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How to Choose a Reputable Breeder
By Scotty Valadao – Friends of the Dog
(If you are not going to give a shelter dog a home - then please read this before finding a breeder)
Congratulations! You have now done the homework required to see if you really do want another dog as well as chosen the breed, now comes the most exciting time – buying your puppy! This pup may be with you and your family for well over a decade, so you owe it to yourself and your family to do the research on where to purchase your pup from. Here are some ideas and tips for you to think about before you make the purchase
One thing you don’t want to do is to make an emotional purchase such as the song ‘how much is that puppy in the window, the one with the wiggly tail’? What you do need to do instead, is find a reputable breeder.
If you saw the show on Carte Blanche some time ago on puppy farms, you will know exactly what I mean. If you have any doubt that these sort of places exist, then just contact any of the Rescue Organizations and they will give you the facts. Many of these pups are born into inhumane conditions that no animal lover would tolerate. Just think that perhaps when you buy a pup from anybody other than a reputable breeder, you are putting money into the packets of these irresponsible people and are a factor in this practice continuing. Although you may think that you are giving this pup a good home, which you probably are, all you are achieving is reinforcing the reason why pups are being sold in these places – profit.
Are you aware that when the pups mentioned above have passed their ‘sell by date’ they will probably end up in Rescue Centres (or even worse)? Now you may well be thinking that ‘at least if I give them a home they won’t be euthanized’. Yes, you are correct, but where do we draw the line? Unfortunately, I am afraid it is a case of a few must be sacrificed in order to stop this practice, and I myself hate the idea of this. But, and this is a big but, what I hate more is when an owner is in tears after their new purchase from the pet shop dies at the vet due to distemper or some other, almost totally preventable disease, or I am called in to deal with hereditary reactive/fear behaviour and the like.
Pups purchased from anywhere other than a reputable breeder, such as the above and those practising irresponsible breeding, very often have diseases – both infectious and hereditary so not only is the life of the pup at risk, you are putting the rest of your canine family at risk and opening yourself to both heartbreak and possible unnecessary financial outlay to your vet.
A further factor to take into consideration is that dogs purchased from places other than reputable breeders are often kept together in cages. A dog is a naturally clean animal and will not eliminate where it sleeps – unfortunately there is seldom a separate toilet areas supplied for these pups, which often leads to difficulty in toilet training.
Another point to consider is that pups purchased from irresponsible breeders are normally taken away from their mother at about 5-6 weeks of age (I have worked with pup that were sold as 7 weeks of age and the vet has said more in the region of 4 weeks!). This is one of the most critical periods of a pup’s life. It is the time of critical social development – pup learns about itself, develops its relationship with the other pups, learns how to play and bite inhibition. This is the age that the mother will start to discipline and teach her pups basic manners. So many of the dogs I work with that have behaviour problems, especially fear and reactive behaviour, have been purchased from places supplied by irresponsible breeders. The period from 8 – 16 weeks is one of the most important times in your pup’s life, it is called ‘the window of opportunity’, a time when your pup can meet and assimilate new experiences into its life with little trouble. After the 16 weeks (approximate, dependant on breed), the ‘curtain comes down’ and socializing and new experiences become more difficult to accept.
A further concern to take into account is that pups not purchased from reputable breeders may even end up being a cross breed, due to lack of vigilance on the breeders side. This is not an unusual occurrence; it is one I come across on a regular basis. A miniature ends up being anything but a miniature; a so-called pure bred GSD can end up looking like a cross between a GSD and another breed etc. As the owner has already fallen in love with their purchase, nothing further is done about it although, unlike a reputable breeder who would replace the dog, the irresponsible breeder is unlikely to even offer this.
What about the pups, often in bad condition and as I have personally seen, with a wire around their necks as a collar (for show!) found being sold on the side of the road by unscrupulous people? Yes, you may be saving one of these pups from going to a Shelter, but, on the other hand all you are doing is causing this situation to happen again, and again and again – drive past! Unfortunately, with the current constitution, selling pups in this manner is not even illegal!
If buying from a reputable breeder is beyond your financial means, then do consider getting a puppy from a shelter instead - you are still dealing with the unknown to a certain extent, but you are not reinforcing commercial breeding. Additionally, by taking your pup to puppy school and calling in professional help for any behaviour problems, you are still giving a pup a chance of a wonderful home.
Statistics of Dogs and Cats Euthanized by Shelter
I have been unable to access statistics for the amount of animals that are euthanized in Rescue Centres in South Africa, but as of Dec 2010, the HSUS (Humane Society of United States) estimates that animal shelters care for 6-8 million dogs and cats annually in the United States, of whom approximately 3-4 million are euthanized. As terrible as this is and as powerless you may feel to help put an end to so many unnecessary deaths, by buying your pup from a reputable breeder, you will be helping to lower these figures. All you have to do is your homework before getting a pup, socializing your pup etc, buy your pup from a reputable breeder, then you too can help to make a difference and help to lower the unacceptable numbers of dogs being euthanized.
