BUYING A PUPPY
RESEARCH AND BUYER RESPONSIBILITY ARE THE KEYS TO FINDING A HEALTHY PUPPY.
BY SUSAN LACROIX HAMIL
The press has been having a field day recently by bashing the purebred dog. Various publications and authors point
fingers at easy targets such as the dog registries, the breeders, the dog show or the pet shops, but no one has yet
dared point a finger at the American dog buying public.
The public's continued appetite for more dogs, coupled with the desire for instant gratification, has led to most of the
problems encountered with purebred dogs. With all the negative publicity of the past decade, it is difficult to believe
that any conscious person is unaware of the puppy mill problem, yet puppies and kittens continue to be sold in large
numbers through commercial retail outlets. If the American public did not strongly desire to buy dogs on impulse,
the puppy mill problem would disappear overnight.
If the dog-buying public purchases puppies only from breeders who are trying to do a good job of producing
emotionally and physically sound puppies, the bad breeders would stop breeding because they could not sell their
produce. Instead, substandard or ignorant breeders exist because the public sustains and encourages their existence
by allowing impulse, convenience and price to dictate their choice.
TYPES OF BREEDERS
In part, the confusion stems from the term breeder. Breeder always refers to the owner of the dam, or mother, at the
time the mating took place. There is no organization that certifies breeders, checks their facilities, intelligence or
honesty, or approves their breeding stock. "Papers" and pedigrees can be worthless unless the breeder has the
integrity to stand behind her dogs.
Few people are familiar with the terms commercial breeder, backyard breeder and hobby/show/performance breeder.
To most people these are confusing and loaded terms. What difference among these breeders?
Generally, anyone breeding for the commercial pet market, whether he or she produce one litter or 100 litters, is
considered a commercial breeder. Often, these breeders breed large numbers of dogs of different breeds specifically
for the retail market. Little genetic screening is done to select breeding stock because it is cheaper to replace a
defective puppy than to throw out breeding stock based on one to two complaints.
The commercial pet industry does have a voluntary organization of commercial breeders, the American Professional
Pet Distributors Inc., which sets standards for its members in the commercial breeding industry. This group hopes to
elevate the image of their industry and combat the image of poor housing, over crowding and substandard care
associated with the "puppy mill".
Other breeders that breed for the commercial market may sell right out of their kennels. Usually it is not a good sign
that a kennel has many breeds. It is difficult to keep up with the trends and concerns in one or two breeds, much less
three or more. When a breeder produces a large number of dogs, there is not enough time to follow up on the
puppies produced each year. This breeder usually offers little or no help should the buyer be unable to keep a dog
for its lifetime.
Generally, commercial operations cannot and will not take the time to consider and screen for genetic defects
because they are in business and there is a financial bottom line to take into consideration. They do not have
information on littermates of breeding stock or a large percentage of the dogs produced from previous matings. In
addition, because they are breeding for the pet market, the dogs they produce should be considered as pets only, not
used for breeding by novice owners. Even though many of the puppies sold through commercial channels are just
fine as pets, some can have major problems. The good news is the majority of pet stores offer some type of
compensation or replacement in the event of major illness or defect.
"Backyard Breeder" usually refers to someone who has a dog in the backyard that he happened to breed. It is the
equivalent of "I have a dog and you have a dog, so let's breed them because the puppies will be cute". These are the
people who are motivated to have "just one litter" so the "kids can see the puppies being born" and who plan on
giving most of the puppies to friends and coworkers because they are not in it for the money." The good thing about
these puppies is that they will be home-raised and usually well socialized.
Yet there are other backyard breeders who keep one or two females and have one or more litters a year. For these
"backyard" types, the motivating factor is money.
Rarely will either of these breeders pay to have genetic screening for either the sire or the dam. Often the puppies
are sold without proper vaccinations or wormings. Also, the breeder's experience is often limited to her individual
dogs; therefore, she is of little help to buyers in solving behavior or physical problems with their dogs. She won't
take a dog back if the owner cannot keep it because, as she will often say, she is not really a breeder, she "just
wanted to have one or two litters."
