Signs Of Responsible and Not-So-Responsible Breeders
People sometimes feel that they will 'rescue' a puppy mill dog by buying it from a mill or broker or less-than-best source. That is wonderful for the puppy, but unfortunately, the mill/broker has now found it is profitable to mass produce and sell puppies. They now produce two more since one sold so easily, and so the problem increases. Mass production of puppies will not stop until the public sends a financial message to the mills and brokers - this is the only message they understand.
Please learn to recognize the signs of a responsible breeder; purchase your dog from the best possible source--a responsible breeder!
Signs of a responsible breeder:
Responsible breeders sell their own dogs! They have raised their puppies with care and want a good home for them. They screen prospective buyers carefully and are not willing to let someone else (not even a 'friend' or a 'relative') sell their puppies to whoever can come up with the cash. A person selling their own puppies will have the mother of the puppies on the premises and will want you to see her.
Responsible breeders are anxious to discuss both the good and bad aspects of owning their breed. They are knowledgeable about hereditary health problems in their breed and provide written proof that the parents and/or puppies have had the appropriate tests for the breed. They do not dismiss the problem by saying 'that is not a problem in my dogs'.
Responsible breeders have only 1 or 2 litters at a time and generally limit themselves to 1 or 2 breeds. Raising a litter of puppies is very time-consuming when done correctly! It is also very time-consuming becoming an expert on a specific breed and to be knowledgeable about the temperament and health concerns of the breed.
The responsible breeder wants you to see where the puppies are living. The living area is clean and the puppies are not forced to live in their excrement. The puppies are clean and do not have discharge from their nose and eyes.
Responsible breeders understand that puppies who remain with their mother and litter mates until the age of 7 weeks will be easier to train - the mother and litter mates will have already taught the puppy some of what it needs to know about interacting with others.
Responsible breeders may use limited registration papers or spay/neuter contracts when selling puppies as pets. They understand that some puppies may make excellent pets, but are not suitable for breeding. These breeders are concerned about the problem of pet overpopulation and do not want their puppies used to contribute to the problem.
The breeder asks lots of questions about your family, your home and yard, your experience with dogs and your plans for this puppy.
The breeder may insist on meeting your whole family and may want you to make more than one visit before you can take a puppy home. The breeder may ask you for references.
Signs For Concern--Exercise Caution
Person is not selling their own puppies. They are selling puppies for a 'friend', 'relative', 'company' or 'adoption service'.
Person cannot or will not show you the mother of the puppies. You may be told the mother 'doesn't like people', 'is at the vet', or given some other excuse as to why you can't see her.
Person denies breed-specific hereditary health problems exist, claims not to be aware of hereditary health problems, or claims their dogs are immune to hereditary health problems. Person cannot or will not provide written proof (such as CERF or OFA registration) that puppies or the parents of the puppies have been tested for hereditary health problems appropriate for their breed.
Person has numerous breeds of puppies and/or numerous litters of puppies. Person can 'get you any breed you want'.
Person does not want you to see where the puppies are currently living. This may be disguised as 'we deliver' or 'selling them from someone's house here in the city so you don't have to drive so far'.
Puppies are dirty, lethargic, appear sickly, or have discharge from the nose and eyes.
Person encourages you to take home a puppy younger than 7 weeks old.
Person tries to tell you that AKC papers mean that the dog is of exceptional quality or exceptionally healthy. AKC papers simply mean that the puppy is registered as a specific breed because both of its parents were registered as that breed. Papers are no indication of health , temperament or quality of a dog.
Person selling the puppy takes charge cards, is having a 'sale', or uses high pressure sales tactics to make a sale. Person offers you a puppy at one price with 'papers' and at a reduced price without.
Person selling the puppy does nothing with their dogs other than breed them. They do not train their dogs. They do not participate in any type of conformation, obedience, field, tracking, working or agility events.
(Courtesy of Sheryl Bolton)
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