Locating a Responsible Breeder
By Dorie Crowe


Now that you know the breed that will be right for your family, you are in need of a responsible breeder to help insure you get exactly what you want.
There are many legitimate, responsible breeders located all across the country. There are some things you should know about breeders as you begin the final stages of choosing your new companion.
One litter does not make a "breeder". Breeders will have a history with their breed. They first became involved because of their love of that breed and their commitment to helping improve it. They have studied the breed and the stock within the breed for a number of years. They know the Breed Standard. They have formulated a planned breeding program they think will help in their goal of improving the breed and eliminating any genetic problems within that breed. They take this very seriously. They are breeding for the future. They are breeding well-rounded animals that can do what they were intended to do.
These breeders carefully consider the pedigrees of the sire and the dam. They test their breeding stock for genetic disorders. They breed only when they think they have the best chance to reach their goals. Exhibiting in Dog Shows or Performance Events is the best way breeders have of evaluating their stock and their breeding program against others.
They are breeding dogs and bitches of the best quality. The resulting litters may have some wonderful show specimens and some may not be the best prospects for the show ring. The puppies that are not show prospects are sometimes referred to as "pet quality." Please do not misunderstand this terminology. This term may mean the pup is slightly over or under a height requirement; the bite may not be absolutely correct; or the pup just may be slightly less than perfect for their breeding program. Breeders do not breed for "pets" per se, although every show prospect pup in a litter may eventually end their show careers as a wonderful "pet". These pups that are deemed to be "pet quality" are still the result of years of study, skilled care and maintenance and careful breeding. While these pups may not be prospects for the conformation show ring, they may be excellent prospects for the performance event ring. These pups will also be excellent companions because of the predictability in their looks, temperament and stability.
When you purchase a purebred dog from a responsible breeder you are paying, in part, for the years of study, planning and experience that go into making your pup all that it should be. They do not breed dogs of inferior quality; they breed their best dogs. They deserve fair and reasonable compensation, which is usually applied back into their breeding program and their dogs. Expenses are high when delivering the type of care the responsible breeder takes on behalf of their dogs. They are not producing "pups for profit;" they are producing pups only when they believe they have some contribution to make to the breed's future.
In addition, you should realize breeders may not have only pups available. Sometimes when they have produced a champion and bred one or two litters from a particular dog they may then offer that dog for sale on the proviso the dog is spayed or neutered. This adult dog may become a companion that could also compete in performance events or remain at home and provide joy.
If your family need is for an adult dog rather than a puppy, and your breeder does not have one available at the time, you might consider a "rescue" dog. Your breeder may be able to recommend a local or national breed rescue. Most rescue dogs make excellent family companions.
The AKC registration papers and your puppy's pedigree which you receive from your breeder will also indicate to you those years of study and planning. This is your dog's family tree. Your breeder will also discuss with you whether your particular pup should ever be bred. If your particular pup has a disqualifying fault they will not want that pup diluting the gene pool and perpetuating that fault. They may furnish you with a "Limited" AKC registration, which would mean the dog could not be bred and produce puppies eligible for AKC registration. Many breeders will require a veterinarian's certification that the dog or bitch you have has been spayed or neutered before they will furnish the signed papers enabling you to complete the registration process.
Responsible breeders are not mass producing puppies with no idea of the background of the pup's parents; with no thought as to what they will look like; no thought to the genetic history; no clue as to their stability of temperament; no way to care for them or socialize them properly, and a buyer beware attitude.
Responsible breeders will take the time to evaluate your situation to help you determine whether their breed is correct for you. They carefully screen all prospective buyers. They will be exacting in their questions. They want to be just as sure of the success of the match as you want to be. They are available to you on a continuing basis for advice and help. They encourage this contact and want to know how things are going. In the rare instance that the pup or adult does not work out for you, they absolutely will take back their pup or help you to place it (whichever the two of you have agreed upon when you initially took the pup or dog). They will also suggest the best type of training for your pup. The breeder will be looking to you to act as a responsible owner and they will suggest many things that will enhance your ownership of a purebred dog.
When you are looking for a breeder some of the things you want to know are:
How long they have been breeding dogs
How many litters they have bred (many litters over a short period of time may indicate a puppy mill operation).
Whether they are involved in the show or performance ring
Do they belong to their local kennel club or local specialty or national breed Parent Club
What is their policy on taking back a pup that does not work out
Do they have a contract spelling out what they will do and what is expected of you?
Some of the things you should do are:
View the dogs in their care - do they appear to be well-kept?
Are they in good condition?
Clean? Appear to be well-nourished?
Are the eyes clear?
Do they appear happy?
View where the dogs are kept. Is it clean? Climate controlled?
Is there a smell of urine or feces?
Is there an exercise area?
In the area where the dogs sleep, is there room to stand up, turn around easily; to lay on their side and stretch out their legs?
If there are several dogs, do they appear to be readily identifiable?
View the dam of the puppies (sometimes the sire is available to view as well). This is your best indication of what your pup will look like when grown.
Are the puppies alert, clean, have clear eyes, have the appearance of being well-nourished and happy?
Discuss what shots the pups have had to date.
Discuss the type of AKC registration the breeder is willing to sign.
Discuss what type of training is available in your area.
Discuss what types of events your pup may be eligible to compete in when the age is appropriate. While you may not be interested at the time you receive your pup, this could be a great source of enjoyment and social activity for you at a later time.
These are just a few of the things you should be considering and looking for at the time you choose a breeder and your new family member. You should also remember that once you take your pup or dog home you now have a built-in support system of people who want this match to be successful and who will expect you to call whenever you are in need of advice, support or an extra cheer.
You may obtain names of breeders from your local kennel club's breeder referral and from the American Kennel Club. Talk to several breeders and digest all the information you've gathered before deciding which is best for you. The new relationship between the breeder and you, and the new pup and you will be in place for many years to come - it deserves careful consideration. Good Luck!

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