How to Distinguish a Good Breeder....
from a not-so-good breeder or puppy mill....
1. Good breeders do not have multiple litters available season after season, year after year... You may have to wait several months for a well bred puppy.
2. Good breeders will interview you as to your suitability for a puppy, not just ask for your money.
3. Good breeders will want to discuss health issues in the breed and will have verification of the health testing they have down on the parents of all litters.
4. Good breeders are active with their dogs in at least one area - conformation showing, obedience, agility, working tests, etc.
5. Good breeders will not send a puppy to a new home until it is at least eight weeks old - many not until the puppies are 10 or 12 weeks. The smaller the breed, the older the puppy should be before leaving its mother and littermates.
6. Good breeders will register their dogs with an established, known registry - in this country, either the AKC or UKC. Beware of newer "registries" such as the CKC (Continental Kennel Club - NOT the reputable Canadian Kennel Club). If the breeders' dogs are not registered AKC or UKC - beware.
7. Good breeders will want to stay in touch and be kept up to date on your puppie's development.
8. Good breeders offer health guarantees much longer than a few days or a week.
9. Good breeders will want the puppy to come back to them if for any reason you cannot keep it - no matter how old the dog is at the time.
10. Good breeders tend to specialize in one, maybe two, breeds. Beware of someone who has 4, 5, or more breeds.
11. Good breeders will be members of their breed club or other recognized dog clubs.
12. Most of all, good breeders work to support their dogs - their dogs do NOT support them!
