After reading another thread, it would seem the ABS isn't flawless and there are puppy farmers/unreputable breeders that are accreddited. So my question, is it actually worth becoming an AB?

We are a current member and think it's a total joke and waste of £15.

I don't think I would join if I were to have a litter of puppies in the near future (which I am not). There would have to be so much more done to protect and support the dogs themselves than what they call for at this point in time.

If I had a litter, I would be politely explaining to anyone interested in a puppy the exact reasons why I feel the ABS is not up to scratch. With Pomeranians for instance, there are no required tests that should be performed. Not even any recommended! Poms suffer from Luxating Patellas and Eye problems and SHOULD be on that list. Heart Testing isn't there for Dobermanns. Its just another money making scheme and I am not going to be a part of it unless it shapes up to my personal standards as a potential breeder.

I don't know anything about breeding but when I am looking for my next dog I intended only looking at accredited breeders. Can anyone explain why there is such ill feeling about the scheme? Surely it's at least a standard--maybe not a great standard--but a standard nonetheless? A breeder who is not part of the scheme has no standard at all.

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Wrong. We have our own personal standards.

You will get a huge range of opinions on the ABS

I am a member, like many, I recognise it isn't perfect, but they are making great steps to improve - working closely with the breed clubs to tighten up breed specific requirements.

I think breeders need to get behind it - because there are potential alternatives which are unthinkable if the ABS doesn't work.

The best way to change anything is from the inside out, so once a member, you have the opportunity to get your voice heard louder and clearer.

The difficult part is making if clear to prospective puppy owner is that an unaccredited breeder doesn't make it a bad one, and visa versa - and TBH - I think ANY prospective puppy buyer should be applying the same rules wherever and whoever they buy from - i.e. do their research and trust their instincts

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and that personal standard is a lot lot higher than the ABS.

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I agree with Swarthy - we have been a member for a few years now, and it was only sept 2010 that we have our 'home visit' something that is starting for all members, and them trying to join - which I think is a good step in the right direction. There was alot of stuff covered in the home check, down to how the dogs are fed and walked, and how we find suitable homes.. I understand that there will be unethical breeders that slip through the net on to the scheme, but then again there are just as many bad breeders not on it..So if you are on the scheme or not you will be among the irresponsible, by putting yourself on to the scheme you are giving your self the ability to be seen for the ethical breeder you are. I do know that the KC have removed breeders off the scheme since home checking, through reports ect. The KC cant keep tracks on all their registered breeders at all times, so if you are not happy with the practices of an AB then its down to you to report them, so the KC are aware and can investigate. I think the ABS has the potential to be a great help, and in time with decent breeders help it can and will make a difference. I can not see why any decent breeder would not want to be apart of that - although I can kind of understand!
Our breed does also require, nor recommend no health testing - we do the three tests we do because we are passionate about the breeds, and our dogs welfare and want others to follow, and to encourage buyers to be more selective when choosing a pup. There are known health issues in our breed although not on a big scale, they are there and whether we are required to do them or not we shall continue, I would hope any ethical breeder would do the same.. whether on a scheme that says they should or not..They should be doing it because they want to and can see the benefit, not because their told to!!

Interesting replies. For me (ie not an expert) I would still be more likeley to buy a pup from an AB than from one who is not (though I would be much happier if the AB had ben home visited. The KC can't be expected to have home visited all the breeders at once. It'll take time to visit everyone on the scheme-and re visit, of course!).

Every prospecitive dog owner must do their homework and should know what health issues their chosen breed is at risk from and what tests there are for these.
They should also be aware of what to look for in a "good" breeder, as well as the signs to look for that a breeder is wanting.

I'll still seek my pup from an AB. I know the standards they are expected to acheive.

I have no idea what a non accredited breeder's standards are. That's the whole point of the scheme, surely?

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I am a member of the scheme - this will be my second litter but first under it, I joined because I think that ultimately it will be a good thing although still flawed.

Regarding health tests, these are required/recommended by the KC once the breed clubs have asked for them to be there, they don't just magically appear and it can take a while for them to appear, in our breed I think it was several years for dna eye tests to become required and recorded by the KC despite them being proven.

If you believe a breed has a problem that should be tested for then you have to get on to your breed health co-ordinator(s) and petition for it to happen - if you don't participate in the breed club activities then the same people will be making the same decisions on your behalf and may be so entrenched in their opinions that they just don't see that something has become a problem. But remember that they aren't just going to go with whatever is the 'new fashion' for testing as this may end up being pointless it will have to be proven that it has helped breed health.

No point in complaining and saying that 'they' should do something about it - you are 'they'

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