Types of Breeders
In your search for a puppy, you will run across different types of breeders. It’s important to be aware of the pros and cons of each. We encourage you to buy a puppy from a ‘reputable hobby breeder’ or ‘experienced breeder’ rather than a puppy mill, commercial breeder or backyard breeder. Here’s why:
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|
Trait
|
Puppy Mill |
Commercial Breeder |
Backyard
Breeder |
Reputable Hobby
Breeder |
Reputable Experienced
Breeder |
|
Motive for Breeding
|
To supply pet stores and make a profit. |
To supply pet stores and make a profit. |
To produce puppies for profit, or so their kids can experience “the miracle of birth,” or to have another just like one of the parents. |
To better the breed and continue a well thought-out plan. |
To perfect a specific type to leave a legacy. |
|
Breed Club Member
|
Hardly ever. |
Has a network of business contacts instead. |
May masquerade as a member. |
Yes and extremely dedicated. |
Yes and extremely dedicated. |
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Mentor
|
Not interested in breed improvement. |
Does not specialize in specific breed. |
Works independently, lacks guidance. |
Invites knowledge. |
Is a mentor, writes books or articles, conducts seminars. |
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Breeds to the Standard
|
Uses any available stock. |
Focuses on general appearance. |
May not even be aware of the breed standard. Breeds to any convenient dog. |
Strives towards the ideal. |
Often helps to
define it. |
|
Activity in dog related activities (shows/trials, rescue)
|
Does not need to promote establishment; sells to brokers, pet shops, etc. |
Does not needto promote establishment; sells to brokers, pet shops, etc. |
Often rescues only to attain more stock. Rarely attends shows or trials. |
Shows and trials to objectively test breeding stock. |
Often judges, provides seminars,writes articles, and willingly mentors serious Hobby Breeders. |
|
Knowledge
of the Breed
|
Often pretends to know some. |
Claims that it’s not important. |
May share false or incomplete information. |
Studies continuously. |
Impacts the breed for many decadeswith knowledge ofdogs over many generations. |
|
Sells pets with spay/neuter contract and tries to stay in touch with new owners
|
Often issues papers via generic “registries” with less stringent requirements.
|
All pups sold have full breeding rights. |
May charge more for “breeding” papers. |
Yes, and diligentlyfollows up on progeny. |
Always differentiates breed/pet quality and insists on frequent updates. |
|
Keeps up with health and temperament issues affecting the breeding
and provides
in-depth guarantees
|
No need to; mostly supplies brokers and pet shops.
|
Meets minimum standards as required by state law. |
May refuse to acknowledge most problems. Considers shows and trials as too “political.” |
Goes above and beyond standard requirement. |
Maintains a solid support system – accepts full responsibility for every puppyproduced. |
|
Performs health testing for all breeding stock for genetic diseases affecting the particular breed.
|
No interest, may offer papers as proof of quality. Papers alone are not proof of quality.
|
No interest. May provide undocumented paperwork for appearances sake. |
Is unfamiliar with health testing usually statements of good health are stated to impress consumers. |
Intensive testing always a priority. |
Often initiates club sponsored seminars and clinics. Intensive testing always a priority. |
|
Maintains records on all dogs in gene pool including progeny.
|
Often supplies brokers and pet shops, records unavailable. |
Dogs and puppies are often auctioned off in lots, records unavailable. |
Focuses mostly on current dogs, no records or knowledge of genes. |
Attempts to continuouslytrack every puppy produced. |
Bases entire breeding program on extensive gene pool data. |
|
Clean environment always maintained
|
Minimum standards vary greatly in cleanliness. |
Minimum standards maintained for state inspections. |
Conditions may vary greatly depending on available income,usually makeshift accommodations. |
Usually “home raised with love” and well cared for. Clean, healthy and mentally stimulating environment. |
Clean, healthy and mentally stimulating environment. |
|
Expected longevity with any particular breed
|
Will continue as long as the sales are coming.
|
Depends on popularity of specific breeds. |
Unrealistic expectations – easily disillusioned. |
On a mission-plans to stay for the long haul. |
Involved with the breed / breeding for decades – makes a lifetime commitment. |
|
Health guarantee provided
|
No, it cuts into profits.
|
7-day guarantee mandated by state. |
No health guarantee beyond proof of first set of vaccines, if that. Notqualified to give advice if a problem arises. |
Offers written guarantee and is available to answer questions to new owners. Good knowledge of history in dogs. |
Extensive knowledge of healthhistory, offers replacements toowners of genetically affected dogs. |
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Ability to meet the parents of the litter
|
If available, may be in poor physical condition.
|
If available, dogs are not used to contact with people. |
May or may not be well loved and cared for companions, oftenunwilling to show entire litter or parents to buyer. |
Shows friendly mother and entire litter in clean environment; stud dog too, if in residence. Helpsbuyer choose appropriate puppy. |
Can explain how breeding wasplanned to emphasize specific qualities and can speak at length about how puppies compare. |
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What you can expect after purchase
|
Nothing, may not be able to contact at all.
|
No concern for dog after sale is final. |
Tells you if you can’t keep it to take it to the pound or shelter. |
Available for questions, and wants to keep in touch. Will take back dog or puppy at any time. |
After purchase will help with training and grooming, available for all questions and knows the answers. |
|
Price
|
Lowest end of range. |
Priced according to market, but is marked up from original source for profit. |
Mid-range to move puppies quickly. |
High end of mid-range. |
Price will not reflect all that is invested. |