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The
Difference Between Breeders or... There is always talk about where you should or shouldn't buy a puppy. My hope is that this article will help you make that decision more easily. Within the section for each type of breeder, I will discuss a definition and the expected cost. Then we will discuss the benefits (if any) of each type of breeder... Read On |
Breed
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There are many different levels of breeders being discussed around the world today. Some of the most common are:
The first two are where most pet shops get their dogs - with some coming from the third class of breeder. I'm going to discuss a bit more in detail what goes towards defining each classification to help you make an informed decision. Puppy Mills - Definition Puppy mills have been seen on television numerous times. These are businesses that breed purely for profit, giving no consideration to the dogs involved, beyond whether or not they can still produce. The conditions are usually unclean, as they do not spend time cleaning cages or rooms that the animals are kept in. That kind of care would take away from the profit margins for them. They do not hire any help (this type of operation is usually a family affair), as this would also eat into the profits. The dogs bred to each other are often not of the same breed and papers are routinely false with regards to the true parentage. The pregnant bitches are not moved into sanitary conditions for whelping, with the actual birth of puppies often taking place without any humans present. Puppy mill operators will sell to the general public sometimes, although most puppies are sold to commercial brokers, who then resell the puppies to pet shops. If John Q. Public wants to buy a puppy directly, the owners will often try to arrange to meet them somewhere other than their facility. They know that a sale will not be made if buyers saw the facility and they aren't about to take the time to clean it up. They will not directly answer most questions asked by a buyer and when they do answer, it is usually not a true reply. They will do no genetic testing of their breeding stock, as again, profit is their only motive for breeding. Thus - many of the offspring will have some genetic disorder, some of these serious and even life-threatening. There is rarely any type of guarantee on puppies from this type of breeder. The puppies are sold to brokers at 4-5 weeks, for arrival in the pet shop at optimum time of 6 weeks (for this type of facility). There is no socialization of the puppies, by either the mother or the people at the puppy mill. There is no reason that I can find to ever buy a puppy from this type of facility. Cost Buying direct from puppy mills can be relatively inexpensive. They sell very cheaply to brokers (often less than $50 each). Buying them from the pet shop they wind up in can be very expensive, as they are paying for their staff and overhead and will charge to make up for the puppies that did not successfully make the trip or become sick after they arrive. Potential for high vet bills is very likely in this situation.
Commercial Breeders - Definition Commercial Breeders are a few steps above the puppy mills, in that their facilities are usually much cleaner. They will potentially have some kennel help on staff and will pay some attention to the breeding stock, although genetic testing is very rarely done. They will encourage you to come and pick your puppy at their facility, as it is clean and they know they have a chance at the sale. They also sell to brokers for pet shops and often will not guarantee the health of the puppies. If there is a guarantee for puppies sold directly to the new owner, it will often be that you return the puppy and they will replace it. Their sole motive for breeding is profit and although the conditions they keep and breed the dogs in is much cleaner, they will not go to any extra steps to insure the long-term health of the dogs they breed. Socialization from a Commercial Breeder will be a little more than puppy mills, just because of the number of people involved. However, these puppies are often sold to the brokers long before they have been properly socialized. Remember that their destination is often the pet shop and they need to be there when they are very young to be sold quickly. Cost Buying direct here will cost you a bit more, as their operating costs are higher. There is still a potential for high vet bills throughout the life of the puppy, as no genetic testing has been done. Backyard Breeders - Definition These are the folks that will breed their favorite pet dog for any number of reasons:
There are probably a hundred other reasons that these folks will breed their pets. They do not do much in the way of genetic testing, most of the time not even being aware that any test should be done. They will usually use the closest dog around for breeding, not really checking out pedigrees or temperament of the stud dog and whether or not he will contribute anything to this breeding. The backyard breeder will usually keep the bitch in the house, in an area that is clean. Sometimes they will keep the puppies in the house for awhile after birth, but often they are relegated to the backyard (thus the term Backyard Breeder) or the garage as soon as the breeders have to start cleaning up after them. The children and adults playing with them may socialize the puppies to some extent. The mother of the litter is usually left with the puppies, so she has some chance to teach them some manners. These puppies are often sold at 6-7 weeks. Although this is a better time, it can be too early for some breeds. Cost This will usually be a reasonable price, especially if the dog you are buying is a popular breed that is readily available. They will keep the price low to be competitive so that they can move all the puppies. Some will even give them away, depending on why the breeding took place to begin with. Although the potential for high vet bills later in life is still there, it can be a less likely potential than from the above listed sources. Hobby Breeders - Definition Hobby Breeders are those that breed for the love of the dog, giving no thought whatever to profit. Although they are often involved with dog sports of some kind, this is not always the case. However, the hobby breeder does study pedigrees, looking for a dog that will add something to the offspring of the litter. They know the breed standard and select the stud and bitch with an eye towards physical correctness, sound bodies, genetic health and the ability to perform the task for which the breed was originally created. The hobby breeder will study which genetic problems are prevalent in their breed and test accordingly, often at great cost. They guarantee the health of the dogs in many cases, and sell dogs on a contract. If they determine that the puppies are not of breeding quality, they will require that the puppy be spayed or neutered at the appropriate time. They often will place them on limited registration, meaning that any offspring will not be able to be registered with the American Kennel Club (for more information on registration, visit The AKC Rules and Guidelines for Registration. Hobby breeders will usually not let puppies go home before the age of 7-12 weeks, depending on the breed and they do much to make sure they are properly socialized. Many will do temperament testing on the puppies matching the right puppy with the right buyer. They will expose the puppies to strange noises, sights and smells. The mother of the litter is left with the puppies to teach them proper manners and friends and family are brought in for the express purpose of socializing the litter with people. Shot records are kept and family histories (complete with pictures) and other good advice, are sent home with each and every puppy. Some puppies even have a good foundation on crate training and housebreaking when they go to their new homes. Hobby breeders will question potential buyers, often asking for references and doing background checks. Some folks have said it can be harder to buy a puppy from some breeders than to adopt a child. They encourage you to ask questions and welcome you to their home to see how the puppies are being raised and how the adult dogs they have react with strangers and children.
When a hobby breeder plans a litter, it is usually to have something new to compete with, be it breed competition, obedience or agility, or any number of other events. Their only other goal is to ensure that the puppies they place are in a home for life. Responsible breeders will insist that you bring a puppy back to them, if you are unable to keep it - for any reason, during any stage of its life. They will encourage you to call with any problems, no matter how small or trivial they may seem. They are there to help - for the life of the puppy. Cost For buying direct - this will be the most "up front" cost. However, for this cost, you are getting a puppy that is guaranteed healthy, whose parents were tested for genetic problems and has been socialized a great deal. The potential for high vet bills in the future is the lowest from this source. Benefits from each type:
Summary: If you are buying a puppy, it should be from a responsible hobby breeder. Even though the up front cost may seem a bit more, you are more likely to have a healthy puppy that will just need routine maintenance. You will have the benefits of the research the breeder has done, as well as the support of their experience with the breed. These benefits can really be priceless, when you consider that an investment in a purebred puppy is an investment for the next 10-20 years of your life. You want a dog that can be part of the family, with all parties experiencing the joy and love a dog can give, without any of the pain and suffering that can be caused when choosing a dog that was ill bred. To find a responsible, hobby breeder in your area, contact the American Kennel Club and they can give you the number of a member of the Breed Club. The Breed Club can put you in touch with responsible breeders in your area. Another good source of information is area dog shows or local All-Breed, Breed Clubs or Obedience Clubs. (Copyright
by Diane Hart, 1998 - 2000, |