Breeding
Finding a Good Breeder by Chris
and Tim Wild
Choosing a Reputable Breeder by
Julie Richards-Mostosky
Reputable Breeders: How Can You Tell by Lies Rosema
These are used here with permission.
Please do not use these articles without permission from the original writers.
Please contact me if you would like a list of some recommended German shepherd breeders in our area.
Finding a Good Breeder
by Chris and Tim Wild
www.wildhauskennels.com
Most characteristics found in dogs, from structure, to color, to health and, most importantly, temperament are genetic. While environment can play a part in these things, how much influence environment can have is also largely genetic. Most health problems are genetic in nature, or at the very least require a genetic predisposition in order to occur. Temperament problems, such as skittishness and inappropriate aggression, are also more often caused by genetics than by past experience. Many people assume that fearful dogs must have been abused or neglected in order to act the way they do, when the unfortunate truth is that in most cases the dog was born that way. Therefore, the importance of good genetics when it comes to ensuring healthy, happy family pets is apparent.
This is of course where the breeder comes in. No one sets out to be a bad breeder or to produce poor quality dogs. But many people producing puppies do just that because they are either genuinely ignorant of the steps needed to be a good breeder breeding good dogs, or because they lack the time, money, energy or other resources to do so. Either way, no one wants to pay their hard earned money for a substandard product. Nor should they, as there are many good breeders with the knowledge, experience and quality control measures in place to produce high quality animals. While even the best breeder breeding the best dogs from the best pedigrees cannot entirely eliminate health and temperament problems, proper breeding practices can drastically reduce the incidence of these issues occurring. Therefore, one of the most important lessons a future puppy buyer can learn is to tell the difference between a breeder who is a good, reputable breeder, and one who is not.
Educate yourself
The key to finding the right breeder is to first educate yourself. Don't rely on the breeder to educate you, as there are many dishonest breeders out there and without prior knowledge of your own it will be difficult, if not impossible, to sort out the good breeders from the bad and the truth from the lies. Read books, research on the internet, and talk to as many different dog enthusiasts and professionals as you can.
First, decide what breed is the right one for you. While we all have certain breeds who's looks we admire, and other's we don't, the physical package the dog comes in is far less important than it's personality. Make sure the breed you choose is a good match for your own personality, lifestyle and goals. Failing to do so is a recipe for disaster. Many apartment dwellers lean toward little dogs due to space and the belief that big dog = more space and exercise needed, when in fact many small breeds are very active and energetic, requiring constant attention. Whereas there are many large breeds of dogs who are very laid back and content to lounge on the couch all day long, making them much lower maintenance in the space and exercise department than smaller breeds. Some few breeds of dogs can live quite happily outdoors with limited interaction with people, while most will develop behavioral problems if kept isolated from their families for extended periods of time. For some dogs, an 8 week companion obedience class and infrequent practice is all that's needed to have a well mannered pet, while others with higher intelligence, work ethic and need for mental stimulation require frequent training for a lifetime to keep them from developing bad habits out of boredom. Your happiness and the happiness of your dog are contingent upon making a good match, and that starts with making an informed decision about what breed is the right choice for you.
Once you've decided on breed, research that breed extensively. Learn what the breed standard is, and learn about the different health and temperament faults common within that breed, and learn about the different types. Most breeds are divided into different subsets or types, created by decades, and sometimes centuries, of different groups of breeders breeding for different goals. Some breeders work to maintain their breeds true heritage, while others breed strictly for fancy show dogs, and others breed watered down versions for the mainstream pet market. The result is that today there are Labs who wouldn't know what to do if a bird fell on the ground in front of them, Beagles who'd completely ignore a rabbit running by, and German Shepherds and Dobermans who'd run and hide under the bed if a burglar broke into the house.
In short, not all dogs of the same breed are created equal and there is huge variance in type. Learn about these different types and decide which is best for you. While much of this can be done reading books and websites, really the best way to get a clear idea of what the types are like is to get out and see the dogs. And be realistic in your decision. While a German Shepherd from a long line of police dogs may sound cool, you may not have the experience or lifestyle to accommodate such a dog. And while it may seem attractive to own a "real Lab" from a pedigree full of serious hunters and field trial champions, you may find that this dog is very different from the Labs you are used to seeing and may not be a good match for you. Conversely, if you want a Pointer or Retriever or Spaniel and have an interest in hunting or field trial competitions, don't get a dog from conformation or pet bloodlines. And if you want to get involved in Schutzhund, look for a GSD or Rottweiler or Doberman from lines proven to still retain working ability.
Avoid Puppy Mills, Pet Stores and Newspaper Ads
Good dogs are rarely found in newspaper advertisements or at pet stores. No reputable breeder would be so desperate as to sell his puppies to a pet store. Pet store puppies come from puppy mills. Like the name suggests, puppy mills are designed to produce a great number of puppies at low cost, which are then sold to pet stores who turn around and sell them to the public at exorbitant prices. These dogs are housed in cages, bred every heat cycle starting as early as 6 months old, and no genetic health or temperament testing is performed. Thus, the quality of these dogs is sub par. Historically, the only criteria that a puppy mill has for breeding dogs are that they be registered purebreds of the same breed. But even that doesn't hold true any longer, as puppy mills are now producing mixed breed "designer dogs" under cute or fancy names like Teddy Bear, Puggle, and Daisy Dog, and then slapping huge price tags on them. These are mutts and if a mutt is what you want, please visit your local shelter and save a life. Don't support such irresponsible, money hungry breeding practices.
