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TheWhiteRabbit
Thru the rabbit hole!
Member since 7/06 4412 total posts
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How you can tell a reputable breeder
This is something I wrote for our newsletter, I thought it might help some of the people here.
1. They require you to fill out a questionnaire, list references and ask for you to provide a vet reference. If you do not have a vet yet, they want to know who you plan to use.
2. The contract have a spay/neuter clause that they will enforce, or the animal is spayed or neutered before leaving them. Early spay/nueter has been being performed for over 15 years with no known negative side effects. (Animals over 2 pounds can be spayed or neutered.)
3. The contract states if you can not keep the animal for any reason it will be returned to the breeder or to a home the breeder has approved.
4. They have a waiting period - no impulse purchasing.
5. They tell you the negatives about the breed so that you are prepared for it. This cuts down on animals needing ot be re-homed For example, they tell you the breed is extremely energetic so it is not a good animal for those who work a lot.
6. They provide references including THEIR vet.
7. Generally they will not release the animal before it is 12 weeks of age.
8. In the case of cats they specify it is not to be declawed.
9. In cats or dogs they specify it is not to be left as an out door pet.
10. They are involved in their breed's rescue group.
11. They show their animals.
12. The parent animals are on premises.
13. If local, they may require a home visit.
14. They will provide a written health guarantee, the animals with come vetted (shots, wormed and possibly chipped)
If you guys can think of more, feel free to add them - I provide it as a flyer at the cats shows, too, so if you have additional suggestions, I would love to add to what I already have! It may be skewed toward cats a bit, though 
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Posted 1/10/08 8:45 PM  |
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Long Island Weddings
Long Island's Largest Bridal Resource |
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Re: How you can tell a reputable breeder
many of them will not ship animals and if they do, they have specific requirements as to when and how it is to be done (personally, I do not like the idea of animals being shipped or put on planes alone).
Message edited 1/10/2008 11:10:05 PM.
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| Posted 1/10/08 11:09 PM |
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Re: How you can tell a reputable breeder
Posted by Kerie-is-so-very
many of them will not ship animals and if they do, they have specific requirements as to when and how it is to be done (personally, I do not like the idea of animals being shipped or put on planes alone).
The restrictions are CRAZY strict and rightfully so. I tried to fly Radar back to MI with me when I moved because my brother could no longer care for her, but HOLY COW it was like I was trying to smuggle diamonds
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| Posted 1/11/08 5:14 AM |
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Anniegrl
I'm two!
Member since 5/05 4320 total posts
Name:
Ann
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Re: How you can tell a reputable breeder
Both our breeders (Bama's mom's owner and his dad's owner) are committed to be there for us for the entirety of Bama's life. At any time I can call them or e-mail them with a question or concern, and they're more than happy to help out in whatever way that they can. They are just as concerned with Bama's welfare as we are, and that's another sign of a good breeder IMO.
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| Posted 1/11/08 11:41 AM |
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MsMBV
:P
Member since 5/05 28602 total posts
Name:
Me
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Re: How you can tell a reputable breeder
A reputable breeder focuses on one or two breeds. If you see a breeder with 3, 4 or more breeds they are a BYB.
A reputable breeder does not always have "Puppies Available." AKC guidelines for breeding (as well as maintaining optimal health for breeding dogs) are very strict.
A reputable breeder will have at least one champion on site, and will breed their retired champions.
A reputable breeder will not always have "Pet Home" puppies.
A reputable breeder will not call their puppies "Show Quality," the proper term for such a young dog is "Show Potential."
A reputable breeder will allow and encourage you to visit the premises where they breed their dogs.
Most importantly, a reputable breeder will have as many questions for you and your knowledge on the breed, as you will have for them and their practices.
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| Posted 1/11/08 11:42 AM |
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TheWhiteRabbit
Thru the rabbit hole!
Member since 7/06 4412 total posts
Name:
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Re: How you can tell a reputable breeder
Posted by Kerie-is-so-very
many of them will not ship animals and if they do, they have specific requirements as to when and how it is to be done (personally, I do not like the idea of animals being shipped or put on planes alone).
True - both my cats I flew to pick them and they flew in the cabin with me as opposed to them being 'shipped' in the cargo area.
Thanks Ladies! I’ll be adding to my flyer with your suggestions!
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| Posted 1/11/08 12:09 PM |
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dgirl
LIF Adult
Member since 5/07 1079 total posts
Name:
Danielle
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Re: How you can tell a reputable breeder
I am always on the fence about our breeder. She followed the majority of these rules but she did not require that we get a vet before agreeing to give us Charlie, as a matter of fact, she strongly advised that we did not go to a vet for at least a month because he could get sick.
Then she shipped him to us from Missouri and when he got to us his eye was tacked poorly and infected. We did know that his eye was going to be tacked though.
