A Good Breeder by TD Yandt originally published at epets.ca in December of 2006
A good breeder health tests their dogs. It is up to you to research the breed and then ask the breeder for proof that their dogs have been tested for the various illnesses that are common to your breed choice. Look into the different health registries available, such as CERF and OFA. A good breeder will have their dogs test results registered with the appropriate groups.
A good breeder shows their dogs. Breeding to improve the breed is the goal of every good breeder, and the best way to prove that your dogs are worthy of being bred is by showing. Some dogs will not only have their Championship, but will also have been "specialed." Obedience and Agility titles also provide further proof that a breeder is breeding for the right reasons.
A good breeder is not interested in dollars. Breeding properly is very expensive, and each litter will cost the breeder. In some breeds who produce large litters and who free whelp (meaning that they don't need human interference) responsible breeders will sometimes break even. However when it comes to dogs who produce small litters where vet assistance is often needed (some toy breeds are a good example of this), a responsible breeder will lose money with ever litter produced. The costs involved in producing and raising puppies far outweighs the small price you'll pay for a well bred pup.
A good breeder does not breed to create "pets," their aim is to improve the breed and thus their goal is to produce only dogs of the very highest quality, dogs who are competitive in a variety of arenas and sports. A breeder who openly admits they are only trying to produce pets may not have the best interest of the breed at heart, and is not a breeder you want to get your future puppy from. Pets happen when good breeders breed, but pets should not be the end goal.
A good breeder will not sell to brokers or pet stores. Caring where they're puppies end up is a hallmark of a responsible breeder. A breeder who sells to a broker or a pet store has no say in where their pups end up, and are only selling for dollars with no care for the breed or their puppies well being.
A good breeder will welcome you into their home. In fact, they will want you to visit as often as possible to watch the puppies as they grow and change. If a breeder offers to "meet you half way" or tries to dissuade you from visiting they are not a responsible breeder. A good breeder will show you the mother of a puppy who is less than 8 weeks old.
A good breeder is also a rescuer. They are dedicated to their breed, and will do whatever it takes to ensure that all their dogs receive loving happy homes. They are passionate and committed; their lives revolve around the breed of their choice.
A good breeder will seem like an interrogation specialist. Responsible breeders will have as many questions for a prospective puppy buyer as you will have for them. They will want to know about your family, where you live, other pets in the home, past dog experiences, why you want a puppy, why you want one of their puppies, what your future plans are, etc, etc, etc. If a breeder is only interested in making a sale, do not buy your new family member from them.
A good breeder will require a puppy buyer to spay or neuter any pet puppies. Responsible breeders do not want their progeny to add to the pet over population problems, and will require all non-show dogs to be altered to ensure that this doesn't happen.
A good breeder will have you sign a contract that includes the "first right of refusal". What this means is that if you EVER need to rehome your pet, no matter how old he/she is, the breeder wants that dog returned to them.
A good breeder will not send you home with a puppy under the age of 8-10 weeks old, this goes even further for toy breed dogs. A toy breed puppy should not leave the breeders home until they are at least twelve weeks of age. Up until this time, the puppy is in a crucial socialization phase and should not be separated from the litter. A breeder who sells puppies 4,6 & 7 weeks old do not have the best interest of the pet in mind.
A good breeder will guarantee that their offspring are free of hereditary defects, and will refund at least a portion of your purchase price if their dogs are ever found to have a condition that was inherited. This guarantee is for the life of the dog, not just it's first months or years.
A good breeder is many things, but above all, they are an advocate for their breed. They will tell you that they're breed is not for everyone, that there are down sides to their breed. There really are no ideal dogs, all breeds have pluses and minuses, and it's important that a breeder share both with you.
A good breeder will be honest with you, their dogs are not perfect. Every line carries certain problems. These may be as simple as a tendency to produce a dog with too much leg, or as heart breaking as a hereditary illness. A responsible breeder will tell you what they like and don't like about the lines they are working with. If you feel they are being less than honest, trust your gut and look elsewhere for your new family member.
A good breeder will become your friend, and will want to share the experience of raising your puppy. They will want pictures as your puppy grows, and will want to stay in touch with you for the entire life of your new family member. So choose your breeder carefully ... this is a relationship that you are entering. You will be tied to your breeder for the next fifteen years.
