CoolWater Chesapeakes

So, you've decided that you want a puppy, and you need to select a breeder, but you don't know how to narrow your search.

Choose wisely. Not all breeders are created equal, and neither are the puppies they produce. It's not always easy to tell the difference between a good breeder - a responsible hobby breeder - from an unknowledgeable "backyard breeder" or a commercial "puppy mill" breeder. Below is a list of things to take into consideration when choosing a breeder:

A good breeder GENERALLY does not advertise in the newspaper. Often, their puppies are sold by word of mouth because of their reputation. However, SOME responsible breeders may advertise in the newspaper at times, so one must use their judgement when reading the 'pet classifieds.'

If you're looking in the newspaper, read the ad carefully. Are the parents titled? Are the parents screened for health problems? Is the terminology correct in the ad? Watch out for 'full blood' breeds (every dog should be full of blood), and don't be swayed by "champion lines." It could be that the pups have a "champion" 6 generations back in their pedigree, and this justifies the breeder to write "champion lines." Is the breed name spelled correctly? Of course, typesetters sometimes make typos. Remember "papers" or "registered" do not mean quality. It only means that both parents of the litter were registered with a kennel registry.

• A good breeder never sells their puppies to brokers or pet stores etc. Also, beware of the breeder who tries to sell their pups at a dog show. Sometimes, these re the last of the litter and the breeder hopes to snare an unsuspecting/impulsive person at the show. Note: These dogs can still be from a good quality breeder or breeding, but just beware.
   
• A good breeder asks you as many questions as you ask them, and more often. Don't be taken aback if the breeder seems to be evaluating YOU.
  
• A good breeder stands behind their dogs and puppies for the lifetime of the dog, meaning that they will take back any dog or puppy for ANY reason that a buyer can no longer keep it, just like a good rescue does. A good breeder will refund your money (or replace the puppy or give you a second puppy) in case of a genetic or health fault in the pup as stipulated in a contract. However, beware of contracts. Because a breeder offers a contract, it does not mean that he will stand behind it.
   

• Read the wording carefully. Some breeders know the loopholes such as "crippling hip dysplasia." If the pup develops hip dysplasia and is not crippled by the age that the contract stipulates, the breeder can escape any responsibility. Try contacting references who have bought from this breeder. Investigate the breeder's reputation.

• A good breeder does not always have puppies on hand and you often have to be put on a waiting list.

• Many good breeders do not breed often, and do not breed their bitches on back to back heats.
  
• A good breeder requires a spay/neuter contract with proof the dog was altered before you'll get the papers if you are NOT buying the dog for show purposes or they may offer limited registration (which means that if you do breed it, you cannot register the offspring)
   
• A good breeder is knowledgeable about the health defects in the breed, the history, proper care, characteristics, etc... and provides health care screening and testing as appropriate for the breed. This means screening for genetic health defects like hip dysplasia, eye disorders, hypothyroidism, epilepsy, cardiac conditions and anything else that is common in the breed. A good breeder can provide proof, e.g., CERF and OFA certification and other relevant veterinary documentation and will  will welcome your concerns and be glad to offer the requested information. Beware of anyone who is defensive! Note, even good breeders can produce unhealthy dogs on occasion. The difference is that the good breeder is on a mission to find and remove those genetic influences from their breeding lines. The irresponsible breeder approaches health in a haphazard manner.
   
• A good breeder almost never breeds more than two breeds, and usually only one. Breeders who have multiple breeds on the property are probably in the business for reasons other than bettering the breed.
  
• A good breeder often (but not always) shows their dogs in conformation and/or working trials such as obedience, agility, hunting, tracking etc... Also, remember that function follows form and vice versa. Dogs titled at "both ends" have often proven their correctness in structure and correctness in temperament and intelligence.
  
• A good breeder never allows their puppies to go before eight weeks (ideal is 9 weeks for most breeds).
  
• A good breeder socializes of all their puppies (meaning the pups are exposed to eight by eight... this is eight different "environments" by eight weeks, not just one room of a house, or one pen outside). The puppies should be delighted to see you & be 'begging' to be picked up! If the puppies are quite and not interested in you, and the breeder tells you they are 'just tired' because they have been very active all day, ask to come back another time so you can observe them when they are not so tired.
  
• A good breeder will let you see the puppies parents (one or both if they are owned by the breeder). Often, this is a hint to what the pup will grow to look like, and you can also get a feel for the parents' temperament.
   
• A good breeder breeds only to improve their line or their breed, not the sole purpose of making money.
   
• A good breeder truly loves their dogs, and treats them as pets first, taking the very best care of them that they can.
   
• A good breeder talks a great deal about temperament. Don't be impressed by 'fancy' show titles or accomplishments unless the adult dogs you observe in the breeder's house, are of sweet temperament. No matter how beautiful a dog is, if you cannot live with him, he is "good for nothing!"
  
