Why Buy from a Responsible Breeder?

A RESPONSIBLE BREEDER:

*Is well-educated about his/her breed
*Maintains dogs in clean quarters with suitable shelter from weather
*Breeding stock is healthy, termperamentally sound, can be seen by
  visitors
*Offers breed information and assistance
*Screens for genetic defects when appropriate
*Offers some type of guarantee if dog does not work out
*Questions buyer about family situation, job schedule, why buyer wants this breed, previous dog-owning
  experience, what happened to previous dog(s), etc.
*May want to visit buyer's home
*Keeps good records of pedigrees and medical/health status
*Usually belongs to local and/or national club

Why Buy from a Responsible Breeder?

When you decide to bring a new puppy (or adult dog) into your home, you are not looking for a new possession but for a new family member. Because your puppy represents a big emotional, as well as financial, investment you will want to buy from a responsible breeder - one who has put his/her knowledge and experience into producing a litter that will be a credit to the breed and treasures to their owners.

But what exactly is a responsible breeder? A responsible breeder is one who always puts the best interests of the breed and of individual dogs first, above any consideration of profit, trendiness, or personal ambition. A responsible breeder does not produce a litter just to have pups to sell or just because a bitch happened to come in season. He/she produces a litter only after careful consideration of the physical qualities and temperament of the proposed parents, their individual strengths and weaknesses, how their pedigrees (ancestors) relate, and what the proposed breeding would contribute to the improvememnt of the breed. This is often a difficult and time-consuming process, therefore, it is not surprising to find that a responsible breeder considers the puppies as his/her "kids" and wants only the best homes for them.

A responsible breeder should be eager and able to provide detailed information about the breed(s) he/she is involved with, as well as information about the parents of the pup. Answering what may seem like "stupid" questions from a novice should not be a problem for the responsible breeder - it is an opportunity to educate that can never be taken lightly. This educational responsibility also include information about the negative aspects of a breed (amount of coat care needed, shedding, barking, unsuitability for small children or apartment living, etc.) Beware of the breeder who claims his/her breed has no bad points, or is "perfect" for everyone.

A responsible breeder is also aware that all dogs, purebred or not, carry genetic flaws just as humans do. The breeder must be knowledgeable about which flaws are most prevelant in his/her breed. Genetic testing is available to screen for some of these problems. The responsible breeder should make use of the tests that are available for his/her breed before a planned litter is produced. It is not possible to produce 100% genetically perfect humans - but it is possible to screen out, or reduce the incidence of, genetic problems by pre-testing the prospective parents. Once the litter is born, the responsible breeder will insure that the pups get the best possible start in life. This includes providing clean, suitable housing with temperature control, clean parasite-free bedding, nourishing food, fresh water, veterinary care (including vaccinations at the proper time), and lots of human attention and love. Good written records should be kept on each pup. This may include records of temperament testing as well as innoculation, worming, and wieght and growth.

A responsible breeder searches for prospective onners for the pups he/she does not intend to keep. You can be sure that a a responsible breeder will want to know as much about you, the prospective buyer, as possible. A responsible breeder's worst nightmare is to have one of his/her pups in an unsuitable home, unloved and uncared for, or worse yet, in a humane shelter or pound! So don't be surprised to be given the "third degree" by a breeder. Questions about your home, family and work schedule; veterinary or personal references; and possibly a home visit by the breeder, are all designed to help the breeder get to know you, in order to match you with the puupy "most likely to succeed" in your individual situation.

Most responsible breeders will provide some type of guarantee on their pups. These guarantees can range from a simple health warranty, to full money-back or exchange privileges, depending on circumstances. The good breeder wants you and your pup to be happy with each other. But the buyer must understand that not even the world's greatest breeder can guarantee a perfect puppy. Such a creature does not exist. (It it did, the breeder would keep it!) A responsible breeder does not bring puppies into the world without making some personal commitment towards their well-being for the length of their lifetimes. This being the case, you have a right to expect that the breeder will at least assist you in finding a new home for a pup that doesn't work out, or if your situation changes and you can no longer keep you pup. Also, a responsible breeder should help you deal with unusual or inherited health problems that may arise - if only to give experienced advice and veterinary referrals.

So where do you find one of these wonderful people? If you have a friend or neighbor whose dog you admire, ask to be referred to the breeder. Word of mouth can be and excellent referral method, especially since many of the better breeders do not advertise widely, (they don't have to!)
Lacking a personal referral, one of the best place to initiate your search for the purebred dog of your dreams is at a purebred dog registry, such as the American Kennel Club (AKC), headquartered at 51 Madison Ave., New Yourk, Ny 10010, or the United Kennel Club (UKC), headquartered at 100 East Kilgore Rd., Kalamazoo, Mi 49001; the two largest, multi-breed dog registries in the United States. These organizations can refer you to a breeder in your area. (As with any referral of this type, there is no endorsement of referred breeders.)
*The AKC Customer Referral Service may be called to obtain educational information on buying a pup, and a geographical list of dog clubs. They can be reached at (919)233-9767.
*The AKC Breeder Referral Representivive Program puts you in contact with a breeder, referral representative from a local dog club in your community. They can be reached at 1-900-407-PUPS (this is a toll call costing $.99 per minute).
*The United Kennel Club can be reached at (616)343-9020 to ask for information on breeder referrals.

If the breed you want is not an AKC or UKC recognized breed, contact the national club for that breed or the ARBA (American Rare Breed Association) at P.O. Box 76426, Washington, DC 20013, (202)722-1232.

In your local area, you may find a kennel club listed in the telephone directory. Check the Yellow Pages under such headings as "Dog Breeders Information & Referral" or "Dog Training." If you cannot find a lising for a local club, try to attend a dog show in your area. The dog show catalog will list all the owners of dogs entered at the show, with their addresses. While all the owners are not necessarily breeders, you can often get a referral to a good breeder through them.

What about the classified ads? Some national publications which are available at newsstands, such as Dog World and Dog Fancy have many ads for purebred dogs. Because these publications cannot screen their advertisers very closely, you must be cautious. Beware of breeders who advertise "rare" colors (which may actually be incorrect colors for that breed), or those who advertise several different breeds. Your local newspaper probably has lots of classified ads for purebred puppies. Here again, cution is in order. You may well find a responsible breeder in these ads, but many of these advertisers are "backyard" breeders. The advertiser may be someone who bred the family pet so his/her children could witness "the miracle of birth," and is now stuck with a litter which can't be cared for. These pups are often of poor quality and may be lacking such basics as innoculations and registration papers. The breeders are unlikely to be willing to stand behind their pups if anything goes wrong, and may be unable to help you with detailed breed information or advice.

If you bear in mind that you are looking not just for the first cute puppy you see (they're all cute at the puppy stage), but for a permanent member of your family, with patience and common sense you will find a good breeder. The effort will be well worth it. This breeder will not only have the pup you've been wishing for, but will also provide support in the form of knowledge, experience and commitment that will make your relationship with your pup a lifelong success.

AN IRRESPONSIBLE BREEDER:

*Lacks breed knowledge
*Dog quarters are unsanitary, lack shelter from weather, may have parasite problems
*Poor record-keeping
*Does not test breeding stock when appropriate
*Wants to know if buyer will pay by cash or check
*May forget to get buyer's name and address
*Has no information to share (Don't call me, I'll call you)
*No guarantee

Remember
There are no perfect dogs, just as there are no perfect people.
Do your homework before you start to shop for a breeder. Learn as much as you can about your chosen breed.
Don't expect to buy a show-stopper for a bargain-basement price.
Do expect the breeder to treat you as you would treat him/her if your roles were reversed.

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