The rest of the criteria she met...like spay/neuter clause, she shows the breed, she only breeds shar-pei, we had to wait 2 months, he had the majority of his shots, if something were to happen we would have to send him to her to be rehomed...
Charlie is almost 2 years old now so it doesn't matter but I always have a bad feeling about her like she might have been a BYB.
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| Posted 1/11/08 2:57 PM |
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Re: How you can tell a reputable breeder
Posted by dgirl
I am always on the fence about our breeder. She followed the majority of these rules but she did not require that we get a vet before agreeing to give us Charlie, as a matter of fact, she strongly advised that we did not go to a vet for at least a month because he could get sick.
Then she shipped him to us from Missouri and when he got to us his eye was tacked poorly and infected. We did know that his eye was going to be tacked though.
The rest of the criteria she met...like spay/neuter clause, she shows the breed, she only breeds shar-pei, we had to wait 2 months, he had the majority of his shots, if something were to happen we would have to send him to her to be rehomed...
Charlie is almost 2 years old now so it doesn't matter but I always have a bad feeling about her like she might have been a BYB.
In some states it is easier for puppy mills to exist legally, so those states get reputations as puppy mill states. Missouri is known as a puppy mill state. Of course, that does not mean that everyone who breeds puppies there is running a BYB or a puppymill.
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| Posted 1/11/08 6:43 PM |
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Acerone
I hate ants and ugly people.
Member since 3/07 6437 total posts
Name:
Chris
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Re: How you can tell a reputable breeder
Does anyone here have a list of breeders they can recommend? Also what dogs or cats do they breed?
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| Posted 1/11/08 7:35 PM |
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itkocak
Member since 7/07 7639 total posts
Name:
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Re: How you can tell a reputable breeder
Message edited 11/15/2011 9:28:37 PM.
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| Posted 1/11/08 7:49 PM |
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MsMBV
:P
Member since 5/05 28602 total posts
Name:
Me
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Re: How you can tell a reputable breeder
Posted by imthekevinofcindyandkevin
Shouldn't they also be AKC registered?
The breeder should follow strict AKC guidelines. The problem is that a lot of the BYBs falsify papers. The only way to know this is when you go to register the dog with the AKC, you either cannot get recognition, or only limited recognition.
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| Posted 1/12/08 1:54 PM |
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MsMBV
:P
Member since 5/05 28602 total posts
Name:
Me
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Re: How you can tell a reputable breeder
Posted by Acerone
Does anyone here have a list of breeders they can recommend? Also what dogs or cats do they breed?
There are tons of breeders for all AKC recognized breeds. It would depend on what breed you are looking for. The best way to begin looking for a new pet (other than your local shelter or rescue org ) is to know what breed you want first, then find a good breeder.
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| Posted 1/12/08 1:55 PM |
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MsMBV
:P
Member since 5/05 28602 total posts
Name:
Me
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Re: How you can tell a reputable breeder
ooh I almost forgot:
A reputable breeder will not/does not use referral services (ie Nextdaypets.com)
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| Posted 1/12/08 3:01 PM |
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HoneyBadger
YourWorstNightmare.
Member since 10/06 15979 total posts
Name:
BahBahBlackJeep
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Re: How you can tell a reputable breeder
Posted by MsMBV
A reputable breeder will not always have "Pet Home" puppies.
What does this mean? I've never heard this term used...
Thanks!
ETA:
Kara, thank you for putting this up, I have found it very helpful.
Ironically, I was going to post the very question of how to tell if a breeder is reputable.
Message edited 1/12/2008 9:18:15 PM.
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| Posted 1/12/08 9:16 PM |
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LifeIsGreat
LIF Toddler
Member since 8/07 400 total posts
Name:
Ruth
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Re: How you can tell a reputable breeder
AKC does not mean resputable. Also, if the puppy came from Missouri more than likely the breeder is a puppy mill.
Questions to ask, how often is the mother bred, who is the vet. Also, does breeder allow you on the premises? References, former purchasers. But having said all this why purchase when so many are put to death in shelters.
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| Posted 1/13/08 6:43 PM |
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LifeIsGreat
LIF Toddler
Member since 8/07 400 total posts
Name:
Ruth
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Re: How you can tell a reputable breeder
Missouri is usually mill.
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| Posted 1/13/08 6:45 PM |
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HoneyBadger
YourWorstNightmare.
Member since 10/06 15979 total posts
Name:
BahBahBlackJeep
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Re: How you can tell a reputable breeder
Posted by LifeIsGreat
AKC does not mean resputable. Also, if the puppy came from Missouri more than likely the breeder is a puppy mill.
