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Finding an Ethical Breeder 

Recognizing a Good Breeder

If you pick a good breeder, the dog you choose will have a leg up on life from the start. After all, it's in the breeder's own best interests to make sure the dogs he breeds are healthy, well-socialized and the best of their type.

The breeder's role is an ancient one. It began when an early human and a wolf or wild pariah dog struck up a friendship. Over time, humans continued to favor intelligent dogs that enjoyed learning and being around people.

Without understanding the far-reaching results of what they were doing, our prehistoric ancestors became the first breeders. They selected out agreeable dogs that could perform work to help the family by gathering food, pulling a sleigh or guarding and leading other domesticated animals. When these dogs mated, they perpetuated their abilities; thus, we domesticated the dog, just as we did cattle, goats and sheep. We also differentiated dogs, according to their roles in human society.

Today, some 10,000 to 14,000 years after the first dog happily licked a human hand, there are as many as 850 dog breeds worldwide. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes over 150 of them in its registry.

                        

What the Breeder Does

Breeders strive to achieve physical conformation in their dogs. That means a dog must meet the standards that make his breed unique, size, body shape, the way the ears and tail are set, the angle of the stance. Above all, the dogs must be healthy, with each generation further minimizing the chance of genetic flaws.

In order to evaluate and choose a breeder, you must understand the characteristics that would make him top-notch. The majority of responsible breeders pursue their calling as a hobby; they are just enamored with a particular type of dog. They know everything there is to know about a breed's behaviors and potential health problems. Some also might make a living as professional trainers; they might show dogs. But they always make a lifetime commitment to each dog that they breed. They don't tally their rewards in purely financial gain.

A breeder must know the ancestry of a pup and his parents for at least several generations back. He needs this information to understand each pup's personality and health tendencies, as well as to maintain good standing among fellow breeders and to meet AKC requirements. A good breeder also looks to the future: He usually requires buyers to keep him informed about a dog's health throughout his life; if tragedy strikes, he may even require a cause of death report.

                        

Breeders Choose Buyers Carefully

Many breeders choose each dog's buyer as carefully as a buyer would choose a breeder.

They'll ask for a history of your relationship with dogs and other pets; quiz you on your knowledge of the breed; even probe into your family's habits and schedule. Many breeders require you to sign a contract, stipulating how you will care for your dog.

A responsible breeder raises a limited number of dogs. He does not over-breed; he breeds a dam only when he is certain he has enough responsible people to buy the pups she will produce. And he breeds when the parents are two or older, after the most egregious genetic flaws would be evident.

A dedicated breeder also belongs to a local, state or national (or all) breed clubs. This allows the breeder to keep abreast of current information regarding their breed and to produce the best puppies possible.

A breeder goes to great lengths to find a mate for his sire or dam. That means that both dogs are of age; proven to be healthy, intelligent, easily socialized; and capable of filling the roles they're bred for, be it hunter, herder, protector or companion. Even if the resulting pups won't be raised for showing, some breeders travel great distances with their dogs to make the right match.

Once a female is impregnated, the breeder provides her with a healthy, calm environment; supports her through birthing and her puppy's early days. He socializes each puppy so they're used to humans and provides a stimulating environment for them. He interviews buyers and educates those he chooses to sell to.

The fees you'll pay a breeder, beginning with a down payment, reflect the expenses incurred at every stage of the process, from mating through follow-up. Fees vary, depending upon a breed's rarity, geographic location and special requirements, such as cesarean birthing for certain breeds.

But beware of breeders who overcharge because a breed is popular at the moment. In the true spirit of responsible breeding, it costs the same to breed a St. Bernard whether or not he resembles the pet movie star of the month.

Responsible breeders know about their breed. Responsible breeders screen for genetic diseases and maintain good veterinary and breeding records. Responsible breeders offer a written health guarantee with each puppy they sell. Responsible breeders are always available to offer help and advice to their new puppy owners. Responsible breeders always breed their dogs with the thought of improving their line.

                    

How To Recognize a Ethical Breeder

•   A good breeder will only sell a dog under contract, which will set forth that breeder's policy regarding health guarantee, refund/return policy and other rights/responsibilities between buyer and seller.
  
  
•   A good breeder will be knowledgeable about the breed and the common genetic diseases in that breed.
  
