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: |
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. |
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. |
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 need to 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 decades with knowledge of dogs 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 diligently follows 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 puppy produced. |
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 continuously track 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. Not qualified 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 health history, offers replacements to owners of genetically affected dogs. |
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, often unwilling to show entire litter or parents to buyer. | Shows friendly mother and entire litter in clean environment; stud dog too, if in residence. Helps buyer choose appropriate puppy. | Can explain how breeding was planned to emphasize specific qualities and can speak at length about how puppies compare. |
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. |
