CBS News had a segment yesterday about choosing a dog breeder. Since Dan Rather wasn't involved, there's probably a grain of truth to the story. Here's a quote:
The first thing to do is ask your veterinarian, groomers, boarding kennels, and other pet owners who the reputable breeders are in your area. You could also try the local kennel club.By all means, Turner says, do your homework. Know something about the breed you're interested in.
Visit the breeder's home or kennel. The premises should be clean and smell good. Avoid breeders who have large numbers of dogs and puppies kept in kennels or runs. This could be a puppy mill masquerading as a breeder.
Ask to see the whole litter and at least one of the parents. The animals should look healthy and well-fed, with no runny eyes or noses. The puppies or kittens should be sociable and outgoing. They shouldn't appear to be afraid of the breeder.
Very good advice, especially asking your local animal-care professionals for references. Vets and groomers have to deal with the results of a breeder's breeding program on a regular basis, and they'll know whose lines have health and temperament problems and whose produce healthy, well-adjusted animals.
The only thing they seem to have missed mentioning is looking to breed-specific rescue agencies. Rescue people are not only devoted to their breed, they are brutally honest about its potential drawbacks since they are most interested in finding a permanent home for each animal rather than in turning any kind of profit.
Posted by: LabRat at February 3, 2005 01:36 PM