Characteristics of a Reputable Breeder

1. Provides a written contract of sale with a health guarantee and written instructions on feeding, training, grooming and care

2. Provides access to the mother (dam) who should be on site and exhibit a healthy, happy temperament. She should also have some sort of Showing background.

3. Does not sell puppies until they are at least 8 weeks old or in some cases older

4. Shows you where the puppies are kept. This area should be very clean, spacious, have water in sight, and toys gallore

5. Provides you with a record of the dates and types of vaccinations and de-worming done, feeding instructions, a pedigree, and a "blue slip" to apply for registration of the puppy in your own name with the AKC/CKC/ or UKC.

5. Is able to prove he has performed pre-breeding health checks on the parents

7. Provides references of people who have purchased puppies in the past, the names of other breeders, and the veterinarian who provides care for the breeder's dogs.

8. Offers a return-buy back policy and make it clear that his/her responsibility continues as long as the dog is alive. They should be available for advice whenever needed, and help you over many rough spots.

9. Is involved in some way with rescue organizations

10. Abides by code of ethics, typically by belonging to a breed club or association

11. Is very knowledgeable about the breed he or she is selling, and does not show ignorance towards other breeds.

12. Requires or encourages the neutering of all pet-quality dogs (spay/neuter contracts)

13. Sells puppies only to approved buyers and never sells to brokers, BYB, or puppy mills

14. Can discuss socialization of the puppies and can make recommendations for their continued socialization and training

15. Usually breeds no more than two breeds, or bi-yearly of all dams

By being a Responsible Dog Owner, and buying from a Reputable Dog Breeder, you will be getting a great start on a lifetime of unconditional puppy love.

 

What does that mean,"pet quality"?

 

Please get your pet from a shelter. So many animals in shelters are put to sleep each year that it is not funny, yet breeders keep churning them out. Responsible dog owners do not buy their puppies from breeders.

"Pet quality" means they are not show quality, that is, if you showed them they would not win prizes. Regarding point 2 a dog doesn not have to have a mother that has a showing record to be a good pet.

Remember, responsible dog owners get their dogs from a shelter!

 

Ah yeah,that's what I thought "pet quality" meant...an animal not "good enough" to show. That's bullshit....I agree with everything you said,Kiz.