| What is a Reputable Breeder |
| 1. Does not breed for the pure profit, but for the betterment of the breed, and will have bred the litter for a reason, most good breeders will breed a litter when they have a list of potential buyers. Those who make their sole income from the breeding of dogs or call themselves "professional breeders" are known as "puppy mills" or puppy brokers. 2. Will give the intended puuppy buyers a full review of the breed, including drawbacks of the prespective breed first, such as potential health problems. Will give historical information of how the breed was originally developed and especially indicating the breed temperament and if the that temperament is suitable for the prospective family or lifestyle. 3. Will have bred the litter and have at least one of the parents for you to look at. Good breeders allow new puppy owners into their home to view living conditions of all their dogs. 4. Never sells animals to a pet store. Breeders caring nothing about the health or temperament of an animal often breeds pet store livestock. Their only goal is to make a profit. These animals and their parents often live in substandard conditions with little or no human contact until the animals are shipped to a pet shop. Puppy mill breeding stock is not the best quality quality and often has congenital health issues that are passed on to many of their off spring. 5. Breeds for genetic soundness and temperaments. Does health clearances on their dogs (hips, eyes, hearts) 6. Puts the puppy's well being as the number one goal. Will know puppy's capabilities and match puppy to desired families personalities. All puppies have a different personalities just like people. A good breeder will ask you about your lifestyle and know if a puppy's personality and energy level is right for your lifestyle and what activities you may want to do with your companion. A breeder will do you and the puppy a favor if they tell you that a certain puppy is not the best puppy for you. 7. Will have a contract and a written health guarantee between the buyer of the puppy and the breeder. This document will outline what is exactly expected of you as the purchaser of your new addition. Most breeders will have all their dogs on a limited registration with a spay/neuter clause. What is expected for their exercise, diet, veternarian care, also they usually will have a buy back policy. 8. Always be willing to answer questions long after you have paid for your new companion. They should welcome and expect updates on the progress of the puppy's life. 9. Will be your best Veterinarian. The breeder should be well read in medical problems of the breed they are selling/placing. Should see more of your particular breed than your veterinarian. The breeder shares experiences with other breeders that are tried and true for their breed. Veterinarians have a general knowledge of most pets, however, a breeder specializes in his/ her own breed. The breeder has extensive knowledge of health issues of their chosen breed, and may be able to guide you in areas where your veterinarian cannot. 10. Will have AKC litter registered pups and not any other type of registration that could not be converted to AKC (CKC or UKC are allowable and can be converted with imported pedigrees) 11. Can provide at least a 3 generation pedigree to all puppy buyers before they purchase the puppy. 13. Will belong to the National Breed Club (Golden Retriever Club of America). National breed clubs are careful to screen and not grant puppy millers membership. Potential Puppy Buyers 1. At CHRIS Ti Golden Retrievers we have several questions that we like to have answered in our interviews. 2. Do you have children? If so, what ages? 3. Does someone stay home during the day? 4. Do you live near a pond, lake or near the ocean or do you have a inground pool? 5. Do you have any other animals. If so, what? Also, ages? 6. Have you owned a golden before? If so, what age did he/she live until or if still living how old at this time? 7. What are you looking to do with your new companion? ex. agility, obedience, tracking, flyball, hunting, 8. Where will your companion be staying? 9. Have you ever taken an obedience class before? 10. Do you have a fenced yard? Goldens are the most loveable dogs you could ever own. They give you back so much love and are great family companions. There is nothing more important for a child to have a wonderful companion such as the Golden Retriever. They do require alot of grooming and general care. They need to be part of your family and be included in the childrens games and outside activity. Goldens love to feel like they are part of your family and the rewards are above anything you could ever imagine. Take your time and find the right golden for your family one who will best fit your families lifestyle. Guide your children in how to take good care of their companion it teaches children how to be responsible and one day caring adults. Love a Golden for life. Some really good books to read are: The Ultimatee Golden Retriever by Valerie Foss The Family Dog by Richard A. Wolters Give your Dog a Bone See Spot Live Longer by Steve Brown and Beth Taylor (www.seespotlivelonger.com) |