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.

134th Westminster Kennel Club Show

Despite PETA protesters interrupting the Westminster Dog Show during judging for Best in Show, Sadie the Scottish Terrier was awarded the coveted title. It was her 3rd time at Westminster.

The show took place Monday and Tuesday, February 15th and 16th at Madison Square Garden in New York.

The protesters entered the ring and held up signs that declared 'Mutts Rule' and 'Breeders Kill Shelter Dogs', a common slogan used by PETA; their reasoning being that when people buy a puppy from a breeder, a shelter dog that could have been saved is put to sleep. Nevermind that their organization euthanizes 95% of the animals they take in (the proof is public record; despite taking in 3317 dogs they only adopted out 4. Yes, 4. For the entire year.)

I could rant about PETA's incompetence all day, but I'll save that for another post.


Instead, here are some great pictures from Westminster!

Like I could resist posting the Mini Bull.

Wiener dog wink!


All images are copyright Timothy A Clary. Check out more pictures here, including Cutest dogs and Ugliest Dogs at Westminster, and a few pictures of the protesters.

What do you think of dog shows and breeders? Leave a comment and let us know.

The Breeder Dispute

I thought that making a post describing my experience with dogs might be a useful tidbit, especially since there is so much information out there perpetuated by people who have never owned a dog. However it turned into more of an info column about breeders and pet overpopulation. I think it is information that needs to get out there, so please leave comments with your opinions.

I grew up in a small town in upstate New York. I came from a long line of animal lovers/farmers, and living on 6 acres of land we had plenty of space for our menagerie. We always had anywhere from 1 to 2 cats and at least 3 dogs. We took in strays and rehabilitated wounded wildlife. Rabbits, robins, blue jays, a pigeon, a trio of baby squirrels, even a baby deer for a short amount of time. My grandparents lived nearby and always had a pack of dogs. My grandfather bred, trained and showed championship coon hounds and had a barn full of trophies. My mother breeds AKC registered Cairn Terriers for temperament and conformation and I had the full experience of watching and later helping whelp the pups throughout my childhood. Watching the puppies go from blind, deaf little things to fuzzy balls of curiosity to energetic puppies and finally on to adulthood taught me more about dogs, their behavior and their psychology than any book or trainer ever could. Taught how to approach and treat dogs since before I could talk, it wasn't a big surprise that I grew up with a love of them. Watching the actions of experienced, responsible breeders like my mother and grandparents instilled a lot of respect for those hobbyists and fanciers that dedicate so much to their chosen breeds as well. I know that there are a lot of people out there that would eagerly shout me down and insist that there are no good breeders, but my experience tells me otherwise. Truly responsible breeders do what they do to contribute to the improvement of the breed. The poor unfortunate animals that flood shelters are not the result of responsible breeders, but of puppymillers, backyard breeders and ignorant owners. I'll write another post at a later time on how to recognize a good breeder.

Two of my mother's dogs, relaxing on our porch.

There are many reasons for wanting a purebred dog, and claiming 'breedism' is no more true or fair than calling people who prefer large or small dogs 'size-ists'. Size, like temperament and energy, should be an important consideration in choosing a dog. If you're looking for a dog to fit into a 1 bedroom apartment lifestyle a Great Dane wouldn't be the best choice. If you have young active children a 4 pound delicate Yorkshire Terrier could easily be injured or killed. Knowing a dog's breed lends one to the dispositions predisposed to that breed. That is why shelters and rescues list a dog's breed background. In order to enjoy and appreciate the life and contributions of your dog, one should try to match their lifestyle to the type of energy and temperament a dog possesses. A low energy elderly person looking for a small, calm companion would not do well with a large high energy dog. In fact, such a mismatch could seriously injure the person. An active, high energy family would not fit well with a low energy coach potato, and the dog would feasibly be left alone often if it could not keep up with that lifestyle. The best indicators of a dog's future traits are its breed traits, which are determined by what the dog was breed for. Originally bred for herding? You can bet that will be an intelligent, high energy dog. Scent hound? Be prepared for barking and howling. Bred for pulling sleds? A high energy cold weather dog that would probably be very unhappy in a small apartment in Florida.

This is not to say that shelter dogs or mixed breeds don't make excellent pets, because they do. My closest companion through childhood and my young adult life was a rottie/labrador mix. No one dog is perfect for everyone, just as no one situation is perfect for everyone. Educating yourself on all the traits of a breed is important when considering bringing any dog into your life. The number of dogs surrendered due to owner ignorance is staggering. "He's too hyper" is not an excuse to give up your pet, especially if you had taken the time to consider that the dog's breed was originally created to herd cattle for 10 hours a day. Living in an apartment with the occasional walk is not going to meet that dog's physical needs. With the problem of pet overpopulation we need to step up and be responsible for our animals.

Banning all breeders is not the answer, because without responsible breeding programs there would be no healthy dogs. Refusing to buy from breeders that are just looking to make a quick penny is a big start. Outright refusing to buy from pet stores is a necessity. No responsible breeder would EVER sell a puppy to a pet store, and most of the dogs you see in the window are from puppy mills, predisposing them to illness, mental instability and behavioral problems. You are not 'rescuing' those puppies by buying them, you are just funding the degeneration of the breed.

Rescuing a shelter dog is a noble thing to do, especially if you are prepared for the issues that come with them. They are wonderful dogs that were dealt an unfortunate hand, and can make as loving and loyal a companion as any dog. Evaluate your lifestyle when considering a dog. Research breeds, even if you are going the adoption route. Know that if two breeds have the same trait, a mixed dog of both breeds can carry that trait even more strongly than the purebreds. If you choose to buy from a breeder, find a good one. Ask to meet the puppy's parents, ask about health issues, ask if health screening was performed, ask about temperament testing, socialization, registration, pedigree history, etc. A good breeder will patiently answer all your questions, and be able to provide references to their line's health and well being. If a breeder tries to rush you into a sale, walk away. They are just looking for that quick penny. Good breeders test for genetic health problems in their dogs, and will not sell a puppy without a limited registration, especially to a first time owner. In fact, many responsible breeders are wary of selling one of their pups to a first time owner at all. Be prepared to sign a contract, one that often will require you to return the dog to the breeder should you ever decide to get rid of it and will require you to spay or neuter your dog by 6 months of age. Many breeders now microchip their pups before selling them, so that if the dog ever ends up in a shelter they are contacted. Yearly follow up calls are common and home visits before agreeing to sell a puppy are not unheard of. All of these precautions are to ensure a good, healthy life for their dogs and a satisfied owner.

One of my mother's litters.