Finding a Reputable Breeder
You have decided that a Purebred Wire Fox Terrier is for you.
What is your next move? The internet has become a great tool to
find anything and everything. But don't be fooled by a
fancy website. DO YOUR HOMEWORK. Many so called
breeders will get their hands on a champion or two to boast of
breeding quality, but it will one of just a few in the pedigree.
Look for pedigrees that contain almost all champions. What steps should you take to insure that
your pup meets your requirements? Doubtless, this purchase should
receive thoughtful consideration. Hopefully this little pup will be a member of your family for a
decade or more. Choosing a reputable
breeder is primary to your objective.
RESPONSIBLE BREEDERS BELONG TO ONE OR
MORE BREED CLUBS! Breed clubs require
certain standards to be accepted as a member. We are also
required to sign a Code of Ethics. You will not find any
puppy mills or backyard breeders as members of breed clubs.
Since it is almost impossible for YOU to know what any of
these little pups will grow into physically and emotionally, you
must rely entirely upon your faith in the person from whom you
are purchasing your pup. There are three options open to you in
choosing this person.
- PET SHOP OR DEALER. The Worst Choice Possible! Pups
are poorly bred and raised. They are thought of as merchandise
(the loaf of bread) to be sold for a high profit. This high
profit is possible because little has been put into the care
of these pups. Many are sickly. Pet shops rely heavily on
impulse buying via "the doggy in the window," which is no way
to choose an addition to the family.
- BACKYARD BREEDER. Also a Poor Choice. This is the
person who owns a pet "purebred" and thinks it would be "fun"
to have puppies or maybe that it would be a great experience
for the children. Even worse, perhaps it's being done to make
money. Usually this breeder knows little about grooming and
care, and still less of the breed history or the AKC standard
or how his dogs conform to it. The backyard breeders do not do
regular examinations by veterinarians on any possible problems
with their breed, nor do they x-ray hips. They are not even
aware of breed problems nor do they care. There goal is to
produce pups and when the "fun" is over, sell them quickly.
- HOBBY BREEDER. The Very Best Choice. The serious
and dedicated hobby breeder regards their dogs as just that--a
hobby. They do not expect a profit. When someone breeds dogs
for enjoyment and for the pleasure and thrill of producing the
very finest specimens possible, rather than for profit, the
result is SUPERIOR. These breeders acknowledge responsibility
for each and every puppy produced and stand behind every dog
they have bred. Without question, your choice should be the
HOBBY BREEDER.
It is an interesting fact that poor quality pups from pet
shops and backyard breeders are usually sold for the same
price and sometimes even more than those purchased from the
serious hobby breeder. All three of the above breeders sell
puppies that are AKC registerable--this is not an assurance of
quality or dedication to the breed. So, the question is: How
does one recognize the serious, dedicated hobby breeder? Prepared
below is criteria that you should require your breeder to meet
before you consider purchasing your purebred dog. Do not be
afraid to confront them with these requirements. It is your RIGHT
and you can rest assured that the dedicated breeder will respond
positively and with pride.
Your Breeder should:
Belong to a local breed club or a
national all-breed club. Ideally, he or she belongs to
several. However, sometimes this is impossible if there is no
local breed club in the area. The reason for this requirement is
that this sort of participation indicates depth of involvement.
This breeder is exposed to other points of view, learns more
about his breed, general dog care, modern breeding practices and
is kept up to date. He is breeding in
accordance with a signed Code of Ethics.
- Be involved in showing their dog(s).
This means that your breeder is not breeding in a vacuum. The
breeder who does not show has no idea how good his dogs really
are and is deprived of the opportunity to share information
and ideas with others. Showing provides the competition which
encourages breeders to produce better dogs. The breeder who
shows wants to prove how good his dogs are in competition and
is putting his breeding program on the line. He is not relying
on just a pedigree to indicate quality. Even though you do not
want a show dog, you deserve a pet that is the end result of a
carefully planned litter--a pup which received the same care
as a potential champion. The Breeder who is known by others
and has a reputation to uphold will undoubtedly be as careful
and honest in selling you your pet as he is in selling his
show dogs.
- Give you a period of time which to allow you to have
the pup examined by a veterinarian to determine his state
of health, so that both of you are assured as to its health.
If a problem should arise, it can then be quickly resolved.
This period of time is usually 48 to 72 hours.
- Give you written instructions on feeding, training,
care and grooming. You should also be given the pup's
health/shot records. The breeder should supply you with
information where you can purchase books about the breed.
- Make it clear to you that their responsibility
continues long after you have taken your puppy home.
Indeed, until your pup has departed this earth. Many dedicated
breeders will ask that the pup be returned to them or placed
with new owners who meet with their approval if ever for any
reason you are unable to continue ownership.
- Be curious about what kind of dogs you have had in the
past and what happened to them.
- Ask questions like whether or not you have a fenced
yard or if the pup will be walked on lead. They will make
certain you understand all the negative aspects of owning a
dog as well as the positive. Having the pup's best interests
at heart to say nothing of theirs and yours, a reputable
breeder will take great pains to place his pups properly the
first time around. A returned pup is a traumatic experience
for all concerned and therefore, the breeder who is always
willing to accept a puppy back will want to make certain that
this specific purebred dog is the breed for you.
- Be able to show you a clean environment,
well-socialized puppies and a dam with a good temperament
(happy and self-assured).
- Be willing to give you references--names of people
who have purchased pups from him in the past or of others in
the breed.
- Perhaps be a bit hesitant to sell you a pup until they
know more about you. Will not pressure you into deciding
immediately, and encourage you to see other litters before
making your final selection.
- Provide a written contract and/or conditions of sale.
- Require spaying or neutering of pet quality puppies.
Breeders spend a lot of time and effort planning breeding
programs designed to improve the breed. They selectively carry
on their programs with only the best quality available. Pet
quality puppies should be loved and enjoyed as pets. Reputable
breeders don't want their dogs being used just to "make
puppies" or worse yet, to have their puppies end up in "puppy
mills" where they will be mass produced. Therefore, they will
require that pets be spayed or neutered.
If your breeder meets all the above criteria, you are in good
hands. If you find yourself with a negative response to any of
these, think twice, discuss the situation with someone else.
Don't be impulsive and DO ASK QUESTIONS.
Keep this in mind: You are probably going to pay for quality.
Whether or not you get it is up to you.
Credit to The United States Australian Shepard Assn for most
of the above text.
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