• A good breeder is trying to breed puppies that are, at least, as good as it's mother or, ideally, better because if the breeder does not get at least as good as the bitch that he/she started with, what has this breeding added to the breed?
   
• The only thing a good breeder does not breed to improve is TEMPERAMENT because if a dog or bitch does not have a good temperament, then it should stop right there! A dog or bitch with bad temperament should NEVER be bred!
   
• Good breeders show their breeding stock because the title of conformation champion on a dog, actually means that the breeder has taken steps to prove that the dog or bitch does conform to the standard & therefore, should contribute to the gene pool of the breed. A performance title on a non-champion, shows that the dog has proven it has reason to contribute to the gene pool of the breed, besides having the ability to reproduce.
   
• The mother of the litter may be very guarded, with her puppies. However, if she is a 'raving maniac' about you observing (not touching) her puppies, I would question the temperament. Also, avoid getting a puppy from a mother that is afraid of you. There is little worse than 'a fear biter.' Yes, temperament is inherited.
   
• The mother of the litter may not 'look her best!' Make allowances for her because raising a litter is a lot of work and can be exhausting for her.
   
• A good breeder has Breed Club affiliation and strives to advocate, educate and better the breed. Beware of anyone who sounds like a salesman and tells you that their breed has no disadvantages! Good breeders will play devil's advocate.
   
• A good breeder breeds for the protection & preservation of the breed -- not with the goal of making a profit. The costs & sales have to balance each other but if done ethically, breeding is not 'profitable' if labor & expenses are accounted for.
  
• A good breeder chooses breeding adults based on health, disposition, and conformation guided by the breed standard. Breeding pairs are matched based on these characteristics to make the next generation better.
   
• Understand, that when you are buying a puppy, you are also buying the breeder. A good breeder will be available for questions and will provide advice. A good breeder will be available when needed and will give instructions on the care of the puppy. A good breeder will have the puppies checked by a Veterinarian prior to going to their new homes and a health certificate will be provided.
   
• A good breeder will have a "Return to Breeder Clause" in the puppy contract. This shows that the breeder will always be interested in the welfare of the puppy that he/she is responsible for bringing into the world.
   
• A good breeder provides safe, sanitary, and appropriate facilites, maximizing the healthy conditions, offering exercise, entertainment and comfort of the dogs and puppies and keeps dogs clean and appropriately groomed.
   
• A good breeder feeds good quality food and maintains appropriate weight and condition of the dogs and puppies.
   
• A good breeders provides one-on-one care to a whelping bitch, ensuring the safe delivery of the puppies by monitoring her before, during and after whelping of abnormalities or complications.
   
• A good breeder protects the health of the puppies and minimizes stress on the dam for the first few weeks after whelping by not allowing public visitation.
   
• A good breeder screens prospective buyers and is somewhat choosy about whether you are able to provide an adequate home for one of his/her cherished pups. A breeder who wants to see your home, your kids, your spouse, your other pets, proof of your fencing, or talk to your veterinarian is simply trying to make sure that you will take good care of their pup. Do not resent this. Good breeders want to keep in touch with you after you've purchased a puppy and will be there for you with support and advice later on. Avoid breeders who take credit card orders over the internet and ship puppies to anyone who wants them. NO responsible breeder will sell a puppy to a pet store or other broker for resale.
   
• A good breeder keeps accurate and detailed records of the medical care, pedigree, and registry information according to the registering association's guidelines.
   
• A good breeder does not place retired breeding adults into a shelter or euthanized them if they are appropriate for a pet home. Beware of the person who sells off their adult dogs that are retired from showing and breeding. You want a breeder who loves the breed, not someone who loves to breed.
  
• A good breeder never sells to brokers, pet stores, or preferabley not to back yard breeders. A good breeder educates buyers about the risks involved in buying from these sources and educates the public about why back yard breeding is not ideal or appropriate.
  
• A good breeder shows fairness, integrity, honesty and respect in all aspects of their personal and professional life. Good communication is imperative for good customer service, veterinarian support & interaction, etc..
   
• Are the breeder's dogs kennel dogs or house pets? While it is sanitary to keep large numbers of dogs outside in a kennel, you want a breeder who keeps their dogs in the house with the family. Breeders who keep their dogs in kennels may have temperament defects (like excessive dominance) of which they are not even aware. Puppies should be raised inside an active home to begin socializing them to a household environment.
   
• A good breeder can they tell you the strengths and weaknesses of his/her dogs and has specific breeding goals. 
   
• A good breeder will participate in breed rescue efforts for the breed they love. This is important. Anyone who scoffs at breed rescue or is not personally involved in it in any way is someone to be avoided. Often the best place to begin your search for a good breeder is to ask breed rescue volunteers for their recommendations.
   
• A good breeder DOES NOT make a living through breeding dogs!