Questions to ask, how often is the mother bred, who is the vet. Also, does breeder allow you on the premises? References, former purchasers. But having said all this why purchase when so many are put to death in shelters.
Great additional information!
As for your question regarding purchasing through a breeder... I think it's a personal decision. I equate it to asking parents why didn't you adopt a child vs. having one?
I think there could be many reasons for purchasing through a breeder... Maybe they want a particular breed. Maybe they want a young puppy. Maybe they're concerned where the shelter dog has come from. Let's face it, 9 out of 10 times a dog that is in a shelter did not start off life in a good way. Either they were dropped off b/c their original owners "couldn't handle them" or they were abused. None the less, these are dogs that may have issues and as mean as it may sound maybe these people purchasing dogs through breeders don't want to deal with that.
Right, wrong or indifferent, I am grateful that at least people looking at this post are going through a breeder, looking for a reputable breeder and NOT in any way, shape or form supporting a PM or BYB.
Message edited 1/13/2008 10:42:09 PM.
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| Posted 1/13/08 10:29 PM |
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LifeIsGreat
LIF Toddler
Member since 8/07 400 total posts
Name:
Ruth
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Re: How you can tell a reputable breeder
There is no comparison between adopting a child and an animal
children are not put to death in millions each yearat shelters throughout the us and the world
as for animals in shelters being abused etc>>did you know thousands originated as pet store or breeder purchased
i am not sure where you received information about shelter animals but it is incorrect the worst thing to do is purchase from a pet store and most breeders are not responsible>
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| Posted 1/14/08 12:15 AM |
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HoneyBadger
YourWorstNightmare.
Member since 10/06 15979 total posts
Name:
BahBahBlackJeep
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Re: How you can tell a reputable breeder
Posted by LifeIsGreat
There is no comparison between adopting a child and an animal
children are not put to death in millions each yearat shelters throughout the us and the world
IMO I think it is a fair comparrison. The bottom line is that it's a personal decision to purchase a dog from a breeder rather than resucing one from a shelter. It's fine that you want to suggest rescuing a dog, but all I'm saying is that there are people out there that want to go through breeders. Why is that such a horrible thing? As I understood it, buying from a breeder (obviously a reputable one) is the way to go.
as for animals in shelters being abused etc>>did you know thousands originated as pet store or breeder purchased
Yes, I'm aware of this. Pet stores will take the pups they cannot sell after awhile to shelters and unfortunately, people who don't know what they're getting themselves into, who did go through a breeder drop them off b/c after the cute little puppy grows up, they "can't handle" the animal. That's what I was talking about in my prior response.
i am not sure where you received information about shelter animals but it is incorrect the worst thing to do is purchase from a pet store and most breeders are not responsible>
Most of my information was obtained through this board (where you post) and on the internet.
I am WELL AWARE that pet stores are the WORST place to get a dog. I believe I stated something very much to that effect in my response as well.
As for most breeders not being responsible, I really don't have an arguement for a sweeping generalization like that. As it has always been explained to me there are BYBs which are pretty much like a PM but that there ARE many responsible AND reputable breeders out there.
Why in YOUR OPINION are MOST breeders NOT reputable? I'd really like to know as it's been long debated on this site that if someone is looking to purchase a dog they should go through a breeder. If most breeders are not reputable where, BESIDES a shelter, should someone get a dog?
One last quesion...if everyone stopped breeding dogs wouldn't they eventually become extinct?
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| Posted 1/14/08 12:37 AM |
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TheWhiteRabbit
Thru the rabbit hole!
Member since 7/06 4412 total posts
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Re: How you can tell a reputable breeder
Posted by LifeIsGreat
most breeders are not responsible>
I think that is a really unfair and uneducated statement.
You are NOT the only person in the world that volunteers at a shelter. I volunteer, too. I also manage a feral colony, belong to Animal Alliance LI and happen to be on the breed committee for Savannah cats, because I do believe that pure-breds should exist. I go to cat shows and meet many, many breeders.
In the volunteer animal world I would say we're split on this issue, and I respect those that don't agree with purebreds, just as most respect my position on it. Purebreds do have a place in this world, many were created for specific purposes.
To say that every breeder in Missouri is a puppy mill and "most breeders are no good" makes you sound like you're just trying to get people to adopt only by almost 'crying wolf', and NO ONE will listen to you anymore.
You can not penalize an entire population because SOME owners are abusive, or SOME breeders are bad or SOME people are irresponsible. If that were the case we would never re-home an animal because it MAY get returned. Yes, some people are irresponsible, some people DO return an animal, but for that 1 out of 100, we are willing to take that chance because there are amazing, wonderful, compassionate, caring, responsible owners out there who should be entitled to get the pet of their choice, be it by adoption or purchasing from a reputable breeder.
