Breeders

[~Dixie's_Mom~]

Hmmm...well, my sister asked me a question that's got me pretty stumped... she asked me if breeders who bred "pet" puppies [i guess she means breeders who don't show?] have a guarentee on their puppies, that they'll take the puppies back, to prevent overpopulation, are they responsible. I didn't quite know what she was asking, but she told me she found a breeder who bred [I think pomeranians...] who cared very well for their dogs, had them properly tested, and had a guarentee [I think it was 2 year] for genetic defects, as well as a lifetime guarentee that if the owners could no longer keep them, that the breeder would happliy take the dog back. If the owner didn't want to give the pup back, they had to allow the breeder to aid in finding it a new home, as to not allow the puppy/dog in a bad home, or end up in a shelter. She claims to not want to contribute to over population. Is she a good breeder? I don't know if the lady has a site, I think my sister emailed her, and asked about guarentees, etc. I'll ask her if there's a website. What do you guys think? I wasn't sure how to answer her back, and thought I'd ask your opinions. I'm not sure if my question makes sense. If not, let me know, and I'll try to rephrase it. Thanks. :D

[showpug]

I would say that this person is not a responsible breeder IMO. Responsible breeders that breed just for pets are not working to improve and preserve the breed. They are just breeding to produce puppies for profit. If they are not involved in activities with their dogs then they have no way of knowing what to strive for in the next generation.

You can love, health test and have all the health contracts you want, but if you aren't in it to improve your breed with each generation then you are in it for the wrong reasons. The simple act of taking a puppy back if an owner can't keep it doesn't do anything for pet over-population. Not breeding in the first place does.

[~Dixie's_Mom~]

Thanks ShowPug!!! =]

[Momof2Pups]

I have to agree...I would never purchase a puppy from them.
Still a BYB in my eyes. Many, many BYBs care deeply for their pets and take wonderful care of them, but it still does not change their BYB status IMO.
The purpose of breeding is to improve upon the breed, whether it's for work or show.
You only breed the best of the best and focus on working ethic, conformation, titles, temperament, among other things.
There is no room in the world to breed strictly for pets IMO.
BTW, did she mention anything about a spay/neuter contract?

[SisMorphine]

If they were responsible in the first place they wouldn't be breeding for just pets.

[~Dixie's_Mom~]

MomofTwoPups: No, but she did say that the breeder supported spay/nueter 100% and she reccomended it for the health of her puppies. Nothing about a contract though. I'll ask if you want. ;)

SisMorphine: Thanks for your imput. :)

[~Dixie's_Mom~]

It's a shame to have to look so hard for good breeders...there are just SO many BYBs....:(

[showpug]

If you go through the national breed clubs and attend local shows then you should have no issue finding responsible breeders.

[MaryAndDobes]

she asked me if breeders who bred "pet" puppies [i guess she means breeders who don't show?] have a guarentee on their puppies, that they'll take the puppies back, to prevent overpopulation, are they responsible.

While I would compliment the breeder on taking puppies back if necessary, they aren't doing anything else that is special. Responsible breeding is about ALL aspects, not just one or two. Any moron can create more pets. It takes no talent, no thought, no knowledge and no effort.

All ethical and responsible breeders health test, temperament test, title their dogs, and aim to produce only the highest quality dogs which will better the gene pool. Responsible breeders are choosy about which dogs they breed – they study pedigrees for quality in conformation, health, longevity, temperament and working ability. They try to find the absolute best match for their female. They travel to great lengths to find the best male. It is rare that this best male will be living in their home or their neighborhood.

Some people feel that it doesn’t matter which breeder they deal with because all they want is a nice pet. Some people feel that it doesn’t matter if the parents of the dogs have any conformation, obedience, working or temperament titles but it DOES matter. A breeder who doesn't health test, temperament test and title their dogs is basically saying that a buyer does NOT deserve any of this. And it's extremely insulting that a breeder would try to satisfy a person with something that requires less knowledge, less effort, less commitment and less cost. Why would anyone settle for less?