Thursday, July 30, 2009

What determines a REPUTABLE breeder?

Specifically pointed towards Boxer breeders, other breeds okay to include.
Answers:
Health testing (not just simple vet exams) done prior to breeding,
pedigree research,
showing or having all dogs considered for breeding evalauted for breed standard,
temperament testing,
knowledgable in whelping, breeding, newborn care,
knowledge of health issues that affect their breed,
available to help all new owners if they have a question or need help,
taking back or helping rehome any puppy/dog produced /sold by them for the entire lifetime of that dog regardless of reason,
health guarantee for genetic defects good for 2 years,
not selling any puppy under 8 weeks old,
making sure all pups have first vaccinations %26 vet exam before going to new homes,
carefully screening ALL potential buyers,
proper socialization of all pups %26 parents,
selling all pets on spay/neuter agreements and limited registration,
registering dogs with a legit registry not one of the scam registries,
I guess reputable breeders,are familiar with their line for several generations,tell you about their dogs*faults* as well as strengths,
give you rating on their hips (OPD) or w/e you call it.help you select a puppy that has a temperament that's compatible with you and your handling skills--and may talk you out of a puppy that you like and will offer to refund your money or give you a replacement puppy if your puppy develops health problems.
There are so many things that make the difference.. but, you can spot a reputable breeder right off. They will ask more questions about YOU than you can ask about the dog..They care more about WHERE the puppy goes, than in making a sale.any time a breeder tries to talk you in to buying their dog..back off!

They will also WRITE that you can return the dog for any reason at any time..that it has a 100% guarantee of your satisfaction..

I tell my puppy buyers, that if you can even think about parting with it, I want it back! (in writing)
vet records, registration papers, healthy animals, parasite free, they ask u for refrences, they ask u to send pictures.
What is a breeder
WHAT IS A BREEDER A Breeder (with a capital B) is one who thirsts for knowledge and never really knows it all, one who wrestles with decisions of conscience, convenience, and commitments.A Breeder is one who sacrifices personal interests, finances, time, friendships, fancy furniture, and deep pile carpeting! She gives up the dreams of a long, luxurious cruise as she sits home waiting for the next litter to be born, or cares for the pups currently residing in her home.A Breeder goes without sleep (but never without coffee) in hours spent planning a breeding or watching anxiously over the birth process, and afterwards, over every little sneeze, wiggle or cry.A Breeder skips dinner parties because that litter is due or the babies have to be fed at eight. She disregards birth fluids and puts mouth to mouth to save a gasping newborn, literally blowing life into a tiny helpless creature that may be the culmination of a lifetime of dreams.A Breeder's lap is a marvelous place where generations of proud and noble champions once snoozed.A Breeders hands are strong and firm and often soiled, but ever so gentle and sensitive to the thrusts of a puppy's wet nose.A Breeders back and knees are usually arthritic from stooping, bending, and sitting in the birthing box, but are strong enough to care forr the dogs and pups in her home.A Breeders arms are always able to wield a mop, support an armful of puppies, or lend a helping hand to a newcomer.A Breeders ears are wonderous things, sometimes red (from being talked about) or strangely shaped (from being pressed against the phone receiver), often deaf to criticism, yet always fine-tuned to the whimper of a sick puppy.A Breeders brain is foggy on faces, but it can recall past litters and previous puppy buyers faster than an IBM computer. It's so full of knowledge that sometimes it blows a fuse: It catalogues thousands of good bonings, fine ears, and perfect heads. and buries in the soul the failures and the ones that didn't turn out.A Breeders heart is often broken, with a pup that didn't make it, a dam that died during whelping, the sight of a pup leaving for a new home, but it beats strongly with hope everlasting.and it's always in the right place!OH YES, THERE ARE breeders, AND THEN THERE ARE BREEDERS!!AUTHOR UNKNOWN . signs of a bad breeder:A breeder that breeds every heat cycle without regard to the health of the dam, only out to make a buck.
A breeder that breeds her dogs much too young, some as early as six months, during theur first heat cycle.
A breeder that sells "teacup" Chihuahuas, and asks ridiculously high prices for these wonderful pups.
A breeder that will "guarantee" the size of a pup as an adult, because altho you may make an educated guess, there is no way to guarantee how big or how small a pup will be. Your guaranteed 3 lb chi, may end up over 10 lb.
A breeder that has not educated herself about the breed she is raising. They should be able and willing to answer any of your question, before you buy a puppy and after the puppy goes to its new home.
A breeder that will not allow you to go to their home and see where the pups are raised. They may ask to meet you in a parking lot somewhere.
A breeder that does not take the pups to the vet to be checked before they are sold. The vet should check them all over, give them their first shots, and should worm them.
A breeder that raises several breeds of dogs.
A breeder that raises pups in cages where they are stacked floor to ceiling in tiny little rooms. This is a puppy mill.
. vs CKC vs No papersAKC is the most well known Canine registry in the US, but more and more breeders are steering away from AKC, because of the never ending list of fees and such that have to be paid, adding on to the cost of the pups that have to be passed on to the buyers. CKC has grown rapidly in popularity over the past few years and will continue to grow at a fast pace. AKC will always be the choice of registry for those wanting to show. Does having an AKC pup/dog mean that it is of a better quality than a CKC? An emphatic NO. Each pup/dog and each breeder should be judged on its on merits, not on what kind of papers are involved. Even puppies with no papers can be just as good as an AKC pup. A lot of the puppy mills sell AKC pups, but the quality and health of those pups are usually of the lowest quality. Research your breed and your breeder. Find one that you are happy with.
A reputable is a breeder who is breeding to improve the breed and NOT just to make money. The best breeders will want to know where their pets are going and is the home a good souroundingn for the dog. Make sure to choose a smart breeder who understands the breed and wants to pass down excellent traits and wants to improve the breed. Don't buy from a breeder who wants just the money and the one that doesn't have the mom on hand. Tell me how it goes!
The first thing that comes to mind is where are their dogs housed? do they live outside in kennels, or in the home like a family member? this will help you know how much time, effort, and money is put into the care of these dogs and puppies.
Also, the breeder should have a questionnaire for you to fill out. Much like an adoption application at a rescue. they will want to know all about you, your family members, lifestyle, career, work schedule, etc. They may even want to visit your home and may ask for a vet reference.
Don't be fooled by registries, not all breeders register their dogs with the AKC. Unless it is a champion line, it's not necessary.
What have they DONE with their dogs? I want my dogs to DO something ,not just crank out puppies. They are certified therapy dogs, have their Canine Good citizen award, have attended obedience class, etc.
Are they members of any dog clubs? Breeder clubs or Breed clubs? Some breeders do not choose to be part of a breed club, and I don't blame them. But they should, somehow, be active in the dog community.
Are the dogs health tested? If not, does the breeder have several generations of their line? It's not really necessary to health test your dogs if you have raised 5 healthy, happy generations of these lines.
and where did they get the breeding dogs? Auctions? pet shops? Out of the paper? This makes a difference, you don't want to buy a junk puppy out of two junk dogs.
Also, some rescues can recommend a breeder. A GOOD rescue will understand that a rescue dog isn't for everyone. if they don't understand that.hang up. lesson learned. Good luck with your puppy purchase!
Oh, I have a great website about breeders that should answer your question. I'll post the link.

It's called Defining and Finding A Responsible Breeder
It might not be easy, but it is sure worth it in the long run! Some of these pages have been written for a specific breed, but the info given will apply to all breeds.

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