Puppies advertised for sale in the newspapers are more often than not the result of someone putting two purebred dogs together in order to make a few dollars. These puppies may or may not be good dogs with good temperaments, but if they are it is luck, not planning. Someone mating the two family pets is not likely to put the time and money into researching pedigrees, screening the dogs for genetic defects and temperament faults, and overall ensuring that such a mating is beneficial to the breed as a whole. They may or may not even put the time and money into proper care of the dam and of the puppies. No reputable breeder would need to take out an ad in the local classifieds in order to find homes for his puppies. In fact, it is not uncommon for a conscientious breeder to sell his puppies with limited registration, often with stipulations to lift the limitation should the dog prove breed worthy, in order to prevent these kinds of back-yard breedings.
Don't be fooled by "AKC Registered" and "Champion Bloodlines"
Many breeders promote their dogs as AKC Registered, and in fact many poor breeders use this as their primary marketing technique, implying that "AKC Registered" is a stamp of quality. Reality is nothing can be farther from the truth. In order for puppies to be registered, AKC, and other less reputable registries such as the CKC, require only that both parents be registered purebreds of the same breed. That's it. No health or temperament testing is required. The parents don't have to even meet their breed standard with regards to size, color, structure and coat type in order to be bred. There is nothing to stop a breeder from breeding animals that are poor representatives of their breed in every way, registering the puppies and selling them as "AKC Registered."
Another common marketing technique is to say a dog is from "Champion Bloodlines". That doesn't mean the puppies, or even their parents, are of any sort of quality. Any purebred dog, including ones who look and act nothing like they're supposed to, can trace it's roots back to a few Champions and probably has a couple within the first few generations of it's pedigree. Quality is easily lost when breeders don't strive for it, and unless the subsequent breedings between those "Champions" and the current litter have been done by conscientious, responsible breeders working to improve their bloodlines, having those champions in the pedigree means nothing.
Good breeders are involved in dogs beyond just breeding puppies
This is the first thing to look for to determine if a breeder is a good one or not. If the breeder just breeds, but never trains or titles or shows their dogs, walk away. Good breeders study their breed and are involved in their breed as a whole. They will be known within their breed's community because they get out and participate. They train and title their dogs in some venue. What that venue is depends on the individual breeder's interests, chosen bloodline and goals. Someone who is into show lines is going to show their dogs and put conformation championships on their dogs. Someone into the hunting lines of any of the Sporting or Hound breeds will hunt their dogs and participate in field trials with their dogs. Someone who is into working lines of any of the Working or Herding breeds will compete in Schutzhund, herding, or may utilize their dogs in Search and Rescue or Law Enforcement.
Breeders being involved in their breed outside breeding is vitally important. First, it shows a true love of their breed and dedication to their breed, not just a desire to line their pocket book from puppy sales. Secondly, it provides a venue through which their breeding stock are tested and objectively evaluated to see how their dogs measure up against a set standard and against other representatives of the breed. This helps ensure the quality of the breeder's lines. Third, it allows the breeder to network with other breed enthusiasts sharing information about pedigrees, health histories, training methodologies, and every other breed related topic imaginable.
And lastly, it demonstrates the breeder's competence. If they are successful in their chosen venue, not only does this prove that their dogs have what it takes, but it proves that the breeder has what it takes as well. They haven't just read about it in a book or on a website, or talked to someone who's done it. They've done it themselves. They know how to select breeding dogs and plan matings to produce good candidates for that activity, and they know how to properly raise and train a dog for that activity. This knowledge and experience on the part of the breeder is very important to the potential customer. By knowing what it takes to be successful, the breeder can not only help the customer select the right dog but they are better prepared to offer advice and support to the customer throughout the dog's life.
If you are looking for a dog to perform a specific task, find a breeder who specializes in that type of dog. If you want a hunting dog, find a breeder who hunts or competes in field trials with his dogs. If you want a conformation dog, look for someone who shows his dogs. If you want an obedience dog, find a breeder who puts CDXs on his dogs. Needless to say, if the breeder has no experience in the activity for which he claims to be breeding dogs, it's not real likely that he knows what he is doing. Someone who has never done any herding isn't going to know what to look for in a good herding dog. In addition, just because a dog comes from a long line of working dogs or champion show dogs does not mean that dog has what it takes to be one himself. And no one will ever know if he does or not unless someone tries with him.
Good breeders are breeding for a purpose, and to improve their breed
Look for breeders who are breeding for a purpose. Ask the breeder straight out what are the goals of his breeding program. If the breeder cannot answer this question, or answers with something along the lines of "well, she's the best dog I've ever had and I wanted a puppy out of her" or "she's a great dog and there should be more like her", go elsewhere. There are a lot of nice dogs in the world, but that doesn't mean that they should be bred. Good breeders do not breed just to produce puppies and make money. They breed out of love of the dogs and to better their breed. Good breeders have long term goals for their breeding program, and will carefully select each mating to further these goals and improve the breed.
