In order to evaluate and choose a breeder, you must understand the characteristics that would make him top-notch. The majority of responsible breeders pursue their calling as a hobby; they are just enamored with a particular type of dog. They know everything there is to know about a breed's behaviors and potential health problems. Some also might make a living as professional trainers; they might show dogs. But they always make a lifetime commitment to each dog that they breed. They don't tally their rewards in purely financial gain.
A breeder must know the ancestry of a pup and his parents for at least several generations back. He needs this information to understand each pup's personality and health tendencies, as well as to maintain good standing among fellow breeders and to meet and breed far above KC requirements. A good breeder also looks to the future: He usually requires buyers to keep him informed about a dog's health throughout his life; if tragedy strikes, he may even require a cause of death report.
If you look around at breeder s websites or puppy advertisements you may see key words such as old fashion , extra large , straight back , "rare color" or old style referring to their dogs or bloodlines. This should always raise red flags. Unfortunately most of these terms are used by backyard breeders (puppy farmers) that are breeding for the wrong reasons and usually with dogs that are far from the breed standard and far from being breed worthy. But these terms are what some buyers want to hear, so they work to reel people in. Sadly these potential puppy buyers really do not understand these terms and what they actually mean. For example, some people may want a large old fashion dog like they remember as a child. However, if you look at the German Shepherd Dogs that were registered decades ago, they were actually smaller and more slight than most of the well bred dogs we see today. Often people remember things differently when they were a child, and a dog will look larger to a young child than it does to an adult. While you may not realize the importance of buying a puppy from a good breeder at first, you will be extremely happy that you did your homework and stayed away from Backyard breeders (puppy farmers) in the long run You will never see a good responsible breeder using these terms to sell or advertise their puppies. Usually the backyard breeders (puppy farmers) have nothing of substance to advertise, meaning their dogs are not titled, may or may not be health tested, suspect temperaments and their pedigrees are lacking quality. The only thing that they can use to sell their dogs are these terms and words. They can throw these phrases around to make their dogs and breeding program sound better to potential buyers.
Breeders Choose Buyers Carefully
Many breeders choose each dog's buyer as carefully as a buyer would choose a breeder.
They'll ask for a history of your relationship with dogs and other pets; quiz you on your knowledge of the breed; even probe into your family's habits and schedule. Many breeders require you to sign a contract, stipulating how you will care for your dog.
A responsible breeder raises a limited number of dogs. He does not over-breed; he breeds a dam only when he is certain he has enough responsible people to buy the pups she will produce. And he breeds when the parents are two or older, after the most egregious genetic flaws would be evident.
A dedicated breeder also belongs to a local,and national breed club. This allows the breeder to keep abreast of current information regarding their breed and to produce the best puppies possible.
A breeder goes to great lengths to find a mate for his sire or dam. That means that both dogs are of age; proven to be healthy, intelligent, easily socialized; and capable of filling the roles they're bred for, be it hunter, herder, protector or companion. Even if the resulting pups won't be raised for showing, some breeders travel great distances with their dogs to make the right match.
Once a female is impregnated, the breeder provides her with a healthy, calm environment; supports her through birthing and her puppy's early days. He socializes each puppy so they're used to humans and provides a stimulating environment for them. He interviews buyers and educates those he chooses to sell to.
The fees you'll pay a breeder, beginning with a down payment, reflect the expenses incurred at every stage of the process, from mating through follow-up. Fees vary, depending upon a breed's rarity, geographic location and special health test requirements, .
But beware of breeders who overcharge because a breed is popular at the moment. In the true spirit of responsible breeding, it costs the same to breed a St. Bernard whether or not he resembles the pet movie star of the month.
Responsible breeders know about their breed. Responsible breeders screen for genetic diseases and maintain good veterinary and breeding records. Responsible breeders offer a written health guarantee with each puppy they sell. Responsible breeders are always available to offer help and advice to their new puppy owners. Responsible breeders always breed their dogs with the thought of improving their line.
How To Recognize a Responsible Breeder
- A good breeder will only sell a dog under contract, which will set forth that breeder's policy regarding health guarantee, refund/return policy and other rights/responsibilities between buyer and seller.
- A good breeder will be knowledgeable about the breed and the common genetic diseases in that breed. For this breed that means both sire and dam should be hip and elbow scored and be within the limits for breeding, a good breeder will also know that there is more to a dog than just hips and elbows, the sire should also be tested for heamophilia
- A good breeder will offer you support with your new puppy, and always help you place the dog (or take it back) if for some reason you cannot keep the dog.
- A good breeder may not be able to show you both parents, as most breeders will use a stud dog that will compliment their lines, they will have a photograph and health history of the dog available.
- A good breeder will carefully screen potential buyers to ensure that the dogs will be placed in an appropriate home.
- A good breeder's kennel will appear clean and well maintained.
- A good breeder will be willing to answer your questions about the breed and the appropriate care for your dog.
- A good breeder will be willing to let you see the environment in which the dogs are bred and raised.
- A good breeder will allow you to see the pups but may not allow you to handle all of them. Exposure to many different people can increase the risk of illness in the pups. Only serious buyers should be allowed to handle the pups to limit exposure.
Choose a Healthy Puppy
When choosing your puppy, try to make sure he is healthy and well cared for. At eight weeks of age, the pup should have had at least one vaccination for distemper, parvo, hepatitis and received all of its dewormer for its age. Also, look for the following traits: - Active, playful and well-socialized; puppy should not appear fearful
- Bright eyes, with no discharge of any sort
- No nasal discharge
- Clean ears and skin
- Pink gums and correctly aligned teeth
- Well-proportioned body
- Shiny coat
- Good eyesight and hearing-check this by jingling your keys and seeing if the dog responds.
Always have your new puppy examined by your veterinarian as soon as possible. If there is a medical problem, you should be able to return the pup to the breeder.
