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Finding A Reputable Breeder I would like to share some ideas and resources on how you can learn to identify a reputable, responsible breeder to help guide you as you select your breed and specific dog. Depending upon what breed you ultimately select and, what your requirements are, it may take some time to locate the right breeder and puppy for you. Reputable, ethical breeders do not breed frequently. They only breed when they have found a pair who have been proven to possess the health and temperaments required to insure, to the extent possible, healthy, well tempered, offspring. Further, responsible breeders will cancel any planned breeding when the results of tests or other analysis indicate that the pair they were considering may not produce the same. Additionally, reputable breeders will breed only when they have a sufficient number of homes, evaluated and deemed appropriate, awaiting their puppies. Locating a breeder can be a somewhat complicated, maze-like, process. There are many different opinions out there, even among knowledgeable enthusiasts and professionals, themselves, as to what a reputable breeder really is. It is important that you research and interview your breeder as you would your babysitter or family physician. There are several categories of breeders out there. From puppy millers to BYBs (Back Yard Breeders) to Show/Performance Kennel Operators to Reputable Hobby Breeders. Make certain you know who you are dealing with and understand the consequences of your selection. I have included some details below to get you started. The knowledge, thoroughness, and integrity of the breeder, and the quality of the dogs they breed, can make a all the difference in the world, with regard to your dog's health and temperament - and, therefore, significantly impacts your resulting experience as a dog owner. Inherited diseases can be found in any breed or mix. While it is impossible to eliminate all risk, a responsible breeder will have had their bitch tested for every genetically transmitted disease, for which there is a test available. Further, they will breed only to dogs, likewise tested. They should have comprehensive knowledge of the pair's ancestors and have detailed knowledge of their longevity, temperament, health concerns or problems, including the results of genetic and other health testing that may have been done on the dogs in the pedigree. There may be some small gaps in this information - it happens, but in general, the breeder should be able to tell provide you with detailed information for at least three generations of the pedigree (including OFA/CERF and any other tests that may be recommended for the breed). The breeder should also know the status of any offspring from prior litters of the dogs being bred. Again, there may be gaps in this information, but they should possess sufficient knowledge of any previous offspring to be able to provide you with substantial information about the longevity, temperament, health, etc. If this is a 'first time' breeding of these dogs (one or both), it is even more important that the breeder have in depth knowledge of the dogs, themselves, as well as the dogs in the pedigree and their siblings. If a breeder tells you that there were "no problems" in any dogs in a five generation pedigree, I would ask for details (i.e., "Well then, could you tell me how long this or that dog lived?", etc.). You should always research the pedigree independently. This will not be easy, due to the limited data collected as well as some fear of disclosure that, unfortunately, exists in some breeder circles. Additionally, because it is often difficult to distinguish fact from fiction and truth from rumor, in this environment, it will probably take you a good deal of time and digging to locate and verify the information. You can begin by requesting contact information for the owners of the dogs in the pedigree (whether the dogs are living or deceased). Be sure to request several, both competitive/functional owners (i.e., conformation, obedience, working dogs, etc.) as well as several pet owners. I have never known of a five generation pedigree where there were NO conditions that could impact the progeny's health, temperament, or longevity. Additionally, I would asking for professional references from any breeder you may be considering. This may include, but not be limited to, the breeder's veterinarian and any clubs or organizations they are affiliated with. The PRIMARY goals of a reputable breeder are excellent health and temperament. They will be extremely knowledgeable and experienced and will want to assist you with the selection, care, and training of your dog. They recognize that 99% of their dogs are being placed in pet homes as companion animals and focus their breeding objectives, accordingly. If a breeder tells you their breeding goals are to 'improve the breed' be certain to ask what they mean by that phrase. If the answer has little to do with health or temperament, move on. Obviously, the more litters a breeder has, or if they are breeding more than one breed, the less resources and attention they can expend on the individual dogs, 'clients', and the puppies. And, the more conscientious they must be in gathering information, evaluating health and temperament, screening prospective homes, monitoring their offspring, mentoring their clients, etc. The BEST breeders will maintain a relationship with 'their' puppy's families, and will be available to provide you with a knowledgeable and supportive resource for the life of your dog. Reputable breeders will provide a written contract/guarantee with a spay/neuter requirement and limited registration for any pet puppies. They do not sell breeding animals to pet homes. Do not perceive this as an afront or insult. Instead understand that this should be the NORM for a variety of reasons, not the least of which being both, the pet overpopulation problem, as well as the many potential, serious, problems that you and your dog may endure, if, as a novice, you decide to breed your pet. Unfortunately, many less-than-reputable breeders will sell dogs for breeding purposes, not caring much about you, the dog, or it's offspring. Irresponsible breeders don't care about the health or temperament issues you may face. They don't provide pre- and post-purchase education and support. They only see the dogs as commodities, caring little for their health, temperament, happiness or welfare. And, wanting to 'offload' them as quickly as possible to avoid the hassle and expense of providing them with the required a good start on life. There are many, many, great dogs already waiting for new homes. Most unfortunately, many are prematurely euthanized, daily, because of overbreeding. Please do not contribute to the problem. In most cases, if you have located a quality breeder, you will be facing a waiting period due to the demand for that breeder's dogs as well as the selective nature of their breeding