How do breeders select people?

I'm curious about how breeders select people to buy their pups or dogs. We're not looking right now but I have seen threads about people being put on lists or looking to take dogs that didn't get to a certain potential, have health issues or were returned.

What characteristics are breeders looking for to match people to pups or dogs?

from the bit of contacting I've done recently (E-mailed and talked to a few breeders) - many don't have a list for placements (non puppies). Most have told me they have nothing at this time. Many don't seem to post (sometimes I see an older placement posted but mostly they are placed by word of mouth).

I will let the breeders say how they place but seems to be based on fit for that individual dog (if younger and good for active/sporting home they'll look for that, if looking for quiet pet home they will look for that). would the dog prefer all the human attention or have other play mates.

This question is so complex, I could not even begin to explain how I select people for my puppies.

If you are looking for a puppy, breeders like to hear something about you, not just a filled out questionnaire; like previous experience with a Labrador, why you like them, why you can't live without one, or your neighbor has a great one and you need one now... What type of activities your dog is included in, (camping, the kids baseball games, etc...) I like to know that the puppy is going to be a cherished member of the family and included in the family activities, and not left in the backyard. etc... etc... etc...

I know for us it seems that activity levels, expectations and experience with previous dog have all been delved into and in relation to the particular dog, as well as the breed. WE looked into Bernese Mountain Dogs and were told what we wanted to do with them was not suited to the breed. I don't think we cross country ski quite as fast as the breeder thought. :)

I don't know exactly, but having gone through the experience recently I can tell you what I went through. Because I wasn't finding what I was looking for in Labs initially, I started looking at Goldens. There was a breeder and breeding I heard about and was interested, but she won't talk to anyone until the application (15 pages with tons of detail) is completed and references have replied. So, I did that, and then we chatted for a long time. She said she liked my application because I knew what I was looking for and it lined up with what my training partners and instructors said. I am sure I checked the boxes as far as caring for the dog and it being a part of my family. These are performance dogs, so the focus was on that. At that point I was approved for an upcoming litter that was a good fit. I had reached out to a few others, including the Lab breeder, and when I told them about being approved by this breeder, I was automatically approved by them (they all know each other and she and the Lab breeder are very close friends and neighbors and are raising their current litters together - small world!) and the next step was to find the right fit. So, typically, two steps: One, the general approval and two, the fit. This was very different and much harder than my pet dog experiences.

I start with an questionnaire. Then I talk to the person. Most of my pups go to dog families or labrador families, so unless something is horribly off, the screening process is super easy. I have one family where they like to keep a trio of lab boys (one each color) and their chocolate died of old age last year. They are getting one of our chocolate boys. Some of my puppies have been very interested in kids, so I tend to pair those off with the kid families, and flip side, some that haven't been very interested in kids at all, and those go to the homes with only adults. My one family that has no dog experience, the dad will be home alot and wants to do SAR work and is really dedicated to giving his kids a dog experience.

Oh, yes, breeders do compare notes on potential owners. We were so lucky that the first breeder we contacted, who had no puppies, had Potion, 9 years old. After spending time with the breeder and Potion, we were approved starting our amazing journey. A couple of years later, out of the blue, I got an e-mail from another breeder who had a senior, would I be interested. Yes, the two breeders had spread the word. During all this time, and before, I had gone to many shows, talked with breeders to learn the breed. A couple even said, "I've heard about you". From there it just kept going.

I think every breeder is different. Some are more selective than others. I will say that the world of reputable Lab breeders is a relatively small one, and everyone knows everybody else or has friends in common. Word gets around about potential puppy buyers who give negative impressions or send crazy emails.

Are you looking for a puppy or an older dog? Most breeders will be even more particular if you are looking for an older dog as there may be known nuances or... quite frankly, many of us are pretty darned attached if they've been w/ us awhile!
I've only re-homed 2 of my older labs and it really wasn't planned, but knew in my heart it was a match made in heaven for all involved.

Pairing 8wk old puppies is much less emotionally trying to me. After all evaluations, eye checks and vet checks are done, I pair the right puppy w/ the right home, but may have been talking w/ that "home" for months by this time so really have a goodly amount of background info from them as to what they are really looking for. I like to do running emails w/ people so I have the info all right there to refer back to.

I'd suggest making a list of what is important to you. Color, gender, activity level, size, structure... health should be very important so screen the breeders / breedings carefully. If you are looking for an older dog, expect to see the vet history and know what you are potentially getting yourself into. Make sure you can work w/ the breeder since you are basically going to be family!

Good luck. Anne