Ask the breeder what the faults of his dogs are. Kennel blindness is common in the dog world. Many breeders will openly berate the dogs from other bloodlines or breeders, but will not discuss or are completely oblivious to the faults in their own dogs. The fact is no dog is perfect. Every dog has faults. There is an axiom in breeding that when you breed something in, you breed something else out. Thus, the goal of a good breeding program is not to produce the perfect dog, there is no such thing, but to create the least imperfect dogs. It is a constant battle to minimize the faults, while highlighting the good points. When looking at a particular breeding or puppy, ask the breeder what the goals for that particular mating are. Why was that particular stud chosen for that particular bitch? A good breeder will be able to tell you how the dogs compliment each other, the good points of each dog that he hoped to bring out in the breeding, and the faults that he hoped to minimize.
Good breeders health screen their dogs
Every breed of dog has common health problems that are genetic within that breed. Some breeds have more genetic health problems, or more common genetic health problems, or more severe genetic health problems.. but they all have some sort of health problems. Good breeders should work very hard to eliminate these issues. Educate yourself regarding the genetic health concerns of your chosen breed, and ask the breeder what he is doing to prevent them in his dogs. If the breeder claims their breed or bloodlines is 100% healthy and there are no problems.... run away. Every bloodline of every breed has some genetic health issues and a breeder who says otherwise is either extremely ignorant, or outright dishonest. Either way, find another breeder.
The first step any responsible breeder takes is to have their breeding stock health tested to ensure that each individual dog is free of genetic health problems. In the large breeds of dogs where hip and elbow dysplasia is common, this means ensuring that all breeding stock are certified as free of dysplasia by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. In breeds such as Golden Retrievers where eye problems are common, breeding dogs should have their eyes certified through CERF. A bleeding disorder called von Willebrand's Disease is common in breeds such as the Doberman. A simple blood test can be done to see if an individual dog has the disorder or is a carrier of that disorder.
It is not feasible, or even possible, for a breeder to screen for every existing genetic defect within a breed. No testing exists for many of these problems, and while a test may exist for a specific health disorder, if that disorder is uncommon or non-existent within the breed or bloodlines the breeder is using, it would be unrealistic to expect the breeder to screen for it. But obviously, whenever possible, the breeder should screen their breeding dogs for disorders common to their breed or bloodlines, and should make the results available to customers. Don't take the breeder's word for it that they've health screened their dogs. Ask for proof in the form of OFA certificates, blood test results, and other documentation.
Unfortunately, while health screening can reduce the incidence of health problems by eliminating affected dogs from the genepool, all the health screening in the world cannot eliminate problems entirely. Most genetic health problems are not only recessive, but also polygenic. This means it takes multiple genes in certain combinations for the issue to arise. Bad genes can remain hidden for generations, only to rear their ugly heads years down the road when just the right genetic combination comes together in a breeding.
Therefore, it is also important that the breeder knows not only his own dogs and their physical soundness, but also be knowledgeable about his dogs' pedigrees and the bloodlines from which they descend. Different bloodlines of dogs are known for carrying the genes for different faults and health concerns. This is not to say that these dogs should not be bred, but breeding partners should be carefully selected to minimize the likelihood of these problems coming to the surface. If the bitch's bloodline is known to produce the occasional dog with EPI, for example, finding a bloodline that is clear of EPI should be a top priority when selecting a stud to mate her to.
The unfortunate reality is that if we eliminate from breeding not only all dogs who have health problems, but also all dogs who have relatives with health problems (and thus may carry the genes for those health problems themselves) we'd have no dogs left to breed. Thus, even the best, most conscientious breeder who has done everything humanly possible to reduce the risk of health problems will produce a puppy with a health problem from time to time. This shouldn't be held against the breeder... it happens. Most good breeders offer health warranties on their puppies for just this reason, and should an issue arise they will offer some sort of compensation to the customer, even though they did all they could to prevent it. The actual wording and stipulations of warranties varies from breeder to breeder, but the point is that the breeder is willing to stand behind his dogs and is confident enough to do so.
Good breeders don't just answer questions, they also ask them
It goes without saying that a good breeder should happily and openly answer any questions a prospective customer may have. Whether the questions be about the breed in general, health testing, temperament testing, training, housebreaking or any other topic, the breeder should provide clear answers. The breeder should also gladly provide references for past clients and others who have experience with them or their dogs, and encourage you to contact those references. A breeder who dodges questions or dances around subjects should be treated with suspicion. What are they hiding? And a breeder who is unwilling to answer questions and help educate a potential customer before a sale certainly isn't going to be willing to offer long term advice or support to customers after the check has cleared.
But the really good breeders go beyond just answering questions from potential customers, they ask a lot of questions of their own. Don't be put off if the breeder asks you as many, if not more, questions than you ask him. Good breeders feel responsibility for their puppies. They not only want to ensure that their pups go to responsible owners who will provide the pup with the best of care, but they also want to make sure that the pup and owner are a good match in personality. Just as it's important to the customer to determine if the breed, type, bloodline and individual pup are right for them, it's important for the breeder to determine if the home is right for their dog. Screening of potential buyers and asking a lot of questions is the best thing a breeder can do to ensure that not only is the customer happy with their purchase, but the puppy has gone to the best possible home.
