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Dog Breeders
Defective dogs most often come from two kinds of breeders: the clueless or the careless. The first group is blissfully ignorant of the potential for congenital problems and the importance of socialization; the second group knows full well and could not care less. A good breeder tells you every remotely possible problem in the breed, from droopy eyelids to deafness to epilepsy. You want to hear words like "screened" and "tested" and "certified." The breeder who says "none" or "I don't know" should be avoided. In breeds with the potential for hip dysplasia - that's almost every large breed -- look for PennHIP or Orthopedic Foundation for Animals certification. Any breed should have hips (OFA or PennHip) eyes (CERF) and ideally thyroid. And if the breeder says there is nothing in the line so testing is not important, avoid this person. Responsible dog breeders will also allow you to get another 3rd party opinion, like your own vet (at your expense) as to the general health of the puppy of your choice and they will also agree to take the puppy back and offer a full refund if for some reason you aren't satisfied with the outcome.
The best breeders offer contracts that protect not only the buyer and seller, but also the most vulnerable part of the transaction: the puppy. You want to see a contract explaining the breeder's responsibilities should the puppy develop a congenital ailment. In most cases, such contracts state either replacement with a new puppy or refunding of your purchase price. You may also be required to return the dog to the breeder if you can no longer keep him. Such language is the sign of a concerned and responsible breeder. A god breeder will be prepared to take any dog back for any reason - part of being an ethical breeder is making sure that the puppies have a good home and that it stays that way.
You can get a great pet and a great deal by working with a shelter or rescue group. But if you simply must have a purebred puppy, here are some questions to ask a breeder.
What are the good and bad points of the parents, and what titles do they have? You may be looking for a pet-quality purebred, but you still want to buy from someone who knows what top-quality examples of the breed are -- and uses such animals in a breeding program. You want to see show and working titles all over that pedigree. It doesn't matter if you go home and throw that fine pedigree in a drawer. Recent titles on both sides of a pedigree are the sign of a breeder who's making a good-faith effort to produce healthy dogs who conform to the breed standard.
What health tests have been done on BOTH parents of the litter? The breeder should be able to show documentations of all tests.
Are you a member of the Breed Parent Club, and do you follow the Parent Club Code of Ethics?
What are the known health problems with this breed, and what steps are you taking to minimize the chance of those problems occurring in your litters?
What requirements must a puppy buyer meet to receive one of your puppies?
What does your contract say about hereditary problems?, type of registration (limited or full)?, about spaying and neutering ?
Do you take your dogs back at any time in their lifetime if a pet owner decides he or she no longer wants the dog?
At what age do you place the puppies in their new home and will the puppies have had their first set of vaccinations before placement?
The decision about a 'right' breeder is yours. There is no national registry that ranks breeders as to their ethics or the quality of puppies they produce. Remember all dog breeders are not alike Dog breeders, just like dog breeds, come in all varieties. It is possible for you to get a truly great puppy from any one of them. Your chances are just much better, however, when you deal with a good reputable breeder. Many quality breeders care little about the money earned, but honestly strive to continually produce puppies that conform to a higher standard as to their abilities, behavior, and physical attributes.
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