Comparison of Breeders

  • "Into" Dogs (shows, training, clubs, etc.)
  • Belongs to dog clubs and organizations
  • Proves quality of dogs and suitability for breeding by competing for titles and certificates in conformation, obedience, agility, field trialing, Schutzhund, herding, tracking, earthdog trials, etc.
  • Pups' pedigrees are filled with dogs who have obtained show titles/working certificates; never breeds dogs without "papers"
  • Supports rescue groups; knows his actions inevitably play some part in pet overpopulation and euthanasia (one of every four dogs in shelters is purebred). Even with all his efforts to stem over- population, he knows "cracks" will lead to canine deaths
  • Knowledgeable in every facet of breed, including that of health issues/defects; researches genetics when choosing mates
  • Knowledgeable about house breaking, training, socializing, breeding, health; constantly reads dog-related materials
  • Can and will help and educate puppy buyers re these issues
  • Not "into" dogs (has "pets" around the house)
  • Is not involved in the "dog world"
  • Quality of dogs is almost always substandard, however, he does not test his dogs in shows or trials (Dogs are just pets or "breeding machines")
  • Pedigrees mostly a list of pets bred by backyard breeders; pups may not even have "papers"; may be mongrels (Cockapoos, etc.)
  • Honestly believes that because he places/sells all his pups, he does not contribute in any way to the needless slaughter of millions of dogs per year in shelters (Does not see his role in his pups making pups and them making more pups and so on)
  • Not particularly educated about breed, often not aware of his own breed's genetic defects; does not consider mate's genetics
  • Has own ideas which may not coincide with professionals' opinions; won't bother to read any of the hundreds of dog books available
  • Says "Goodbye" and "Good luck"
  • Willing to give you his references
  • Knows his puppies' ancestry
  • Follows up on puppies' well-being; collects health information affecting his dogs
  • Breeds to improve his own dogs, his bloodlines and the breed
  • Rarely breeds as he does not use dog breeding as a business and strives for quality, not quantity
  • Has no references
  • Knows nothing about the other dogs on puppies' pedigrees
  • Does not concern himself with the puppies' well-being or how puppies' health affects his breeding "plan"
  • Breeds just to breed or make money or see his "great dog" procreate
  • Breeds regularly if for money or if puppy mill; if for ego, breeds once in awhile, or "just once" before neutering or spaying
  • Rarely repeats a breeding
  • Breeds only dogs which meet breed standard
  • Breeds only dogs with stable temperaments
  • Breeds only dogs over 2 years old, and a limited number of times
  • Mate choice could be anywhere in the country (almost never breeds his own males to his own females)
  • Often repeats breeding’s, mainly those that are cheap and convenient.
  • Dogs used for breeding rarely meet breed standard
  • Breeds shy/aggressive dogs with poor temperaments
  • Breeds dogs at almost any age, and any number of times
  • Mate choice is that which is convenient, cheap, local (very often owns both sire and dam)
  • Does all genetic testing and will provide proof; does not breed animals with genetic defects or which are carriers of defects
  • Puppies are sold from waiting list created before breeding even takes place
  • Pet-quality pups generally cost $1500 - 2000+ (show-quality costs more)
  • Puppies are sold with health guarantees
  • Puppies are sold with contracts
  • Does no genetic testing; ignorantly breeds defective animals or those which are carriers, thus, perpetuating disease in breed
  • Puppies are sold after birth in the local newspaper, first-come, first-served
  • All pups are pet-quality and are relatively cheap, usually $600-$800
  • Puppies are sold with no guarantee
  • No contracts; does not care what you do with puppies
  • Requires pups back if new homes don't work out
  • Dogs on property are friendly, socialized, trained
  • Does not own more dogs than he has room, time or money for; Dogs are groomed, exercised, healthy, happy
  • Will show you pups' parents if available, or if not, will have pictures
  • Raises puppies indoors
  • Says "Find them good homes"
  • Dogs on property may be aggressive or shy, and untrained
  • Puppy mills are overloaded, "warehoused" dogs are not groomed or exercised, don't look healthy or happy
  • Might have to "lock up" pups' aggressive or shy parents (dogs that should never have been bred)
  • Raises puppies outdoors