The hobby/show/performance breeder is almost always the most dedicated to his dogs. He knows the bloodlines, he
knows the problems, and he thinks of his dogs as part of the family. When a potential buyer asks why a litter was
produced the answer involves improving the breed. This breeder has made a lifetime commitment to the betterment
of purebred dogs and wants assurances that people who buy his dogs are informed and committed to giving the best
possible training and care to the dogs he produces.
The key here is the definition of "improving the breed." Ideally, this means that the improvement involves the
elimination of physical and behavioral defects. Sometimes, however, ego gets in the way, and the real-world
definition of "improvement" means a bigger win in some future competition. Sometimes this type of breeder
becomes so involved in her breed that she becomes "kennel blind"; that is, blind to the problems found in the dogs in
her bloodline.
Puppy prices vary greatly by breed and source. The most popular breeds sometimes cost less than the more unusual
ones. Commercially bred puppies have a retail markup of 100 percent or more based on the wholesale price the pet
store paid for the puppy. Puppies produced by hobby\show\performance breeders sell for about the same price or
less than those at retail pet store. Puppies from backyard breeders sell for about the same price or less than those at
retail pet store. Puppies from backyard breeders generally are the least expensive. Comparing value for price, the
hobby\show\performance breeder almost always provides the best puppy for the money, provided he can furnish
adequate answers to questions and proof of genetic screening.
LEARNING ABOUT THE BREED
The advantage of buying a purebred is the predictability of appearance, size, temperament and possible health
problems. Yet the public continues to refuse to research the breeds they are buying in regard to these predictable
characteristics. Researching a breed can be difficult and tiresome, and sometimes-good information on a particular
breed is unavailable or so biased that a buyer cannot make an informed decision.
A good place to begin is the American Kennel Club's COMPLETE DOG BOOK. This book contains a brief
overview of each breed and the breed standard for each breed registered by the AKC. The parent club for each
breed controls the breed standards. The parent clubs compile breeders, judges and performance enthusiasts. The
parent club controls the standard for its particular breed, and only the parent club can change the standard.
Review the purpose for which the breed was developed, how large it is supposed to be, what colors are allowed and
what type of coat is acceptable. Beware of people promoting "rare" colors or coat types and miniature or giant
versions of a breed not described or approved in the standard. The breed standards were written to promote
soundness and conformation for a specific purpose. When buyers demand extreme variations, they are generally
promoting and courting disaster. Many of these rare examples of a breed are specifically disallowed in the standard.
One example is off-color Dobermans. Ask your veterinarian how many off-color Dobermans have skin and coat
problems.
The dog-owning public has a fascination with the unique and the bizarre. They want the tiniest of the tiny and the
biggest of the big. They want the most wrinkles, the largest eyes or the shortest nose, but then they complain loudly
when the dogs have health problems and the vet bills mount up. So resist the temptation to encourage the
production of dogs that push or exceed the boundaries of moderation described in the standard. Most breed
standards call for moderation, and when those boundaries are exceeded, health problems will surely follow.
With the more poplar breeds, anecdotal information is easy to come by. Visiting with owners and taking with dog
trainers and veterinarians can provide a lot of information. Limiting choices to the most popular breeds ensures the
widest selection and greatest availability of breeders and dogs from which to choose. A buyer whose heart is set on
a less popular breed must be prepared for more difficulty in finding just the right puppy at exactly the time it is
wanted.
FINDING A BREEDER
Finding a good breeder may be difficult, and it will take some time and phone calls. First, call the AKC's telephone
information line -900-AKC-PUPS-for a list of parent club recommended breeders. For breeds that are not
registered with the AKC, the buyer must locate other registries, clubs or individuals. Sometimes these can be found
in the classified section of dog magazines.
