Author: Diana L. Guerrero How To Find A Good Breeder
Copyright ©; 2005 Diana L. Guerrero. All rights reserved.
This article may not be reprinted or distributed without written permission from the author.The decision to get a pet is just the beginning of the pet parenting process. Once you decide what pet is correct for your household environment, activity levels and other lifestyle considerations, you need to decide whether to adopt or purchase the pet. Research and effort is required to get the right pet from the right source.
Adoption is a great choice if you want to help a homeless dog. Many relinquished animals end up in shelters because their former owners did not estimate or prepare for the costs, time commitment or unexpected lifestyle changes (pregnancy or baby, divorce or marriage, move or deployment). In other cases allergies or misbehavior could be the underlying issues. But maybe you don’t want to select from the stock available.
Purebred rescue groups take in specific breeds from shelters but it can be hard to find the right match. (Did you know that one in every four dogs found in American animal shelters is a purebred?) Pet store selections can be a challenge due to the animal’s history of inappropriate housing, lack of socialization or inferior quality. (Some pets arrive in stores through unscrupulous people or from commercial mills.)
Your best bet might be to buy a pet from a breeder, but how do you locate and identify a reputable breeder? Here are a few guidelines and thoughts to help you identify the gems:
Good breeders breed because they love the breed and strive to improve it.
You won’t find good breeders advertising in free local papers, selling pups from flyers, nor will you find them in empty lots or the parking lots of shopping centers. Good breeders invest lots into their animals and treasure them—puppies are not just commodities.Good breeders won’t sell their babies to just anyone.
Potential pet owners will usually go through a screening process, or breeders will put you on a waiting list because people are lining up for their animals. They will meet and interview you to ensure that the animal is a good match for your family and that you will provide a responsible lifelong home.What quality breeders will require of YOU:
Papers don’t always indicate quality.- Ask you to explain why you want a dog.
- Want an outline of who in the family will be responsible for the daily care and training, where the pet will spend most of its time and examples of household pet rules.
- Ask for a veterinary reference or what practice you will use.
- Request a letter from your landlord, town home association or condominium board, to verify that you are allowed companion animals.
- Require a signed contract that you will spay or neuter your pet unless you will be actively involved in professional events with a show quality animal.
- Require a signed contract that you will return the pet to the breeder if you are unable to keep the pet at any time.
Many unscrupulous sources call themselves breeders but only breed their animals to make money. They might say their animals have "papers" but all that means is that they are members of a registry or kennel club. These “breeders” often generate youngsters whose future will be poor health or temperament problems.Find a good breeder through quality referrals.
Get access to reputable breeders through referrals from your veterinarian or via local breed clubs. Also visit the bigger pet shows. Don't buy a pet without personally visiting where he or she was born and raised.Quality Breeder Checklist:
Obtaining a pet is serious business. Take your time, do the research and then enjoy a lifetime of pleasure with your pet!- Good breeders keep animals in the home and integrated as part of the family. Kennel runs, cages or crates, and outside confinement are not usually the sign of a good background.
- Animals bred by reputable breeders appear healthy and happy. Animals exhibit good activity levels and are inquisitive and friendly. Eyes, ears, and noses are clean. They appear in good coat condition and weight.
- Good breeders will give you a tour to show you where the animals spend most of their time. Those areas will be clean and well kept. Flies and other pest will be at a minimum.
- Quality breeders will introduce you to the potential pet’s parents during your visit.
- Reputable breeders specialize in one or two breeds and will explain their breed’s standard to you. (Usually characteristics involving size, coat, color, temperament, and overall proportion.)
- Superior breeders maintain an ongoing relationship with their veterinarian and can produce records of exams for their young animals. They can be helpful with suggestions for a recommended pet health program.
- Decent breeders will alert you to any breed genetic concerns or defects. They will also provide you with documentation and certification of testing by various agencies (such as the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals [OFA]).
- Along with the new pet, you will receive referrals or guidance on care, socialization and training from a committed breeder.
- Great breeders will provide references (upon request) to other people who have purchased pets.
- Quality pet food (premium brands from pet stores) is what good breeders feed.
- Superior breeders will compete or work with local, state, and nation clubs dedicated to their breed(s).
- First-rate breeders will encourage your entire family to spend time with the pet over multiple visits prior to letting you take it home.
- Reputable breeders will give you a written contract and health guarantee.
About The Author:
Our critter columnist, Diana L. Guerrero is an animal expert, professional speaker and author. This pet pioneer shares over thirty years of revolutionary techniques and innovative services. She is the author of many books including, �What Animals Can Teach Us about Spirituality� and �Blessing of the Animals.� Guerrero�s distinctive areas of expertise are animal disaster preparedness, animal and pet careers, animal personality styles and animal kingdom etiquette. Readers are invited to subscribe to her FREE monthly electronic newsletter, enroll in her classes, explore wild and domestic animal behavior, or learn more about pet training at:
http://www.arkanimals.com
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