Signs of Reputable Dog Breeders
Learn How to Recognize a Reputable Breeder From a Backyard Breeder
Oct 19, 2009
Owning a dog today takes lots of responsibility. You need plenty of time, dedication and patience to ensure you bring up a healthy, stable minded dog. The first and most important step is to ensure you purchase your dog from a reputable breeder.
You will not find reputable breeders in the Sunday newspaper or on posters around town advertising puppies for sale. Rather, reputable breeders are found often at dog shows. The AKC often lists several dog shows across the States where you can attend the show and look for a reputable breeder to meet and ask questions.
What are the questions to ask? There are several question you should ask a breeder to tell if he or she knows his or her business. Depending on the answers, you should be able to tell if the breeder is reputable or not. Here are some important questions:
Ask for Health Clearances
Is your breeding stock tested for hereditary disorders? The answer should be a clear yes. The breeder, depending on the breed, should mention that his or her breeding stock is tested by OFA for hips and by CERF for eye problems. Some even allow their dogs to be temperament tested. If on the other hand, the answer is 'no' followed by an excuse such as 'my breeding stock is as healthy as can be', you should steer clear as there is no way to prove that the pups produced are likely clear of genetic disorders.
Inquire About Breeding Practices
Because reputable breeders do not breed for profit as BYB breeders, they will not allow their bitch to breed and produce puppies for more than once a year. Ideally, reputable breeders skip a heat or two to allow the bitch to recover. They also, by rule of thumb, avoid breeding until the bitch is at least two years old. At this age, the bitch is more physically and mentally ready to have a litter.
Ask About Whereabouts of Dam and Sire
Reputable breeders generally do not own both the dam and the sire. Rather, they will go out of their way to find a reputable sire to breed their dam. Therefore, upon visiting a litter of puppies more likely than not, the sire will not be visible because he does not live in the same household.
Ask Where Puppies are Raised
Puppies raised on a farm and left in a box with their mom all day is not the ideal way you want a reputable breeder to raise puppies. They should rather be raised underfoot, therefore in a loving home. Ideally, they should be socialized as well from a tender age with children. Puppies raised in a home get acquainted from a young age to people, noises and generally do much better when they are adopted.
Ask When They will be Ready
Be very wary of a breeder that says "anytime." In order to be raised well and learn important life lessons such as bite inhibition from their mother and littermates, they should only be put out for adoption after they have reached 8 weeks of age.
Inquire About Guarantees
Puppies should come with several warranties. First of all, a reputable breeder will very likely take back any puppy should there be any problems. Often he will take back the dog even if adult. The puppy is often provided with a warranty that no hereditary disorders should appear until the puppy is one or two years old. As well, the owner should be reimbursed in case the puppy is found to have any health problems within the first days of seeing a veterinarian.
Inquire About Titles
A breeder whose dogs have won several titles not only demonstrates that he or she is really serious about breeding but as well an interest in working hard on getting the best out of the breed. Stray away from breeders that claim they have not won any titles. They may have good intentions but they may still be a newbie in their field.
Look for Sincere Interest
A breeder really cares in placing his puppies in good homes. Often he will sort of interview prospective buyers because he really cares about his pups. He will often ask questions about how you will train the dog, if you have children, if the dog will have enough exercise, if your living quarters allow dogs and so forth.
Ask About References
A reference is a great way to tell if a breeder is breeding out of passion or for profits. Satisfied puppy buyers are great examples of happy stories. A veterinarian as well is a great source as he or she will know how dedicated a breeder can be since the vet very likely knows the medical history of the breeding pool.
Don't Forget to Look Around
Look around the breeder's home. The home should smell clean with no strong canine odors. Cups, ribbons and trophies may be seen on furniture. The puppies will look well cared for, clean and messes are removed swiftly. Mother dog should look relaxed and the puppies should look lively and healthy.
As seen, there are several indicators that will point out to you if you are dealing with a reputable breeder or a BYB. Do your homework well, and you may start your life with your new dog already from an advantaged.position. Many more steps ahead await you, but at least you know your dog was raised with a great headstart and has the potential of becoming the dog of your dreams!
For Further Reading: Reputable Breeder Checklist
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