Other things to look for and questions to ask
To ensure you get a pup who's a good match for you, find out how the breeder goes about selecting puppies for customers. There is much more to puppy selection than the customer handing the breeder a check and the breeder handing the customer a puppy. At least there should be. Good breeders put a lot of time into puppy selection. They interview their customers to determine what type of puppy would suit them best, and select puppies for customers accordingly. In addition to daily observations of the puppies, there are several commonly used puppy tests to assist with selection. The advantage to these tests is that they are conducted with the puppies by themselves, in unfamiliar surroundings, so that the breeder can see how the puppy reacts to different stimuli when away from his home and littermates. Few good breeders will let customers select their own pups, or if they do it will be from just a couple of possible candidates, not the entire litter. No matter what a customer's experience, he is not going to be able to observe a puppy for a few minutes, or even a few hours, and know as much about the puppy's individual personality as the breeder who has been observing the pup daily since birth. The breeder's experience and more thorough knowledge of the puppies makes him better able to select the pup that fits the criteria given by the customer, and in this way the customer gets the pup that is the best for him and his own goals and situation.
If you find a good breeder locally, visit them. Ask to see all their dogs, particularly the parents of any puppies you are interested in. It is not always possible to see the sire, as many breeders stud their bitches out to outside dogs, but you should certainly be able to meet the dam. Watch the dogs carefully for any signs of temperament problems. Temperament is the result of both genetic and environmental factors, and as the puppies spend so much time with the dam during their early development she will have a bigger impact on their future personalities than the sire will. Avoid purchasing a puppy from a breeder whose dogs show any kind of fear or shyness, skittish behavior, or unprovoked aggression. Some barking and such behavior when you first arrive is acceptable, after all dogs are protective animals and if the bitch already has her puppies she will be more so. However the dogs, including the dam, should tolerate your presence and be approachable by adults and children alike when the breeder is present. Not all dogs are overly friendly and outgoing and will engage a complete stranger in a game of fetch. Some are more aloof and standoffish, and depending on breed and what the dog is bred for this is not necessarily a bad thing. However, even aloof dogs should allow themselves to be calmly petted and should show no shyness or skittishness. Regardless of the purpose for which you intend to use your dog, good temperament is always a priority. A dog that is confident, curious and friendly is always a good thing.
When at the breeders, also take a look at the overall set up of their facility. Whether the dogs are house dogs, kennel dogs, or some of both, take note of their living situation. Are things clean, or is there dog poop all over everything? Do all the dogs appear healthy and happy? Are they well fed, well exercised, and do they have access to fresh water? Ask the breeder what food he feeds, is it a quality commercial or homemade diet, or cheap poor quality kibble? Just because a breeder takes excellent care of his dogs doesn't necessarily mean that he will put the same time and effort into his puppies, but if a breeder doesn't take good care of his dogs it's a sure bet he won't with the puppies either. If the breeder does have a litter of puppies when you visit, ask to see them. Pay special attention to the area where the puppies are kept to ensure that they are in a clean environment. Keeping the puppy area clean is not only important in terms of health, but is vitally important to success in future housebreaking.
Ask the breeder how his puppies are socialized. Are they just kept in a kennel with mom and their littermates until they are old enough to go to their new homes? They shouldn't be. Early socialization is very important for puppies. The breeder should make sure that the pups are handled by people several times a day, every day. This exposure to people shouldn't just be limited to the breeder himself. The puppies should also be exposed to strange people, adults and children alike, strange sounds, smells, objects and surroundings. In fact, when you first ask to see the litter beware of any breeder who hesitates to show them to you. A good breeder will happily jump at the chance for some extra puppy socialization. The more early socialization a young pup gets, the more curious and confident he will be as an adult.
And finally, find out what kind of long term support that the breeder provides to his customers. A good breeder will ask that you keep in touch, and provide photos and updates as to how the puppy is doing. They will make sure you know how to contact them should you have any questions or concerns with the pup, even years down the road. And they will be happy to answer those questions. A good breeder will offer that if ever, at any time, you are unable to keep the puppy, they will take it back and either keep it themselves or find a good home for it. Many breeders will even put such stipulations in their sales contracts in order to ensure that they know where all their puppies are at all times. Someone who is willing to do this shows that his concern for the pups goes beyond raising them until 8 weeks old and then sending them off. A good breeder is concerned with the welfare of his puppies for their entire lives, not just until they leave his kennel.
But I just want a pet!
Few people would rush out and buy a car or a house without taking their time to research and shop around and make a sound decision. Yet every day those same people do just that when it comes to bringing into their home a living, feeling animal who they intend to have become a member of their family for the next 10-15 years. And many of those who do start off on the right track doing their research soon find themselves overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information out there, the differing opinions on breeds and bloodlines, not to mention the fancy breeder advertisements and websites all claiming to have the best dogs in the world. Oftentimes they want to just throw their hands up in frustration and just go out and grab the first cute puppy they come across. They feel that because they just want a pet, not a show dog or a performance dog, all those titles and certificates have little value. And then when the see the prices of quality pups as compared to what they can find in their local newspaper, they get hit with sticker shock and question if it's worth paying all that extra money for "just a pet".
