Reputable? or Backyard.....

So, you think you've finally narrowed the field and have settled on a __(insert dog of choice here)___ to add to your life.  How do you choose where to get said pup?

Well, let's look at the pros of using a Reputable Breeder.

A Reputable Breeder is someone who not only cares a whole damn lot for their animals, but has invested more then just money to create them.  I am talking about Breeders who are investing time to provide proper veterinary care (if the ears/tails/dewclaws are of the cropped/removed variety, are they doing it themselves?! With Scissors?), housing and follow-up on the puppies they sell.  Some of the best even offer on-site training for your new dog.

A Reputable Breeder welcomes you to 'check out' their facility.

note the heated/insulated houses; the clean floors.

A Reputable Breeder is known in their community for their quality dogs, and cleanliness.  Some of the best breeders actually raise the dogs in the house!

Though I am not a huge fan of the child being in with the momma, note the cleanliness and the protective bumpers to keep momma dog from accidentally squishing a pup that wanders too close to the edge.  This is a conscientious set-up.

Reputable Breeders do not "use up" female dogs.  They usually selectively breed a few years apart, to save the health and longevity of their animals.  This practice may mean one litter a year from one particular dog, or fewer.  They also will be careful not to in-breed their animals.  Knowing the lineage of your puppy, and knowing that he is not also his sisters mate, will make for a dog with fewer health problems.

When using a Reputable Breeder, you are making a sound investment in your next canine companion.  The breeder makes themselves available to answer your questions, and may have many more to ask you before they want you to even come to visit their dogs.  You may even find yourself on a waiting list, if this is indeed what dog you want.  Most Reputable Breeders do not have puppies available all the time; that is wasteful.

Most Reputable Breeders are taking the time to socialize, handle, and expose their litters to some of what life will bring them.  This extra care makes your job as a puppy raiser much easier.  Ask the breeder of choice which vet they use, and call that vet clinic.  Inquiring about the breeder will help you choose the right one.

How do you know if you are looking at a Reputable Breeder or someone we refer to as a Backyard Breeder?  I mean, check out that website!!!  Those dogs look happy, healthy and clean.  They are running around in the snow (or a grassy field) and seem to be having a great time.  And wow(!) those 'posted up' shots---Look at his muscle tone; how shiny her fur is!  And look....they have puppies available NOW, with only a $100 (I've seen upwards of $320 deposit for 'designer' mutts) deposit.....

On the other hand, a photo can tell you a lot of bad things too.

 The trouble is, people keep buying puppies from backyard breeders, so backyard breeders keep making dogs.  And yes, I do understand that every "purebred" available, was at one time, considered a 'mutt.' But we're not looking at the "creation" of "new" breeds (at the moment....that's coming soon), we are examining the things you want to look for when choosing a Reputable Breeder.

Do they have older dogs available too?

Do they have a purchase contract?

What is their policy on spaying and neutering if you plan on keeping this animal as a family pet?

Do they offer co-ownership if you plan to show?

If this doesn't work out for you, will the breeder take the dog back?

Are they well-known in their dogs' sport (if the dog is meant to do a sport)?

Have they been inspected by a state approved health agency recently?  What was their score?

If the animals you are looking at require it, do they come with a certificate of passing on any hip/eyes/bone/or cerebral screenings?

Do they have a facility you can meet them at, check out the dogs, meet the parents...Or are they asking you to meet them at some parking lot near it?

Do they want to interview You as a potential candidate for becoming a guardian of one of their animals, or do they just want the money?

These are extremely important things to examine, if you are "shopping" for a puppy online.  Anyone can make a great website.  Anyone can steal photos of someone else's healthy dogs and post them as their own...Even worse:  Anyone can clean a dog who normally may live in squalor, and make him look great for a photograph.  Puppy Mill puppies are adorable!!!

But their parents usually live in conditions that make 3rd world countries look like the Grand Hilton.

Buying a dog, sight unseen, is risky.  Not only do you run the risk of purchasing a poorly bred and potentially sick animal, you also have not the slightest clue about the temperament of its parents. Most puppies get a strong dose of personality from their mother, and without meeting her, you may be in for a hurricane of issues.

Nor does the AKC (American Kennel Club) registration paperwork prove anything about the condition of the dogs.  The AKC is simply a registry for purebred dogs.  Yes, they have certain standards to uphold, but those can (and unfortunately do) get bent to suit the greedy all the time.
The person may have started with two dogs they purchased from a Reputable Breeder, but that investment, for them, was piddly.  They can take two healthy dogs, boast about their pedigree, breed them indiscriminately over and over and over again, and make some money because they've cut costs in care and treatment.

The AKC does have a "Breeder of Merit" program, which helps a little.  The program requires that the breeder participate in conformation or companion shows, and perform all the necessary health screenings and such.  But meeting the 'merit' standards is not required in order to register puppies.

There are good breeders out there.  Lots of them.  Breeders who actually DO care about the betterment of their chosen breed, and are doing their level best to ensure their puppies go to loving, lifetime homes.  If you cannot afford to visit the breeder you are looking at, to get a real feel for how your new dog was made, and how its parents are kept, then you should most likely be looking at breeders closer to home....Or considering a different option. *cough-adoption-cough*

Buying from a Reputable Breeder means you are getting a guarantee on that dog's future.  A Breeder who asks for "updates" on their pups, cares about them.  A Breeder who talks about what a great Deal the dog is.....well, I'm just sayin.