Pure Bred Dogs
There are two types of people breeding pure breeds – those breeders wherein their particular breed is their passion and they breed for the improvement of the breed, and the other – those doing it to make a quick buck who, more often than not, have not done the research necessary, have not ruled out hereditary conditions and who may also be engaging in' in-breeding'. If any breeder offers to deliver the dog to you at the local shopping centre or at your home – run a mile!
If you do want a Pure Bred dog, then buy from dedicated, reputable breeder. That a dog has papers is just not enough. I have no doubt that not one reputable breeder would sell one of their beloved pups from any location other than their own kennels. If a breeder tells you they are a KUSA Registered breeder, beware! The Kennel Union of SA, (KUSA), even states on their website that:-
“The Kennel Union does not register Breeders – there is no such thing as “KUSA Registered Breeder” KUSA registers and records Kennel Names”.
The KUSA website further says,
“KUSA Members may apply for Accredited Breeder status, which is only granted after certain requirements and criteria are met. The Accredited Breeders Scheme recognises good practices in dog breeding and promotes responsible breeding. It does not guarantee the health or disposition of the dog, nor that the dog will meet the breed standard or be of show quality”
So you see, there are no guarantees. It is up to you, the potential purchaser to make the enquiries yourself. The above wording was taken from the KUSA website in December, 2010. To see what criteria apply to become a KUSA Accredited Breeder, visit the KUSA website at www.kusa.co.za.
What to look for in a breeder
Will you pay more getting a dog from a reputable breeder? Most definitely yes, but lets look at it this way – you have decided that you want a top of the range, brand new car, which will last you several years and carry you and your family safely. Are you going to purchase this at the local shops or cafe, or from a man on the corner of the road – of course not! So why then do we keep on purchasing pups from anybody other than a reputable breeder? The answer is simple – we have not been educated to ask the necessary questions! When working with clients and I explain aspects of dog behaviour to them, there is normally an element of surprise and a comment such as ‘oh, I didn’t know that’. Of course they don’t know, there has not been enough education available for members of the general public to access with dogs, and this applies to buying a pup as well.
An additional point to think about is that this dog will be with you for a decade and in many breeds a lot longer than that; do you want to bring a dog into your home that has teeth as sharp as knives and to interact with your family without have researched its parentage?? Personally, I would rather safe guard my family against possible bad breeding and my pets from possible disease.
A reputable breeder breeds only for the betterment of the breed and with all the hard work and expenses incurred, I doubt very much if they make very much profit. On average they are passionate about their own particular breed and will go to just about any length to ensure that their pups are the best. This is not just for the breed characteristics, they look at temperament, genetic concerns etc. Many of the top breeders will have their puppy assessed by an expert to ensure that they can match the pup with the home it will go to, as well as issue you with a certificate that the pup’s parents are free from heredity diseases such as HD (Hip Dysplasia) etc.
A good breeder often does not even need to advertise, their good name and standards ensure that they have prospective owners lined up waiting for a litter to be born. Many of the breeders will interview you and your family to find out if you are the correct owner for their pups, and even visit your home to make sure the premises are suitable. You may even have to wait a couple of months, for the next litter, before you get your pup.
An additional benefit is that dedicated breeders normally check up on the dog at least once a year, plus the majority of them are willing to take the dog back if there are problems. Although buying a pup from a reputable breeder can be expensive compared to other sources, we are buying a pup that will probably be free from hereditary disease, has the best temperament possible and that to me, means it is money well spent. There are no guarantees in life, but if we do all we can to get the best our money can buy, we really are limiting the chances of potential problems
Here are some tips:-
If you saw the show on Carte Blanche some time ago on puppy farms, you will know exactly what I mean. If you have any doubt that these sort of places exist, then just contact any of the Rescue Organizations and they will give you the facts. Many of these pups are born into inhumane conditions that no animal lover would tolerate. Just think that perhaps when you buy a pup from anybody other than a reputable breeder, you are putting money into the packets of these irresponsible people and are a factor in this practice continuing. Although you may think that you are giving this pup a good home, which you probably are, all you are achieving is reinforcing the reason why pups are being sold in these places – profit.
Are you aware that when the pups mentioned above have passed their ‘sell by date’ they will probably end up in Rescue Centres (or even worse)? Now you may well be thinking that ‘at least if I give them a home they won’t be euthanized’. Yes, you are correct, but where do we draw the line? Unfortunately, I am afraid it is a case of a few must be sacrificed in order to stop this practice, and I myself hate the idea of this. But, and this is a big but, what I hate more is when an owner is in tears after their new purchase from the pet shop dies at the vet due to distemper or some other, almost totally preventable disease, or I am called in to deal with hereditary reactive/fear behaviour and the like.