Newspaper classified ads are generally used by novice breeders who have no other means by which to dispose of
their puppies. However, some qualified breeders may take out a classified ad if they are looking for good pet homes
for puppies not intended for breeding, performance or show stock. It is up to the buyer to determine which breeder's
puppies are worth consideration.
Veterinarians can often steer buyers to responsible breeders. They may have a close association with a breed or
group of dog enthusiasts, or they may have a client who is planning a promising litter.
In any case, a visit to the veterinarian is a must before beginning to look at puppies. Ask questions regarding
particular health problems in the breeds being considered. Again, the more popular the breed, the more information
available. In less popular breeds, the veterinarian will not have a broad range of experiences from which to draw, so
the buyer must relay on the honesty of the breeder regarding breed-related problems.
A personal recommendation from a satisfied owner is an excellent way to find a breeder. Even if that breeder is not
expecting a litter soon, she should have enough contact within the breed to refer buyers to other reputable breeders.
INTERVIEWING BREEDERS
Make a list of questions to ask the breeders:
1.
Do they belong to the parent club?
2.
How long have they been breeding this breed?
3.
How many other breeds do they have?
4.
How many litters have they had?
5.
What do they believe are the most significant problems within the breed?
6.
What is the breed's life span?
7.
What temperament problems can be encountered?
8.
Is it an easy breed to train and housebreak?
9.
What behavioral difficulties can be expected?
10.
What type of contract conditions or guarantees are involved in the sale of the puppy?
Ask for references from previous puppy buyers, the family veterinarian or other breeders.
What can you learn from the answers given by a breeder?
Ideally, the breeder should be a member of the parent club. This gives him access to others in the breed, makes him
privy to discussions regarding health and temperament concerns, and allows him to become familiar with different
bloodlines from which he might choose prospective breeding stock. It also indicates that he has more than just a
passing interest in the breed.
Often, parent clubs have a code of ethics that members must follow. Ask the breeder if his parent club has such a
code and ask to see it. The breeder should have been involved in the breed for some time before launching a
breeding program. Ask how he selects breeding stock and what happens to those dogs that don't qualify to be
included in the breeding pool.
Beware of breeders who have only glowing recommendations for their breed. There are always some cautions and
peculiarities within each breed.
The breeder should also question the buyer. The questions may sound very personal at first, but questions regarding
home ownership, plans to have children in the near future and career considerations could all have an effect on the
dog purchased. Because the best breeders provide a lifetime commitment to their dogs, they see no point in selling a
dog into a situation that will only result in the buyer being unable to keep the dog and their having to take the dog
back in a few short years.
BACKYARD BREEDER
1. MOTIVES FOR BREEDING "FUN", "GOOD FOR KIDS," "TO MAKE MONEY." DOESN'T SCREEN
BUYERS AND SELDOM REFUSES TO SELL, EVEN IF BUYER IS UNSUITABLE.
2.
BREEDS FAMILY PET TO ANY CONVENIENT PET OF SAME BREED JUST TO HAVE
PUREBRED PUPS. HAS NO CONCERN FOR GENETICS, BLOODLINES OR BREED
IMPROVEMENT.
3.
THOUGH PET MAY BE WELL-LOVED, IT WASN'T X-RAYED FOR HIP DYSPLASIA OR
CHECKED FOR OTHER HERITABLE PROBLEMS.
4.
OFFERS NO HEALTH GUARANTEES BEYOND PROOF OF SHOTS, IF THAT. UNQUALIFIED
TO GIVE HELP IF PROBLEMS DEVELOP.
5.
SELLER HAS LITTLE KNOWLEDGE OF BREED HISTORY OR AKC BREED STANDARD.
MAY CLAIM THAT THIS DOESN'T MATTER FOR "JUST PETS".
6.
PUPS RAISED IN MAKESHIFT ACCOMMODATIONS, INDICATING LACK OF LONG-TERM
INVESTMENT IN BREEDING.
7.
