How to chose a Reputable Breeder.....

[megansmomma]

I stumbled across this tonight and thought it was excellent advice concerning what makes an ethical breeder. It's a very informative and interesting article and I hope that others find it helpful as well.


Getting a Dog Tips - Checklist for the Responsible Breeder

*It is a GUIDE for puppy buyers. The one thing that I did notice is that they suggest 7 weeks but also to use the Breed Club as a guide as well. The YTCA says 12 weeks minimun.

[DvlshAngel985]

That is one long list! I'm glad you added that little disclaimer. Even if state, or county laws says it's ok to let pups go at anything younger than 12 weeks, breeders should be adhering to the YTCA rules and letting puppies go at the very soonest 12 weeks.

[gemy]

That is one list. I'm so glad that on the lengthy form, I found her caveat that all breeders won't do "all those" things on the list. As I was ticking off items, I thought wow, if I did all those things; I need 48 hours in one day.

One of the fun things I like to do, is "the breed booths" at shows. You get to meet lots of folks, and you get a better measure of the public's general knowledge about dog ownership/your breed. I thought it would be fun at the Purina National, to bring my Yorkie over to the Black russian booth, and my Blackie over to the Yorkie booth

One of the things I liked the best in that list, was the author's emphasis that a future dog owner needs to sit down and really assess for themselves what is most important to them in their dog.

[Rhetts_mama]

Great list, not just for buyers but for breeders as well. Thanks for sharing it.

[megansmomma]

I do agree that its a huge list and would be impossible to do everything. But it is a great guide as to things you should be looking at while searching for a new puppy and breeder. The average consumer needs to learn the basics regarding choosing a breeder to do how to do your homework. Learn about what they stand for and they type of reputation among their peers is an excellent start. If more people were aware of how many horrible breeders are selling puppies all over the internet and how to weed these people out it would be a huge step in the right direction. The internet is powerful tool.

[gemy]

I do agree, with all your points about internet, bad breeders, etc. Education of the consumer is a huge powerful tool. But I'd like to see more dog owners really think about why they want a dog, what they want to do with this dog, what type of personality would fit into their lifestyle, what is their financial wherewithal to truly care well for their dog etc.

How many of the dogs you help in rescue are owner surrendered? How many because of behaviour/temperament issues, and or costly health issues? How many because the young couple decided to start a family and ole Sally just doesn't fit in anymore?
Many of those reasons are with a bit of foresight avoided.

Once the general public starts to truly know and value good breeding, truly get's what it takes to care for an animal, then over time fewer and fewer bad breeders will survive, High volumne breeders find it too "costly" with too little demand and go out of business. Fewer animals surrendered to the pound or to rescue.

[dawn27]

There are some really good points to follow when searching for a new addition to the family...but I think it goes a little overboard. All in all there are some good guidlines for breeders to follow as well. thank for the post (add to favorites)

[megansmomma]

Originally Posted by gemy

I do agree, with all your points about internet, bad breeders, etc. Education of the consumer is a huge powerful tool. But I'd like to see more dog owners really think about why they want a dog, what they want to do with this dog, what type of personality would fit into their lifestyle, what is their financial wherewithal to truly care well for their dog etc.

How many of the dogs you help in rescue are owner surrendered? How many because of behaviour/temperament issues, and or costly health issues? How many because the young couple decided to start a family and ole Sally just doesn't fit in anymore?
Many of those reasons are with a bit of foresight avoided.

Once the general public starts to truly know and value good breeding, truly get's what it takes to care for an animal, then over time fewer and fewer bad breeders will survive, High volumne breeders find it too "costly" with too little demand and go out of business. Fewer animals surrendered to the pound or to rescue.

Excellent points and I couldn't agree more I believe that it should be a two way street. If it wasn't about the money and more the love of the breed that makes some of these people do what they do then so many of these issues would be eliminated. Good breeding practices as well as responsible pet ownership should go hand in hand. It's very worrisome when the breeder says they breed because they CAN and then you have the pet consumer making a purchase because they CAN as well. It should be considered a privilege and not a right being approached with great regard to the live that is created as well as the responsibility that is undertaken by the pet owner. It shouldn't be an impulse purchase or a means to put food on your table.

Originally Posted by dawn27

There are some really good points to follow when searching for a new addition to the family...but I think it goes a little overboard. All in all there are some good guidlines for breeders to follow as well. thank for the post (add to favorites)

Yes, I agree it is a huge list. But they suggest to take what you are comfortable with and base your decisions on your list. Put together a criteria that you personally are looking for in a breeder. Look for those red flags and be prepared to ask certain questions and for the answers that you are looking for in return. I'm glad that you found it useful.

[LILBIT1]

Thank you for posting that. We are in the process of looking for a breeder.

[Nancy1999]

That's an excellant article, and I believe AMD used it as a reference when she wrote another great article written specifically for those looking for a Yorkie breeder. It's more like a book than an article, and you'll find it in the Yorkietalk Library! http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/bre...e-breeder.html

[LeaveittoBiewer]

What does one consider a "hobby" breeder? There's one that I'm chatting with now and she seems sincere enough about the care of her yorkies but you can tell that she doesn't breed often ie no yorkie dedicated website or ads all over the internet. In fact, I'm finding it kind of difficult to research her because of the lack of information. Could be a good thing, right?

She's been very patient with all of my questions. She seems nice enough. Was even concerned enough to question my ability/desiribility to have a yorkie with two small children in the home. She sounds adamant about standing behind the quality and health of her puppies.

Is she a hobby breeder? Backyard breeder?

But what's the difference between this breeder and me simply responding to a personal ad in the newspaper? I get it - that responding to a puppy ad in the newspaper is a big no-no. But how do you know if you don't call?

Can you tell that I'm growing a little wary with searching for my new furbaby. lol. All of the babies are adorable. I've seen so many websites within the last few weeks that I'm starting to see cross-eyed.

[KazzyK810]

Originally Posted by gemy

How many of the dogs you help in rescue are owner surrendered? How many because of behaviour/temperament issues, and or costly health issues? How many because the young couple decided to start a family and ole Sally just doesn't fit in anymore?
Many of those reasons are with a bit of foresight avoided.

So many young couples seem to "test-run" parenthood with a puppy before doing it with a baby. I, personally, am not real keen on the idea. I'd say have your family first, then see if you have the time & energy to devote to a dog(s) as well. Babies become your everything and nothing comes before them....I think too many pup owners are not fully aware of this and a few years down the line..it's the dogs that suffer lack of attention & neglect.