So you end up in contact with a breeder (whether through a 'friend', an ad or via their website) ...how would you tell if they were a good breeder or not?
I was impressed with Pepe's breeder as she was interested in finding out about me and what sort of home I could offer, rather than just being interested in a sale.
several ways, they do more than the recommended health tests and take notice of results not just use it as a tick list ie with HD they will not breed from a dog/bitch way above BMS they look to breed from ones way below, they will state registered names of dogs so you can check pedigree and health tests results - rather than just put the call name
What do I look for in a good breeder? Someone who only breeds the occasional litter.. ..doesn’t advertise other than word of mouth or on the breed clubs list of approved breeders, ..has signed up to the breed clubs code of ethics, .. makes sure the sire and dam have had the appropriate health tests for the breed, ..gives perspective owners a thorough questioning , ..takes responsibility for all their stock and will take back any dog they have sold if the owner is unable to keep it.
Check if they do more than just breed. Showing or working their dogs is often a sign they are into their breed. If the dogs live with them in their house that is a good sign in my book too!
All of the above. When looking in to french bulldogs i was really impressed with a scheme the breed club had where they rate all their registered breeders dogs with a gold silver or bronze status based on what test they have had done and their results. The breeder had to opt in though. Will make things a lot easier for somebody like me who doesnt fully understand the health test or what the results mean.
For me, aside from all the required health tests done on all breeding dogs which is very important, it also came down to titles. I wanted to see that the dogs could do what they was bred for, not just sit pretty and win at shows. That's an added bonus. But working ability is of paramount importance to me. So when I saw the dogs my breeder had extensively titled in a variety of different sports and work, I was very happy. I looked so hard that my search took me out of the country! I just couldn't find the same quality dogs, with the same work drive or as heavily titled over here. In addition to that I want to see all dogs living in the home as much loved pets first and foremost. Not sold on when their past their breeding days, or living in kennels. You need to feel comfortable when talking to the breeder, knowing that's someone you can always come back to when needing help/advice throughout the years. I had spoken to a couple of other breeders before finding my current one, and I just didn't "click" with them. One I felt was all about money and was very pushy in wanting me to buy one of her puppies. Those are just some of the basics I want to see. But I think you know when it's right. I'd never looked into breeders before, had no idea how to start contacting them, what to say exactly. But now I feel quite proud of myself that I managed to find a great breeder and knowing what you're looking for from the start helps greatly whittle down the list.
