puppy.

 

If that 20months could be changed to 6-8months - I'm sold! Obviously there are no absolute guarantees in life, I realize that, but my logic tells me that if a particular dog came from a litter that had some champions in it, then there is a high likelihood that they'd all be healthy and good-tempered even if one of them is not as good-looking for shows.

 

Personally I would just state your fears to the breeder you are looking to.

 

Makes sense, since if they are breeding show quality dogs they do not want to get a bad reputation by "screwing" someone over.

sometimes the simplest solution is the right one...

 

elsa was 9.5 months old when I got her. she went to a working home, but the owner thought she was "too much dog"... he was retired and lived alone, and she was just too much for him.

and he decided not to work her.

thank goodness the owner returned Elsa to my breeder... who contacted me saying she was available... now she is rocking in Schutzhund with me!!!

 

I know of a 1 1/2 yr old red female in need of the right home. Also a 2 yr old black male. Also a 3-4 month black female. All from show litters from health tested parents. 2 in Missouri and 1 in Oklahoma.

 

I really wish I lived closer to them. I would love a re-home. If I may be curious, who has them?

 

Where do you live?

 

In northern Alabama.