Choosing a dog breeder can be a daunting task, especially with the prevalence of backyard breeders who may appear reputable at first glance. It is crucial to understand the difference between a responsible breeder and one who prioritizes profit over the health and well-being of their animals.
Understaning AKC Registration
When looking for a reputable breeder, it's crucial to understand what AKC registration and pedigree papers truly mean. Many assume that having AKC papers is a guarantee of a dog's quality, but it's important to dig deeper.
-Pedigree Information: AKC registration primarily provides information about a dog's lineage. It confirms that the dog is purebred and lists its ancestors.
-Basic Standards: While it indicates that the dog meets basic breed standards, it doesn't delve into the dog's health, temperament, or overall quality.
The Key Distinction: Purpose Behind Dog Breeding
A Backyard Breeders Soul Purpose Is To Make A Large Profit. Backyard breeders prioritize profit over the welfare of the animals. This often results in poor health testing and care, leading to significant health issues in the dogs. They lack a commitment to improving breed quality, which can negatively impact individual dogs and the breed's reputation.
Responsible Breeders: A Commitment to Quality
In contrast, responsible breeders are driven by a love for dogs and focus on health and quality. They provide proper care, invest in the welfare of their animals, and adhere to strict breeding standards. While this may lead to financial losses, their priority remains the well-being of the dogs. Responsible breeders also engage with breed clubs to enhance breed standards, benefiting the entire dog community.
Red Flags vs Green Flags:
Red Flag #1 🚩
The breeder doesn’t do specific health testing on the parents. A Backyard breeder will often say the dogs are vet checked. However a vet check does not provide enough information if the dog should be bred.
Green Flag #1 ✅
A reputable breeder does specific health testing on both of the parents. This should include things such as OFA, Pennhip, and genetic testing. This information should be readily provided and can be seen on websites such as OFA.org
Red Flag #2 🚩
The breeder doesn't do temperament assessments on the puppies. A backyard breeder typically does not do any temperament assessments on the puppies and will place a puppy with any individual, couple or family regardless if they are a good fit.
Green Flag #2 ✅
A reputable breeder does temperament assessments on the puppies. A good breeder will take the time to handle and evaluate each puppy. They will do at least one temperament assessment at 7 weeks. They will then choose the puppy that is best suited for each individual, couple or family.
Red Flag #3 🚩
-Ths Breeder only has “pet dogs” and has little to no involvement in the dog world. This breeder does not test dogs in shows, trials or isn’t involved in dog training and/or sports. .
Green Flag #3 ✅
-A reputable breeder is actively involved in the dog world. They are involved in training, dog shows, sport clubs, agility, competition/trials. The Pups pedigree is filled with dogs who have obtained show titles/working certificates. The breeder is highly knowledgeable about the pups ancestry, and the breed.
Red Flag #4 🚩
-The breeder will not do an interview of the individual/couple/family and will not require a signed contract. Unfortunately most backyard breeders do not care what happens to the puppies once they are sold.
Green Flag #4 ✅
-A reputable breeder does an interview with the individual/couple/family. They will not sell to impulse buyers. A Reputable breeder cares about what happens to the puppies and WILL have a contract saying if things don’t work out the puppy must come back to them (the breeder.) They will also help with any issues you come across. They will also recommend training, food and will require spaying and neutering.
Red Flag #5 🚩
-The breeder sells a puppy under the age of 8 Weeks old. Which is not only illegal in 16 states, but can lead to many behavioral issues as a puppy will miss out on a crucial socialization period with their littermates. This breeder will also not do any other socialization, desensitization, nor training with the puppies.
Green Flag #5 ✅
-A reputable breeder will never allow a puppy to go to their new home under the age of 8 weeks. A reputable breeder will also expose the puppy to safe and new sights, sounds, textures, and even start crate training! These puppies should have a basic idea of potty training by the time they come home. (Due to proper setup and training)
Red Flag #6 🚩
-The breeder will allow anyone to come visit the puppies at any age without properly disinfecting.
Green Flag #6 ✅
-A reputable breeder will NOT allow a person to visit puppies under a certain age, typically under 4 Weeks. This breeder will require you to wash your hands, and spray your shoes when visiting to prevent the puppies from catching anything. This breeder will allow you to see the facility and meet the female and stud if on property (If no current litters under 4 Weeks).
Red Flag #7 🚩
A breeder that will allow you to take 2 puppies from the same litter home.
Green Flag #7 ✅
A Reputable breeder would never allow a person to take more than 1 puppy home. As they understand that the puppies can easily develop Litter-mate Syndrome. Litter-mate Syndrome is when 2 puppies bond with each other more than bonding with the owners. They become incredibly co-dependent and easily develop separation anxiety.
Red Flag #8 🚩
A breeder that sells puppies at a pet store, flea market, on the side of the road, or out of the back of their car. Puppies sold in malls typically come from Puppy Mills.
Green Flag #8 ✅
A reputable breeder would never sell their puppies at a pet store, flea market, on the side of the road and/or out of their car. Their advertising is done professionally. Some reputable breeders may not even need to advertise, and do not have a hard time selling puppies.
Red Flag #9 🚩
A breeder that sells puppies at different prices. This breeder offers "discount puppies" and/or charges extra for a specific coat or eye color.
Green Flag #9 ✅
A reputable breeder does not sell discounted puppies, nor charge extra for a specific coat or eye color. A reputable breeder may charge extra for additional training.
In conclusion, engaging with a reputable breeder through thoughtful questioning is vital for the well-being of your future pet. By prioritizing animal health, confirming ethical practices, understanding breed characteristics, ensuring proper socialization, and recognizing potential red flags, you can make an informed decision that benefits both you and your new companion. A responsible breeder will be eager to share information and address your concerns, ultimately guiding you toward a healthy, well-adjusted pet. Taking these steps not only fosters a positive relationship with your breeder but also sets the foundation for a happy and fulfilling life with your new furry friend.
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