This is really great advice... some of the best i have ever seen on any gundog forum!I wouldn't judge a Kennel on the performance of two litters sired by a dog that the Kennel bred. Personally, I believe the Dam brought more to the mating than the Sire. But it was their respective qualities, when brought together, that produced some excellent working dogs.
For every Kennel you look at, you need to do a lot of research on the quality of dogs they are producing, and the quality of dogs that those dogs are producing. Making a decision on the performance (or photos of dead animals) of a handful of dogs will end in disappointment for you. See as many dogs from different kennels in action as possible. That's in the field, and working. Get alongside people who have their pups and watch them develop. That is the only way to get a true picture.
Realistic purchase price will be $800-$1500. Perhaps a little more if imported dogs are used and the breeder is trying to recover the costs of that. Even then, I maintain price is irrelevant......I have an imported FCH bitch in my kennels that has cost me nothing. She is more dog than I will ever need and I simply cannot fault her. I also have a daughter from her and she cost me more than any other dog I have ever owned. Also have a dog who was a replacement for a dud I bought that cost me many thousands in vet bills due to various health issues. The replacement has cost me nothing, yet I would have paid twice the going rate because of what he has turned out to be.![]()
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