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| Reputable and Responsible Breeders |
| Are they unconcerned about the home environment you are offering the pet? Do they sell X-bred animals at inflated prices? Do they refuse to let you see their kennels, or members of the breeding group? Do they refuse you contact w/others they've placed a pet with? Are they unfamiliar with a specific puppy's personality? Do they have numerous "fashionable" breeds and constant supply of litters? Do they fail to produce a current certificate of vaccination? de-worming? Do they refuse you "after-sale" support? Do they sell to pet stores, use brokers or auction? If the awnser to any of these questions is yes, find another breeder. |
| A reputable breederis one whose sole objective is the protection and betterment of their breed. They love and care for their animals as PETS, not as gainful property. They diligently maintain records of their litters, vaccinations, vet care and general health of each animal. The genetic soundness of their animals is of greatest importance to them. They breed for health and temperament, and are concerned with quality, NOT QUANTITY. A resposible breeder tests their breeding stock for any congenital diseases, conditions (ie: hip dysplasia, Von Willebrand's Disease, retinal dyslasia, etc.), and strives to eliminate genetic problems by breeding only sound dogs (shown to be free of any serious physical conditions and/or temperament problems). You should be able to see the puppies mother, and even the father if they own him. They only breeds dogs that have excellent temperaments.Is very knowledgable about their breed. They strive to better their breed by immunizing their puppies' Sires and Dams (& their Puppies) against: Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parvo, Parainfluenza, Corona & Rabies. They should screen potential owners thoroughly, and won't not sell to those who are unsuitable, and educates potential owners, and discloses any pertainent information about their breed. Responsible breeders encourage the neutering of all "pet quality" dogs (and all dogs that will not be shown in conformation). Spay/neuter contracts should be issued with the sale of all pet quality dogs.They should offer new puppy owners guidance and support (for the puppy's entire lifetime). They should NEVER sell puppies to puppy brokers, pet shops or puppy outlets of any kind (including so-called "Kennel Clubs"). Period. They should be willling to take the puppy back if for any reason it doesn't work out. Supports or participates in breed rescue work whenever possible. |
| Many pet stores and puppy outlets tell prospective puppy buyers that their puppies come from reputable breeders, even though the large majority of these places actually get their puppies from puppy mills and second-rate commercial breeding facilities. The bottom line is: NO reputable breeder will ever sell their puppies to a pet store or puppy outlet, and NO pet store or puppy outlet will ever admit to getting their puppies from a puppy mill. |
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| Ask yourself these questions before buying from a breeder |
| So you want a purebred puppy, but know that you shouldn't buy from a petstore. So where do you get one then? A breeder that breeds that specific breed of course. To find one in your area, ask neighbors, ask your veterinarian, and search the interenet to find one. How do you know if you have a good breeder and not one that is just in the buisness for the money? Here is some information on what a responsible breeder should be like. |
| A responsible breeder... - is eager to share detailed breed information - believes there are no "stupid" questions - grabs every opportunity to educate - explains total breed care - supplies shot records, pedigrees, care information - explains genetic defects in the breed - is willing to let you see the sire & dam - questions the buyers ability to care for the dog - offers guarantees - talks about training and development - cares about each and every pup - maintains sanitary, clean quarters for the dogs - tests all breeding stock |
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