practices. Their dogs will be raised in their homes to allow for the monitoring, care, and socialization necessary to thoroughly 'know' their dog(s) as well as to provide them with a lot of tender loving care. They will not breed until they have a sufficient number of prescreened homes waiting for their dogs and they rarely have more than one breed. They will want to get to know you. This is not to say that, occasionally, reputable, quality breeders won't have an additional breed and/or an available puppy or puppies. However, if you've done your homework, by that time in the process, YOU will be able to identify the difference. And, do not feel frustrated or impatient about this delay . . . it can be an indication that the breeder is breeding for QUALITY, not quantity. You can use this time to: Network with other dog owners (via internet email lists, surfing, dog parks, etc.) to locate resources, learn from their experience, and build a support system Read up on canine behavior and training methods, find a local kennel or training club where you will be able to take your puppy for "kindergarten" and obedience training - and observe a few sessions Find a veterinarian, read up on puppy/dog care, nutrition, grooming, etc. Plan the dog related "spaces" - indoors and out, and, perhaps, toward the end of this time begin to purchase supplies (i.e., leads, collars, a crate, toys, bedding, grooming equipment, etc.) One of the most critical factors in identifying a quality breeder, besides the requirement for good health and sound overall temperament prior to breeding, is how well their mother dog and the puppies are cared for, socialized and evaluated during the first several weeks of life. Where are the puppies kept? Has mom been on an appropriate diet and received appropriate veterinary care? Is mom healthy and fit? Are the pups being vet checked and provided with appropriate postnatal medical care (i.e., shots, worming, eye checks, etc.) How many hours of human interaction are they given and how are they stimulated? Does the breeder possess the knowledge to be able to evaluate these puppies for placement in homes that will 'fit' their individual personalities, talents and characteristics? For the majority of dog owners, ('pet owners' represent over 99% of the purebred owning population), conformation or other titles in the pedigree provide very little insight into the quality of the breeding pair. Buyers should not be unduly impressed by these. They have little bearing on whether or not a puppy will be healthy and sound of mind and body. Reputable breeders take a holistic approach to their breedings, and do not breed for the 'perfect show dog', better head, tipped ears, straighter front, better nose, etc. As I previously stated, they breed FIRST for temperament and health and, then, incorporate other considerations, with appropriate proportionality, into their evaluation of the 'whole dog'. Therefore, I would offer to you that while reputable breeders may often be involved in conformation or performance events, the fact that a breeder IS involved in conformation or performance events is NOT a reliable indication of the quality of their dogs or breeding practices. Reputable, ethical, breeders consider their dogs, pets, first, not 'stock' and treat and provide for them, accordingly. This is not only more humane, it is, IMO, the only, practical, way for a breeder to really 'know' their dogs and to provide the type of environment in which their dogs will thrive. Because, although I am not a breeder, I and many breeders, feel that it is important for breeders to monitor their offspring AND provide support to new puppy parents. Therefore, it is, in my opinion, best to find a breeder within reasonable distance from your home. Especially, if you are a first time dog owner or new to the breed you have selected. Some breeders who ship do keep in touch with the owners of their puppies and provide support and mentoring. However, it is, obviously, more difficult logistically. Critical information may not be communicated, desired support may not be available to you, and, contractual agreements are more difficult to monitor and enforce. It is also my experience that reputable breeders rescue or, otherwise, are involved in volunteer activities to assist their breed, or, dogs, in general. Additionally, they always require owners to return their dogs to them in the event a placement does not work out. Reputable breeders are responsible for their puppies for their entire lives. Reputable breeders screen their potential puppy owners carefully. They require that you: Sign a spay/neuter contract (some will even provide a rebate as an incentive); Have a secured yard; Have fully researched and considered the qualities and care requirements of the breed; Attend puppy kindergarten and basic obedience, etc. At a minimum, they will want to feel assured that your lifestyle, resources, and level of commitment, currently, and in the foreseeable future, will provide loving, caring and secure environments for their puppies. Do not be offended by this, it is a sign that the person that you are dealing with is more interested in the welfare of their puppies than 'making the sale'. Guarantees are more difficult to address, in detail. Although there is a lot of talk about the importance of getting one, there is little or no consistency in the guarantees breeders offer and, further, a quite common option - replacement - will often seem an unacceptable one for the family who after two years of loving their dog, comes to find he or she has an incurable genetic disease or condition. Reputable breeders, frequently, recognize this and will offer to allow you to keep your dog as well as receive a replacement puppy for free or at a significantly reduced price. So, the best advice I can give you is to be extremely carefully selecting your breeder. There are some additional standard guarantee contents that should be included such as spay/neuter, return policy, mandatory health exam, by your vet, within a reasonable time period (usually, 72 hours or less), secured yard, puppy kindergarten and basic obedience requirement, etc. However, with regards to the details of the contract, I do not feel that this is consistent enough for me to apply a standard across multiple breeds or situations. What I would and would not accept could vary depending upon the breeder in question, the details of the terms, etc. You should also receive a good deal of informative materials regarding any special medical considerations, testing, vaccinations, heartworm treatment, flea control, nuitrition and nuitritional supplements, grooming and other maintenance/care procedures (i.e., ear cleaning, heat sensitivity, puppy proofing, pet identification, etc.) A responsible breeder will want to do everything possible to arm you with sufficient knowledge and support so as to best insure a successful and loving, lifetime relationship, between you and your dog. |
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