Evaluate the Breeders |
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A responsible breeder will: |
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*consider the pups they sell as their responsibility for life; this means they will be there to answer your questions, give advice, and take the dog back at any time if life circumstances prevent you from keeping the dog.
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| *evaluate puppies as "show quality" or "pet quality." Any of these make fine pets; however, pet quality pups generally do not meet the highest standards to be shown. Perhaps the teeth are slightly crooked or the ears are not quite right. Any of these pups that are not quickly sold will be kept by the breeder until the right family comes along. Some breeders sell pet-quality pups for a lower price. |
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| *require that you spay or neuter your puppy, and will follow up your purchase with a 'phone call or two to see how the pup is doing. |
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| *refrain from breeding a bitch that is too young or too old, and will not breed a bitch every time she is in season. |
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Looking for a (Reputable) Breeder?
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You should not buy a dog unless you plan to keep it for its lifetime. Smaller dogs often live 15 years or more. You are making a commitment to the dog, to the breeder who has raised the dog, and to your family to give the dog the best possible life. Therefore, you owe it to yourself to find the best breeder you can to avoid as many problems as possible. First, you must know the different types of breeders you may encounter, and which you are willing to do business with. |
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What are the different types of breeders?
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Hobby (Show) Breeder
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Backyard Breeder
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Commercial Breeder
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Puppy Broker
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Puppy Miller
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Has a breeding plan; knows & follows
breed standard
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YES; the ethical breeder breeds to maintain quality & improve the breed
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Litter likely an accident due to ignorance or
lack of supervision, or "for the kids"
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Doubtful - no reason to do so.
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No - does not breed.
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No; breeds recklessly.
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Motivated by profit
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NO; however some use income to help finance showing
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Litters sometimes used for profit during poor economy
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Definitely yes.
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Absolutely.
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Without a doubt.
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Desires to improve &
protect the breed
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YES
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No
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Most likely not.
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Not in the least.
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Not in the least.
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Provides stimulation
& socialization opportunities
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YES
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Not on purpose
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Puppy numbers prevent it.
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No.
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None.
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Screens breeding
animals for disease
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YES
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No
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Usually no.
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Never.
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Not at all.
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Provides a contract &
health guarantee
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YES
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No
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Probably not a reliable one.
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No.
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No.
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Takes great care to
find the best homes for
each puppy.
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YES
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Maybe.
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Usually sells to pet stores.
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No; sells to pet stores.
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Not at all.
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Participates in club/other
activities to extend knowledge
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YES |
No.
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No; highly unlikely.
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Never.
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Not likely.
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Other Sources for Finding a Pure-bred Dog
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| a) club rescue people |
| b) breed rescue organizations |
| c) no-kill shelters (one in six dogs arriving in shelters is a purebred; however, you normally will NOT see these dogs stay in a shelter very long; breed rescue organizations are quite good about retrieving relinquished dogs quickly.) |
| d) neighbors or relatives |
| e) veterinarian recommendations |
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