Reputable Breeders

Puppies and breeders
by Char
So, you just have to have a puppy. This is not a decision to be made in haste. Many people don't realize what an important decision this really is. You've heard time and again , "Go to Reputable Breeders". Don't know where to start? Don't worry....we'll help you. We are going to give you the information needed to determine what a reputable breeder is, how to avoid Back Yard breeders and puppy Mills, and finally, we are going to give you important tips that will help you pick a healthy puppy.
Before we get started, let's do a little evaluation. Answer each question with sincere honesty.

• Are you ready for the responsibility of a puppy? Do you have adequate room in your home for a chewing, barking, pooping, peeing, little ball of energy?
• Are you willing to devote quality time to this dog day in and day out, even after the novelty wears off? What about your job and social life?
• Can you afford the expense of quality dog food, veterinarian check ups and emergency care, etc.?
• Will you put forth the effort to train and properly socialize this dog so that it will be a happy, healthy member of society?

If you have answered NO to any of these questions, you should reconsider taking on a new puppy or dog. If you have answered YES to all of these questions, and are ready to make a responsible decision, let's move forward and learn about how to find a reputable breeder and how to recognize a "Back Yard Breeder" and a "Puppy Mill", but first, let's help you determine what breed of dog is best for you.
Dogs come in all shapes, sizes, energy levels, attention spans, etc. There are many things to consider when making a breed selection, such as whether you live in an apartment or a house with a fenced yard. It is suggested that you research your breed of choice prior to making any purchase. It will be best for all concerned if your selection is well thought out and you are knowledgeable of the breed you have chosen.


The Reputable Breeder
In this section, we will discuss what a reputable breeder is and how to recognize them. It is easy to do, if you have the right tools.


Important Questions to Ask a breeder
askthebreeder


1. Have both the sire and dam been health tested? Can copies of test results be provided? OFA hips are the bare necessity. OFA?-fair or better scores are the minimum. OFA provides actual certificates. A physical exam is not a health test.

2. What genetic faults run in the line? Have any of these faults shown up in this litter? ALL dogs have faults and if the breeder cannot or will not provide this information, it is a sure sign that the breeder has not put forth the effort to ensure that their dogs are of sound, healthy lines.

3. What is the Temperament of the sire and dam? If either the dam or sire is fearful of anything or aggressive toward any humans forget it!!!!

4. How are the breeders' dogs currently housed?

5. Does the breeder provide a health guarantee? If this pup is intended to be a show dog, it is important that the breeder provide some type of guarantee against genetic defects that would render the dog non-show quality.

6. Does the breeder have a contract? This is for the protection of the buyer as well as the breeder.

7. Is there a deposit required and if so, is it refundable?

8. Does the breeder provide the pups first shots and deworming?

9. If you cannot visit the breeder, will they provide photos of the property, parents and the pups?

10. Is the breeder helpful and appear to have a genuine interest in the breed, or do they appear more interested in selling a puppy?

11. Can the breeder provide contact information for other people who have purchased puppies from them?

12. Can the breeder provide references to you, such as their veterinarian, other breeders, etc.?



SIGNS OF A REPUTABLE BREEDER
The first sign of a reputable breeder is that when you speak with them, they have an indepth knowledge of heir chosen breed and are enthusiastic to speak about that breed at length. Reputable breeders have Breed Preservation at the top of their priority list. They do not breed often, nor for the purpose of making a profit. They will belong to a club for their breed either locally or nationally and will actively participate in at least one competition event such as showing, weight pull, agility or obedience.

Prior to breeding, a reputable breeder will spend countless hours researching pedigrees? in an effort to minimize or eliminate the potential for genetic defects. They have at least a basic understanding of genetics and a full knowledge of line breeding? and outcrossing, including the ramifications for doing so. A breeding will be done only occasionally, and only with the intention of improving the breed. They never breed to supply pet stores? or any other market and in their eyes, doing so is unforgivable. They spend exorbitant amounts of money on health testing and are willing to share the results with you.

A reputable breeder will give the best possible care to their litters and their puppies are the picture of health.. They socialize them, keep them in clean environments, provide quality food and spare no expense for veterinarian attention. All puppies will have received their first Vaccinations? and Deworming? and a Shot Record? will be provided to you.

Reputable breeders want the very best homes they can find for their dogs. As a potential puppy buyer, you will be required to provide references to the breeder, veterinarian contact information and will be thoroughly screened prior to being allowed to purchase a puppy.

During the selection process, a reputable breeder will try to find a puppy that best suits you. If you are interested in a show dog, they will discuss the good and bad points of each puppy. If you are interested in a pet and companion, they will require the pup be spayed or neutered, provided it has not already been done.



For your protection, as well as theirs, a reputable breeder will provide you with a legally binding contract which clearly defines your obligations and your rights as the purchaser. Show quality puppies should have a guarantee against genetic defects that would render the dog non-show quality. Pet Quality puppies should be guaranteed against genetic defects that would shorten the normal life span of the dog.

Once you have made your purchase, a reputable breeder will require that you stay in contact with them throughout the life of the dog. They want the very best for their dogs and nothing less will do. They are quick to help you with any questions you have such as Training, Showing?, health, pedigrees, etc. When you purchase a dog from a reputable breeder, you are, in essence, a part of their family.

Reputable breeders often require that a dog be returned to them should you no longer be able to keep it. They will go to great lengths to keep their dogs from becoming shelter dogs or sold to an undesirable person. The highest priority on the list of a reputable breeder is the dog and it's welfare.


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