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When it comes to adopting or shopping, I am definitely pro choice. I do not believe that people should be shamed if they buy a dog from a breeder just like I do not believe that people should be shamed for adopting a mixed breed rescue. Both are great choices but which option is right for you depends on what you are looking for and how experienced you are as a dog owner. Everyone is in a different situation so what is right for one person is not always right for someone else.
But if you are going to buy a puppy from a breeder, do your research and find a responsible breeder. Just because someone breeds dogs does not mean that they are responsible or reputable. In fact, there are way more bad breeders out there than good breeders. Unfortunately, since there are way more bad than good, the bad ones seem to give all breeders a bad name.
So, why do we need responsible dog breeders?
Responsible dog breeders health test their breeding dogs.
Buying a puppy from a responsible breeder may be more expensive initially but you receive a health guarantee, as well as a puppy that is produced from health tested parents. Responsible breeders know the breed and what health testing should be done. This often includes DNA testing to eliminate certain diseases and mutations from their breeding stock. Many breeds require hip and elbow x-rays and certifications, hearing tests, eye tests, etc.
Of course, even with all of the health testing possible, there’s still a chance that genetic issues can pop up. Responsible breeders stand behind the puppies that they produce and offer a health guarantee with each puppy that they sell. They do everything that they possibly can to produce the healthiest puppies possible.
Responsible breeders have an extensive application process.
Responsible breeders want to make sure that their puppies go to the very best homes. Homes that are suited for the breed. They have an interview process. This may include answering questions or filling out a puppy application as well as setting up a time for a visit. This allows them to find out about the family’s lifestyle and living arrangements. They want to make sure that the family is a good fit for one of their puppies.
If you’ve ever seen someone with a dog that was totally not the right fit for them, whether the dog was high strung and out of control and the family needed a laid back dog, or if the dog was so laid back and just wanted to lay around all day while the family wanted a dog that could keep up with their active lifestyle, you know how important it is to have a puppy that fits your lifestyle. Responsible breeders gather information from the interested families during the application process and use that information to match each family to a dog that suits their lifestyle. If the breeder feels that their breed is not a good match for the family, they will let the family know. They may even suggest some breeds that would be a better fit.
Responsible breeders want what is best for the puppies above all else.
They take back any puppy that they bred if the new family can no longer care for him.
Responsible breeders care about the puppies that they produce. Their job does not end when the puppies go off to their new homes. A good breeder will be ready to answer any questions that the new family has. They are able to offer guidance and advice to the family for the life of the puppy.
If at any time the family cannot care for their puppy, no matter at what age, a responsible breeder will take that puppy back. There will be a clause in their contract that states that they will take the puppy back at any time. This is why when you go to a shelter or a rescue, it would be very hard to find a dog there that was produced by a responsible breeder.
Responsible breeders breed to the breed standard.
When you buy a puppy from a responsible breeder, you know what you are getting. They breed their dogs to the breed standard, as closely as they can. This means that your dog will have predictable features and personality traits. Of course, not all of the puppies will always have the same exact look, but they should all fit within the breed standard. It also means that there may be varying levels of each personality trait. A responsible breeder who knows the breed will be able to tell the difference in the levels of personality traits. This knowledge will allow them to match the families with the puppy that they are looking for.
Related Article: SECRETS REVEALED: HOW TO FIND A RESPONSIBLE DOG BREEDER
So, for anyone who is doing dog sports or just wants a companion puppy that has a certain look or personality, finding a responsible breeder is a great option! My motto is adopt or shop but for either one, do your research first. Make sure that your puppy comes from either a responsible breeder or a responsible dog rescue or shelter.
