FINDING A GOOD BREEDER

How to recognize a good, reputable breeder from a back yard breeder or puppy mill.

Puppy mills care nothing about the dogs they raise or bring into the world. They produce puppies only for the profit aspect of these dogs. There is little to no socialization done with these puppies. Puppies are often shy, frightened, neglected, abused, and in poor health. Puppy mills are filthy set ups, with more often than not, a huge number of dogs of all breeds all crammed together in small crates or runs. There is no care given to the individual dog or even whom breeds to whom. Puppy mills often sell to pet stores or unknowing pet owners for big bucks and have no care for where their puppies are going or even if they get there in the long run. I am sure you have seen the horror stories about these places on the news.

Back yard breeders are a great stretch of the word breeder. Many know NOTHING about dogs in general and nothing about the breeds they are selling. The don't care about their puppies or back up their puppies if problems arise. If asked about the background or pedigree or general health of their lines, they will often tell you that they don't know anything and don't need to know anything as they aren't "into" showing. This category also includes those good owners that just want to breed their dog just because the dog has a "great" personality or because they want to show their children the miracle of birth. As I have said time after time these are NOT good enough reasons to breed.

A reputable breeder has great knowledge of their chosen breed and goes out of their way to learn everything they can about their breed. The dedicate every waking moment they can to caring for, playing with, training, and teaching their dogs. Most reputable breeders tend to be fanatical about their breeds and their individual dogs. They thoroughly screen their new puppy owners and go out of their way to make sure each puppy goes to just the right home. A breeder works so very hard raising the best puppies they can and care deeply about each and every individual puppy. They try to teach every new puppy owner everything about the breed that they can. A good breeder is always there for their new owners to help out in any way. Good breeders back up their puppies with at least a 1 year health guarantee against genetic defects. These are people who care about the breed and are willing to sacrifice almost anything to improve it. They breed for the best quality they can produce. They breed to the breed standards. They DO NOT cross breed. They try to do the most genetic testing on their breed they can do. They study backgrounds,colors and pedigrees to make sure that they are making the best matings they can. They ensure that the health of each puppy they produce is paramount!

How can I tell if I have found a good,reputable breeder?

A good breeder has nothing to hide. They will share every detail of their life's work with you. They will show you where the puppies are kept and the adults and are proud to show them off. Their facilities don't have to be big and flashy but they should be clean and well cared for. Each dog should be clean and groomed and look healthy and be happy. Most breeders love to show off their "babies" and this is a good indication of the kind of breeder that you are dealing with.

A good breeder backs up their puppies with at least a 1 yr health guarantee against genetic defects. Meaning they are willing to replace a puppy if there is a serious life threatening disease or genetic defect. Beware the breeders that give no guarantee or only a few days guarantee. These people are not the kind you want to be dealing with and if you run into them you should run the other way.

A good breeder will be very knowledgeable about their breed. They will sit down with you and teach you about the things you need to know to raise this breed. They do not apply pressure to people that are looking to buy and they go out of their way to make sure that you are getting the right puppy for you.

A good breeder will encourage you to ask many questions. As I said these breeders have nothing to hide. Sometimes you can get to talking with a good breeder for a long while as they love to talk about their dogs.

A good breeder will always be honest with you when asking about their dogs. A good breeder will be up front with you when asking about the size of the parents and the puppies not just trying to shove a puppy on you to make the money. A good breeder should know their dogs and what they will produce.

A good breeder will keep complete, easy to find and well organized records.

A good breeder is always going through changes in their breeding stock and their facilities making improvements. They are always trying to better themselves and their dogs. They genuinely care about the quality of puppies they are producing and that a new puppy owner is happy with their pet.

A good breeder does not have to be a show person to be a good breeder. Because they may not show does not mean that they have inferior quality dogs or less knowledge about their breed. Showing takes just the right person, a lot of money and a lot of gumption to get up in that ring and show their dog to their championship.

A good breeder is not just in it for the money. They are in it for the love of the breed. When all is said and done breeders do not make a whole lot of money on their puppies. Most of the money made is put back into their dogs. There are vet bills, grooming costs, feeding costs, upkeep, paperwork, advertising, and purchasing of new breeding stock to take into consideration. It is NOT a cheap venture or a quick money making scheme.

QUESTIONS TO ASK A POTENTIAL BREEDER

Here are some great questions to ask a breeder you are considering. Listen carefully to their answers and make sure you feel comfortable with the answers.

1- How long have you been breeding dogs?

2- How often do you breed a litter?

3- Do you consider this a business or a hobby?

4 - Why did you breed this litter?

5- What do you like or dislike about this breed?

6- What breed traits might not make this breed the right choice for me or my family?

7- What are your requirements for new owners?

8- Do you pick the puppy or do I get to choose from all or some of the puppies?

9- What are the health issues in this breed?

10- Where do you raise your puppies?

11- What do you feed your puppies?

12- What are the parents like?

13- Are the mother and father on the premises?

14- Are their any other relatives I could see?

15- Do you offer a contract or sales agreement? What are the terms?

16- Do you offer a health guarantee and what does it cover?

17- What Genetic health checks are done on the parents?

18- Will you supply health clearance certification?

19- What health checks are done on the puppies before leaving you?

20- Are the puppies registered? If so through what registry?

21- Will you supply the pedigree and registration when we take the puppy home?

22- Have any vaccines been given and what will be needed once puppy leaves?

23- What wormings have been done and what was the date of the last worming?

24- What kind of training does this breed require?

25- Are you available for long time help with training or behavior questions or problems?

26- What happens if we cannot keep the dog?

27- Are you willing to provide references as well as your vet info?