OK what in your opinion constitutes a good breeder ?

Discuss

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Ellies Babe Genetically L2/HC Clear

ruardeanstaffords

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Updated 27/08/08

Someone who breeds from dogs that are first and foremost family pets but that are breed standard, fully health tested and hip/elbow scored as relevant to the breed and have excellent temprements. Someone that registers their pups with the KC and endorses them "progency not eligable for registration" and that knows their breed well and ensures all prospective owners of pups are fully aware of what owning their breed entails and that they are suitable. Someone that has good reasons for breeding and that charges a price for puppies that reflects the cost of producing them and does not make money from breeding and is still happy if it costs more than they recoup. Someone that's willing to take a puppy back if things don't work out with their new owner at any time in the dogs life and offers support 24/7.

After researching and looking for a dog for well over 6 months - countless books read, countless forums visited, countless breed and general rescue centres visited we stumbled across the breeder of our pup.

She was quite literally a breath of fresh air. Knowledgeable, passionate and totally dedicated to the welfare of her own dogs, the breed as a standard and also fought tirelessly to get a nearby puppy farm closed down (this was successful).

She asked us countless questions, invited us to meet her and her dogs. All her dogs are health tested. Her dogs temperaments with our very young children was second to none - they were more gentle than a steiff teddy bear LOL

Any how we knew that we wanted one of her pups. She never once pushed us into it and even offered to put us in touch with other reputable breeders if we didn't want to wait so long for one of hers.

The current litter of 8 has 13 potential buyers - I think that alone speaks volumes.

She has changed my view on dog ownership totally.

I will post as a potential puppy buyer.
I would want the Breeder to know the History, Standard, Characteristics and Dogs in the Parents Lineage.
I would want to know how many years etc.. they had been in there breed
I would want to know if anyone other than themselves feels their Bitch/ Dog is a Good Example of the Breed and be able to point out any faults of their bitch and did they do anything to compensate by Stud choice
I would like Breeder to be able to give me references from other Breeders/ Owners of said breed and Vet if need be
I would want to know Health Issues within that breed and if parents had been tested for same( and want to see it in writing)
I would want to know at what age breeder lets pups go and what their socialisation Program consisted of.
I would want them to ask me any questions what so ever and vice versa
I would want to know if they had any older dogs from past litters they had bred and wish to see them
I would want to know how many litters they breed in a year
I would also like to know if they are Show Breeders do they rehome retired showdogs

Probably a lot more questions

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CLICKETY CLICK I KNOW YA WANT TOO

For me though as a puppy buyer my main criteria is temperament. We have young children and I work with young, very vulnerable children. That in it self was the main criteria.

Yes that as well, said there would be more questions These ones were just off the top of my head inbetween putting pup on for a feed

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CLICKETY CLICK I KNOW YA WANT TOO

Gosh wish I knew you before my puppy buying journey though, they are really good questions.

1. Someone who breeds only from KC registered, high quality dogs (as tested in the showring or the working arena or preferably both if appropriate) which have been successfully tested for any health issues identified by the breed club as a potential problem for the breed.

2. Someone who knows their chosen breed inside out - the history, the bloodlines, the politics and the temperament of the breed.

3. Someone who actually makes it quite difficult to buy a puppy - insisting on a home check, and a contract which insists that if for whatever reason the owner cannot keep the dog, it must be returned to the breeder and not disposed of in any other way.

4. Someone who includes in their sales contract the fact that the dog/bitch is sold with breeding and export endorsements which can only be lifted at the discretion of the breeder.

5. Someone who sells the dog/bitch as a pet first and foremost and a showdog/working dog secondarily.

6. Someone who would never let a puppy leave its dam and littermates until it is at least eight weeks old.

7. Someone who gives me the third degree about why I want the puppy and how I will bring it up.

8. Someone who breeds rarely and only when they want a puppy for themselves.

9. Someone who will expect me to wait until a suitable puppy is available.

10. Someone with a proven record and good reputation within the breed.

11. Someone who keeps their own dogs as a happy and contented part of the family.

12. Someone who offers (and delivers) 24/7 support and advice for the entire life of the dog and beyond.

That'll do for now - I'm sure there's more........

Mick

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DREAMCATCHER SIBERIAN HUSKIES
Siberian Husky Welfare Association (UK)
"For I am a raindog too!" - Tom Waits
"Believe none of what you hear and half of what you see" - Benjamin Franklin
"As long as people believe in absurdities they will continue to commit atrocities" - Voltaire

pretty much what everyone has said - i'd also go with my gut if the breeder does everything right but i have a weird feeling about them i will not buy from them. I know where i'll be getting my future dogs from already