How to Determine a Responsible Breeder

How to Tell a Responsible Breeder from a not-so-good breeder or puppy mill....

1. Responsible breeders do not have multiple litters available year after year and do not breed their bitches season after season.   You may have to wait several months, even a year, for a well bred puppy.   They will normally have a waiting list.

2. Responsible breeders will interview you as to your suitability for a puppy, not just ask for your money.   They will try to match the right puppy to the right lifestyle and situation.

3. Responsible breeders will want to discuss health issues in the breed and will have verification of the health testing they have done on the parents of all litters.  For Keeshonden, those tests should be the following:

     a)    Hips (and optionally elbows) rayed for OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals)             and submitted for certification on both the sire and dam before they were bred.              Hips should have a rating of excellent, good or fair, those are the only ones that             can be certified.

     b)    The patella's (knees) should have been palpated and verified as “tight” –             preferably by an orthopedic specialist.  This can also be submitted to OFA for             certification.

     c)    The eyes should have had a CERF (Canine Eye Registry Foundation) exam done by a             canine opthamalogist.  The results can be submitted for certification if the eyes             pass.  It is nice to have certification, but I also like to see what was marked on             the exam sheet, that can tell you a lot.

     d)    A PHPT genetic test should have been done and both the sire and the dam should             be negative for the gene.  Cornell University developed a test to detect the gene             that causes Primary Hyperparathyroidism.  The parathyroid gland regulates the             calcium levels in the body.  This is different from the thyroid gland.   If you             purchase a pup that is positive for the gene, you will need to keep very close             watch on the calcium levels.  Generally, you don't see problems until they get             older, but some have had problems at a much earlier age.  The surgery is very             expensive.

     e)    Thyroid levels should be in the normal range.

     f)     The heart should have been certified clear of heart problems, preferably by a             canine cardiologist.  This can also be submitted to OFA for certification.

4. Responsible breeders are active with their dogs in at least one area - conformation showing, obedience, agility, working tests, etc.

5. Responsible breeders will not send a puppy to a new home until it is at least eight weeks old - many not until the puppies are 10 or 12 weeks. The smaller the breed, the older the puppy should be before leaving its mother and littermates.

6. Responsible breeders will register their dogs with an established, known registry - in the United States, either the AKC (American Kennel Club) or UKC (United Kennel Club).  Beware of newer, false "registries" such as the APRI or CKC (Continental Kennel Club - NOT the reputable Canadian Kennel Club). I f the breeders' dogs are not registered AKC or UKC - beware.

7. Responsible breeders will want to stay in touch and be kept up to date on your puppy’s development.  They will always be available for questions or help with any problems

8. Responsible breeders offer health guarantees much longer than a few days or a week.

9. Responsible breeders will require that the puppy come back to them if you can’t keep it for any reason - no matter how old the dog is.

10. Responsible breeders tend to specialize in one, maybe two, breeds. Beware of someone who has  4, 5, or more breeds.

11. Responsible breeders will be members of their breed club or other recognized dog clubs.

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