​Choosing a Breeder

What is a reputable breeder?   Because just about anyone can throw two dogs together and produce puppies, here is a guideline for choosing a reputable breeder.

Scott Marshall

A responsible breeder will:​

​Belong to a national (and/or local) breed club.

    
Abide by their breed club's Code of Ethics.

    
Test their breeding stock for any congenital diseases, conditions  (ie: hip dysplasia.),  and strives to eliminate genetic problems by breeding only sound dogs.

    
Only breed dogs that have excellent temperaments.

    
Be very knowledgeable about their breed.

    
Strive to better their breed.

    
Immunize their puppies' Sires and Dams (& their Puppies) against:  Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parvo, Parainfluenza, Coron & Rabies.

    
Screen potential owners thoroughly, and does not sell to those who are  unsuitable.

    
Educate potential owners and discloses any pertinent information about  their breed.

    
Encourage the neutering of all "pet quality" dogs (and all dogs that will  not be shown in conformation). Spay/neuter contracts should be issued with the sale of all pet quality dogs.

    
Offer new puppy owners guidance and support (for the puppy's entire  lifetime).

    
NEVER sells puppies to puppy brokers, pet shops or puppy outlets of any kind

   

Show, trial and title their dogs.

    
Support or participate in breed rescue work whenever possible.

    
Never breed out of greed (and never over-breed).

    
Take back a puppy or dog that doesn't work out.