|
|
|
|
|
A COMPARISON OF: |
|
|
Traits of Responsible Breeders |
Traits of Backyard Breeders |
| "Into" Dogs (shows, training, clubs, etc.) | Not "into" dogs (has "pets" around the house) |
| Belongs to dog clubs and organizations | Is not involved in the "dog world" |
| Proves quality of dogs and suitability for breeding by competing for titles and certificates in conformation, obedience, agility, field trialing, herding, tracking, earthdog trials, etc. | Quality of dogs is almost always substandard, however, he does not test his dogs in shows or trials (Dogs are just pets or "breeding machines") |
| Pups' pedigrees are filled with dogs who have obtained show titles/working certificates; never breeds dogs without "papers" | Pedigrees mostly a list of pets bred by backyard breeders; pups may not even have "papers"; may be "mixed breeds" |
| Knowledgeable in every facet of breed, including that of health issues/defects; researches genetics when choosing mates | Not particularly educated about breed, often not aware of his own breed's genetic defects; does not consider a dog which he intends to breed genetics |
| Knowledgeable about house breaking, training, socializing, breeding, health; constantly reads dog-related materials | Has own ideas which may not coincide with professionals' opinions; won't bother to read any of the hundreds of dog books available |
| Can and will help and educate puppy buyers re these issues | Says "Goodbye" and "Good luck" |
| Willing to give you his references | Has no references |
| Knows his puppies' ancestry | Knows nothing about the other dogs on puppies' pedigrees |
| Follows up on puppies' well-being; collects health information affecting his dogs | Does not concern himself with the puppies' well-being or how puppies' health affects his breeding "plan" |
| Breeds to improve his own dogs, his bloodlines and the breed | Breeds just to breed or make money or see his "great dog" procreate |
| Breeds only dogs which meet breed standard | Dogs used for breeding rarely meet breed standard |
| Breeds only dogs with stable temperaments | Breeds shy/aggressive dogs with poor temperaments |
| Does all genetic testing; does not breed animals with genetic defects or which are carriers of defects | Does no genetic testing; ignorantly breeds defective animals or those which are carriers, thus, perpetuating disease in breed |
| Puppies are sold from waiting list created before breeding even takes place | Puppies are sold after birth in the local newspaper, first-come, first-served |
| Puppies are sold with health guarantees | Puppies are sold with no guarantee |
| Puppies are sold with contracts | No contracts; does not care what you do with puppies |
| Requires pups back if new homes don't work out | Says "Find them good homes" |
| Dogs on property are friendly, socialized, trained | Dogs on property may be aggressive or shy, and untrained |
| Does not own more dogs than he has room, time or money for; Dogs are groomed, exercised, healthy, happy | Puppy mills are overloaded, "warehoused" dogs are not groomed or exercised, don't look healthy or happy |
| Raises puppies indoors | Raises puppies outdoors |
| Stays home to care for puppies | Dam and pups are alone for long hours |
| Feeds only premium dog food | Feeds cheap, grocery store dog food (containing 4D meat/chemicals) |
| Visitors remove shoes and wash hands to prevent spread of parvovirus | Has no understanding and takes no precautions to prevent puppy-killer disease |
| Socializes pups by systematically handling them and exposing them to various noises, children and other animals before sending them to new homes. Frenchie breeders tend to keep the puppies until at least 10 weeks of age. | Does not understand or want to be troubled with any kind of training; just tries to keep puppies quiet and contained until sold. Some backyard breeders will sell pups as young as six weeks! |
| Tests pups to match their temperaments and drives with buyers' personalities and lifestyles | Knows nothing about puppy-testing or matching puppies with buyers; allows buyers to pick the "cutest" one. Often they will sell puppies at different prices depending on color! |
| Can honestly evaluate pups' quality | Says all pups are high quality |
| Never sells to "impulse" buyers and always provides information to prepare buyers for the new arrival into their home | Is not concerned about buyers being prepared for pups |
| Never sells two pups at the same time to a novice | Would consider this killing two birds with one sale |
| Interviews prospective buyers, checks home and references, refuses to sell to substandard homes | Sells first-come, first-served to whomever has the cash; does not find out which homes are substandard |
| Wants to meet whole family; won't sell if children are abusive | Does not consider anything past obtaining the funds |
| Understands dogs are "pack" animals; sells pets only to buyers wanting to make pup an indoor dog and part of the family | Doesn't care if pups live as outdoor dogs or chained dogs, being unhappy or anxious being isolated and separated from "packs" |
| Sells only to buyers who make pup's safety a priority | Does not consider pups' best interests |
| Encourages or requires buyers to spay/neuter pet-quality pups | Encourages buyers to breed, regardless of quality |
| Encourages buyers to train pups; refers to good trainer | Shows no concern for pups after sale; knows no trainers |
| Makes sure buyers understand pup's considerable need for time, attention, exercise and training | Does not provide even his own dogs with enough time, attention, exercise or training |
|
Responsible Breeders |
Backyard Breeders |
Buyer beware of puppy millers, brokers, importers (many French Bulldogs are being imported from Russia and other surrounding countries), backyard breeders and pet stores that sell puppies. Please visit www.nopuppymills.com Many of these dogs do not meet the minimum breed standards set by American Kennel Club and National Breed Clubs in America.
