Dog Breeders: Responsible Breeders In North America of AKC, Purebred and Mixed Dogs

Dog Breeders: What You Should Know Before Buying a Pet

Choosing a dog breeder isn't as simple as going online or thumbing through the yellow pages; when you are planning to purchase a family pet, experience and knowledge count. Not only do you want a breeder who will help you choose the ideal dog for your family, you want one who is passionate about the breed and who takes great interest in the health and well-being of the specific breed he/she works with.

Most people assume that purchasing a pet at a pet store is the right thing to do. However, when you want a purebred dog, it is recommended that you buy your pet from a reputable breeder. Why? Dog breeders are extremely knowledgeable about the breed, they are concerned about the pet they sell you for a lifetime, and they provide you with far more information than you would obtain from a general pet store. They also know the health history of the puppy, as well as that of the parents - and whether there is any health or genetic issues that are specific to that breed.

How can you locate a responsible breeder?

When it is your first time to deal with a dog breeder, you have no idea about his or her experience, knowledge and integrity. So, how can you ensure that the breeder you're dealing with is reputable?

Check with kennel clubs in your area, as well as veterinarians, groomers and obedience training clubs. All of these are excellent sources. What you do not want to do is take a chance on a breeder that you find in the local classifieds section of the newspaper; most reputable breeders do not have to advertise in newspapers, and the ads you see are likely placed by breeders who know little about their breeds and are amateurs.

When you do have a recommendation for a reputable dog breeder, conduct an interview. Asking questions is often the best way to determine how knowledgeable and experienced a dog breeder is.

What questions should you ask when interviewing a dog breeder?

Some of the questions you should ask during your interview include:

• Questions about the temperament and standards of the breed. Also ask about the health history of the puppies and parents, whether the puppies have had vaccinations, and specifically which vaccinations those were.
• How long he/she waits before selling a puppy. Most breeder will keep puppies until they're at least 6 weeks old, some 8 to 12 weeks which is even better.
• Does the breeder provide references? Any reputable breeder will be glad to provide references; also ask for a reference from a veterinarian.
• Ask about the breeder's experience and history. Is he or she a member of a breed club, and how long has he/she been breeding the specific breed you are interested in?
• Does the breeder have terms in place should your puppy develop genetic problems?
• Does the breeder sell his/her litters to pet stores?

Be prepared to answer a few questions as well

A reputable and compassionate breeder will likely have questions for potential buyers as well. Breeders who truly care about their breeds want to know that the puppy will be well cared for and in a suitable environment. Some of the questions a dog breeder may ask you include:

• Where you live (house, apartment, farm, etc.).
• Whether you have had a dog in the past, what kind and how long you had it. Breeders know that certain breeds are not well-suited to first-time dog owners.
• Questions regarding whether you intend to obedience train the puppy, whether you are aware of the laws in your community pertaining to dogs, how you intend to provide exercise, etc.
• Do you have a pet now? Reputable breeders want to know if a current pet will be compatible with the breed you are considering; some breeds are aggressive by nature toward other animals.

Inspect the kennel area when visiting a breeder

It is important that you see for yourself the condition of the kennel where puppies are kept. Look for cleanliness, if it appears that the animals are being fed properly, and that conditions are not over-crowded. If there is some reason that you cannot visit the area where the dogs live, ask to see pictures.

Ask for information about the sire and the dam, and ask to see them. An honest dog breeder will tell you about any "weak points", diseases or conditions that the puppy may be predisposed to, etc. Additionally, it is a good idea to see the parents of the puppy you are considering. Regardless of whether the sire is on site, the dam should be unless there is really a sound explanation. The fact that the dam is not on site could indicate that you are dealing with a broker.

Most people know to ask the basic questions; however, when it comes to purebreds, some questions that are critical include whether the breeder provides a health guaranteed, if he/she has a contract or agreement, and how the puppy will be registered, limitations on the registration, and when you can expect to receive the paperwork.

Before you let go of your hard-earned money, it is essential to examine the health guarantee to ensure that it covers conditions such as Distemper or Parvo, hereditary or congenital conditions, etc. Parvo and Distemper should be covered for a shorter period of time, but congenital disorders covered for anywhere from several years to a lifetime.

It cannot be stressed enough how important it is to get a signed contract or agreement BEFORE you hand over any money. This contract should include information such as registration details, ownership, financial details, rights, spay/neuter, etc. If you do not have a separate health guarantee, make sure the contract details the breeder's "take back" policy.

All of this may seem a bit overwhelming, especially if it is the first time you intend to buy a puppy from a dog breeder. Your patience and effort will be well rewarded. Even though your biggest concern right now may be that you want a "cute, cuddly pet" for your family to love - and all puppies are cute - all breeders are NOT the same. So do your due diligence and buy from a reputable breeder you can trust.

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