Good Breeders

I've seen this issue turn into heated debates over and over again. There are many that would have you believe that there are no good breeders, but things like this can't be so easily defined. The problem of pet overpopulation leaves many under the impression that any addition to this population at all is irresponsible, careless and greedy. The problem with that argument is that responsible breeders contribute only to a small percentage of the pet population, and their contributions are healthy, well adjusted animals with a documented temperament and conformation history. Overwhelmingly, the homeless pets are mixed breed dogs. This means that irresponsible breeders and irresponsible owners allowed dogs to reproduce when they shouldn't have. Illegitimate breeders are even attempting to pass off these mixed breeds as 'designer dogs' and sell them for a high profit. Many are claiming that these new designer dogs are registered.

While they may be registered with registries of ill repute such as ACA (American Canine Association) or CKC (Continental Kennel Club), those Kennel Clubs that are truly notable and respected do not recognize mixed breeds in their registries. AKC (American Kennel Club) is the oldest registry in the United States, the only non-profit, and the most noted. Their registration requirements are strict, and the Club provides and encourages DNA testing and health screening in its dogs. They hold conformation events to evaluate breeding dogs, as well as obedience trials, agility trials, tracking trials and rallys; earthdog trials, field trials, herding tests, hunt tests, lure coursing and tracking sport are also part of AKC evaluations. UKC (United Kennel Club) is the largest all-breed performance-dog registry in the world and aims to produce dogs that meet conformation standards both in looks and performance.

How to know if a Registry is Legitimate

Look up their standards for registration. Registries list their requirements online. An illegitimate registry will often:

• take someones 'word' that the dog is registered
• require that a dog must 'look like' a certain breed to be registered as that breed, but don't define standards such as height, weight or color restrictions
  
• not require any form of pedigree or registration with another registry
• not require any form of proof that a dog is the breed stated
• register mixed dogs such as Puggles, Maltipoos, ShiChis, Chiweenies, Cockapoos, Labradoodles, etc.
• allow new breeds in with no probationary time span or stock number requirements
• not require any information about the dog's parents, history, health, etc.
  

The two most renowned registries in the United States are the AKC and the UKC. Noted foreign registries are part of the FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale) and can often be cross registered. In this way, new genetic lines can be introduced to promote the health of the breed while adhering to its standard. Remy is only 2 generations removed from a Hungarian import. Since the AKC recognizes FCI registries, a dog formerly of the Hungarian registry Magyar Ebtenyésztők Országos Egyesülete was able to add some genetic diversity to the Miniature Bull Terrier gene pool here in America.

Signs of a Good Breeder

• their dogs are registered with a noted registry such as AKC, UKC or a foreign alternative
• dogs are sometimes double registered
• competes in conformation/agility/obedience events through their chosen kennel club
• their dogs have won awards in their area of competition
• has produced puppies that come to work as service dogs, therapy dogs, search and rescue, police dogs or emotional support dogs
• breeds for a specific goal (for example, breeding for performance or breeding for conformation and temperament)
  
• DNA tests their dogs
• temperament tests their dogs
  
• does health screenings for problems associated with the breed
• they require you to sign a contract when you purchase a puppy
• they require spaying/neutering
• they will not sell a puppy without a limited registration
• they ask you in depth questions about your experience with dogs, your lifestyle, your family, your home, former pets, etc.
• they will not let a puppy leave before 8 weeks of age, often not before 10 or more weeks
• requires vet references
• require that you take the puppy to your vet within 2 days of receiving it
• they have extensive knowledge on the breed, its history, their line's pedigree, health concerns, genetics, etc. and are happy to discuss them with you
• may require a home visit to ensure that their puppy is going to a good home
• will not sell a puppy for breeding purposes
• are often hesitant to sell a puppy to a first time dog owner or first time breed owner
• will often require that you return the dog to them if you cannot keep it
• often microchip their puppies before they leave, and so are notified if the dog ever ends up in a shelter
• can and will answer any questions you may have on dog ownership, puppy rearing, or the breed
• will not rush you into buying a dog; if you feel a breeder is trying to pressure or rush you into a decision, turn and walk away
• often provides blankets and toys that carry familiar smells to comfort the puppy when it goes to its new home
• will make annual calls or send emails to check up on the dog
• socializes the puppies from birth with adults, children, other dogs, cats, etc.
• raises the puppies in their home (an exception is sometimees made for working dogs such as sled dogs or herding dogs, or for very large breeds)
• is willing to let you see where the puppies are raised
• has one or both parents on premises and is completely willing to let you see them

Though it may seem like an extensive list, it is not complete. Every breeder is slightly different and will do things a little differently than the next. However, these guidelines are to give you a basis of understanding to what makes a good breeder. The goal of good breeders should be the betterment of their chosen breed. They may accomplish this through conformation (meeting breed standards), temperament, performance (what the dog was bred for; herding, earthdog trials, retrieving, tracking, etc), agility, obedience, or any combination of these. Raising dogs really is a passion to these people, and they put unbelievable amounts of time, effort, money and love into their dogs.

If you've had experience with a breeder, good or bad, leave a comment and let us know what happened.