When you are looking for a purebred puppy you are likely to be overwhelmed with the number of kennels and breeders advertising on the internet, in local papers, and even in dog magazines and publications.
There are two basic types of breeders –
- Money minded breeders that are simply in it for the money. You should avoid them as they are only in business for making money.
- Breeders that are in it for the love of the dogs and the enhancement of the breed. This is the type that you should consider.
Breeders that seem to have unlimited number of puppies of various varieties are very rarely conscientious breeders. Usually such puppy farms will provide poor quality puppies that are not close to breed standards for shows, but also contribute to worsening genetic conditions that plague breeds for many generations.
A good breeder has the following traits -
- Only breeds a very few types of dogs and is knowledgeable on the various breeds he has.
- Only pre-sells litters. This means that the puppies are all sold before they are born.
- Interviews you and has you complete a questionnaire or application before agreeing to sell you a puppy.
- Has a good reputation with other breeders in the area. This usually means being registered as a breeder with the local or national breed registries as well as the Kennel Club for the country.
- Allows and encourages you as the prospective owner to tour their facilities and see the adult dogs and litters they may have on hand.
- Keeps clean, well ventilated and spacious kennels with happy and healthy adult dogs.
- Interacts well with all the dogs in the kennel and knows the dogs by name. Watch how the dogs interact with the breeder. Are they happy to see him or do they appear nervous ?
- Offers litter registration papers as well as all paperwork required for AKC, CKC, KC or other registration.
- Provides information on the championship lines of the parents as well as vet certificates and genetic condition test results.
- Provides a health guarantee for the puppy.
Links
http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_adoption_information/how_to_find_a_good_dog_breeder/
http://www.canismajor.com/dog/responbr.html
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