Post by Allison Allen on Oct 14, 2003 23:25:44 GMT -5
You will know you have found a responsible breeder when the breeder makes you PROVE you are qualified to own one of their puppies. If a breeder doesn't ask you any questions (Is your yard fenced - why do you want this breed - how many dogs have you owned in your life - at what ages did they die, and how did they die - have you ever gotten rid of a dog & why - what do you know about raising and training dogs) but only asks to see your checkbook, RUN don't walk away. If the breeder make you feel like you are trying to adopt one of their kids, you have found a responsible breeder. If a breeder will sell to you without giving you the third degree, RUN don't walk away. A breeder who sells carefully will have bred the litter carefully. A breeder who sells to anyone who walks in probably bred the litter about as casually.
And a breeder who demands that you sign a contract requiring that you return the puppy to them, if at any time, at any age, for any reason you decide not to keep the dog, is a responsible breeder. A responsible breeder will always be willing to take back one of their dogs - they feel responsible for every puppy they sell, for that dog's entire life.
Backyard Breeder.
-Thinks "purebred" = quality and health.
-Breeds for reasons such as, "I thought she would be more fulfilled if she had puppies." "I wanted the kids to see the miracle of birth." "She's purebred, and I thought I could make some money."
-Backyard breeders usually hope to make some money, but they are not purely profit minded. They are just ignorant.
-Again, there are no titles, no pedigree offered, no knowledge or thought of genetics or testing for genetic defects in the sire or dam.
-Some backyard breeders can be educated.
Suspect a puppy mill or backyard breeder when:
-The breeder asks you no questions.
-The breeder is offended by questions you ask.
-The breeder cannot offer proof of genetic testing of sire/dam.
-The breeder does not want you to see their kennel.
-The breeder shows you one or two puppies only, does not allow you to see either dam or sire.
-The sire/dam have no titles (Ch., obedience, tracking, agility, etc.)
-You can smell the kennels as you get out of your car.
-There are many breeds available to choose from.
Reputable breeders.
-Will ask you a lot of questions.
-Will expect you to ask a lot of questions.
-Will be honest with you about both the best and worst parts of their breed.
-Will try to determine if their breed is right for you, and may steer you in another direction if they think their breed is *not* right for you.
-Will provide you with pedigrees, genetic test results.
-Will show you the dam and (if possible) the sire.
-Are not motivated by profit.
-Are motivated by the love of their breed.
-Breed to improve the gene pool of their breed.
-Are active in showing/obedience/hunting/agility, etc.
-Will want to keep tabs on you and your dog for the dog's life.
And a breeder who demands that you sign a contract requiring that you return the puppy to them, if at any time, at any age, for any reason you decide not to keep the dog, is a responsible breeder. A responsible breeder will always be willing to take back one of their dogs - they feel responsible for every puppy they sell, for that dog's entire life.
Backyard Breeder.
-Thinks "purebred" = quality and health.
-Breeds for reasons such as, "I thought she would be more fulfilled if she had puppies." "I wanted the kids to see the miracle of birth." "She's purebred, and I thought I could make some money."
-Backyard breeders usually hope to make some money, but they are not purely profit minded. They are just ignorant.
-Again, there are no titles, no pedigree offered, no knowledge or thought of genetics or testing for genetic defects in the sire or dam.
-Some backyard breeders can be educated.
Suspect a puppy mill or backyard breeder when:
-The breeder asks you no questions.
-The breeder is offended by questions you ask.
-The breeder cannot offer proof of genetic testing of sire/dam.
-The breeder does not want you to see their kennel.
-The breeder shows you one or two puppies only, does not allow you to see either dam or sire.
-The sire/dam have no titles (Ch., obedience, tracking, agility, etc.)
-You can smell the kennels as you get out of your car.
-There are many breeds available to choose from.
Reputable breeders.
-Will ask you a lot of questions.
-Will expect you to ask a lot of questions.
-Will be honest with you about both the best and worst parts of their breed.
-Will try to determine if their breed is right for you, and may steer you in another direction if they think their breed is *not* right for you.
-Will provide you with pedigrees, genetic test results.
-Will show you the dam and (if possible) the sire.
-Are not motivated by profit.
-Are motivated by the love of their breed.
-Breed to improve the gene pool of their breed.
-Are active in showing/obedience/hunting/agility, etc.
-Will want to keep tabs on you and your dog for the dog's life.