Endurance.Net Ridecamp Archives

OK, last post.  I still think you should look at rescue

first (coming from someone who grew up breeding

shelties), but here is a list of things I've told people

about finding a reputable breeder:

 

1)  expect to meet the mom (dam).  If the dad (sire)

is there too, that's 99% of the time a very bad sign.

Dogs can and should be shipped for breeding, or

shipped seman should be used.  Else the breeder

is *not* finding the best sire to match to the dam.

 

2)  *visit* in person atleast 5 different "breeders".

Talk to them.  If they breed more than one or two

litters a year, think twice.

 

3)  how many dogs are there?  how are they kept?

how are the puppies raised?  For shelties, everyone

should be in the house.  :)  Puppies, and all adults,

etc.  Is the house clean?  Would *you* live there?

 

4)  Look at the pedigrees.  Do you see any red CH

designations or just a bunch of "pets"?

 

5)  What is the *point* behind breeding this particular

litter?

 

6)  Registered can be a good sign, but is not enough.

AKC = Good, if they are a good breeder.

CKC = Good, if they are a Canadian Breeder

UKC = Beware.

 

7)  Papers.  Included?  Included only after spay / neuter?

Or are the "papers" just another way to get more $$$?

 

8)  Breeder should require spay / neuter.  Period.  Either

before you get your puppy (definately before you get your

older dog), or before you get papers / registration.

 

9)  What if you can't keep the puppy?  Does the breeder

*want* it back?  Or does the breeder just want the $$$?

 

10)  Common sense... do you *like* the person enough

to hand over hundreds of dollars?

 

I've been out of dogs for a long time.  This are just notes

to add to finding a reputable breeder.  *Some* (or most) 

of this probably applies to buying from a horse breeder

as well.

 

Kathy Myers

in Santa Fe, NM

"Have your pet Spayed or Neutered"