The truth is, it is worth it and it does matter. Do pet owners not deserve a quality dog? Is a dog of sound health and temperament not important to a pet owner? I would argue those things are every bit as important to a pet owner, particularly when one takes into consideration the fact that a pet owner may not have the knowledge, experience or resources to properly recognize and cope with health issues or temperament related behavioral problems.
Sure, well bred dogs cost more. Sometimes significantly more. There is a lot of cost, not to mention time and energy, involved in a good breeder doing what they do. No one would expect to get a BMW quality car for a Yugo price, and the same applies to dogs. You get what you pay for. And while a quality pup from a good breeder may cost more initially than a pup from a questionable breeder, that cheaper pup may turn out to be much more expensive in the long run. One can easily rack of thousands of dollars in vet bills for health problems or private training fees for behavioral/temperamental problems, not to mention the emotional heartache and stress that comes with an unhealthy or unstable dog. And while these things are still possible even in well bred pup, all the effort good breeders put into their breedings make these things significantly less likely to occur.
The importance of health testing should be abundantly clear to anyone, regardless of whether or not they want a pet, Schutzhund dog or show champion. But let's look at titles, as this is the area where many people looking for family pets feel is unimportant in relation to their goals. After all, what bearing do obedience titles or Schutzhund titles on breeding stock have on a pup's suitability to family life?
To understand this, we must first understand the purpose titles serve and that that purpose extends far beyond proving an individual dog has what it takes in any given venue. To achieve a title requires the trainer to spend a huge amount of time training and working with that dog in a variety of different situations and environments. All that equates to the trainer really, really getting to know that dog well. Through this training, the trainer gains an much more comprehensive understanding of the dog's nerves and temperament. The stress of training, travel and competition, of going to new places and being surrounded by strange dogs and people, may bring to light temperament and nerve faults that would otherwise remain hidden when the dog is at home in familiar surroundings. Training and working the dogs allows breeders to gather intimate knowledge of each dog's individual personality and it's true ability to do what it's bred to do. This knowledge could never be obtained if the dogs just lie on the couch, or live in a kennel all day, and is invaluable both to deciding whether or not a dog is worth breeding and in selecting the right mate for the dog.
Shows and competitions also provide excellent third party evaluations of the dogs, both objectively compared to the standard and subjectively compared to other representatives of the breed. They test the dog's structure, temperament, nerves and trainability in ways that would never be done if the dog never left the breeder's property. Even if all you are looking for is a family pet and you have no plans to ever show or compete with your dog, this is very important. The pup need not be a top show or performance prospect, but the sound temperament that comes with generations of breeding only dogs who are thoroughly tested in this area is of great importance, even for people who want "just a pet".
Can good dogs come from bad breeders? Of course they can. The most ignorant, careless and irresponsible person will succeed on occasion just due to chance. Just as a broken clock is still right twice a day. Can bad dogs come out of good breeders? Yes. Even the most careful, conscientious and responsible person will sometimes fail due to chance. But getting a dog from a good breeder certainly loads the odds in the buyer's favor.
If you find yourself determined to get a dog, but the effort or expense of getting a pup from a good breeder is out of reach, please, PLEASE visit your local shelter or contact your local rescue. The genetic gamble of health and temperament issues in a dog of unknown origin from a shelter or rescue is no greater than that in a dog from poor breeding, but at least in that case your hard earned dollars would go to a good cause and save a life instead of supporting irresponsible breeding.
For more information about the different aspects of temperament, the importance of temperament testing breeding stock, and how genetic temperament impacts a dog's ability to serve both as a working partner and a trustworthy home companion, this article is excellent: The Elements of Temperament by Joy Tiz.
Choosing a Reputable Breeder
by Julie Richards-Mostosky
www.24kgsd.com
You have decided that a purebred dog is for you. What is your next move? What steps should you take to insure that your new dog meets your requirements? Your decision needs thoughtful consideration. The dog you choose will be a member of your family for a decade or more. Your first step is to seek out reputable breeders. Since it is almost impossible for you to know what a puppy will grow into physically and emotionally, you must rely entirely upon the breeder. In choosing a breeder there are three basic options available to you:
PET SHOP or DEALER—The worst possible choice. Puppies are poorly bred and raised. They are thought of as merchandise to be sold for a high profit. This high profit is possible because little has been put into the care of the puppies. Many are sickly. Pet shops rely heavily on impulse buying, which is no way to choose an addition to your family.
BACKYARD BREEDER—Also a poor choice. This person owns a “pet quality” purebred dog and thinks having a litter would be fun or a good experience for the children. These pet owners believe this is a quick and easy way to make money. This type of breeding is done without consideration of their dog’s health, history, and conformation. They are unaware of their breed’s standard and possible genetic problems and concerns. Their pet has not been certified free of disorders. Often their dogs are not even regularly checked by a veterinarian. Their goal is to produce puppies and sell them quickly at a very young age.
HOBBY BREEDER—The best choice. The serious and dedicated hobby breeder is passionate about their dogs and their breed. The hobby breeder’s goal is to produce superior dogs. They do this by breeding only the very best animals, keeping in mind the AKC breed standard and the background of their dogs. They do not make a high profit on their puppies, the money earned is reinvested into their breeding program in their continuous quest to improve their breed. These breeders have an undeniable dedication to the breed and stand behind their dogs.
