Has anyone had experience with this breeder?

Looking for an OES pup in 2011 and found a Breeder in Indiana who has been breeding OES for 30 years. They are not listed on the OES club referral list, but seem reputable from what I have been able to research. Has anyone had experience with Jessen's OES? Or do you know of someone who has?

Thanks in advance!
Respond to this topic here on forum.oes.org  
A lot of red flags pop up for me here. They don't mention anything about any sort of health testing except to say "OFA certified" which means nothing-- if a dog has been tested, they would have a grade, Like "excellent," "good," "fair," or "poor." I feel like they're trying to throw out some information that they think will be impressive to buyers but they're hiding the actual results, which may not be optimal for breeding stock. If you had an "excellent" that's something breeders are excited to share. Another thing that immediately bothered me was that they commented on the markings of their dogs, like the black eyeliner and other markings. Markings are usually the last thing a good U.S. breeder worries about.

It also appears like they're doing a lot of breeding but none of these dogs have ever been shown to be judged for their conformation. As I look through the pictures, there's a lot of inconsistency in what their dogs look like-- not markings and cosmetic stuff, but actual structure. When you see dogs from a good, reputable breeder you'll notice that the dogs all have a similar build, like they came from the same family. When people aren't breeding with conformation to the standard in mind, you get dogs that look very different-- long noses, long legs, long bodies- all things that we're not breeding for in OES. The red flag here is not just in looks though, because we'll all agree that these guys are cute no matter what, but it tells us that they aren't carefully breeding. They say they're breeding for health and personality but if you don't know the stock you're breeding with, those claims are no good.

The whole thing is hinky and I would recommend that you pass. Not to mention, for that level of breeding, that price is really high. You can get a great quality pup from some reputable breeders, with health guarantees and all pedigree health records fr only a few hundred dollars more.

Are you in the Indiana area? There are a lot of excellent breeders in the tri-state area. Is there a certain time next year that you're looking for a pup?
It seems I remember someone posting on here before about this "breeder" being on the news for a puppy mill story or something like that. SOmething about after they got busted they changed names but its the same people. I could be wrong but that name just sounds familiar and this would be the only place I would hear it. So I would do a lot more research.
Ryleigh wrote:
It seems I remember someone posting on here before about this "breeder" being on the news for a puppy mill story or something like that. SOmething about after they got busted they changed names but its the same people. I could be wrong but that name just sounds familiar and this would be the only place I would hear it. So I would do a lot more research.


No, these people are just small-time breeders and not a puppy mill. I do agree with everything that Jill said, for the money it would be better to obtain a puppy from a breeder that does all the health testing and breeds for temperament and good conformation. None of their dogs have been judged in the show ring and they basically just have a couple pets that they mate and produce puppies for extra income, which is not how a good breeder operates.
"which is not how a good breeder operates."
I feel that needed repeating - in bold letters.

(Ryleigh - I think the one we talked about at length who is
known for name changing is in my neck of the woods - but I
could be wrong. We certainly have more than one that does
that routinely.)

I also recommend finding another breeder. JMHO

Shellie
Actually we are from Western PA - So we are looking anywhere within 350 miles of us. Husband travels to Downer's Grove Il. by car regularly for work, so anywhere along that corridor would work. I've only found 1 Breeder listed in PA. Amy Howard in State College, PA. We want to get a puppy late spring early summer. I am a para at a elementary school so when School is our I will be home full time. My husband works from home 1 day per week so we felt that time would be best.

Thanks for any recommendations. You all have been a great help so far. I want to make the most educated decision possible.
Ditto on the comments.
I personally would never consider getting a puppy from there.
It strikes me as a family who has a few OES, who is breeding and selling puppies to supplement their income.

Their selling price is high for dogs that have none of the medical testing and screening available these days. That part is the worst.
In years gone by, none of these tests were available. Now they are, so it is negligence on their part not to use the medical technology available to help better the breed. And darn shameful to sell them for those prices with no investment on their part in testing... :(

Both parents should have OFA hips, with results listed or at least shown to people who are seriously interested in getting a puppy. Also Thyroid screening, cardiac screening, Eye (CERF) and hearing (BAER) testing. All that costs money, and figures into the price of an ethical breeder's puppies.
ok. I knew I could of been wrong ( and was sorry ) but I just remembered something about a problem breeder but couldnt find the old post. Sorry.
I know how frustrating it can be to find a good breeder. But your "baby" is a full-time commitment. Don't base your judgement on emotions, but on facts. Good luck!
I think great advice has been given here. I just want to add my experience with a BYB.

Oliver came from a BYB; this was before I knew any better. I thought his breeder was "fine", the cost was less than an OESCA referral, AND she was within driving distance from my house...BIG MISTAKE. I love Oliver more than anything in this world, and would trade him for nothing, but the cost of severe hip dysplasia, giardia, and entropion have added up far beyond what a puppy from a OESCA breeder would cost. It is so hard to see something I love so much suffer due to people being money hungry. It is worth the time and money to get a puppy from an OESCA breeder.

On a side note, my sister lives in Downer's Grove, IL. Nice area!
Thanks again everyone. Excellent info that I am definitely taking to heart.

Butterscotch - Asked when we were looking for a puppy? Late spring or early summer. would be the answer to that. I just think it would be easier to train/housebreak without the snow. Once school is out I will be home all the time so that is a plus as well.

Thanks again!
Lisa, I tried to reply to your e-mail but it bounced. Check your private messages. Thanks!
Didn't find exactly what you're looking for? Search again here:
Custom Search
Counter

[Home] [Get A Sheepdog] [Community] [Memories]
[OES Links] [OES Photos] [Grooming] [Merchandise] [Search]

Identifying Ticks info Greenies Info Interceptor info Glucosamine Info
Rimadyl info Heartgard info ProHeart Info Frontline info
Revolution Info Dog Allergies info Heartworm info Dog Wormer info
Pet Insurance info Dog Supplements info Vitamins Info Bach's Rescue Remedy
Dog Bite info Dog Aggression info Boarding Kennel info Pet Sitting Info
Dog Smells Pet Smells Get Rid of Fleas Hip Displasia info
Diarrhea Info Diarrhea Rice Water AIHA Info
Sheepdog Grooming Grooming-Supplies Oster A5 info Slicker Brush info
Dog Listener Dog's Mind Dog Whisperer

Please contact our Webmaster with questions or comments.
  Please read our PRIVACY statement and Terms of Use

 

Copyright 2000 - 2012 by OES.org. All rights reserved.