59 Choosing A Breeder

Our first four dogs came from a variety of sources. Pooh Bear, my first dog as an adult, was a gift from an ex-roommate whose dog had an unplanned litter of pups. Our second was from a Golden Retriever owner who discovered keeping her dog in an outside pen wasn’t enough to keep the Labrador from down the street from contributing to a litter. Missy was the product of a backyard breeder with good intentions and bad judgment and Dodi came from a rescue group. They were/are each wonderful dogs in so many ways. This time I decided I wanted a purebred for several reasons but, as Bob has pointed out in his last two columns, getting a purebred is not a guarantee of getting a happy, healthy dog. How does one choose a breeder? Homework!

I classify breeders into three categories: puppy millers, backyard breeders, and experienced breeders. The differences between them can determine whether you have a dog that is happy, healthy, and well-socialized or a dog that is chronically ill, injured, or behaviorally challenged. Taking time to identify a breeder who is in it for the dogs and not for the money will benefit you as the years pass.

Puppy mill breeders have a bad reputation and it is deserved. On January 1, 2010, the Commercial Breeder Act went into effect in Tennessee, mandating licensure and regulation of commercial breeders - those operations housing 20 or more breeding females. It was designed to protect the consumer, but the caveat “buyer beware” still holds. Licensing and regulating a business does not guarantee its product. Any operation in which the dogs are kept outside in crates, away from normal activities of daily life, will increase your chances of getting a dog with a wide range of behavior problems. Most of these breeders do not worry about inherited weaknesses being passed on and your chances of getting a dog with structural and health problems is great. They usually have 3 or more different breeds and turn out not only “purebred dogs,” but also all sorts of yorkicockershnauzipoos. Be aware that many puppy millers also sell to pet stores. Resist the urge to rescue (buy) that cute little pup. Not only will you pay now, but you’ll pay for years to come in the form of vet bills and behavior consultations.

Backyard breeders are probably the most common breeders in existence. They usually have good hearts, love their breed, and breed their dogs to make a little extra money. Most have one, maybe two different breeds, and their dogs can be house dogs or may be left outside in a kennel. Ideally, they believe they are providing a good dog to the public for much less money than an experienced breeder. They breed their dog with one belonging to a friend or acquaintance, generally based on looks and rarely on health or temperament.

Experienced breeders usually look not only at appearance, but also want to have clear hips, eyes, hearts, and reduced incidence of any genetic flaw linked to their breed. They will usually offer CHIC information (Canine Health Information Center - http://www.caninehealthinfo.org/) on the parent dogs. The database is “a tool that collects health information on individual animals from multiple sources. This centralized pool of data is maintained to assist breeders in making more informed breeding choices, and for scientists in conducting research.” They use extreme care in selecting two dogs which will enhance the breed. Registration in an organization like AKC or UKC is not a guarantee of quality, but experienced breeders are usually involved in some type of show activity and also participate in breed rescue.

So how can you tell which breeder to choose as none will admit to being anything less than experienced? There are questions you should ask the breeder. Will you take the puppy back if I choose not to keep him? Do you participate in breed rescue? Are you a member of the breed club? How long have you specialized in this particular breed of dog? Do your dogs have any titles? Do you use an early neurological stimulation program such as the Bio Sensor Program (http://www.breedingbetterdogs.com/articles/early_neurological_stimulation_en.html)? Do you offer support for at least the first year?

Most reputable breeders will have many questions for you as well and may require you to submit an application. Since they care about the future of their pups, expect to answer questions regarding your experience with the breed. How many children are in the home (are any under 6)? Is your yard fenced and, if not, how will you exercise your dog? What activities do you plan to do with your dog? Have you contacted a trainer about classes? Who is or will be your veterinarian? Can you give three references who can attest to the fact that you will meet the dog’s needs? You will also be required to spay/neuter the dog and probably will not receive registration papers until the breeder has proof that this has been done. Prepare to spend a lot of money.

Visit a dog show and talk with people who are exhibiting that breed. Ask friends and professionals for breeder recommendations. Narrow your search to two or three breeders, then ask more questions, visit their facilities, meet the parent dogs. Homework. It can save you years of heartache.