EVEN WHEN SELLING "JUST PETS," MAY PRODUCE AKC PAPER OR "CHAMPIONS
PEDIGREE" AS PROOF OF QUALITY. YET SELLER DOESN'T INCREASE OWN
KNOWLEDGE THROUGH PARTICIPATION IN NATIONAL OR LOCAL BREED CLUB.
DOESN'T SHOW OWN DOGS TO "PROVE" QUALITY.
8.
MAY BE UNWILLING TO SHOW BUYER ENTIRE LITTER OR TO INTRODUCE DAM OF
LITTER. CAN'T OR WON'T COMPARE/CRITIQUE PUPS OR PUPS' ANCESTORS.
9.
PRICES AT LOW END OF LOCAL RANGE, SINCE MUST MOVE PUPS QUICKLY.
10.
NO CONCERN FOR THE FUTURE OF INDIVIDUAL PUPS OR BREED AS A WHOLE.
DOESN'T USE AKC'S LIMITED REGISTRATION OPTION OR ASK FOR SPAY/NEUTER
CONTRACT TO GUARD AGAINST BREEDING OF SUBSTANDARD PETS. IF YOU CAN'T
KEEP PUP, TELL YOU TO TAKE IT TO THE DOG POUND OR SELL IT.
REPUTABLE HOBBY BREEDER
1.
DEDICATION TO PRODUCING QUALITY DOGS IS SERIOUS AVOCATION. HAS SO MUCH
INVESTED IN DOGS THAT STRUGGLES TO BREAK EVEN, NOT MAKE PROFIT. WILL
SELL PUPS ONLY TO APPROVED BUYERS.
2.
CAN EXPLAIN HOW PLANNED BREEDING TO EMPHASIZE SPECIFIC QUALITIES
THROUGH LINE BREEDING, OUTCROSSING OR, MORE RARELY, INBREEDING.
3.
HAVE BREEDING STOCK X-RAYED TO CHECK FOR HIP DYSPLASIA AND TESTS FOR
OTHER GENERTIC FAULTS. CAN PRODUCE CERTIFICATION TO PROVE CLAIMS.
4.
LIFETIME COMMITMENT TO REPLACE A DOG WITH GENETIC FAULTS OR TO HELP
OWNER DEAL WITH PROBLEM.
5.
LOVES BREED AND CAN TALK AT LENGTH ABOUT ITS BACKGROUND, USES AND IDEAL
TYPE.
6.
HAVE A SERIOUS INVESTMENT IN DOG EQUIPMENT SUCH AS PUPPY PENS, CRATES AND
GROOMING TABLES AND KNOW HOW TO USE IT.
7.
BELONGS TO A LOCAL OR NATIONAL DOG CLUB, INDICATING A LOVE FOR SPORT OF
DOGS. EXHIBITS OWN DOGS AS AN OBJECTIVE TEST OF HOW STOCK MEASURES UP.
8.
SHOWS LITTER AND DAM IN A SANITARY ENVIRONMENT. HELPS BUYER EVALUATE
AND CHOOSE PUP. EXPLAIN CRITERIA FOR "SHOW PICKS" VERSUS "PET PICKS."
9.
PRICES WILL BE AT HIGH END OF LOCAL RANGE, NOT CUT-RATE. PRICE WON'T
REFLECT ALL THAT IS INVESTED IN PUPS.
10.
AFTER PURCHASE, WILL HELP WITH GROOMING OR TRAINING PROBLEMS. WILL
TAKE BACK PUP YOU CAN'T KEEP RATHER THAN SEE IT DISPOSED OF
INAPPROPRIATELY. SELLS PETS WITH SPAY/NEUTER AGREEMENT OR LIMITED AKC
REGISTRATION.
TERMS OF SALE
The terms of sale should include a contract outlining the responsibilities of both seller and buyer. It should state
whether the puppy is considered a pet and therefore not to be bred under any circumstances and include a time frame
for spaying or neutering. Pets may be sold on a limited registration certificate. This means that the dog cannot be
shown in AKC conformation events and, unfortunately, some performance events. It also prevents the offspring of a
dog with a limited registration from being registered. Some breeders will refund part of the purchase price when the
puppy is spayed or neutered, and some breeders sell puppies already spayed or neutered.
