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PLEASE! HELP US EDUCATE POTENTIAL PUPPY OWNERS ON WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A RESPONSIBLE BREEDER, SO WE CAN STOP PUPPY FARMERS AND UNETHICAL "breeders" FROM PROFITING AT THE EXPENSE OF THE DOGS AND UNSUSPECTING NEW OWNERS.
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ARE YOU BETTING ON THE WRONG BREEDER?
BUYING PUPPIES FROM BREEDERS: WHAT EVERY PROSPECTIVE GUARDIAN NEEDS TO KNOW
by Friends of the Dog
BUYING PUPPIES FROM BREEDERS: WHAT EVERY PROSPECTIVE GUARDIAN NEEDS TO KNOW
by Friends of the Dog
Many people assume that purchasing a purebred puppy from a registered breeder guarantees a healthy, ethically bred dog. However, this isn’t always the case. Sadly, some breeders prioritize profit over proper breeding practices, leading to puppies with potential health and behavioural issues. By buying from these breeders, prospective guardians may unknowingly support unethical practices and perpetuate irresponsible breeding.
The responsibility lies with the prospective guardian to make an informed decision. Think of it like choosing a new home: just as you wouldn’t make such a significant choice without research, care, and consideration, selecting a puppy requires due diligence. This decision impacts your family and the quality of life for the puppy. This guide will help you navigate the process and avoid unethical breeders.
Verifying a Breeder’s Registration
Some breeders may claim they are “registered,” but this does not always mean they follow ethical practices. Here’s what to consider when evaluating a breeder’s credibility:
Breed Registries and Inspections:
Some registries, like the American Kennel Club (AKC), perform routine inspections to ensure proper care and adherence to breed standards. However, many registries simply maintain family trees without conducting inspections or enforcing ethical practices.
In countries like South Africa, prospective guardians need to confirm conditions themselves. If a breeder refuses a visit to their premises, consider it a red flag.
Transparency and Documentation:
Ethical breeders should be open about their practices, the puppy’s lineage, and any potential health concerns. Don’t hesitate to ask for the following:
Commitment to the Breed:
Ethical breeders invest considerable time, money, and effort into their chosen breed. They do not compromise quality by selling to just anyone or by forgoing a proper screening process. Expect higher prices, as reputable breeders prioritize the well-being of the dogs over profit.
Warning Signs of an Unethical Breeder
Avoid breeders who exhibit any of the following red flags:
Bringing a puppy into your home is a significant responsibility that goes beyond financial considerations. Ensuring that your puppy comes from a reputable, ethical breeder is essential for the well-being of both your family and the puppy.
"There are thousands of puppies, young dogs, and adult dogs in shelters and breed rescues, all full of love and simply longing for a home of their own. Please consider supporting these organizations when looking for the new addition to your family."
The responsibility lies with the prospective guardian to make an informed decision. Think of it like choosing a new home: just as you wouldn’t make such a significant choice without research, care, and consideration, selecting a puppy requires due diligence. This decision impacts your family and the quality of life for the puppy. This guide will help you navigate the process and avoid unethical breeders.
Verifying a Breeder’s Registration
Some breeders may claim they are “registered,” but this does not always mean they follow ethical practices. Here’s what to consider when evaluating a breeder’s credibility:
Breed Registries and Inspections:
Some registries, like the American Kennel Club (AKC), perform routine inspections to ensure proper care and adherence to breed standards. However, many registries simply maintain family trees without conducting inspections or enforcing ethical practices.
In countries like South Africa, prospective guardians need to confirm conditions themselves. If a breeder refuses a visit to their premises, consider it a red flag.
Transparency and Documentation:
Ethical breeders should be open about their practices, the puppy’s lineage, and any potential health concerns. Don’t hesitate to ask for the following:
- Registration certificates for the breeder, sire, and dam.
- Written sale agreement with clear terms and conditions.
- Health screening records for common breed-related diseases.
- Veterinary records showing that puppies and parents have been vaccinated and dewormed.
- Return policy in case the dog develops a hereditary condition later in life.
- Sterilization requirements to prevent irresponsible breeding.
- An ethical breeder should allow you to meet the puppies and parents at their premises, where you can assess the environment.
- Avoid breeders who insist on secrecy or lack socialization protocols for the puppies.
Commitment to the Breed:
Ethical breeders invest considerable time, money, and effort into their chosen breed. They do not compromise quality by selling to just anyone or by forgoing a proper screening process. Expect higher prices, as reputable breeders prioritize the well-being of the dogs over profit.
Warning Signs of an Unethical Breeder
Avoid breeders who exhibit any of the following red flags:
- Puppies under 8 weeks old: Reputable breeders will not sell puppies younger than 8 weeks, as early separation can lead to behavioural issues like separation anxiety.
- Online or Free Advertisements: Be cautious of breeders selling puppies on free websites or personal sites, which often lack oversight.
- Reluctance to Meet at the Breeding Premises: An ethical breeder should welcome you to visit their premises.
- Breeding Multiple or Unofficial Breeds: Breeding multiple breeds or “designer” crossbreeds (e.g., Goldendoodles) often signals commercial breeding practices.
- Terms like “rare” or “discounted”: Phrases like “rare colour” or “discounted price” suggest non-standard breeding practices.
- Constant Availability: A reputable breeder does not overbreed and often has a waitlist rather than constantly available puppies.
- Lack of Knowledge and Certification: Unethical breeders often lack detailed knowledge of the breed and cannot provide proper documentation for health screenings.
- Purchasing from an unethical breeder can lead to unexpected vet bills and behavioural problems, affecting the dog’s quality of life and family integration. If you can’t find an ethical breeder, consider adopting from shelters or breed rescues. Many puppies from unethical breeders end up in shelters once their appeal fades or they develop issues.
Bringing a puppy into your home is a significant responsibility that goes beyond financial considerations. Ensuring that your puppy comes from a reputable, ethical breeder is essential for the well-being of both your family and the puppy.
"There are thousands of puppies, young dogs, and adult dogs in shelters and breed rescues, all full of love and simply longing for a home of their own. Please consider supporting these organizations when looking for the new addition to your family."
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