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Backyard Breeder |
Reputable Breeder |
| 1. Motive for
breeding: "fun", "good for kids", "to make money". Does not
screen buyers and seldom refuses to sell, even if buyer is
unsuitable. |
1. Dedication to
producing quality dogs is serious avocation. Has so much
invested in dogs that he struggles to break even, not make a
profit. Will sell pups only to approved buyers. |
|
2. Breeds the family pet to any convenient
pet of the same breed just to have purebred pups. Has no
understanding or concern with genetics, pedigree bloodlines, or
breed improvement. |
2. Can explain how planned breedings are used
to emphasize or minimize specific qualities through line
breeding, outcrossing, or more rarely, inbreeding. |
| 3. Though the
pets (sire/dam of pups) may be well loved, they were not tested
for hip dysplasia or for other genetic problems such as
cardiomyopathy and hypothyroidism and so forth. |
3. Does not
breed dogs younger than age 2. Has breeding stock x-rayed to
check for hip dysplasia, echo/doppler run for SAS, holtered
within the last year for boxer cardiomyopathy (also known as
ARVC) and thyroid screened. Can produce certification to prove
claims. |
|
4. Offers no health guarantee beyond proof of
shots, if that. Unqualified to give help if problems develop. |
4. Written contractual commitment to replace
a dog with genetic faults or to help owner deal with problem. |
| 5. Seller has
little knowledge of breed history, the national breed club or of
the AKC breed standard. May claim this does not matter for "just
pets". |
5. Loves the
breed and can talk at length about its background, uses, and
ideal type. |
|
6. Pups raised in makeshift accommodations,
sometimes unsanitary, indicating lack of long-term investment in
breeding and lack of true care for the puppies well-being. |
6. Has an investment in dog equipment and the
puppies environment is sanitary and loving. |
| 7. Even when
selling "just pets", may produce AKC papers or "championship
pedigrees" as proof of quality. Yet seller does not increase his
own knowledge through participation in national, regional, or
local breed clubs. Is not involved in showing their dogs to
"prove" quality. |
7. Belongs to
national, regional, and/or local dog clubs, indicating a love
for the sport of purebred dogs. Shows their dogs as an objective
test of how his stock measures up. |
|
8. May be unwilling to show a buyer the
entire litter or to introduce the dam of the litter. Cannot or
will not compare/critique pups or pup’s ancestors. |
8. Shows litter and dam in a sanitary
environment. Helps buyer evaluate and choose a pup. Explains
criteria for "show prospects" versus "pet picks". |
| 9. Prices are at
the low end of local range, since must move pups quickly.
Advertises in the local newspaper classifieds. |
9. Prices will
be at the high end of local range. Price will not reflect all
that is invested in the pups. A reputable breeder never profits
from the sale of puppies. Does not advertise in the newspaper.
Has an established waiting list for the pups. |
|
10. No concern for the future of individual
pups or the breed as a whole. Does not use AKC’s limited
registration option or ask for spay/neuter contract to guard
against the breeding of sub-standard pups. If you cannot keep
pup, tells you to take it to a dog pound or to sell it. |
10. After purchase, will help you with
grooming or training problems. Will take back a pup you cannot
keep rather than see it disposed of inappropriately. Sells pets
with spay/neuter agreement and on AKC limited registration. |
|
A Few Guidelines for Selecting a Breeder
1. A reputable breeder will not breed dogs under the age of 2.
A reputable breeder will conduct (and can provide proof of) the following
genetic health tests on their breeding animals and will require them of the sire
(father) should they "hire" a stud dog for the litter:
Holter monitor test yearly
Full thyroid panel yearly
OFA (for hip displasia), a one time deal done at or after age 2
Beware of breeders who scoff at genetic testing and say their particular
breed/line is problem-free.
2. A reputable breeder requires that "pet-quality" animals be spayed or
neutered and sells them on Limited Registration. Be wary of breeders who do not
mention altering.
3. A reputable breeder provides a written contract with the sale of the pup.
This will vary from breeder to breeder, but usually spells out the rights of the
seller and buyer, health information, genetic health guarantees (should be at
least 2 years), required altering and buy-back/return policy.
4. A reputable breeder typically has a waiting list for the unborn puppies
and does not advertise in the newspaper classifieds.
5. A reputable breeder shows passion, love, and tremendous knowledge about
the breed. He or she cares about placing puppies in excellent homes and will
often interview potential buyers thoroughly, will make referrals to the local
rescue group, ask for references and will refuse to sell a dog if the home is
not appropriate for the breed or for a puppy.
6. A reputable breeder recommends the local rescue organization to potential
homes. Explaining that these dogs make wonderful family pets and companions.
7. A reputable breeder will hold on to puppies as long as it takes to place
them in the right homes and will continue to recommend rescue even though they
have puppies available.
8. The environment (typically a home) in which the breeder keeps the dogs
should be clean and well-maintained. Do not agree to meet the breeder off site.
TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS ON THIS!
9. A reputable breeder is actively involved in the dog fancy, including
showing and/or breed clubs. While there are exceptions--a retired individual who
has shown dogs for 20 years--a person who is not involved with others in the
breed can be suspect.
10. A reputable breeder is willing to provide answers to questions you may
have and is willing to provide names of others who have purchased pups from
them.
11. A reputable breeder will allow you to meet the puppies parents if
available and, if the father isn't available, they will show you pictures and
provide you with the information on how to contact the owner of the sire(father).
12. A reputable breeder follows up on puppies. He or she is interested in how
the pups develop physically and mentally, difficulties in the owner/dog
relationship and health problems.
13. A reputable breeder will not let puppies leave their home prior to 8
weeks of age and often not until 10 weeks of age.
14. Tails and dew claws should have been removed from the puppies by 3 days
old.
