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[ How to
Recognize a Reputable Breeder ]
This page was last updated:
01/13/2007
How to Recognize a Reputable, Responsible Breeder by Glenn Pollock
Whenever I am asked by people, that wish to buy a puppy, how to recognize a poor breeder from a responsible breeder, I offer these tips that I think help determine if the "breeder/seller" is truly interested in the breed/dog or just in the money.
I tell people that if they phone for information about buying a puppy, and they ask the "breeder" if he/she has any "male puppies" and the "breeder tells them "yes" and merely quotes a price, and gives you directions to come "buy" his/her puppy...hang up and RUN.
If the "breeder" just wants you to take a "look" at his "cute little puppies" to have you "fall in love with one", then RUN! If the "breeder" offers you a "special" such as "buy one, get one free," or tells you there is a "sale" on puppies now, etc., RUN VERY FAST!
If the "breeder" does not ask you questions such as why you are choosing a (breed) , what you want to do with the puppy, where the pup will live, if you have children, where will the dog be kept, etc., then RUN!
If the "breeder" tells you that he/she bred "Phoebe" so that they could have one of her pups, or to let the "children witness the miracle of birth", or that they felt "Phoebe" needed to be bred before she was spayed....RUN! The WORST breeder will tell you that he/she bred "Phoebe" for the money (that they'll get from selling the puppies).
If the "breeder" tells you he/she is "selling the puppies for a friend" and that he/she does "not have the mother", this could mean that the puppies are from a Puppy Mill source, especially if the puppies are NOT registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC) but are the puppies are registered with the American Canine Assoc. (ACA).
If the "breeder" does not have a 4 or 5 generation pedigree on the litter or have more than just the AKC papers to show you, RUN!
If the "breeder" tells you that the litter has "champion bloodlines" ask the "breeder" how many champions there are in first and second generation. If the "breeder" has to go back beyond the sire/dam, or grand-parents to find an AKC title (CH, CD, CDX, UD, TD, TDX, FC, etc.) then RUN!
If the "breeder"/seller has more than one or two breeds of dogs that they breed, then be careful. Also, if the "breeder" has more than one litter per bitch per year, then be careful...generally it is recommended to only breed a bitch 2 out of 3 heats or less.
Reputable breeders generally specialize in a single breed or two and often only have one litter or two per year, even if they own more than one bitch. If the "breeder" tells you he/she has both "parents" on the premises, be careful...most reputable breeders select their "stud" carefully and often will send their bitch away to be bred to the stud most suitable to produce puppies that will be a credit to their breed with correct conformation, temperament, trainability, and good , reputable breeders are generally breeding to improve their breed. Most good, reputable breeders are involved in showing their dogs in one or more of the following: field trials, herding trials, obedience trials, conformation, coursing events, therapy work, tracking trials, Search & Rescue, agility, etc.
GOOD, REPUTABLE, RESPONSIBLE breeders are concerned about their puppies and are committed to PLACING them in loving homes. GOOD breeders will ask lots of questions and are qualified to answer your questions and will tell you if they feel that their breed is not for you. GOOD breeders will tell you about the benefits and the problems of their breed. Many good breeders have contracts, and many of them will take back or help you place puppies/dogs if the buyer is not satisfied or is unable to keep the puppy/dog. Good breeders may make you feel like you have been examined by the Spanish Inquisition, but they will be there for you throughout the life of the dog, to answer your questions, share your joys, and so many other benefits they offer. GOOD breeders may often be able to give you names of previous puppy buyers as references or refer you to their veterinarian as a reference. GOOD breeders sell "Pet" puppies with AKC Limited Registration papers and/or require spaying and neutering of the dog. GOOD breeders breed to improve their breed, and they breed show quality and/or working quality dogs that meet the AKC standard for their breed...which means that the dogs are BUILT/structured correctly with proper, working temperament (suitable to 'work' with people)...all that is required to make a good family pet.
POOR breeders will take your money and they will RUN!...and they really don't ever want to hear from you again. They sell you a puppy and then you are on your own...or shall I say the puppy is.
After you have purchased a puppy (a member of your family now) from this GOOD, RESPONSIBLE breeder, then you must be responsible enough to train your puppy and ensure that it becomes a CANINE GOOD CITIZEN (CGC)...a credit to its breed, breeder and owner/family.
Note: When purchasing a puppy, remember that you must trust the "breeder." *AKC papers are no guarantee. The AKC relies on the honesty of the "breeder," and you must therefore determine if the "breeder" is worthy of trust. The mother of the puppy is evident...the father is not! When there are several males and females in the same pen, how can the "breeder" tell which dog sired the litter?
(*Definition: AKC papers = Birth certificate, and a birth certificate is certainly NO proof of potential)**Scientific studies have proven that "nature" (60%; genetics) is just as important as "nurture" (40%; environment, socialization, care after birth)." (Twins separated at birth share many similar personality traits and habits.)