Choosing the right Breeder

Choose a Responsible Breeder!

• Responsible breeders interview you to ensure that you are a proper fit for the particular breed that you are choosing. All puppies are cute but sometimes their adolescent or adult needs do not match the owner. Responsible breeders tell you about the pros and cons of the breed to ensure that their pups gets a forever home. It may seem like a difficult process to the adopter, but breeders need to be sure that they are choosing a home that will meet the needs of the puppies they are nurturing. Breeders should be polite and responsive. If the only qualification for purchasing the pup is that you have money, then you need to look elsewhere.
• Responsible breeders health test their breeding stock and register these tests with a recognized organization. One of the best databases is Canine Health Information Center or CHIC https://www.ofa.org/about/chic-program. You should be able to enter the name of mother and father of your pup and see if they have the correct health testing for the breed. Even if you are buying a pet, not a show dog, this is important information and can save you heartache in the future. If a breeder tells you that certain conditions “are not in their lines”, ask for proof. It is the only way to keep these inheritable diseases under control.
• Responsible breeders breed only stock that looks like the breed. This is referred to as “Type”. If you do your research and decide on a specific breed, it is nice to actually purchase a pup that grows up to look like that breed. Responsible breeders breed to a specific Breed Standard and often show their dogs to assess how well their breeding practices match the Standard. Though you may not care about a show winning dog, it is a way of ensuring that you have a better chance of getting a dog that has sound structure and will be a healthy, active pet for life.
• Responsible breeders breed stock that has good temperament. Temperament has both a genetic and environmental component. Breeding dogs that are shy or aggressive or excessively active will not likely produce mentally sound pets.
• Responsible breeders breed dogs that are trainable. Look for a breeder whose dogs are well behaved and social. Competing in performance events like Obedience, Rally, Agility and other dog sports also shows commitment to the breed.
• Responsible breeders socialize and raise their pups in an environment similar to your home. The critical period for socialization starts at a mere 4 weeks of age. Pups need to have a wide variety of positive experiences up until they are in your care. Pups should NEVER leave their littermates until they are a minimum of 8 weeks of age.
• Responsible breeders are mentors and support systems. They are there when problems arise and to help you through them. They will also take back any pup that they produce at any age for any reason. They are in this for the love of the dogs, not the money.
• Responsible breeders charge for a well-bred pup. Health testing of breeding stock can cost in the range of $800 to $1000 per dog, including those who do not pass and are excluded from breeding programs. This does not include travel to veterinary specialists for testing.
• Responsible breeders do not pressure you to buy a pup. They want this to work out as much as you do. Responsible breeders will steer you toward the right pup for you. They will not let you purchase littermates (these can be a nightmare to train together). The goal of a responsible breeder is a good match, not just the sale.
• Responsible breeders register pups. Pups must have a microchip or tattoo to be registered with the Canadian Kennel Club. If your pup does not, you will not be receiving papers. Registration papers are important documents that ensure that the sire and dam of your pup are purebred (and not closely related).
• Responsible breeders send pups home with an exam from a licensed veterinarian and a minimum of their first set of shots plus worming. This is standard, not an option.
• Responsible breeders rarely raise more than one or two breeds of dogs. Raising puppies properly is time consuming. Purebred dog breeder do not generally raise designer breeds or cross bred dogs. They understand the importance of multiple generations of dogs bred to standard to ensure more consistency in temperament and structure.
• Responsible breeders have waiting lists for litters of puppies. Breeding dogs is not an exact science and sometimes we get small litters or no litter. We do our best to supply puppies when you want them but sometimes nature does not cooperate.
• Responsible breeder aim to preserve breeds. We strive to maintain or improve health, temperament, and conformation with every litter we produce. We like to hear back from you. It is a strength to our breeding program so please keep in touch.

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