How do you decide who is a reputable breeder and who is just a backyard breeder?
Well first things first. A reputable breeder doesn’t breed for money. So going to their place with cash won’t get you in the door. They never sell dogs to Pet Stores or research facilities for experiments.
Backyard breeders breed their dogs to make a little bit of money or because they have a dog with "papers", or because their "cute" or they have a rare color, but their dogs have not proven they’re worth breeding, they aren’t showing them to make sure they are the best and should be bred. Or they breed to make mix breed dogs, ladradoodles, yorkie-poos, maltipoos, puggles etc…these types of dogs are at the shelters all the time, we use to call them mutts or mongrels. Now they gave them a fancy name and then charge 100’s of dollars. Take Labradoodles for example: There is no standard yet for these dogs, you might get a poodle body and straight hair that sheds like crazy, or wirey hair that doesn’t shed but has the big body, high energy, jumping of a labrador. Both of these breeds are known for high energy, need a job or I’ll create my own amusement type of personalities, and they are highly trainable so they bounce off the walls if you don’t provide it. Those who have bred for generations on these dogs have spent the time and energy to perfect and get a breed standard for them, that is who you want, not a first generation breeder who doesn’t know what they’re doing.
Anytime you breed 2 dogs you should be asking, "how do I better the breed by putting these 2 together?" Both of those dogs need the basic test and certifications from a qualified Vet or specialist, they need to be temperamentally sound, and shown they should be bred.
So how do you know who is and isn’t?
A good breeder:
- Only specializes in maybe 1 or 2 breeds
- Usually has a list of buyers, and doesn’t usually breed unless they have homes lined up already
- Allows you to come see the family and even encourages you to meet the pups that are available and to do so frequently.
- Keeps their dogs in the home not in kennels or runs outside.
- The dogs seem to be happy and healthy, are excited about new people and aren’t shy or timid or aggressive. Ask how they are on walks, or go on a walk to see if they are okay with strange dogs, dog aggression can start with genetics, just as timid, shy or fearful aggression. You may not be able to meet the Dad so the Mother is of utmost importance.
- Shows you the area the pups and mom are kept, this area should be relatively clean.
- Knows their particular breed and what the standards are: according to size, body type, color, coat and temperament.
- Has a good relationship with a vet, and shows you when the pups and mom went for a check up, also what shots will be needed as they grow.
- They can explain in detail what genetic problems their particular breed can have. They provide documents on what test the Mom and Dad and grandparents had, like OFA for hips (or a Penn hip test), and any extra test to prove their dogs don’t show any signs of genetic defects.
- Explains the importance of socialization and early training. (The Humane Society says to get pups in a class by the time they are 10-12 weeks old, the trainer should use positive reinforcement, has a place that can be sanitized and cleaned, and participants should be required to show current proof of shots that are age appropriate).
- Gives references from others who have bought their pups, and they themselves are available for questions.
- Feeds their dogs and the puppies a "premium" high quality, brand of food. And tells you what that is so you can get some, or actually gives you some for the first few days.
- May not have pups available but has a list of interested people.
- Is involved in their local, or national club, or even rescue. Good breeders may also compete in conformation, obedience, field, search and rescue, tracking,and agility trials, one or the other or all, depending on the breed and what they are bred for.
- Provides a health guarantee and a written document to say to return the dog if problems arise or genetic issues emerge.
Reputable Breeders also ask a lot of questions from you:
- Why you want a dog, in particular this breed of dog?
- Who in your family will be responsible for the pup; things like daily care, training, where the dog will spend most of their time, is everyone on board with getting a dog, and will be consistent on what is and is not acceptable behavior.
- Do you have a vet already? They should ask for the name and number.
- Do you own or rent your home? Is your landlord okay with you getting a dog? (if you rent)
- Has you sign a contract to spay or neuter your dog unless you plan to show them, and if it’s a pet quality only, some will spay/neuter the dog before you get them.
- Signed contract that you will return the dog to them at anytime of their life if you can not keep them.
This the minimum that should be met, some breeders are even harder to get a dog from. Now you see why I say a reputable breeder will not sell to a Pet Store, because they can’t interact with the buyers, to make sure you are a good match for the pup and you’ll provide a lifelong commitment.
Take the time to find a reputable breeder, personally visit the breeder’s home. Remember your dog may live to be10-20 years old, so starting with a healthy, happy dog with good temperament is a must. You will thank yourself for the rest of your dogs life.