Your wisest decision in purchasing a puppy will be to buy from a hobby breeder. Poor quality puppies from pet shops and backyard breeders are usually sold for the same price and sometimes even more than those from a serious hobby breeder. All three types of breeders sell puppies with AKC papers, however, this is not an assurance of quality.
How does one recognize the serious, dedicated hobby breeder? They should meet the following requirements, your breeder should:
1. Belong to a local all-breed club and their breed’s national club, this indicates participation and depth of involvement. This also exposes the breeder to other points of view. They keep up to date on breeding practices, health considerations, other bloodlines, and general dog care. They breed in accordance with the MPBDA Code of Ethics.
2. Show their dogs. This prevents the breeder from breeding in a vacuum. The breeder who does not show will have no idea how good or bad their dogs are. They deprive themselves of the opportunity to learn/share information and ideas with others. Showing provides the competition which encourages breeders to produce better dogs. The breeder who shows wants to prove their dogs in competition by putting their breeding program on the line. They do not allow the pedigree alone to indicate quality. Even though you are not buying a show dog, you want and deserve a puppy that resulted from a carefully planned litter, a puppy which has received the same care and attention as a potential champion. This breeder is very conscientious of their reputation and will be careful and honest with you in selling you one of their puppies.
3. Allow you time to have the puppy examined by a veterinarian, usually 48 to 72 hours. You do this as an assurance to yourself that the puppy's health is sound, even though the puppy has previously been checked by the breeder's veterinarian. This way if any problems are found they can be resolved quickly.
4. Give you written instructions on feeding, training, care, and grooming. You will receive a copy of the puppy's vaccine and health records. The breeder should provide you with information and resources about your puppies breed.
5. Show you proof that the sire and dam of your puppy have been x-rayed clear of hip dysplasia, preferably with an OFA certification number.
6. Make it clear to you that they will be available to you after you leave with your new puppy. Many dedicated breeders will ask that the dog be returned to them or placed with new owners who meet with their approval if you are unable to continue ownership.
7. Want to know what kind of dogs you have had in the past and what happened to them.
8. Ask questions of you. They will make you aware of the negatives of owning a dog as well as the positives.
9. Will have a clean environment, well socialized puppies and a dam with a good temperament—happy and self-assured.
10. May be hesitant to sell you a puppy until they know more about you. Will not pressure you into deciding immediately, and encourage you to see other litters before making your final decision.
11. Provide you with a contract and or conditions of sale.
12. Require spaying or neutering of pet quality puppies. Breeders spend a lot of time and effort planning breeding programs designed to improve the breed. They selectively carry on their programs with the best quality available. Pet quality puppies should be loved and enjoyed as pets. Reputable breeders do not want their dogs being used to just ‘make puppies,’ or have their bloodlines end up in a puppy mill. Therefore they will require your puppy to be spayed or neutered before being registered with AKC.
If your breeder meets the above criteria you are in good hands. If you have a negative response to any of the above, think twice. Do not be impulsive and ask questions. Keep in mind you will pay for quality, whether you get it— is up to you. Select your puppy's breeder carefully!
Reputable Breeders: How Can You Tell?
by Lies Rosema
vankelderdogs.dutchbingo.net
You’ve decided you want a new puppy, a purebred, but you’re not sure where to start? The following should help you find the right puppy for you while at the same time educating you on how to avoid puppy mills and “backyard breeders” that are constantly contributing to the number of unwanted animals in shelters and flooding the market with poorly bred dogs that perpetuate genetic health problems and unacceptable temperaments. Before you begin contacting breeders to inquire about puppies, you need to be aware of what makes a good breeder. There are many people that do not have malicious or greedy intentions and think they are breeding for the right reasons, but unfortunately most times they are not.
What makes an ethical and reputable breeder? Only those that meet ALL of the following criteria:
1. An ethical breeder breeds for the improvement of their breed, period. They do not breed because they want to make money, because they want to experience the miracle of birth, because they think they have a dog worth breeding (according to them), because their friends want a puppy from their dog, etc. They breed because they have done enough research, exhibiting, training and competing to conclude that mating X-female to Y-male should produce dogs that express traits desirable within the breed (examples: correcting size, improving pigment, structure, working drive, etc).
2. An ethical breeder has done all appropriate health testing on their dogs. Vaccinations and a vet’s approval or general certificate of health does NOT count! The dogs should be certified by third party organizations such as OFA, PennHIP, CERF, etc. proving that they are of appropriate breeding quality and free from certain health defects. Which health tests are preformed is largely dependent on the breed.
3. An ethical breeder actively shows and competes with their dogs, earning conformation titles and/or sporting and working titles relevant to the breed. Which titles you are looking for will depend on the breed and your intentions for the dog. Even companion/pet dogs should come from parents who are appropriately titled. Breeders who advertise “pet quality” dogs for reasonable prices are those who disregard the standard, and if the standard is being ignored, too often health and temperament is too.
