Responsible Breeding
Overview
Every 5 minutes, an average of 3.5 dogs are born, while simultaneously, another 3.5 are euthanized. Many of these animals were purchased in pet stores and later discarded as they lost their 'cuteness,' while others were never bought and were put down as they were considered surplus. Some perished within the confines of brokers and puppy mills. The conditions these animals face are cruel, inhumane, and completely unnecessary. Please join DRBC to help our fight against this travesty.
Each year, DRBC participates in the rescue and rehabilitation of the breed we hold so dear. Please, help us help them. Adopt, don't buy. You will be so glad you did... and so will they.
In This Section:
Responsible Breeding
Responsible breeders answer buyers' questions, keep puppies they cannot place, allow bitches to recover sufficiently from one breeding before doing another, and take back any puppy that does not work out. They breed dogs because they admire their breed and want to contribute to its betterment. They guarantee their pups are free of genetic diseases common in their breed and replace the pup if the disease crops up. They consider the puppies they produce to be their responsibility for the life of that puppy, so they follow-up frequently to see what's going on.
They evaluate their puppies as show and breeding quality or pet quality and sell pet puppies with a spay-neuter contract. Pet quality puppies are not deficient - they just may not meet the breed standard for size, color, coat type, bone structure, head type, etc. Many responsible breeders sell pet puppies at a lower price than show puppies.
Locating a responsible breeder
Area kennel clubs are excellent sources of information about local breeders. Obedience training clubs in your area also offer promising leads. Veterinarians, groomers, boarding kennel operators, and pet supply outlets may also be good sources.
Using newspaper classified ads to locate a breeder is a gamble. Few responsible breeders advertise in local classified ads because they have no trouble placing their dogs, sometimes years in advance. Therefore most breeders who advertise in these sections are amateurs who know little about their breeds. If you must enter the classified sweepstakes, at least learn the terminology of classified ads.
The first interview with a breeder should be done without seeing the puppies, so judgment doesn't get clouded by adorable, furry bundles. Ask to see the sire and dam of the litter, if possible, and assess their temperament. If either is overprotective or very fearful, head for the door.
Ask about the genetic diseases that affect the breed -- you should have a good idea of what they are from your reading. Knowing if Mom or Dad had disc disease is a good predictor for your puppy.
Ask about the contract and guarantee and the names of previous puppy buyers as references. Ask if the dogs from this breeder are active in dog sports even if you never intend to participate. Dogs that learn obedience, tracking, hunting, agility, or conformation titles; work as therapy dogs, assistance dogs, or search and rescue dogs; or participate in sports such as agility, Frisbee, or Schutzhund are definitely trainable. The more complex the sport, the more there's a need for intelligence.
Ask to see the pedigrees of sire and dam. If there are many champions or titled dogs in the pedigree, the puppies are most likely good physical examples of the breed.
Expect the breeder to ask you some questions as well. After all, a responsible breeder wants to know what kind of a home and family his puppies are getting, as well as the color of your money.
