 Good questions, good answers, nice thread
There is no simple formula for identifying a "reputable" breeder. You need to get a sense of whether a person's heart is in the right place, what motivates them and what the objectives are in the breeding. You need to feel the breeder's animals are cherished and all their needs met, no skimping. It is important that the breeding dogs come from known and verifyable places that also are reputable. I think it's less important to count the number of litters produced in a year than to learn about the supports and safeguards the breeder has in place to ensure the happiness and welfare of all the dogs in their care. Find out what specific things a breeder does to better the breed. Club affiliations can be very passive. Are they actively showing and advancing? Are they participating in the research studies on the diseases that affect this breed? Are they involved in rescue? There has to be more there than the desire to sell a puppy.
Don't be shy about asking for references from their vet, clients, other breeders. Ask what medical testing do they do on their breeding animals and puppies, as well as why and why not. Ask what their preferences are in a puppy buyer, and do ask if they've ever turned anyone away as unsuitable. |