RECOGNIZING BREEDER TYPES

What is a Reputable Breeder?
How do I recognize a Reputable Breeder?

A REPUTABLE BREEDER

A reputable breeder always has honorable motives for breeding. A reputable breeders priority is to better the breed always giving thought to health, temperament, structure, quality and appearance. Their love of the breed guides their desire to develop a line that meets their ideal picture while protecting the true characteristics of the breed.

A reputable breeder strives to widen their knowledge base. They continuously educate themselves on health, temperament, structure and legal issues. Often they mentor others and are in the forefront of breeder education. They not only belong to the Canadian Kennel Club and National Breed club but are also active members in their local all-breed club as well.

A reputable breeder participates in dog-related activities (shows, trials, training, rescues). They are interested in the whole dog not just producing puppies. Reputable breeders want to showcase their dogs to ensure they are maintaining the true breed standard and characteristics.

A reputable breeder performs appropriate health testing on all breeding dogs for genetic diseases affecting the breed to ensure health and longevity remain a priority.

A reputable breeder ensures all registration papers, pedigrees and health certificates, and ownership records are always well maintained and readily available. They will ensure all new puppy registrations will be submitted to the appropriate governing body in a timely fashion and explain this process to you.

A reputable breeder ALWAYS provides registration papers and NEVER agrees to withhold them for a lesser sale price or sell them to you for an additional fee.

A reputable breeder only uses an appropriate purebred governing body recognized by the Canadian Animal Pedigree Act to register the puppies such as the Canadian Kennel Club. Registration papers issued by unregulated registries such as the Continental Kennel Club are not accepted for purebred registration by the Canadian Animal pedigree Act.

A reputable breeder sells pets with spay/neuter contract, tries to stay in touch with new owners and follows through with lifetime support.

A reputable breeder takes a pro-active approach and home raises all puppies to ensure proper socialization. All dogs and puppies are kept in a clean safe, structured environment to ensure optimal mental and physical health.

A reputable breeder never treats their breeding dogs as livestock for the sole purpose of producing multiple litters in an effort to supply public demand as an income source.

Reputable breeders sell all puppies for fair market value, which reflects the diligence that went into the breeding and production of a well-rounded healthy puppy. Puppies are kept till they reach eight weeks of age prior to being discharged to their new homes to promote optimal mental and physical growth.

What is a Puppy Mill?
How Do I recognise a Puppy Mill?

THE PUPPY MILLA Puppy Mills motive for breeding is to make a profit. They are not interested in preserving or improving the breed but use breeding as a main source of income. They often pretend to have some knowledge of the breed and appropriate breeding practices to confusing the public in believing they are a reputable breeder

Puppy Mills may occasionally do some minimal genetic testing but rarely do they do complete appropriate health testing on all breeding dogs. This cuts into their profit margin. They may offer registration papers or undocumented paperwork as false proof of quality or offer the bare minimum due to increased public awareness.

Puppy Mills do their best to masquerade as a reputable breeder. Beware fancy websites designed to portray them in a positive light.

Occasionally Puppy Mills are Canadian Kennel Club members however this is to ensure discounts when registering their multiple litters. Fortunately some known Puppy Mills are banned from the Canadian Kennel Club because of unethical breeding practices. Rarely are they Breed Club Members or Local Dog Club members as this cuts into their profit margin and they have no desire for a commitment to the breed or for continued growth or education. Belonging to such clubs also requires an agreement to follow a “code of ethics” which they are unwilling to comply with.

Puppy Mills often issues papers via generic, unrecognized "registries" due to being suspended from the Canadian Kennel Club for unethical breeding practices or because they have no supporting paperwork to have the puppies registered under the Animal Pedigree Act. Puppy Mills also like to use these generic registries because they give the illusion of registration yet have no expectations other then collecting the price of registration in their own unrecognized database.

Puppy mills rarely participate in dog-related activities. This un-necessarily cuts into their profit margin. The Puppy Miller's main clients of brokers, pet shops and auctions do not care about the quality of the parents or puppies but they will often tell their public puppy buyers that “shows and trials are too political" as an excuse. Unfortunately it is the unsuspecting public who pays for this in the long run.

Puppy Mills generally raise their puppies outside of the home where they receive very little socialization and minimal care. The animals are fed the bare minimum using low-grade, low cost food that utilizes only cheap ingredients. Often the dogs and puppies are kept in substandard conditions and/or makeshift facilities. Cleanliness can vary from kennel to kennel but Puppy Mills are not always easily recognized as to what they really are just by the state of their kennels.

Puppy Mills will sell their puppies for a high price to the unsuspecting
general public yet sell at a low bulk rate to brokers and pet stores. Puppies are discharged as early as possible to avoid additional expenses yet the Miller has full knowledge that this prevents necessary mental and physical growth being obtained from the mother during the weaning process.

Puppy Mills do everything they can to maximize profit and minimize costs while trying to present a positive front to the unsuspecting public. If in doubt trust your instincts and go elsewhere.

