Buy from breeder
I am a veterinarian who has been in practice for over 25 years. I have worked with
breeders and rescue groups alike. I would like to comment on some of the other Letters to
the Editor and educate the public a bit about breeders, pet stores, Internet breeders and
rescue groups.
For simplicity sake, I am going to focus on dogs, but most of the following applies to cats
also.
First, I would like to share two important statistics:
There are between 8,000 to 11,000 dogs and cats euthanized every in shelters and
humane societies throughout the United States.
One of out every 4 dogs awaiting homes in animal shelters is a purebred.
Both of these statistics are from the Humane Society of the United States.
I feel that there are three basic problems with the overpopulation and killing
(euthanizing) of dogs and cats in the United States:
1. Irresponsible pet owners who do not neuter their pets and breed them indiscriminately
or by mistake.
2. Uneducated persons who purchase a pet. They purchase the wrong breed for their life
style, purchase from an unqualified breeder, or they purchase on a whim in a pet store "It is so cute and it looks so sad in the cage. Let's rescue it."
3. "Backyard breeders" and "puppy mill" breeders who do not breed responsibly.
The person who is considering purchasing or adopting a pet needs to learn about that type
of pet first. If it is a purebred, then learn all you can about that breed. For example, what
is the temperament, are they good with children, do they have a high energy level
needing several walks a day, what are possible unique health needs of this breed? You
also need to consider the monetary commitment to taking care of this pet properly. Plan
to spend money on food, toys, a crate and bed but also on obedience training and
veterinary bills. There is wellness care that is routine every year but an unexpected illness
or accident can cost hundreds of dollars to treat. Also, learn how to choose a reputable
breeder. Keep in mind that this should be a commitment for the life of this pet. That can
be 15- 20 years. The decision should be made with a lot of forethought and research.
For anyone who is considering purchasing or adopting a dog, the place to start is with a
visit to a reputable veterinarian. A veterinarian has knowledge on many breeds of dogs.
They can discuss with you which breeds would best fit your life style and the pros and
cons of different breeds (including mixed breeds). They will also give you information on
how to find a good breeder and may have one of their client breeders that they can
personally recommend.
Once you have settled on a breed, get reputable information on that breed. Again the
veterinarian can lead you in the right direction. Other good resources are a breed book or
magazine from the library, breed rescue group and talking to a reputable breeder.
Know how to find a good breeder. In my professional opinion a good breeder:
1. Breeds one (or at the most two) breed of dog. This is because the breeder is an expert
about this breed and is very knowledgeable and breeds for the love and the betterment of
the breed.
2. Raises the puppies in their home with love.
3. Does not sell their puppies through a pet store or third party.
4. Has a veterinary relationship and has had the puppies checked and their health assessed
by the veterinarian. Has no problem giving you the name of their veterinarian and
encouraging you to call the veterinarian for the puppy's records.
5. Will not let the puppies go to their new home until they are at least eight weeks old.
This is very important for the socialization of the pups.
6. Has a clean and safe environment for the puppies; always visit the breeder at their
house; never meet someone away from the home.
7. Welcomes questions about his dogs and will show you all records of the parents of the
pups. The mother (bitch) should be on premises; the father (dog) may not be present.
8. Wants you to be knowledgeable about the breed and welcomes questions. He will
discuss potential genetic problems in this breed and provide you with the results of
testing that has been done. For example, there are tests for many heritable diseases
including hip dysplasia, congenital eye problems and thyroid disease.
9. Should interview you. They ask where you live (do you rent or own?), how big is your
yard, is there a fence, do you have children- what ages? They truly love their puppies and
want them to go to the appropriate home for them.
10. Should be there for you throughout the life of the dog. If something unexpected
happens in your life, they are willing to take their puppy back.
These are several other recommendations:
1. Do not buy from an Internet site unless you are willing to travel and visit the premises.
There is a lot of deception out there. Pictures or descriptions can be misleading or
downright false.
2. Many of the dogs that end up in shelters or with rescue groups are not "bad" dogs.
They are there because their previous owner had unrealistic expectations of them.
Puppies and kittens need training and play time and interaction for them to grow up into a
well-adjusted, obedient adult. This takes time and effort on the part of the owner.
3. Pet storeowners can tell you anything. How do you know that truth, especially if they
are not willing to disclose information about the "breeder" before you purchase the pet?
Puppies here are typically very overpriced. The breeder and the pet store both want to
make a profit.
4. Remember, a reputable breeder will not sell their puppies through a pet store.
5. AKC certification does not guarantee the quality or health of dogs. Just because a dog
is AKC certified does not mean that it has come from a reputable breeder. Puppy mill
breeders can have their puppies AKC certified!
All of my pets have been rescues. I wouldn't have it any other way. Two of them are
purebreds. A few have been adults. They all have acclimated well to my household. I
have fostered dogs for West Highland White Terrier rescue. Out of seven that I have had,
only one could not be placed in a loving home.
I am passionate about reducing the needless suffering and death of millions of dogs and
cats in the United States each and every year. The vast majority of these animals are
worthy of a loving home. Please consider adopting before purchasing. If you do purchase,
do it from a reputable breeder.
Carol McKee D.V.M.
Southpointe Veterinary Hospital