What to look for in a Breeder
1. Reputable breeders will show a general interest in, love for and knowledge about the breed. They know the breed standard, temperament and characteristics. They strive to breed only animals that epitomize these qualities. This benefits the buyer by allowing the buyer a type of “quality control”. You will know better what you are getting. Few surprises, fewer disappointments.
2. A reputable breeder will make it a point to be aware of all known inherited defects affecting their breed. Reputable breeders then screen their breeding animals to be sure they are free of such defects. This may not totally eliminate an inherited defect from showing up, but it will greatly decrease the chances of them occurring.
3. A reputable breeder is a valuable source of information should any problems arise after your pet is in your home. They can give advise on almost all aspects of caring for and training dogs. In the event that you find it impossible to keep your pet, responsible breeders will help you to relocate your pet.
4. Most breeders provide you with written instructions on how to feed, care for and train your pet. You should also have the comfort of knowing you have a concerned individual who is only a phone call away.
5. Reputable breeders take the time to properly socialize their puppies. They give the special handling needed during the critical developmental stages in the puppies lives. This socialization helps the puppies adapt and adjust to life with humans as well as laying a foundation for learning. A carefully bred, well socialized puppy makes a happy, eager to please puppy who is a pleasure to live with.
6. Because the breeder has been laying the foundation for learning through socialization, and because your puppy hasn’t been kept in a small cage for a long period of time, buying your pet from a breeder may make it easier to housebreak your pet. Constant confinement in a cage, such as in a pet store, leads to a loss of the puppies naturally clean nature. This complicates housebreaking because they are no longer bothered by living in their own waste. By living in a home situation with the breeder, they maintain their naturally clean nature making it easier to housebreak them. Therefore, the environment in which the breeder keeps the dogs should be clean and well-maintained.
7. A reputable breeder is actively involved in the dog fancy, including showing or breed clubs. If you wish to show your pet, your pet’s breeder will help you get started in whatever area you wish to pursue- be it conformation, obedience, agility or field work.
8. Reputable breeders will have you sign a contract when you buy your puppy. This lists what they guarantee to you about the dog that you buy. It spells out all the terms of the contract, and should list some requirements of you as the puppy buyer as well. They will require that pet-quality animals be spayed or neutered. Be wary of breeders who do not mention altering. Keep in mind that contracts are only as good as the people that sign them. If you don’t have a signed contract, and something goes wrong with your puppy, you will not have much legal recourse.
9. Reputable breeders will care about placing puppies in good homes and will often interview potential buyers thoroughly, ask for references and refuse to sell a dog if necessary.
10. Most breeders will allow you to meet the puppy's parents if available and, if the father isn't available, be willing to show pictures.
11. A reputable breeder will not have puppies available on a constant basis but rather only a few litters per year. They will have a list of interested people for the next available litter. Be concerned with a breeder who produces more than four litters per year on a regular basis.
12. They will follow up on puppies. They should be interested in how the pups develop physically and mentally, difficulties in the owner/dog relationship and health problems.
13. A reputable breeder is willing to provide references of other families who have purchased from them.
14. Reputable breeders will never knowingly sell to puppy mills, pet stores or brokers!
A reputable breeder wants to better his beloved breed by striving to constantly produce animals of high quality.
This endeavor carries a high price, not only in time and money, but more importantly in emotion.
Along with the joy of breeding litters comes a lot of heartache.
The satisfaction of bringing joy to the lives of others through the ownership of quality, loving companions is well worth the effort.
On the other hand, buying a puppy carries a price in terms of money and emotions also.
It is worth the time and effort on your part to find a reputable breeder for the purchase of your special companion,
so you can both enjoy a long, wonderful relationship together.
*Parts of this document were provided by the Centennial Chinese Shar-Pei Club and Next Day Pets.
Reputable Breeders
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