How do I find a responsible breeder?
Finding a responsible breeder is not difficult for most breeds, and the
reward -- a healthy, well-adjusted, well-bred puppy -- is worth it. Here are
some ways to get started:
- Call the AKC at (919) 233-9767 or visit their Web page of breed referral
contacts at http://www.akc.org/bredclub.htm.
- Use the Internet to look up the breed you're interested in. You'll find a
wealth of information.
- Go to shows, fun matches or any kind of dog event -- there will be plenty
of people there to offer suggestions and advice. Be extremely careful when
evaluating breeders who run ads in the newspaper.
- E-mail pupinfo@yahoo.com and ask for help.
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How do I avoid "backyard breeders"?
Backyard breeders operate in much the same way pet shops do. Money is the
bottom line. Watch out for any breeder who:
- Talks about money before anything else.
- Doesn't ask you questions about yourself and why you want a puppy.
- Says the parents "don't need tests." All purebred breeds suffer from genetic
diseases, including cancer.
- Can't provide a good answer to the question: "Why did you decide to breed
these two dogs"?
- Can't provide copies of OFA results (hip and elbow), CERF exams (eyes) or
other tests along with the pedigree.
- Breeds dogs younger than two years of age (two is the minimum age for hip
certification by OFA).
- Has puppies always available. Responsible breeders have smaller numbers
of carefully-planned litters.
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Questions? Comments? Need help?
E-mail pupinfo@yahoo.com.
PupInfo is a volunteer effort to educate puppy buyers and provide assistance
in locating responsible breeders. PupInfo does not endorse specific
breeders.
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