Pups purchased from anywhere other than a reputable breeder, such as the above and those practising irresponsible breeding, very often have diseases – both infectious and hereditary so not only is the life of the pup at risk, you are putting the rest of your canine family at risk and opening yourself to both heartbreak and possible unnecessary financial outlay to your vet.
A further factor to take into consideration is that dogs purchased from places other than reputable breeders are often kept together in cages. A dog is a naturally clean animal and will not eliminate where it sleeps – unfortunately there is seldom a separate toilet areas supplied for these pups, which often leads to difficulty in toilet training.
Another point to consider is that pups purchased from irresponsible breeders are normally taken away from their mother at about 5-6 weeks of age (I have worked with pup that were sold as 7 weeks of age and the vet has said more in the region of 4 weeks!). This is one of the most critical periods of a pup’s life. It is the time of critical social development – pup learns about itself, develops its relationship with the other pups, learns how to play and bite inhibition. This is the age that the mother will start to discipline and teach her pups basic manners. So many of the dogs I work with that have behaviour problems, especially fear and reactive behaviour, have been purchased from places supplied by irresponsible breeders. The period from 8 – 16 weeks is one of the most important times in your pup’s life, it is called ‘the window of opportunity’, a time when your pup can meet and assimilate new experiences into its life with little trouble. After the 16 weeks (approximate, dependant on breed), the ‘curtain comes down’ and socializing and new experiences become more difficult to accept.
A further concern to take into account is that pups not purchased from reputable breeders may even end up being a cross breed, due to lack of vigilance on the breeders side. This is not an unusual occurrence; it is one I come across on a regular basis. A miniature ends up being anything but a miniature; a so-called pure bred GSD can end up looking like a cross between a GSD and another breed etc. As the owner has already fallen in love with their purchase, nothing further is done about it although, unlike a reputable breeder who would replace the dog, the irresponsible breeder is unlikely to even offer this.
What about the pups, often in bad condition and as I have personally seen, with a wire around their necks as a collar (for show!) found being sold on the side of the road by unscrupulous people? Yes, you may be saving one of these pups from going to a Shelter, but, on the other hand all you are doing is causing this situation to happen again, and again and again – drive past! Unfortunately, with the current constitution, selling pups in this manner is not even illegal!
If buying from a reputable breeder is beyond your financial means, then do consider getting a puppy from a shelter instead - you are still dealing with the unknown to a certain extent, but you are not reinforcing commercial breeding. Additionally, by taking your pup to puppy school and calling in professional help for any behaviour problems, you are still giving a pup a chance of a wonderful home.
Statistics of Dogs and Cats Euthanized by Shelter
I have been unable to access statistics for the amount of animals that are euthanized in Rescue Centres in South Africa, but as of Dec 2010, the HSUS (Humane Society of United States) estimates that animal shelters care for 6-8 million dogs and cats annually in the United States, of whom approximately 3-4 million are euthanized. As terrible as this is and as powerless you may feel to help put an end to so many unnecessary deaths, by buying your pup from a reputable breeder, you will be helping to lower these figures. All you have to do is your homework before getting a pup, socializing your pup etc, buy your pup from a reputable breeder, then you too can help to make a difference and help to lower the unacceptable numbers of dogs being euthanized.
Pure Bred Dogs
There are two types of people breeding pure breeds – those breeders wherein their particular breed is their passion and they breed for the improvement of the breed, and the other – those doing it to make a quick buck who, more often than not, have not done the research necessary, have not ruled out hereditary conditions and who may also be engaging in' in-breeding'. If any breeder offers to deliver the dog to you at the local shopping centre or at your home – run a mile!
If you do want a Pure Bred dog, then buy from dedicated, reputable breeder. That a dog has papers is just not enough. I have no doubt that not one reputable breeder would sell one of their beloved pups from any location other than their own kennels. If a breeder tells you they are a KUSA Registered breeder, beware! The Kennel Union of SA, (KUSA), even states on their website that:-
“The Kennel Union does not register Breeders – there is no such thing as “KUSA Registered Breeder” KUSA registers and records Kennel Names”.
The KUSA website further says,
“KUSA Members may apply for Accredited Breeder status, which is only granted after certain requirements and criteria are met. The Accredited Breeders Scheme recognises good practices in dog breeding and promotes responsible breeding. It does not guarantee the health or disposition of the dog, nor that the dog will meet the breed standard or be of show quality”
So you see, there are no guarantees. It is up to you, the potential purchaser to make the enquiries yourself. The above wording was taken from the KUSA website in December, 2010. To see what criteria apply to become a KUSA Accredited Breeder, visit the KUSA website at www.kusa.co.za.
