In your opinion, what makes a dog breeder responsible and ethical?

Answer 1

A responsible, ethical dog breeder:

1. Knows the written Standard for their breed, and strives to meet it.

2. Understands that the Standard was based on the dog's original function, and respects that.

3. Knows what genetic diseases their breed is prone to, and screens ALL breeding dogs for those diseases. Eliminates affected dogs from their breeding program.

4. Is involved in some sort of activity (other than breeding and pet ownership) with their dogs -- i.e. conformation, obedience, herding, sledding, hunting, coursing, etc. Does this to prove that their bloodlines are worthy of breeding.

5. Breeds for themselves first and foremost (i.e. to improve their lines or produce their next show/working dog), but will not breed without a waiting list for the puppies they do not keep.

6. Sells puppies with written health guarantees against genetic problems. These guarantees last YEARS, not 30 days.

7. Sells puppies on spay/neuter contracts unless the puppy is to be shown or worked. All pet-only puppies are spayed/neutered.

8. Requires that any puppy bred by them will come back to them in the case that the owner can no longer keep it, whether it's 12 months or 12 years.

9. Screens all prospective buyers to see if they are well suited for the breed/one of the breeder's puppies. Will not sell to buyers deemed unfit.

10. Provides healthy, sanitary conditions for their dogs, whether indoors or out in kennels. Feeds high quality food, and is constantly researching nutrition/health topics for the betterment of their dogs' lives. Vaccinates puppies and adults appropriately.

11. Is somehow involved in rescue for their breed, because they understand that the puppies they bring into the world may displace rescue dogs. The breeder may rescue themselves, or contribute financially to their National Rescue groups.

This is what I can think of offhand -- anna_a hit on some other excellent points, and there's plenty more. Check this link:
http://www.geocities.com/Petsburgh/Fair/1901/chart.html

Answer 2

Responsible breeders aren't and never have been the problem. They take their dogs back regardless of how long ago they were sold or what the reason was. They enforce this with contracts, Their dogs rarely ever end up in shelters and if the breeder finds out about the they jump to get the pulled from the shelter. There is no reason for responsible breeder to stop breeding just because irresponsible owners don't care for their dog. Why would you wipe out responsibly breed purebreds because irresponsible breeders and owners created a problem. Not their job to clean up everyone else's mess. As for irresponsible owners that can't even be bothered to take their dog to the shelter they should be charged for abandoning their animal. No they should not be forced to take the dog back. Only the dog would suffer for that.

Answer 3

Basic knowledge of the proper care of a dog for starters, with extensive knowledge of the breed/breeds they plan to breed.

Knowing the correct age to breed the dog(s). Not breeding the female more than once a year or more than 3 times during the course of her life.

Knowledge of the cost and time that goes in to breeding dogs.

Realizing that just because a dog is purebred doesn't mean it HAS to be bred. They take into account the health and temperament of the animals.

They are not in it for the money, but for love of the breed and to better the breed.

Making sure that they have good homes lined up for the puppies BEFORE they are born. I mean REALLY evaluating the person/people that want the dog, not just selling it to any old person who comes in off the street.

Checking in on the dogs occasionally to make sure they're ok after they've been sold.

Charging a fair price for the dog.

That's all I can think of for now. I know nothing really about dog breeding so I'm sure there is lots of stuff I missed.

Answer 4

If the animals are well taken care of, have all their vaccinations, wormed and in good health and do not have genetic defects...also they know the breedline well and have all their papers in order and are kept in clean, well ventilated areas and not crowded in like a puppy mill...I have seen both when I was looking at puppies with a friend some years back and to me you can tell when someone is responsible and ethical. Those are the best breeders to purchase dogs from...if they size up the client and try to put the best kind of dog with the client too...and are available if you have any problems with the puppy after the purchase too...they are not a commodity...to me it is like you are adopting a member of your family...a child...and it needs to be a serious process because you are not only bringing home a beloved pet but your best friend!

Answer 5

A responsible and ethical breeder in my opinion would not breed 2 dogs knowing one has medical problems of any kind that possibly could be passed to the pups for any reason.
But if an accident should occur then papers should be marked limited and contracts should be drawn up to enforce owners of questionable pups have them spayed/neutered asap.

