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How to Pick an Ethical Breeder
It’s not always the case that a dog comes from a shelter with behavioral issues. Several dogs had lost their homes as a result of terrible events like lifestyle adjustments, monetary challenges, issues with the family, such as separation, or even the death of the owner.
You shouldn’t purchase a dog from a pet shop or online. Puppies sold in pet stores are probably from puppy mill puppies, and backyard breeders frequently sell their litters on Craigslist or eBay without going through any sort of screening.
Unsocialized dogs and pups from a puppy factory or backyard breeder may lack social skills and may develop behavioral issues in the future. They typically don’t vaccinate their puppies, which can lead to long-term health issues, deadly infections, or even fatalities.
Lastly, their breeding stock often don’t undergo rigorous DNA tests, X-rays, and ultrasounds to determine whether the breeding pair is free of any genetic conditions.
Characteristics Of A Good Breeder
Finding a responsible and ethical breeder might be difficult. Here seem to be a few important criteria to look at while selecting the best breeder.
- They are glad to show guests around their wide, roomy home where they raise their puppies.
- Their dogs have a variety of qualifications and take part in dog shows, temperament evaluations, and obedience training.
- They are pleased to introduce the litter’s parents, who are outgoing, content dogs that reflect well-rounded socialization and devoted owners.
- When conversing with an excellent breeder, you may start to feel probed. To assure their pups go to the greatest possible home, they will be intrusive and probing about your personal life. Be careful not to take offense; this is a positive sign that they are cautious as to where their puppies travel.
- Good breeders pay attention to the parents, but bad breeders pay attention to the pups. Who can look at puppy pictures without wanting one? An honest breeder will be far more proud of the achievements of the father and mother than they will be of their offspring.
- Verify all of the parents’ certificates. A reputable breeder will be more than delighted to share the numerous paperwork he or she has on various DNA tests, health examinations, and immunization records with you.
- A helpful resource is indeed the Orthopaedic Organization for Animals (OFA), and most pups from ethical breeders will be OFA-certified, especially for large breed dogs like Rottweilers and German Shepherds.
Questions To Ask a Breeder
It might be a great idea to go visit them and take a look around their facilities after conducting your study and cutting down your options of suitable breeding stock. Not only are some unethical breeder cleverly disguised as responsible ones, but some are just downright scams.
Ask for numerous updates and images and interact via video emails and phone calls if that isn’t possible.
- How many litters do you have a year? Ethical breeders typically have very few litters and give their adult dogs a chance to recover, while irresponsible breeders tend to overbreed their dogs.
- Do your adult dogs participate in any activities like obedience trials, conformation shows, and service dog training?
- Can you offer the parents’ DNA results? the parents?
- Verify any “at-risk” or “carrier” circumstances in the DNA test results. Dogs in danger shouldn’t be bred. It is still possible to breed a dog with such a carrier condition with a dog without the ailment. Consult a veterinarian if you’re unsure of how to understand the test results.
- Are the AKC registration documents or the OFA lab results available?
- Do you provide health assurances?
- May I see the pups? Although it is impossible, ask this. A visit is always welcome, and ethical breeders are open about the conditions in which their dogs are housed.
How To Find An Ethical Breeder
Choosing a breeder is an important decision that should not be taken lightly. There are many things to consider, such as the size of the operation, the health and temperament of the dogs, and the terms of the contract.
Perhaps the most important factor, however, is the breeder’s reputation. A good breeder will have a proven track record of producing healthy, well-adjusted puppies. They will also be open and honest about their practices, and they will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have.
When looking for a breeder, it is important to do your research and choose someone who you can trust.
One of the best ways of looking for a responsible breeder is to ask the dog professionals around you.
A good place to start is by asking your veterinarian or local animal shelter for recommendations. You can also search online for breed-specific rescue groups or national organizations like the American Kennel Club.
Once you’ve compiled a list of potential breeders, take some time to visit their websites and social media pages. Pay attention to how the dogs are cared for and whether the facilities seem clean and well-kept.
How To Spot A Puppy Mill
When most people think of a puppy mill, they picture a large-scale commercial breeding operation where dogs are kept in cramped, unsanitary conditions and bred solely for profit. However, not all puppy mills fit this stereotype.
Some breeders go to great lengths to conceal the fact that they are running a puppy mill, making it difficult for potential buyers to spot the signs. Here are some things to look out for if you suspect that a breeder may be running a puppy mill:
-The breeder is relatively new and doesn’t have any established reputation.
-The puppies are being sold at a significantly lower price than what is typical for that breed.
-The puppies are being advertised online or through classified ads, but there is no physical address listed for the breeder.
-When you visit the breeder’s facility, it is dirty and overcrowded. The puppies seem sickly or neglected.
-The breeder is unwilling to provide references or allow you to meet the puppies’ parents.
If you see any of these red flags, it’s best to steer clear of that breeder. Remember, puppies from reputable breeders come with paperwork such as registration documents, health records, OFA certs, and X-rays.
Final Thoughts
Picking an ethical breeder is of critical important and the last thing you’d want is to support an unethical breeding business that cares very little for their animals.
With some research and homework, you can be sure that your puppy will come from an ethical source. Good luck!