  
•   A good breeder will offer you support with your new puppy, and always help you place the dog (or take it back) if for some reason you cannot keep the dog.
  
  
•   A good breeder will be able to show you both parents, and in the case of a male that lives off the premises, will have a photograph and history available.
  
  
•   A good breeder will carefully screen potential buyers to ensure that the dogs will be placed in an appropriate home.
  
  
•   A good breeder's kennel or home will appear clean and well maintained.
  
  
•   A good breeder will be willing to answer your questions about the breed and the appropriate care for your dog.
  
  
•   A good breeder will be willing to let you see the environment in which the dogs are bred and raised.
  
  
•   A good breeder will allow you to see the pups but may not allow you to handle all of them. Exposure to many different people can increase the risk of illness in the pups. Only serious buyers should be allowed to handle the pups to limit exposure.
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  Choose a Healthy Puppy
  
  When choosing your puppy, try to make sure he is healthy and well cared for. At eight weeks of age, the pup should have had at least one vaccination for distemper, parvo, hepatitis and parainfluenza and received at least one dose of dewormer. Also, look for the following traits:
  
  
•   Active, playful and well-socialized; puppy should not appear fearful
•   Bright eyes, with no discharge of any sort
  
•   No nasal discharge
  
•   Clean ears and skin
  
•   Pink gums and correctly aligned teeth
  
•   Well-proportioned body
  
•   Shiny coat
  
•   Good eyesight and hearing check this by jingling your keys and seeing if the dog responds.
  
  Always have your new puppy examined by your veterinarian as soon as possible. If there is a medical problem, you should be able to return the pup to the breeder.

               
  

  A Breeder IS......

  A breeder is one who thirsts for knowledge, never really knows it all,
  one who wrestles with decisions of conscience, convenience, and commitment.
  
  One who sacrifices personal interests, finances, time, friendships, fancy furniture, and carpeting.
  He gives up the dream of a long vacation in favor of that all important dog show to take it's place.
  He goes with out sleep-never with out coffee in hours spent planning breedings or watching over the birth process, and afterwards, over every little sneeze, wiggle and cry.
  
  He skips dinner parties because the litter is due or babies need to be fed at 8pm.
  He ignores birthing fluid to give mouth to mouth to save a gasping newborn, blowing life into a tiny, helpless creature that may be the culmination of a lifetime of dreams.
  
  A breeder's lap is a wonderful place where generations of noble and proud champions once snoozed. His hands are strong ,firm, and often soiled, but ever gentle.
  His back and knees are usually arthritic from stooping, bending and sitting in the birthing box but strong enough to show in the ring his next hopeful to it's championship.
  
  A breeder's shoulders are often weak from abuse from competitors but strong enough to handle his defeats and frustrations.
  
  A breeder's arms are always able to mop, support an armful of puppies, or lend a hand to a newcomer.
  His ears are wonderful things, sometimes red from being talked about or strangely shaped from the phone receiver.
  
  His eyes are blurred from the research of pedigrees, sometimes blind to his own dog's faults.
  The breeder's heart is often broken from buried failures, but beats strong with hope. It's always in the right place!
  
  There are breeders and then there are BREEDERS!!

               

  The Top 10 Dog-Owner Mistakes

  Mistake 1: Buying a Dog Spontaneously

  Why this is a mistake: That doggie in the window may be darling, but he might not be the right fit for your family or lifestyle.

  How to avoid it: Fully inform yourself before you bring home a dog. Every dog has its own needs, some of which are specific to the breed. Terriers tend to dig. If there’s a breed that interests you, read up on it (try the website of the American Kennel Club, at akc.org), talk to owners, and get to know someone else’s Border collie or Chow. That said, not every dog is typical of its breed, so ask about the dog’s history, health, and temperament. When dealing with a breeder, you should be shown where the dog was raised and meet his parents.

  Mistake 2: Skipping Obedience Training

  Why this is a mistake: Bad habits can be difficult to train out of a dog. So unless you have the know-how to school an animal, you need the help of a pro.

  How to avoid it: Even before a puppy starts formal training, teach him simple commands, such as sit and stay. A puppy can begin formal training at eight weeks (and ideally before 12 weeks), after he has had his shots. “Between the ages of 8 and 16 weeks, puppies readily absorb information about the world around them. To help a dog stick with good behaviors, every few years take him for a refresher course. (Find one in your area at the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, apdt.com.)