The contract should include a time requirement for a health check by the buyer's veterinarian. This visit is important
and protects both the buyer and the breeder by assuring both parties that the puppy is healthy and free from any
illness or defects unless previously stated.
The puppy should be current on all vaccinations and wormings. Avoid the breeder who offers to vaccinate your
puppy for you as it grows. Not only is this illegal in many states (practicing veterinary medicine without a license),
it also deprives your puppy of well-puppy checks with the veterinarian to ensure that no physical or behavioral
problems are developing.
The contract should require that the buyer contact the breeder in the event that the buyer cannot keep the dog - at
any time during the dog's life - as well as require notification in the event or any type of inherited or genetic
problem.
If the breeder believes the dog has potential as a show or performance dog or breeding prospect, that statement
should appear in the contract along with the compensation due if the dog does not live up to its expected potential.
The contract may prohibit the buyer from breeding until and unless the dog has been screened for certain genetic
defects. This ensures that the buyer will not knowingly introduce unhealthy or unsound dogs into the gene pool.
Sometimes a breeder will co-own, or share ownership in, a dog. The breeder's name will appear on the registration
form along with the buyer's. Co-ownerships can be required by the breeder under the terms of sale for several good
reasons. One is to make certain the dog is spayed or neutered at the appropriate age, or the breeder may remain on
the registration until the buyer's financial obligation is complete.
The breeder may suggest that the price of the puppy will be reduced or that a better quality puppy may be obtained if
the buyer agrees to co-own or breed the dog a certain number of times and return puppies to the breeder. Beware of
this type of co-ownership or contract. Usually, the buyer will have all of the financial burden associated with
breeding, whelping and raising the puppies and will be unable to sell the puppies until the breeder takes her share.
In the case of small litters, the buyer may be unable to keep or sell any puppies at all. In other words, the breeder
has all the control and the buyer has all the expense.
Resist the temptation to get involved in this type of situation. Neither the AKC nor any other registry will adjudicate
any disputes arising from this type of agreement, and disputes will come up. The only avenue open to resolve any
such disputes is the court system.
PAPERWORK
At the time the puppy is received, the breeder should provide a bill of sale stating the puppy's price and a contract as
mentioned above. The buyer should receive the puppy's permanent registration papers or, if the papers are not yet
available, a registration application with a litter registration number and certification of the registration numbers of
the sire and dam, the date the puppy was born, and the puppy's sex and color. The name and address of the breeder
will appear, and the buyer will be listed as the new owner. If this is not provided, the breeder should write down this
information and give a date by which the registration of application will be received.
Request a four - or - five - generation pedigree listing the puppy's ancestors. Ideally, this should list the genetic
screening certification numbers of the puppy's ancestors. The AKC now provides those certification numbers on the
registration papers and in certified pedigrees.
When examining a puppy's pedigree, the buyer may find that some of the same dogs appear several times within five
generations. This is not necessarily a cause for alarm. Inbreeding is a term that is thrown around quite a bit by
various anti-dog groups who often refer to inbreeding, or line breeding, as incest. These terms refer to the mating of
closely related individuals. The result of this type of mating can reduce or increase the incidence of specific
inherited traits. Buyers can study the pedigree to determine how closely related a puppy's parents really are, but
even the mating of a brother to a sister does not have to have serious consequences as long as the breeder is
experienced and knowledgeable within the breed and particular bloodlines.
It takes time and effort to sort all these things out, but nothing truly worthwhile is gained without effort. Use these
suggestions as a guide as you work your way through the maze of finding the right breeder for your puppy.
Susan LaCroix Hamil is a veterinary technician and dog judge. She breeds Bloodhounds in Laguna Beach,
California.