4. An ethical breeder is transparent, meaning they allow and invite you to ask for references from previous customers and other breeders of the breed, tour their facilities, meet their dogs, and check all of their paperwork and certifications.
5. An ethical breeder will screen and interview you before matching you with a puppy. Good breeders will not allow you to choose your puppy (unless you are experienced with the breed) and will deny you a puppy if there is not an appropriate match, even if there are puppies left in the litter.
6. An ethical breeder adheres to the breed standard and is not breeding for unusual colors (that often go hand-in-hand with certain genetic health problems), non-standard sizes, or trying to create a new breed or cross. Ethical breeders should be listed in the directory of recommended breeders compiled by the breed’s parent club or sporting clubs.
7. An ethical breeder will require that you return the dog to them if for any reason your family cannot keep it. This is often referred to as “first right of refusal”. This is not to say that your family is not fit to care for your dog, but it proves that the breeder stands by their dogs for life. If you discover that any breeder’s dogs have ever ended up in a shelter or rescue, scratch them off your list.
8. An ethical breeder exposes puppies to a program of socialization and basic training. For example, some breeders being to introduce crates, potty training, short car rides, trips outside, meetings with different types of people, exposure to new noises and textures, etc. Ideally, the pups are raised in the home and are never released before eight weeks of age. In many places it is illegal to sell puppies before eight weeks of age. Puppies learn important aspects of socialization from each other leading up to week eight. Removing them from their littermates deprives them of this learning period. Purchasing a younger puppy does not mean it will bond more strongly with you!
9. An ethical breeder will typically provide your dog with a guarantee against certain health defects and should invite you to return the dog within a certain time period if you are unhappy with it for any reason. As with most things in life, even in breeding top quality dogs there really are no “guarantees”, but a written contract shows that the breeder stands behind the quality of their dogs and outlines what will happen if the dog is found to have a health defect. Obviously most people become attached to their dogs even if it turns out to have a severe defect. In these cases ethical breeders will often provide a second puppy, offer a refund of the purchase price, or help treat the problem.
10. An ethical breeder considers health and temperament at the top of their priority list when selecting dogs to be bred. For example, a dog that is fear aggressive should never be bred, even if it has top conformation titles.
“But, he comes with papers!”
Before we continue, I need to point out one myth that people fall for all the time: a puppy with “papers”. We hear this all the time, “But, he came with papers!” Please understand that purebred is not the same as well-bred. A puppy can be a purebred with a three or more generation pedigree, be registered with a kennel club, and still be bred in a puppy mill from inbred parents with health defects and poor temperaments. Your pup should come with an official pedigree and some form of kennel club registration (limited or full), but you must understand that this alone is not an indicator of the quality of your dog. It’s sort of like an American with a social security card – our cards prove our identity and make us officially who we’re said to be, but the card and number is no indication of our character. Registries such as the AKC, UKC, CanKC, and KC unfortunately do not have very strict criteria as far as breeding practices and registering dogs. Any dog can be registered as “purebred” as long as its parents and grandparents are pure. The registry is more like a census. Assuming the registry is responsible for insuring health and quality would be like assuming the US Census Bureau is responsible for the quality of education. Also beware of registries that are not considered reputable (APRI, ContinetalKC, UABR, etc).
The following are questions you should ask every breeder. I’ve included the answers you should be looking for, as well as answers that indicate breeders you should avoid.
At what age are the puppies released to their
new homes?
Puppies should stay with the breeder until 8 weeks, minimum. Puppies learn
bite inhibition and certain aspects socialization from their littermates at
5-8 weeks. Taking a dog home before 8 weeks means your job will be very difficult
and you must have a lot of experience and knowledge in properly socializing
a young pup. Also, in many places it is illegal to fly dogs younger than 8
weeks and in some states it is illegal to sell dogs younger than 8 weeks.
Where are the puppies kept?
Ideally, puppies will be home-raised and not kept in a kennel (an indoor whelping
box is perfectly acceptable). Puppies who will serve as a pet/companion animal
in any capacity need to be properly socialized for living in a home with humans.
Also, a breeder that home-raises pups can better monitor their progress in
terms of health and socialization.
What type of training and socialization program
do you use?
Good breeders will be able to answer this question with specifics or even
provide you with documentation on the program they use. Many breeders invite
children, adult men and adult woman to handle the pups at a certain stage
in their development. Good breeders also expose pups to a wide variety of
sights, scents, and sounds, such as cars, people yelling, a vacuum, pots and
pans, and other pets like house cats. It’s never too young to start training
a puppy. An 8 week old pup should already be beginning basic obedience, crate
training, and housebreaking.
Are both parents on-site?
There’s no reason why a good breeder will not let you see the parent(s) of
your pup. If the sire is not on-site (and often he is not), there should be
a legitimate reason such as they used a stud service or artificial insemination.
The dam should always be available. You may be asked to interact with her
separately as some dams can be nervous with visitors handling puppies. You
should also be invited to see any of the other dogs kept on-site.
How many litters do you have each year?
Breeders producing non-stop litters or more than one litter at a time can
be cause for concern. You want a pup whose parents are health certified and
titled and you want a pup that has been home-raised and exposed to an extensive
socialization program. Breeders meeting these criteria should not have enough
time to be producing dozens litters a year and contributing to the betterment
their breed. Exceptions would be well-established kennels that staff workers.