What is a Back Yard Breeder?
How do they differ from a Reputable Breeder?
The BACKYARD BREEDER OR BYB.
The “Back Yard Breeder” is NOT someone who raises puppies in their homes instead of a kennel. Many reputable breeders and Puppy Mills home raise their puppies and do not have large kennels. The difference between the three is motive, ethics, intention, knowledge, ability and effort.

A Back Yard Breeders motive for breeding is to produce puppies as a secondary source of income. They are usually unfamiliar with health testing or have only enough basic knowledge to be dangerous by breeding dogs that are unhealthy representatives of the breed and by sharing false and/or incomplete information to the general puppy buying public.

A BYB only breeds to any convenient, local dog without concern for health, structure, temperament or true breed characteristics. Their focus is mostly on current dogs, with no records or knowledge behind the dog’s pedigrees. They may even refuse to acknowledge the possibility of any health problems in their dogs so claim testing is unnecessary. Quite often they don’t even know what the CKC recognized Breed Standard is.

A BYB obtains their breeding stock from Puppy Mills, other BYB’s, the newspapers and often will go so far as to try to obtain dogs from the pound and rescues organizations.

A BYB does their best to masquerade as a reputable breeder. Beware fancy websites designed to portray them in a positive light

A BYB may or may not be a breed club member however is generally not committed to the club and often resist being mentored in responsible breed practice and breed education due to the effort needed to improve.

A BYB rarely attends dog-related activities. This would greatly cuts into their profit margin and privately they do not care about the quality of the parents or the puppies. They often tell their public puppy buyers that “shows and trials are too political” as an excuse yet will be quick to claim their dogs come from Champions. These Champions are usually so few and far back in the pedigree as to make this a completely false statement.

A BYB may commit a criminal offence against the Canadian “Animal Pedigree Act” by illegally charging more for Registration papers as well as an inflated cost for indiscriminate "breeding" rights.

Conditions in which the dogs and puppies are housed may vary greatly depending on available income, usually makeshift accommodations in the basement barn or yard. Food utilized is usually cheap with low-grade ingredients to maximize profit and minimize costs.

A BYB puppy is generally sold below the market value to un-screened buyers to move puppies out quickly. Often puppies are let go at less then 6 weeks of age resulting in abrupt weaning and preventing necessary mental and physical growth being obtained from the mother.

Picking by Breed
Too many people buy the type of dog that was originally created to have a purpose such as the Golden Retriever to hunt, or the Border Collie to herd. These breeds were developed to use their minds and their bodies as well as to be very active. Families buy them because the dogs are athletic, beautiful, intelligent, sensitive, loyal and attentive. They then take them home for their child's pet, stick them in the back yard, rarely interact with them on a regular basis and give them absolutely nothing to do. These dogs in such an unhappy position will create something to do, and it will be loud, destructive and difficult to live with. These dog could make great family pets however they must belong to fair owners who will meet their demand for an active lifestyle that stimulates both their mental and physical needs. They need on-going interaction with the family and regular training. Once these needs are meet then and only then are they the wonderful pet you've earned that is both welcome in the home and in society.

Picking for Sex
Females tend to be smaller than males. Females can damage the grass, males can damage your trees. Males say "I love you, I love you, I love you". Females tend to say " Love me, Love me, Love me". Other then that males and females can be both either submissive or dominate, active or quiet. It is the individual dogs temperament and proper training that will determine whether he or she will make a suitable pet for your home. Sex is just a personal preference usually based on looks. Consider what do you want your dog to look like 2 years down the road, a strong masculine look or soft feminine features? In the past have you always had a certain sex? Do you feel comfortable with that or do you want a change?
If your family companion recently pass away do you want a puppy who when grows to be an adult dog is similar or completely different?
Spaying in females tends to be a bit more expensive as it is a major operation however it nullifies the chances of the dog suffering mammary or uterine cancer or pyometra, an infection of the uterus.
Neutering cost less as it is a simple procedure that eliminates the chances of testicular cancer. Both of these will not change the dogs temperament however if done early enough it will prevent unwanted behaviours associated with mating.

Picking for Temperament
Decide if a quiet submissive puppy, or a more dominant one is more to your family situation ie do you have children, what expectations do you have ie agility dog, tracking dog, what is your activity level, what is your own personal experience ie previous dog owner. Even though temperament, size, activity level is fairly predicable within a breed, there is a range in degrees in their individual differences.
Dominance and aggression are not the same thing. When referring to being dominate or submissive we are referring to the confidence level and ability to take over as pack leader if one is not provided. Dominant puppies can be a handful for inexperienced owners but can be perfect for active homes and for on-the-go owners who want their pet to accompany them through life or for large families who are consistent in their expectations and training. Submissive puppies are shy and likely to need special handling, not the perfect choice for families with young rambunctious children who may overwhelm the puppy but perfect for families who use positive training methods and like to take their pet with them on personal errands and family vacations to ensure proper socialization. An all round, middle of the line, bomb-proof puppy is the preferred temperament for families with very young children or who have members of the family with a disability but this puppy may not have the extra spark needed of that agility or obedience prospect. All types of temperament can have positive and negative associations. Training, socialization and complete family interaction is what will make any dog an animal that is a welcome member both in your home and in today's society.

