How should you choose a breeder?
That is a very difficult question. Here are some of my opinions.
Please remember there are many unscrupulous breeders out there. Do your homework and ask questions!!!! No matter what the breed, ethical breeders want to breed the healthiest dog they can. Please always check the National club for your breed. You can usually find it by searching the breed of dog followed by "club of America" (for example: Siberian Husky Club of America) there you will find the details about health requirements needed prior to breeding and what genetic problems plague the breed you are looking for. Please e-mail with any questions.
Signs of an unscrupulous breeder:
1. They have no purpose for breeding (hunting, sledding, conformation, dog sports that they compete in), but they have several litters per year.
2. They claim champion bloodlines with only 1 or 2 champions in the pedigree.
3. The dogs living quarters are dirty
4. Health certifications are not obtained before breeding, and/or they breed the dogs before they are mature.
A good breeder is ethical and has the interest of the dogs at heart. The breeder should be breeding to better the blood line, not line their pockets!
1. The breeder should be able to show you either both parents, or if an outside stud dog was used, at least a picture and the contract from the stud dog owner
2. The breeder should be able to show you AKC registration, don't be fooled by the imposters such as: CKC (Canine Kennel Club, or Continental Kennel Club), PRA or Pet Registry of America. The Canadian Kennel Club is legitimate and has been around for a number of years as is the UKC or United Kennel Club. There are several bogus registration clubs and groups. DON'T BE FOOLED!
3. The breeder should be able to show you all health certifications and vaccination records for example, worming dates and medications. The breeder should also be able to show you the eye certifications of both the mother and father as well as hip certifications for both.
4. The breeder should provide you with a contract that spells the specifications of you becoming a new pet owner. For example, if you are purchasing a puppy for a pet, they should require you to have them spayed or neutered. This is usually done prior to you getting the papers for your pup, and you have to provide proof.
5. The breeder should provide you with instructions on how to proceed should you be unable to fulfill your obligations as a pet owner. For example, if you cannot keep the dog any more, it must be returned to the breeder and cannot be sold or given away.
6. The breeder should provide an unconditional health guarantee. Most give a health guarantee of up to 2 years. Hip X-rays for hip dysplasia are often not completed until the dog is 2 years of age.
These are just a few of the suggestions to find a good breeder! Keep checking back for more tips!
