Guidelines for Finding a Responsible Breeder
These are just guidelines on how to find a responsible dog breeder:
- First step, make sure the breeder is registered with AKC
or CKC. This is just the beginning!
- Check how many litters the breeder produces per year. Anyone
having more than 2 litters would be considered a warning sign.
- Ask how old is the Dam and the Sire. If they are too young
or too old, this is not responsible breeding by any means. Too young, would be any
dog younger than 2 years. Too old, would be any dog that is more than 7 years old.
- Ask the breeder to show you their contract. If they offer
no contracts, stay away!
- Ask the breeder what health testing they do on their dogs
and puppies and how often. Some breeds require specific types of testing since they
can be more prone to certain disorders. If they do not perform the tests necessary
and provide proof for those tests, stay away from that breeder!
- Puppy's parents should be free of any genetic anomalies.
- Ask the breeder if they provide a warranty or guarantee
on the puppy with a signed contract. If not, your best decision would be to look
for a puppy elsewhere.
- Ask the breeder if they show their dogs and what titles
they have won. If they show their dogs, this is a good sign but does not mean they
are responsible. Also, check what clubs they are members of and what is the code
of ethics for each of those clubs.
- Ask the breeder if they perform temperament tests on their
dogs and if they have completed any obedience training.
- Ask the breeder who are the parents of the puppy you wish
to acquire. If they do not want to tell you, stay away! You should also be able
to see the parents - very important!
- Before getting the puppy, go and visit the breeder. Get
to know them and their kennel. If they do not provide this option, this is a warning
sign.
- Try not to make purchases online, make sure you visit the breeder
and see the puppy in person, not just through online pictures!
- A responsible breeder will place the puppy in their new
home when it is 7-8 weeks old.
- A responsible breeder will take your puppy back if the puppy
develops health issues and you cannot take care of the puppy. This should be in
the contract.
- Just because you are getting a "pet dog", does not mean
the above rules should be broken! Pet or no pet, you still have to make sure the
puppy is healthy and free of behavioral problems.
TO THE BREEDERS: Users now have to write a full review if they want to rate a breeder.
If you have something to say about a breeder, whether good or bad, the best thing
to do is write a review why you think that they are or are not a responsible breeder.
Puppy millers or any breeders whose main purpose in breeding is to make quick money
and who do not care about the well being of their dogs are in no way welcomed here.
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