What to look for in a breeder
Will you pay more getting a dog from a reputable breeder? Most definitely yes, but lets look at it this way – you have decided that you want a top of the range, brand new car, which will last you several years and carry you and your family safely. Are you going to purchase this at the local shops or cafe, or from a man on the corner of the road – of course not! So why then do we keep on purchasing pups from anybody other than a reputable breeder? The answer is simple – we have not been educated to ask the necessary questions! When working with clients and I explain aspects of dog behaviour to them, there is normally an element of surprise and a comment such as ‘oh, I didn’t know that’. Of course they don’t know, there has not been enough education available for members of the general public to access with dogs, and this applies to buying a pup as well.
An additional point to think about is that this dog will be with you for a decade and in many breeds a lot longer than that; do you want to bring a dog into your home that has teeth as sharp as knives and to interact with your family without have researched its parentage?? Personally, I would rather safe guard my family against possible bad breeding and my pets from possible disease.
A reputable breeder breeds only for the betterment of the breed and with all the hard work and expenses incurred, I doubt very much if they make very much profit. On average they are passionate about their own particular breed and will go to just about any length to ensure that their pups are the best. This is not just for the breed characteristics, they look at temperament, genetic concerns etc. Many of the top breeders will have their puppy assessed by an expert to ensure that they can match the pup with the home it will go to, as well as issue you with a certificate that the pup’s parents are free from heredity diseases such as HD (Hip Dysplasia) etc.
A good breeder often does not even need to advertise, their good name and standards ensure that they have prospective owners lined up waiting for a litter to be born. Many of the breeders will interview you and your family to find out if you are the correct owner for their pups, and even visit your home to make sure the premises are suitable. You may even have to wait a couple of months, for the next litter, before you get your pup.
An additional benefit is that dedicated breeders normally check up on the dog at least once a year, plus the majority of them are willing to take the dog back if there are problems. Although buying a pup from a reputable breeder can be expensive compared to other sources, we are buying a pup that will probably be free from hereditary disease, has the best temperament possible and that to me, means it is money well spent. There are no guarantees in life, but if we do all we can to get the best our money can buy, we really are limiting the chances of potential problems
Here are some tips:-
- Contact the breed clubs, tell them what your family requirements are and ask them if they can give you the names of several reputable breeders.
- Additionally you can go and look at Breed Shows of the breed of your choice and speak to the people there. All the dog shows are listed on the KUSA site and I have always found that breeders are always more than willing to extol the virtues of their particular breed.
- Don’t go and see the pups first, that just leads to an emotional purchase, rather ask the breeder to e-mail or fax the pup’s papers to you. If the breeder does not agree, again – run a mile!
- If there are children in the family, don’t take them with you when first viewing the pup. As I parent, I know just how appealing my children’s faces can be when they look at me and say ‘Oh Mum, I just love this one and look how he loves me’! How on earth can you explain to your child that you cant take that particular pup home!
- Ask the breeder if there are any hereditary disease associated with the breed (I would suggest doing this research yourself first). Then ask if the pup’s parents have been tested for same and request proof. Beware here, if the mother or father are less than two years of age , then the test may be obsolete, so check with your own vet first.
- A reputable breeder will not breed with a dog before it is 2-3 years of age.
- Your potential breeder should only breed only one type of dog (or a few other breeds) and will be knowledgeable on them.
- Your potential breeder will normally have his pups pre-sold, so there will be a waiting list. It does happen however, that occasionally there is the odd pup available.
- Your breeder should be asking questions of you, almost like an interview.
- Find out from the breed club if the breeder has a good reputation. This normally means that there name will appear at KUSA and possibly as an Accredited Breeder.
- When you arrive to view the pup, look firstly if the kennels are clean with happy dogs inside them. A good breeder is normally very keen to show you his kennels and his pride and joy, his dogs.
- Ask to see the father and mother. There are occasions when the father may not be able to be viewed due to being at another location, but if possible see both of them and look for signs of ill health and especially temperament.
- A dedicated breeder will know each of the pups well and be able to tell you about their different natures. The majority of these breeders have already assigned names to the dogs and will have a good relationship with the dogs at the kennel.
- Ask if the pups have been assessed – this really is a plus and will help to assure that the pup is suitable for your home.
- A good breeder will supply you with papers listing the pup’s heritage and if there are any hereditary health concerns, and will supply proof that the parents have been certified free of the particular disease. They will supply you with the pup’s inoculations card and generally give you advice on feeding etc.
- A good breeder will only let the pup go home when it has reached 8 weeks of age.
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