  Mistake 3: Being Inconsistent With the Rules
  
  Why this is a mistake: If one child lets Brutus on the bed and another punishes him for it, the animal will be confused. Bad behavior is inevitable.

  How to avoid it: Make sure everyone in your household knows―and follows―the rules. You want your dog to sit before eating a treat? You don’t want your dog to jump on you? Then figure out a system that will help your dog succeed. Pets thrive with a sense of order, so discuss with your family when yours should be fed, exercised, and even given a treat.

  Mistake 4: Dispensing Too Many Free Treats
  
  Why this is a mistake: Treats lose their training value if your dog gets them for no reason.

  How to avoid it: Think of treats as currency given to a dog to reward good behavior. Assign each type of treat a value, and pay according to how well your dog behaves. Kibble is worth a dollar; a chicken strip, five; bologna, 10.  But it’s important to not pay off the good behavior all the time, “That way, your dog will always hope he might get that piece of bologna, and he’ll eventually perform without seeing a treat.”

  Mistake 5: Neglecting to Socialize Your Dog

  Why this is a mistake: Dog's that aren’t exposed to a variety of animals and people at a very young age can develop fears and aggressive behavior.

  How to avoid it: Introduce your dog to adults, kids, animals, and environments so he’ll take every novelty in stride. It’s optimal for a dog to start the process before you bring him home, since the critical socialization period is early in life. “For a dog, it’s between the ages of 3 and 12 weeks. The breeder or the adoption counselor can tell you how much socialization a dog has had.

  Mistake 6: Skimping on Exercise
  
  Why this is a mistake: dog's have pent-up energy that needs to be unleashed through physical activity. Otherwise it will be channeled into barking, jumping, or even hostile behavior.

  How to avoid it: Walk your dog at least twice a day for a minimum of 30 minutes each time, To your dog, that’s a primal activity―birds fly, fish swim, and dogs walk. We recommends that dogs get at least 40 minutes of aerobic exercise daily. “Dogs need more exercise than people do, try running or biking with your dog or playing fetch or Frisbee.

  Mistake 7: Neglecting to Keep Your Dog Mentally Active

  Why this is a mistake: Bored dog's are more likely to get into trouble.

  How to avoid it: Give your dog something to do. That can mean having him hunt for food. Place a meal or treats in spots around the house for him to sniff out, or “feed him out of a food-dispensing puzzle toy instead of his bowl.

  Mistake 8: Leaving a Dog Alone for Too Long

  Why this is a mistake: A lack of proper companionship can lead to separation anxiety and destructive behaviors.

  How to avoid it: Don’t leave a puppy alone for eight hours. Hire someone to watch him or drop him off at a doggie day-care center. Your puppy will need to learn how to be alone for a few hours each day, however, so teach him to self-pacify almost immediately. Put him in a crate (or leash him to a stable object) a foot or two away from you, then gradually increase the distance over the course of a week. Then make sure that he spends escalating amounts of time alone in his crate or confined to a room. Break up the day for dogs of any age with a visit from a dog walker or a neighbor, and give your pet access to toys and visual stimuli.

  Mistake 9: Failing to Make Your Home Dog-Friendly

  Why this is a mistake:  A dog without a cozy bed will end up on the couch.

  How to avoid it:  Dog's  need spots where they can cuddle up and feel safe. A dog needs a crate like a teenager needs a room. Provide a crate or a cozy bed, and make it taboo for your family to pester the dog while he’s in it. Dog's are not persnickety about where they relieve themselves, but do them the favor of regularly picking up the poop in the backyard.

  Mistake 10: Punishing Your Dog

  Why this is a mistake: You might think Brutus knows you’re screaming at him because he ate the loaf of bread on the counter, but he won’t connect your behavior with his action.

  How to avoid it: Never physically punish your dog; he’ll just learn to fear you. It’s OK to startle a dog out of a behavior, but only if you catch him in the act. Command him with a firm “No!” or “Down!” and he’ll connect the reaction with what he’s doing and learn that it’s not OK. Otherwise, the punishment should come from the environment. Teach  a dog to stay off the counter, say, by arranging sheet pans in a pile that will clatter to the floor if he jumps up. The counter, not you, will become the thing to fear.