So, you've
decided to get a dog. You're prepared to feed, exercise,
train, clean up after, work through problems with, and love a dog every day for
the next 10 to 20 years. You've evaluated your lifestyle and know exactly what
sort of dog you're looking for (e.g., a high energy dog to go running with, or a
more sedate dog to lounge on the couch with), and you know that you need to seek
out your desired characteristics in individual dogs, not breeds, because
breed is no guarantee of temperament or likes and dislikes.
Because you know that about one in every four dogs in U.S. animal shelters is
a purebred, you start there, because you want to do the right thing and help a
homeless dog. You know that most dogs lose their homes because of "people
reasons" like cost, lack of time, lifestyle changes (new baby, divorce, moving,
or marriage), or allergies, and
not because of something the dog has
done. You've checked out the purebred rescue group for your breed, but still
haven't found "The One." And you're way too smart to buy a puppy from a pet
store because you know that most of those puppies come from mass breeding
facilities better known as puppy mills.
So, you've decided to buy a dog from a breeder�but you don't want to support
someone who doesn't have their dogs' best interest at heart.
How do you identify and find a reputable breeder? First, know that good
breeders breed not just to make money�they don't sell their puppies to the first
person who shows up with cash in hand. Too often, unsuspecting people buy
puppies from breeders (or neighbors) who breed their dog to make a little money
or simply because they have a dog "with papers." Too often, the result is
puppies in poor health or with temperament problems that may not be discovered
until years later. Unfortunately, these new-pet families often end up
heartbroken, with a dog who has genetic health problems or develops significant
behavior problems due to a lack of early socialization. In some cases, these
problems can cost thousands of dollars to treat.
To avoid these pitfalls, copy the following checklist, and take it with you
as you visit different breeders. If the breeder you're working with doesn't meet
all of the minimum criteria listed, The Humane Society of the United States
advises you to walk away. Remember, your dog will likely live 12 to 20 years, so
it's well worth investing some time now to be sure you're working with a
reputable breeder who breeds healthy, happy dogs.
You can find reputable breeders by asking for referrals from your
veterinarian or trusted friends, by contacting local breed clubs, or visiting
dog shows. Remember, a reputable breeder will
never sell her dogs through a pet
store or in any other way that does not allow her to thoroughly meet with and
interview you to ensure that the puppy is a good match for your family and that
you will provide a responsible lifelong home.
Please don't ever buy a dog without
personally visiting where he or she was born and raised. Take the time now to
find the right breeder and you'll thank yourself for the rest of your dog's
life.
How to Identify a Good Dog Breeder - Tips from The Humane Society of
the United States
Look for a breeder who at a minimum:
* Keeps her dogs in the home as part of the
family - not outside in kennel runs.
* Has dogs who appear happy and healthy, are
excited to meet new people, and don't shy away from visitors.
* Shows you where the dogs spend most of their
time - an area that is clean and well maintained.
* Encourages you to spend time with the puppy's
parents - at a minimum, the pup's mother , when you visit.
* Breeds only one or two types of dogs, and is
knowledgeable about what are called "breed standards" (the desired
characteristics of the breed in areas such as size, proportion, coat, color and
temperment).
* Has a strong relationship with a local
veterinarian and shows you records of veterinary visits for the puppies.
Explains the puppies' medical history and what vaccinations your new puppy will
need.
* Is well versed in the potential genetic
problems inherent in the breed - there are specific genetic concerns for every
breed - and explains to you what those concerns are. The breeder should have had
the puppy's parents tested (and should have the results from the parents'
parents) to ensure they are free of those defects, and she should be able to
provide you with documentation for all testing she has done through
organizations such as the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).
* Gives you guidance on caring and training for
your puppy and is available for assistance after you take your puppy home.
* Provides references of other families who
have purchased puppies from her.
* Feeds high quality "premium" brand food.
* Doesn't always have puppies available but
rather will keep a list of interested people for the next available litter.
* Actively competes with her dogs in
conformation trials (which judge how closely dogs match their "breed standard"),
obedience trials (which judge how well dogs perform specific sets of tasks on
command), or tracking and agility trials. Good breeders will also work with
local, state, and national clubs that specialize in their specific breed.
* Encourages multiple visits and wants your
entire family to meet the puppy before you take your puppy home.
* Provides you with a written contract and
health guarantee and allows plenty of time for you to read it thoroughly. The
breeder should
not require that you use a specific
veterinarian.
In addition to the above criteria, you'll want a breeder who
requires some things of you, too. A reputable breeder doesn't just sell her
puppies to the first interested buyer!
The breeder should require you
to:
* Explain why you want a dog.
* Tell her who in the family will be
responsible for the pup's daily care, who will attend training classes, where
the dog will spend most of her time, and what "rules" have been decided upon for
the puppy - for example, will the dog be allowed on furniture?
* Provide a veterinary reference if you already
have pets or, if you do not have other pets, she should ask which practices you
are considering for your new puppy.
* Provide proof from your landlord or
condominium board (if you rent or live in a condominium complex) that you are
allowed to have companion animals.
* Sign a contract that you will spay or neuter
the dog (unless you will be actively involved in showing him or her, which
applies to show-quality dogs only) and require proof that you have done so.
* Sign a contract stating that you will return
the dog to the breeder should you be unable to keep the dog at
any point in the dogs life.
