Irresponsible Breeder

Responsible Breeder

Motive for breeding: “fun” “good for kids” “to make money” Doesn’t screen buyers and seldom refuses to sell, even if buyer is unsuitable.

Dedication to producing quality dogs is a serious avocation.  Has so much invested in dogs that struggles to break even on a litter, no profit.  Will sell puppies to approved buyers only.

Breeds family pet to any convenient pet of same breed just to have purebred puppies.  Has no concern for genetics, bloodlines or breed improvement.

Can explain how planned breeding emphasizes specific qualities through line breeding, outcrossing, or, more rarely, inbreeding

Dogs bred have not been screened for genetic diseases.  Breeder has no knowledge of the heritable diseases breed is prone to or tests for breeding stock.

Has breeding stock screened for genetic faults particular to their breed, such as hip dysplasia and progressive retinal degeneration.  Can produce certification .to prove claims.

Offers no health guarantees beyond proof of vaccinations (if any).  Does not sell puppies on a contract.  Paper work is often disorganised or unavailable.  Unqualified to give help if problems develop

Lifetime commitment to puppies and their buyers.  Sells puppies on an oral or written contract which outlines both the breeder’s and buyer’s responsibilities to the puppy.  Usually includes a health guarantee and may offer to replace a dog with genetic faults or refund purchase price.

Seller has little knowledge of breed history or breed standard. May claim that this does not matter for ‘just pets”

Loves breed and can talk at length about its background, uses an ideal specimen of the breed.

Pups raised in makeshift accommodations indicating lack of long term commitment to breeding.  Is unable to give advice on how to raise a young pup.

Has a serious investment in dog equipment such as puppy pens, crates and grooming tables, customized vehicles etc.  Will instruct the buyer on equipment needed to raise a puppy

Seller does not participate in local or national breed club or other dog clubs.  Does not participate in organised tests of breeding stock such as shows, obedience trials etc.

Belongs to a local or national dog club, indicating a love for the sport of dogs.  Exhibits own dogs in conformation, obedience or other such dog competitions.

May be unwilling to show buyer entire litter or to introduce dam of litter.  Can’t or won’t compare or critique puppies or held the buyer choose a puppy.

Shows litter and dam in sanitary environment.  Helps buyer evaluate and choose pup.  Provides early veterinary care and provides information on feeding, care and further veterinary care

Prices at low end of local range, since must move puppies quickly.  Puppies will be available when you call.  No waiting list of potential buyers.

Prices will be at the high end of local range, not cut-rate, even so will usually have a waiting list of people wanting their puppies. Rarely have puppies available when you first contact them.

No concern for the future of individual puppies or breed as a whole.  Doesn’t provide ANKC Registration papers (either main register or limited register).  Is not concerned with a spay/neuter contract to guard against breeding of mediocre dogs or dogs with genetic diseases.  If you can’t keep the puppy, won’t take it back – tells to take it to a shelter or sell it.

After purchase, will help with grooming or training problems.  Will take back pup you can’t keep at any time in its life rather than see it disposed of inappropriately.  Sells pets with spay/neuter agreement or ANKC registration papers (either limited or main register)