Again-accidents happen.So breeders should return half of sale price of the pup up to 1 yr. if pup turns out to be of poor health that's proven to be genetic condition.

Questionable puppies should be priced lower.And breeder should be nice enough to explain why pups health is questionable and what to watch for in future to alert owner to get the dog to the vet asap.

They would screen all buyers of the pups.Find out where the pup will be housed.Why they want the dog.Who their vet is or who they plan to take the dog to.Follow up by going to where the pup lives to check on it to make certain it's being kept in healthy conditions.And that it's happy.Call the vet to insure it's had it's shots and monthly wormers and flea treatments as well.

If I was to breed,which I may in the future if my shepherds hips check out o.k.,I plan to have a contract drawn up to have buyers of pups who find they cannot keep the pup then it's returned to me for re-homing regardless of it's age or health with no refund of their purchase price due to the fact that it'll most likely have issues I'll need to deal with before it can be re-homed which I fully plan to do for free for the right people.

I will not see a dog that I helped bring into the world left in a pound or a shelter where it's left unwanted and unloved.But that's just me.The contract I have in mind will also state that if I see the dog in unhealthy conditions or is abused or neglected I have the right to re-claim the dog without refund of their money.
In my mind only people who truly love the pup and will cherish it as I do my dogs will sign such a contract so I'll not have to worry.

Answer 6

1) Only breeding once a year, not every heat. Breeding every heat can actually cause the female to die.

2) Not selling to just anyone. Asking several questions about the breed to the possible new owner to see their knowledge in the dog in question. Maybe even doing a background check to ensure there is no past history of animal abuse charges, but not all will.

3) Not allowing the animal to go home before 8 weeks of age.

4) Vaccinating and de-worming the animals on schedule.

5) Vet checks before they go home.

6) Actually caring for the dogs, not just using them for a bank account with legs! Not caging them up, spending time with them, playing with them, making sure they have plenty of room to run and plenty of toys and such for the pups. Plenty of socialization.

7) Ask to talk to past buyers to see what they thought.

Answer 7

Ok, what makes a good breeder is this....Love for the breed. Then that they breed for the betterment of the breed not profit. Yes they want to make some money, however, they too want the breed to excell and be better than the litter before.
Then look at the socialization of the parents. if the cower then they may have been abused.
A breeder will have a lot of love for thier breed. Not for the $$$.

Answer 8

1) does health testing on all dogs considered for a breeding program (not just simple vet exams

2) does very careful pedigree research to check on health, longevity, temperament

3) knows their breed standard and either shows their dogs or has them evaluated to insure they meet breed standard & are breed worthy

4) breeds acording ot breed standard and color code

5) doesn't breed any dog under 2 years of age or over 6 years of age

6)raises the puppies in the house

7)makes sure all parents and pups are well socialized

8) doesn't sell any puppy under 8 weeks of age and makes sure they are all vet checked and have first vaccinations as well as wormings before going ot new homes
9) sells all pets on limited registration and spay/neuter contracts

10) carefully screens each and every potential buyer

110 will take back or help rehome any dog/puppy produced by them for any reason for the life of taht dog

12)doesn't breed their females more then once a year

Answer 9

No one answered this question by pointing out that a breeder should be breeding dogs within the standard of that breed. Also, the breeder should be exhibiting their dogs in shows (obedience, conformation, schutzhund, ect..)

Answer 10

Just because a breed comes highly recommended does not mean they are. I got a lab from Kelly Green Kennels and Abby was guaranteed for hip dysplasia within a year. she had it and she didn't back her guarantee. She told us that that was not the hips of our dog. Our vet Dr Harden Great vet by the way. Is the one who sent the x-rays to her and she wouldn't talk to us or anything. Like we were going to give Abby back.. RIGHT!!! Abby is now 12 years old and has been being treated for her hips since. She is doing great but please beware of this breeder her dogs are beautiful but the breeder is not. Look her up on the net. Sally Kelley is all talk!!!!