Picking for Colour
This should be your very last criteria and should be a flexible preference. Picking a puppy by colour is the biggest gamble ever. Although we are given clues to what colour the puppy might eventually grow to be quite often surprises are in store for us. We all have in our minds eye what our perfect dog looks like but our main priority should always be that our perfect dog matches our family needs and lifestyle.

"Designer breeds" rare and exotic hybrids or just another rip off?

"Designer breeds" rare and exotic hybrids or just another rip off?

Goldenoodle, Labradoodle, Cock-a-poo, Puggle, Peek-a-poo ... and on and on it goes. Fancy names, fancy claims and a great big fancy price!

Hypoallergenic?
Well maybe if some of the puppies in the litter actual got that gene from the poodle side but the only way to be sure to get a non-shedding dog is to actually purchase a purebred puppy from a non-shedding breed such as the poodle or wheaten terrier.

Will eventually be recognised as a registered purebred?
This is the biggest falsie of them all starting 60 years ago with the cock-a-poo and growing. These mixes will never be recognised, at least not in your lifetime or mine so why pay $1200 and up for an unrecognised mixed breed when you can get the exact same thing by rescuing one of the millions of puppies and dogs that have been surrendered to the pound each year for $100. or less.
Don't believe me? Then take this simple quiz.
http://www.grumpybumpers.com/dogs/

For further information on so called Designer breeds please see the links section in the SIDEBAR.

What are CKC registration papers and why are they important?

What are CKC registration papers and why are they important?

To be considered a purebred, both parents of the puppy must be registered with the Canadian Kennel Club. The dam (mother) must be registered with the Club in the name of the person signing the application for registration as owner or lessee at the time of the birth of the litter. Only the recorded owner or lessee of the dam at the time of birth of the litter may apply for registration of the litter and only the recorded owner or lessee of the dam at the time of birth will be considered the recorded owner at birth of the litter.

It is CANADIAN LAW as stated in the ANIMAL PEDIGREE ACT that no dog may be sold in Canada as purebred without the animal being registered with the Canadian Kennel Club (C.K.C.)

CANADIAN KENNEL CLUB registration papers are your certification that your new puppy is a recognized Purebred Dog.

If someone offers to sell you a purebred puppy with no CKC registration papers for a cheaper price THIS IS NO BARGAIN and you should understand why.

In accordance with the By-laws, Dogs must never be sold on a "with or without papers" basis. The breeder is responsible for the submission of and payment for all registration applications. Such costs may be included in the price of the dog but under no circumstances shall the buyer be asked to submit or pay for any applications to register or transfer the ownership of a dog.

The CKC charges a very small amount to register a litter then an additional small amount to register the individual puppy. They do not charge hundreds of dollars!!! It is also illegal to sell an unregistered dog as a purebred so ask why would a seller choose to offer a purebred puppy without registration papers at a few hundred dollars off if the dog really is a recognised purebred dog?

If you make this purchase you more then likely have bought from a person who does not mind selling you a dog under false pretext. Perhaps they have been suspended or disbarred from the Canadian Kennel Club or have bred from a dog purchased on a CKC Non-Breeding Agreement? A Non-Breeding Agreement is a legal document, which formalizes an arrangement between a dog breeder and the purchaser, denying the right to breed a dog without the breeder's consent.

If the sell is willing to break this legally binding contract what other illegal or dishonourable acts are they capable of? What else might they have not been straight forward with YOU about? Did they really do genetic health checks on the parents? Did they really protect the dog from being mated by the mixed breed male down the street? Did they really get an OK from the Vet on the puppies health check?

These types of sellers are only concerned with making money. Rarely do such persons do genetic health checks on the parents so they have no idea what genetic time bomb may be waiting to pop up with no consideration for all the associated vet bills and emotional pain you might later encounter. After all they now have your money and won't be there for you in the future if or when a serious problem arises.
When deciding to purchase a purebred dog it is generally because you have done some research and found that you like the look, size, coat type, energy level, temperament and purpose of the breed. It is well worth the price of a registered purebred from a reputable breeder to ensure you get what you want, after all you will not only be responsible to this animal for next 10 to 15 years but it will live in your home and play with your children.
Do you really want to bring home a ticking time bomb!

$1000. to $1500. does sound like a lot of money for a pet but spread over the life of the animal and the joy and comfort they provide it comes to less then $100.00 per year.

If the price difference between the registered dog and the unregistered dog is really that great of a factor please consider waiting awhile until you have saved up a little more.

Other options could include:
Searcing for a breeders retired dog or returned youngster.
Contacting the desired breed's national rescue group.
Purchasing an unwanted mixed breed dog from a shelter or pound.