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| Posted 1/14/08 9:40 AM |
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MsMBV
:P
Member since 5/05 28602 total posts
Name:
Me
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Re: How you can tell a reputable breeder
Posted by Jennie0898
Posted by MsMBV
A reputable breeder will not always have "Pet Home" puppies.
What does this mean? I've never heard this term used...
Thanks!
ETA:
Kara, thank you for putting this up, I have found it very helpful.
Ironically, I was going to post the very question of how to tell if a breeder is reputable.
Essentially, this means that the breeder is not concerned with the ability to show their dogs, or breed them with other show dogs, thereby not breeding for the betterment of the breed. If they "always have puppies available" they are over-breeding the mother. If they always have pet home puppies available, they are over-breeding and disregarding the breed standard.
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| Posted 1/14/08 11:08 AM |
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LifeIsGreat
LIF Toddler
Member since 8/07 400 total posts
Name:
Ruth
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Re: How you can tell a reputable breeder
Where does it say I am the only one that volunteers? And no, the pet stores do not bring them to shelters, they are purchased by people and later surrendered to shelters. And nowhere did I say that I am against responsible breeding. Really need to get your facts straight. One thing I have discovered on these posts is that most are not educated about the truth.
Finally, we too are part of the Alliance and TNR etc. etc. etc. I cannot be part of this anymore..ridiculous.
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| Posted 1/14/08 2:05 PM |
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MsMBV
:P
Member since 5/05 28602 total posts
Name:
Me
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Re: How you can tell a reputable breeder
Posted by KittyTheStray
Posted by LifeIsGreat
most breeders are not responsible>
I think that is a really unfair and uneducated statement.
I actually think that it is pretty accurate. There are more PMs & BYBs in the US than there are reputable breeders. That is unfortunate, but by no means does LIG state that all breeders are not responsible. The truth is that more than 50% (which is the majority) at any given time are BYBs or PMs.
Also, Regarding certain states that are 'Hot Beds' for PMs, this is also truth. Although I would not say, "Ok you are a breeder in Missouri, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, etc, so you MUST be a PM or BYB," I would however, do exceptional research if a breeder did reside in these areas. There are certain states that, for whatever reason, have a higher concentration of PMs & BYBs. I know it is unfair to the reputable breeders, but they actually would appreciate an educated adopter who asks the right questions.
**I think that we all need to take into consideration that we are not all of exactly the same background with animals, that we all have different levels of personal and second-hand knowledge regarding the many aspects of animal care, etc, and that sometimes we take for granted that EVERYONE knows EXACTLY what we are talking about, when it is usually not the case. I think that those of us who post in volume about certain topics need to take extra precaution in how our messages are relayed, and to make certain that we are clear. Really if the method of how we relay the message overshadows the message itself, then what good have we done?**
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| Posted 1/14/08 2:29 PM |
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HoneyBadger
YourWorstNightmare.
Member since 10/06 15979 total posts
Name:
BahBahBlackJeep
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Re: How you can tell a reputable breeder
Posted by MsMBV
Posted by Jennie0898
Posted by MsMBV
A reputable breeder will not always have "Pet Home" puppies.
What does this mean? I've never heard this term used...
Thanks!
ETA:
Kara, thank you for putting this up, I have found it very helpful.
Ironically, I was going to post the very question of how to tell if a breeder is reputable.
Essentially, this means that the breeder is not concerned with the ability to show their dogs, or breed them with other show dogs, thereby not breeding for the betterment of the breed. If they "always have puppies available" they are over-breeding the mother. If they always have pet home puppies available, they are over-breeding and disregarding the breed standard.
Thank you for actually responding to my question. I'm doing my best to educate myself and it's VERY helpful when someone actually addresses the questions asked.
Again, thank you!
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| Posted 1/14/08 2:39 PM |
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TheWhiteRabbit
Thru the rabbit hole!
Member since 7/06 4412 total posts
Name:
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Re: How you can tell a reputable breeder
Posted by MsMBV
Posted by KittyTheStray
Posted by LifeIsGreat
most breeders are not responsible>
I think that is a really unfair and uneducated statement.
I actually think that it is pretty accurate. There are more PMs & BYBs in the US than there are reputable breeders.
It's just a confusion of terminology on my part, honestly - In my mind, I do not even consider a puppymill a breeder.
I just find sweeping generalizations very hurtful to people's points. LifeIsGreat makes some valid points in what she says. I don’t have the statistics on how many breeders there are and out of that how many are ‘reputable’ but I DO think if someone is out to find a reputable breeder, they’ll have no trouble finding one.
I worry a statement like “most breeders aren’t reputable” that the ‘average’ person reads thinks in their mind “Well, I might as well just buy from a pet store since there are no good breeders anyway.” Does that make sense?
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| Posted 1/14/08 2:44 PM |
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