What To Look For In A Breeder
Responsible Breeder
•
Puppies sold under contracts
•
Health Clearances/guarantees
•
Pedigrees
•
Long term relationship
•
Mentored through various clubs and knowledgeable breeders
•
Breed to better or improve their own breeding stock. Breed to fit the
standard in structure as well as temperament and working ability.
•
AKC registered
BYB (backyard breeder)/Pet Store/Puppy mill/Broker
•
No contract means no responsibility on their part, you are on your own
•
Possible unhealthy dogs being bred-genetic issues such as hips, elbows,
eyes, cancer, patellas, OCD, as well as temperament. Temperament can include
aggressive (dog or human), shy, or fear biter.
•
No idea of the pedigrees of the dogs they are breeding, no idea if they are
“doubling” up on health or temperament problems. No known history of
breeding stock.
•
Once you buy that puppy you will never hear from a BYB or Pet Store again.
You are on your own to figure out what and how to do it. In a breed like Swissies
there
are many vets who have never seen one and may misdiagnose problems that are
Swissy related. There is no one to call for a reference or second opinion.
•
No affiliation with any club or group. Operate on their own and have no long
term breeders to chat with if there is a question. Most BYB in Swissies hardly even
understand the breed or health issues related to the breed.
•
There are many breeders who are selling Swissies with registrations other
than AKC. This is a clear sign that this breeder did not get their puppy from a
reputable breeder.
These are just some highlights as to why you want to purchase your puppy from a
reputable breeder. Breeders show their dogs in conformation as well as
obedience,
weight pulling, carting, some even do herding. The reason is we are trying to
“test” our
dogs and breed only those who have qualities that will help further and better the
breed. We also enjoy working with our dogs and having a strong bond with them.
We
get to know our dogs better through working with them and can see their faults
as well
as their strengths. This helps us find the right match for our bitches when we
decide to
breed. Most breeders try and improve on a variety of issues. This takes time and
effort
and lots of money.
We get health clearances for all of our dogs that we breed. This is not just regular
shots
and annual check-ups. These are x-rays for hips, elbows, shoulders, patellas. We
get the
eyes checked out for any inherent diseases.
We breed looking into the backgrounds of not just our immediate dogs, but
grandparents and aunts and uncles so that we can try our best to avoid any health
or
temperament issues. We look to structurally improve our dogs so that they can
move
and function they way they were originally bred to. We want our Swissies to look
like
Swissies, and not some new form of the breed.
We have many clubs that breeders are members of. This gives our breeders a
place to
converse and learn and better their breeding programs. It helps to have long term
breeders to talk with and discuss both good and bad issues. In turn, we can talk to
our
puppy buyers about questions and concerns that they may have.
The BYB (backyard breeder), puppy miller, pet store, and even broker have very
little
concern for testing or proving their breeding stock. They have even less care for
health
clearances. All these things cost money, and this group is about making money,
not
spending money. There are brokers out there who will be the liaison between the
puppy miller or BYB and the pet store or an auction.
There are some very nice, well intentioned people who breed because they like
their
dog and think it would make a great mom, or a neighbor wants a puppy. The
problem
is they are breeding dogs that may be dysplastic or have other issues and in turn
furthering these problems. They may place a puppy with a friend who turns this
puppy
over to a shelter. The puppy may be too much for a family and it stays outside all
day
with no socialization or shelter.
We can all agree that there are too many unwanted puppies and dogs out there.
The
reputable breeder will never forget a litter that he/she has bred. They will rescue
or
take back any puppy that they have produced regardless of age or problem. The
reputable breeder actually protects their breed, and keeps the puppies out of
shelters
and running loose on the streets.
When you look at all the facts, there really is no reason not to wait and purchase
your
puppy from a reputable breeder. You may have to drive far or fly out to get your
new
Swissy, but in the end a healthy, well bred puppy is worth the wait and trip.