A responsible breeder is one who always puts the best interests of the breed and of individual dogs first, above any consideration of profit, or personal ambition. A responsible breeder does not produce a litter just to have pups to sell or just because a bitch happened to come in season. He/she produces a litter only after careful consideration of the physical qualities and temperament of the proposed parents, their individual strengths and weaknesses, how their pedigrees (ancestors) relate, and what the proposed breeding would contribute to the improvement of the breed. This is often a difficult and time-consuming process, therefore, it is not surprising to find that a responsible breeder considers the puppies as his/her "kids" and wants only the best home for them.
A responsible breeder should be eager and able to provide detailed information about the breed(s) he/she is involved with, as well as information about the parents of the pup. Answering what may seem like "stupid" questions from a novice should not be a problem for the responsible breeder-it is an opportunity to educate that can never be taken lightly. This educational responsibility also includes information about the negative aspects of a breed (amount of coat care needed, shedding, barking, unsuitability for small children or apartment living, etc.) Beware of the breeder who claims his/her breed has no bad points, or is "perfect" for everyone!
A responsible breeder is also aware that all dogs, purebred or not, carry genetic flaws just as humans do. The breeder must be knowledgeable about which flaws are most prevalent in his/her breed. Genetic testing is available to screen for some of these problems. The responsible breeder should make use of the tests that are available for his/her breed before a planned litter is produced. It is not possible to produce 100% genetically perfect dogs any more than it is possible to produce genetically perfect humans-but it is possible to screen out, or reduce the incidence of, genetic problems by pre-testing the prospective parents. Once a litter is born, the responsible breeder will insure that the pups get the best possible start in life. This includes providing clean, suitable housing with temperature control, clean parasite-free bedding, nourishing food, fresh water, veterinary care (including vaccinations and worming at the proper time), and lots of human attention and love. Good written records should be kept on each pup. This may include records of temperament testing as well as inoculations, worming, and weight and growth.
A responsible breeder searches for prospective owners for the pups he/she does not intend to keep. You may be sure that a responsible breeder will want to know as much about you, the prospective buyer, as possible. A responsible breeder's worst nightmare is to have one of his/her pups in an unsuitable home, unloved and uncared for, or worse yet, in a humane shelter or pound! So don't be surprised to be given the "third degree" by a breeder. Questions about your home, family and work schedule; veterinary or personal references; and possibly a home visit by the breeder, are all designed to help the breeder get to know you, in order to match you with the puppy "most likely to succeed" in your individual situation.
Responsible breeders work very hard and put a great deal of time and effort to produce highest quality animals that have sound health, temperament, and structure.
Where can you find a responsible breeder? Attend dogs shows, contact local or national breed clubs for referrals and network. Read books, study the French Bulldog breed standard, and get references from any breeder you are considering obtaining a French Bulldog from. Finally try to be patient! French Bulldogs are a rare breed and locating one from a reputable breeder will take some time and effort on your part...all worth it in the long run! info@frenchiesfirst.com
