So you want to own a Chesapeake Bay Retriever?   (OR you want to own an American Staffordshire Terrier?)

3.    AKC Limited Registration VS Full Registration (VIA AKC WEBSITE):

Be aware...most reputable breeders sell their puppies on a LIMITED REGISTRATION to prevent the improper breeding of their puppies. Do not be 'put off' by a breeder who tells you that they only sell puppies on a limited registration. In fact, you should consider that this breeder has only the best interest of the breed in mind when selling on this basis.
 

AKC registration application forms provide the option for registering dogs with limited registration.   Limited registration means that litters produced by the dog are not eligible for AKC registration.  The dog is eligible to compete in all AKC-licensed events except breed competition at an AKC-licensed dog show.   The decision as to the registration status of a dog is the responsibility of the litter owner(s).   The litter owner(s) must check the appropriate box in section A of the individual registration application form to indicate whether the dog should be designated as having limited or full registration privileges.   If no box is checked, full registration will be assigned.

Limited registration can only be designated at the time the dog is individually registered.   The limited designation may be removed upon the written permission of the litter owner(s) and upon submission of a form for that purpose which, is available from the AKC, and required fee.  

The decision as to whether or not a dog will be registered with limited registration is left solely to the litter owner(s).   Limited registration is a tool with which the litter owner(s) can protect their breeding program.

AKC strongly recommends that if a dog is being sold with limited registration that the litter owner(s) make this condition clear to the potential dog buyer(s) so that there is no confusion about the terms under which the dog was purchased.   If breeders provide a written bill of sale in addition to the registration application form, we (AKC) would urge that the bill of sale include the fact that the dog is being sold with limited registration and that the buyer acknowledges in writing that the dog is being accepted with that condition.

Many pet puppy have no concept of proper conformation, or had a true working knowledge of what constitutes "first pick".

If you are getting a puppy from me, I can promise you that *I* (the breeder) am keeping what I believe to be "pick of the litter". That puppy is not for sale. Of course, I sometimes discover, as the puppy grows, that I picked wrong.  My guess is, some of my *real* picks of the litter went to their new pet home at eight weeks of age+, are neutered, and loved by their family.

• Put aside the notion that a puppy *must* be "x" days old when it goes home, or it is damaged goods.

• Put aside your notions that bigger is better.

• Try to put aside prejudice with respect to sex and color if more than one sex and color is available.
• Don't try to be a behavior expert by testing temperaments, using tests you know little or nothing about.

• Really look at the litter.

• Notice puppies that are trying to get your attention (there is something to be said about chemistry)

• Listen to your breeder when he/she tells you about specific personalities

• Follow your heart.

• Take your time (never, ever, rush)

• Ask questions

I have had people ask me to teach them how to pick the best pup out of a litter. The truth is, when I figure it out with certainty, I'll start teaching others how to do it. For now, I'm pretty good at picking the right puppy, but it isn't down to a science yet.   Some puppies are the perfect example of the ugly duckling who grows into a beautiful swan.

Some people think that they need to see the entire litter of pups in order to pick out a good dog. We have found this is a misconception. In any one litter, the majority of the puppies are consistent in looks. In each litter there is usually a highly energetic dog, a more reserved dog, and the rest fall in between. The term pick of the litter is simply a matter of opinion.

We have seen the last pup to go to its new home, turn out to be the very best in the litter; and, we have seen what we thought was the best pup in the litter at eight weeks turn out to be just another good dog, but not necessarily the best of that litter when grown.

I reserve first pick of each color and each sex. I select out those puppies of each color and sex, that I feel are the best examples of the breed physically.   I set those puppies aside for myself. I probably won't keep them all, but they're held aside for later evaluation and observation.   So, when you call me well after my puppies have gone home, and I have only one older puppy available, you can pretty well bet that this puppy was one of my "picks", that I have later decided to sell. 

TEMPERAMENT VS TRAINING?                              

NO BITE! TRAINING                                              

HOUSE TRAINING                                                   

Puppy Behavior Training                                      

Puppy Stages - Critical Periods

9.    HEALTH LINKS

        Orthopedic Foundation - OFA

Health of the Amstaff - Ataxia

Health - cardiac

More Cardiac

Thyroid

LOTS of health links!

CANINE FACTS, TIPS, TRIVIA  

10.    BREEDING

Breeding Costs

Breeding Costs 2

ABC's of Breeding to breed or not to breed

11.    Attend dog events.

Breeders participate in a variety of events:  dog shows, obedience trials, agility, dock-dog, fly-ball, hunt tests and working tests.   When approaching exhibitors at shows, introduce yourself, and tell them that you are looking for a puppy.    Many exhibitors are preoccupied when waiting to go in the ring, so understand if they appear rushed, and ask you to talk to them as soon as they have completed their event.    Once they've completed with whatever event they are involved in, they will be open to assist you with your search for a puppy.