![]() The only reason to intentionally perpetuate them is to cash in on the naiveté of buyers who are willing to pay top dollar because of their “rarity.”ĭogs are living beings, not widgets on a shelf, and as a result, breeders can’t control everything that happens with them. This includes Toy dog breeders who boast about their “teacups”: These cleverly marketed runts are susceptible to a variety of health problems – starting with the inability to maintain their blood-sugar levels – and are not a recognized size in any breed.įad colors should also send you streaking for the exit. Run, don’t walk, from any breeder who is actively marketing puppies that deviate from the breed standard. Most would rather gnaw broken glass than purposefully breed for any trait that defies the requirements of the standard. Reputable breeders have one goal in mind: To produce healthy, and physically and behaviorally stable dogs that meet the standard – the written description of the breed. What’s most important is having a network of smart and responsive peers to rely on for guidance in situations they haven’t yet encountered. While breeders should be very knowledgeable about their breed, no one – no matter what their experience level – knows the answer to every question. Ask about that individual, and then do some more research. If he is doing things right, he will almost always have an established mentor or co-breeder who is guiding him. So don’t discount a breeder just because he is new and having his first litter. Long-time breeders will often have waiting lists of repeat customers who understandably will be given priority over newcomers. Oftentimes, skimming his Facebook page will give you a good sense of how well regarded he is, and by whom: Look for comments from fellow breeders who themselves appear well established and reputable. Obviously, the longer a breeder has been breeding, the more experience he has, and the easier it will be to research him. The underlying question is: Has this breeder done anything to give back to the breed? But a breeder should have some involvement in the dog fancy at large, such as membership in an all-breed dog club, or a performance or obedience club. And, conversely, some very respected and successful breeders do not belong to their breed club because of politics and personality conflicts. The occasional bad apple can find its way into any club. Does she belong to any committees or hold any offices? Does she volunteer to help put on any club activities? Does she attend the national specialty, which is an annual show that gathers all the breed faithful? Does she belong to any regional or local clubs for the breed?Ī caveat: While belonging to a parent club is a good sign, it shouldn’t be your only criterion. To join a parent club, members often must sign a code of ethics that usually includes mandated health testing and a disavowal of “fads.” (More on that later.)īeyond basic membership, look to see how involved a breeder is. For their part, breeders often belong to their breed’s parent club – the organization recognized by the American Kennel Club as the official steward of the breed in the United States. It’s human nature: Like-minded individuals who share the same values and goals are drawn to one another. Here are some considerations to guide you in your search. Instead, you’re going to have to do some research, leavened with a dollop of good, old-fashioned gut instinct. For the uninitiated, expertise imparts a shroud of mystery: If you have no idea what a carburetor is, or think a meniscus is a sport they play at the Olympics, how in the world do you pick the best car mechanic or orthopedic surgeon?ĭog breeders present an even more vexing conundrum: There’s no perfect directory to help you find a responsible, reputable breeder.
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