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Breeder FAQs
By Missy
Brown
So, not all breeders are 'bad.' So, what things separate the reputable
breeders from the backyard breeders? What kind of breeders are there
anyway?
Puppy
Millers - A puppy
mill is a mass-breeding operation. Most of the puppies found in pet
stores come from this kind of facility. Generally, these facilities
care little for the welfare of their breeding dogs, and they are often
unsocialized, kept in poor conditions, and bred at every season. To
learn more about them, visit the HSUS site on
puppy mills.
Backyard Breeders - This is a term that refers to the people that are
either breeding to make a buck, or are carelessly breeding without knowing
exactly what a breeder should do. These are typically what you'll find
in your local paper, and when you ask questions about health certifications,
they'll either blow you off, or say, "Huh?!?!"
Reputable Breeders - These are the backbone of the breeds as we know
them today. A reputable breeder is one that truly cares about
bettering the breed, will do all of their clearances on the breeding dogs,
will screen potential owners very carefully, and will normally offer a
guarantee and ask that you sign a contract.
To help
you determine if the breeder you are contacting is a puppy miller or a
backyard breeder, try going over our "Uh-oh" checklist. If you
answer yes to one or more of these, find a different breeder. The
GRCA,
Golden Retriever Club of America can help you find a reputable breeder.
1.
You are in a puppy kennel or pet store.
2. This is an ad in the paper. (This isn't always the
case...some reputable
breeders can and will advertise in papers)
3. There are no health clearances on the dam or sire.
4. There are no registration papers.
5. They don't ask YOU many questions.
6. They don't show their dogs and have no affiliations with
breed clubs.
7. They are only asking for a small amount.
8. You aren't able to see the dam, the sire, or photos. (Most
reputable
breeders will have the dam on site and at least
photos of the stud if he
is not theirs.)
9. They breed many litters a year.
10. There are a few different breeds.
11. There is no vet record (worming, shots, etc.) available for your pup.
12. The dam and sire are related. (Some reputable breeders will carefully
line breed their dogs, but those breedings should be done with extreme
caution.)
13. You are purchasing the pup sight unseen. (This sometimes happens with
long distance purchases, though.)
14. They won't give you names of previous puppy buyers.
15. The dogs & pups are kept outside and not in the home.
16. The dogs don't look healthy.
17. The environment they are kept in is dirty.
18. There isn't fresh water available.
19. The dam or sire is under two years of age.
20. They won't disclose possible genetic problems with the breed.
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