How long will I have to wait for a puppy?
As stated above, good breeders do not have several litters a year and should
not have more than one litter on the ground at a time. Once you find a reputable
breeder, you should be screened before you are allowed to make a deposit.
It is not uncommon to wait six months to a year for a new litter. If you are
properly screened by the breeder, you may not be a match for any puppies in
their upcoming litter and you may have to wait longer. Most good breeders
will tell you they have way more demand for puppies than they have available
puppies.
Do I get to choose my puppy?
A respectable breeder should say “no”. While you may be looking for a certain
coat pattern or sex, only the breeder has been with the puppies enough to
know the temperament of each. The breeder should match each family with the
right puppy for them. You should be given a questionnaire or application that
asks you very specific questions about how you will raise your pup, where
you will keep it, what activities you will do with it, what other animals
and people live in your household, etc. so that you will receive the most
appropriate dog.
How many breeds do you breed?
Since the main function of a respectable breeder is contributing to the improvement
of the breed, a breeder breeding more than one or two breeds at their facility
is a big red flag. Sometimes breeders breed different dogs that are similar
and perform similar functions, such as German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois
(this is especially true for kennels producing working stock such as herding
dogs or police dogs). However, a breeder breeding three or four different
types of dogs, especially with unrelated breed functions is cause for concern
and should be avoided.
Does the puppy come with a guarantee?
The puppy should come with a written guarantee against genetic health defects.
Certifications like OFA (hips) are done after two years of age and if at that
time the dog is found to have a defect, the breeder should readily take it
back and work with you on either issuing a refund or matching you with a replacement
dog. Good breeders will encourage you to have your dog checked by your veterinarian
within 72 hours of your purchase and allow you to return the dog within a
certain time frame if it is found to be in poor health or temperament. Remember,
vaccinations and a vet’s approval or general certificate of health does
NOT count as a health guarantee.
Can I see all paperwork relevant to the quality
of the parents?
Respectable breeders will not only provide any and all paperwork, they will
invite you to ask to see it or offer to show it to you. You should be able
to see any health certificates for the parents (and your dog, if applicable).
Many breeders can even show you the X-rays submitted to the certifying organizations.
Otherwise, with the registered names of the parents, you can check the databases
of the health certification websites yourself. What health certifications
the parents should have will depend on the breed of dog you are interested
in. Please make sure to research your breed and be aware of the health defects
that are common in that breed. For example, a larger dog such as a German
Shepherd should have its hips and elbows x-rayed and certified by an organization
such as OFA or PennHIP. This is done because hip dysplasia is common in German
Shepherds. This is a very painful and costly health problem. Prelim reports
are NOT acceptable for breeding. Dogs cannot be OFAed until they are 24 months
old. No dog should be bred before it is physically mature (2+ years for larger
breeds) even if they have excellent prelim scores. Aside from health concerns,
you should also see proof that the parents have received certain titles. Besides
conformation, dogs can earn titles in a wide variety of sports such as agility,
tracking, canine good citizen, herding, lure coursing, field trials, obedience,
and Schutzhund. Again, what titles you are looking for will depend on your
breed, but be sure to research your breed at length and understand what each
title means and which titles you require of both parents. Like health certifications,
you can check the kennel club or organization’s database using the parent’s
registered name and get a list of titles. Depending on the club or organization,
there may be a fee associated with obtaining these records and not all records
are available online. A good breeder will show you this paperwork and not
ask you to find it yourself.
Even better than reviewing paperwork, if possible you should watch the breeder’s dogs train or compete! Ask the breeder what upcoming events they are attending and go watch. Dog shows, matches, trials, etc are great places to meet other people with experience in the breed and you can get their opinions on prospective breeders and their dogs.
As I’ve said earlier, a respectable breeder always screens prospective buyers to make sure they are capable of raising a puppy and also to provide the best match for their family. Below are some questions you may be asked and should be prepared to answer as specifically as possible:
• Why are you interested in this breed?
• Are you looking for a specific color pattern, coat, temperament, or sex?
Why?
• What other breeds have you considered?
• Have you owned this breed before?
• Have you owned a dog before?
• If it has passed, what were the circumstances of its death?
• Have you ever had an animal taken from you by Animal Control?
• Have you ever had to re-home or surrender an animal?
• Have you ever raised a puppy before?
• What is your current housing situation?
• Where will you keep the puppy during the day? At night? While you are away
from the home?
• What other pets are currently part of your household?
• What people are currently part of your household?
• What is your yard like?
• Will you have a fence? Use a tie-out? Train the dog to remain in the yard?
• What is your goal for this dog? A companion? Conformation? Dog sports?
• What energy level are you anticipating in this dog?
• What activities do you plan on doing with your dog?
• Where will the dog go if you have to be away?
• What type of obedience training do you plan on doing with your dog?
Please remember………
There are millions of homeless dogs in shelters and rescues! If you are set
on a specific breed, I encourage you to contact local shelters and the local
breed rescue before contacting breeders. You would be surprised at the quality
of dogs available through rescue organizations!
It is pure myth that dogs obtained as puppies bond more closely with their families than dogs obtained as adults.