What is a Reputable Breeder?

To hear the purists tell it, only an ignorant or disreputable breeder would even consider breeding a non-purebred dog. To this bigoted mentality, however, I say "Bunk!" There are good and reputable breeders of non-purebred dogs, just as there are ignorant and disreputable breeders of purebreds. The purity of the breed has little to do with the integrity of the breeder.

So what is a good breeder anyway? First and foremost, a good breeder is not just in it for the money. They are in it for the love of dogs and the enhancement and continuing of the breed. All breeding stock is appropriately registered, and traceable back several generations. Breeding beyond the first generation is done in accordance with a rigorous and formal plan, designed to take the best characteristics from each parent dog to produce offspring with the right qualities of temperament, conformation, intelligence, and soundness of health. A good breeder of non-purebred dogs and pet-quality purebreds will request a spay/neuter contract to be signed, unless the new owners are experienced breeders and knowledgeable of proper breeding practices.

A good breeder will offer a 5 to 14 day written health guarantee that lets you take your puppy to your veterinarian of choice for a full check-up. They would also offer a 12 to 24 month guarantee against any genetic defects. This means that if your puppy is found to be unsound by your veterinarian within the first 7 to 14 days or if a genetic defect is detected within the first 12 to 24 months that you have the puppy, the breeder will replace your puppy should you so desire. In states with a puppy lemon law, your breeder should provide you with a copy of the law along with your copy of their written guarantee.

Furthermore, a good breeder does not believe that their responsibility towards you and your puppy ends with the sale. They will be there with any information you may need throughout the life of your dog. A very good breeder will also offer a rescue service, wherein they will take in your dog and find it a loving new home (permanent or temporary), should you ever be unable to care for it.