Types of Breeders

There are different types of breeders and places that sell puppies. Read below if you would like to know which breeder you should buy from.

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Reputable Breeders

This is the best place to get a pup. Read below to see why.

  1. Know details about their chosen breed.
  2. They screen for genetic diseases known to affect that breed, maintain veterinary and breeding records.
  3. A Reputable breeder will tell you the BAD points as well as the good points about that breed.
  4. Will provide quality care for the dogs they own.
  5. Will allow you to see where their dogs live and the kind of care they are given.
  6. They are not out to make a buck; they are out to find fabulous homes first!
  7. They offer a written health guarantee with each puppy they sell.
  8. Are always available to offer help and advice to their new puppy owners.
  9. Will assist in the finding of a new home, if you are no longer able to care for your dog.
  10. Usually belong to a local or national breed club, and they always breed their dogs with the thought of improving their line.

Backyard Breeders

  1. Most of these breeders do not know much about the breed standard, and don't necessarily breed for better dogs.
  2. Puppies from this kind of breeder are usually the result of breeding their pet quality dog to the next door neighbor's pet quality dog because it was the same breed, AKC registered and available.
  3. No thought is given to the puppy's health, genetic makeup or temperament.
  4. Usually, do not screen where their puppies go or keep track of them throughout their lives.
  5. Are convinced that his or her breed is right for anyone.
  6. Usually do not check for genetic diseases known to their breed.
  7. Usually breed to make quick buck.
  8. Allow the pups to leave as soon as possible.

You will usually see this type of breeder in your local newspaper. Some Reputable Breeders also use the newspaper, but you will usually see (hips OFA good, Parents Champions, Show and Pet pups available, etc.). DONT BE FOOLED by "Champion Pedigree". Just because a dog way back in the pedigree is a champion, doesn't mean that pup is show quality or even healthy! There are plenty of Champions with bad hips and eyes. Do your homework!!

Puppy Mills

Puppy mill is a term used to describe a place that produces mass quantities of dogs, be they the same breed or different. Typical Puppy Mills are as follows:

  1. The pens, cages, structures the dogs are kept in are usually substandard and dirty, although this may not always be the case.
  2. The dogs themselves are usually bred every season, no matter what.
  3. Puppies born and raised in puppy mills do not usually get the veterinary care and proper feeding they need, which could lead to problems later in life.
  4. Puppies raised in puppy mills have not been properly socialized and are usually sold in high volumes to pet shops for quick cash profits at the age of 4 weeks or sometimes younger.
  5. No genetic testing is done.
  6. They usually do not sell to the general public. Only to dog brokers, pet shops, dog auctions, etc. If they do sell to the everyday person, they will not usually allow you to visit the kennel!

Most of these puppies will have multiple health and behavior problems later in life because of the lack of socialization, proper genetic testing and veterinary care.

Pet Shops

This may sound like a good place to buy a puppy, but it's not. Reasons below:

  1. Pet shops do offer guarantees, which sound very good to the buyer. However, you must realize that most genetic diseases found in dogs do NOT show up until the animal is over a year old. You're out of luck with a pet shop!
  2. Most pet shops buy their puppies from puppy mills at a very young age, before the pups have been properly socialized. This is why many pet store bought puppies have illnesses or behavior problems.
  3. Pet shops buy their puppies cheap, and sell them fast at markups of 400 percent and more. They are in it for the sale, not the well being of the puppy.
  4. Pet shops offer "creative financing" which sounds nice to the buyer. HOWEVER, a pet is a living thing, not something that should be financed. Also, you may be able to buy a show quality puppy from a breeder for the same price as the pet shops sell their puppies!
  5. Fuzzy puppy syndrome. Pet shops live off this. They want you to come in and hold that ball of fur, fall in love, and impulse buy! DONT FALL FOR THE FUZZY PUPPY SYNDROM!! Go home, to a bookstore, or library and research that breed! Find yourself a good breeder. It will save you tons of heartache.

 

One small note. All of these places sell AKC or UKC registered puppies. Just because a puppy is registered does NOT make it breeding quality! AKC and UKC are only organizations that confirm the dog is of pure blood. They do not, nor are they supposed to, decide whether a dog should be bred. Please do not think because a dog is registered it is of breeding quality!

Finially, you should NEVER rush out and buy a dog. Do your homework. Decide a few things first.

  1. Do you even need a dog?
  2. Should you get an adult or a puppy?
  3. Research different breeds and decide which one you think would fit best into your home.
  4. Find a breeder (if you are reading this, you are halfway there! The net is a wonderful place to research your breed and find a reputable breeder near you!).
  5. Finally, visit several breeders and see if that breed and that breeder are right for you!

Good Luck