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Comment by Shou on March 28, 2012 at 5:58pm

Thanks for the comments, everyone. I just got an email back today saying that the puppy had gone to a new home last night. Haha. Juuust missed out again. Oh well. I'll just keep looking.

Melissa: Yeah, I know fluffies are gonna be a pain to groom. Ahaha. Good thing where I live is mostly pavements and stuff. I've always loved long haired dogs, so I'll manage somehow. Thanks though.

Comment by Ludi on March 28, 2012 at 10:26am

A lady I happen to know from the Basenji breeding world advertises on puppyfind.com - and her dogs are AMAZING. She goes above and beyond on health testing, socialization, handling puppies, and dispensing information to all new parents of her dogs. Her site has a treasure trove of information, and offers a "how-to" guide on avoiding irresponsible backyard breeders, while pointing out what makes a "good" breeder. If I were to have a Basenji in my life again, it would certainly come from her, puppyfind.com ads be damned.

That being said, do be cautious and wary. Don't discount someone just because they choose to advertise on the site, but also be just as thorough as you would have been with a PWCCA recommendation. Ask all the relevant questions, request photos of the living area/parents if you're too far to visit on your own, etc. Best of luck. :)

Comment by Yuki & Ellie on March 28, 2012 at 7:26am

Don't worry, Puppyfind isn't an immediate red flag.  It is a sign to be cautious, though, and it sounds like you're approaching it well.  I found out about Ellie, sort of, through a Puppyfind ad.  I had found an old ad by her breeder, as I had started searching old ads for new breeder names, and found her breeder's information.  Like you, I sent out an e-mail with lots of questions and surprise!  She had just recently had a litter and I had my choice of 3 females that fit what I wanted!  She answered all of my questions to my satisfaction and now I have my spunky little Ellie.  :)

Comment by Melissa and Franklin! on March 28, 2012 at 12:42am

I also want to mention, my dream dog for my 2nd dog was a fluffy corgi. Instead I ended up with a corgi with more of a glamour type coat (much longer than Franklins) and it is SUCH A MESS!!! I am SOOOOOOO glad I didn't end up with a fluffy, while they are super cute, they are SO HARD to take care of. Even Kirby with his sort of fluffier coat is such a pain in the butt. His coat seems to collect every bit of sand that ever existed on the river and he comes back from our walks soaking wet and caked in mud and sand and no amount of toweling will get it off. Just wanted to mention the harsh reality of a sort of fluffy, I'd imagine an actual fluffy would be a nightmare unless you plan on sticking to pavement for walks and playtime.

Comment by Melissa and Franklin! on March 28, 2012 at 12:33am

I've gotta admit, Franklin came from puppyfind and you know what, I'd do it again in a heartbeat! He is above and beyond anything I could have hoped or dreamed of in a corgi. He is truly an incredible dog. There's something to say about those TOP TOP TOP breeders out there, but there's also something to say about the small responsible breeders who do some health testing, only have one or two females with good bloodlines and who do compete. Frank's breeder did an incredible job socializing him (and his sister), they are crate trained and potty trained by the time they are ready for their new homes, and they have the most wonderful corgi personalities, so don't discount puppyfind right off the bat. Use your best judgement based on the responses you get from the breeder. If the breeder truly loves the breed and her dogs and isn't just cranking out puppies, you will be able to tell rigth away. It took me over a year to find Franklin, and then more than a year to find my rescue pup Kirby. Patience is key because when you see the picture of your future pup you will KNOW instantly that that is "the one".