Why Pay More For a Pet Puppy From a "Reputable Breeder?

Both the sire and dam of this puppy came from top quality breeding stock which was developed over years and years of selective and knowledgeable breeding. practices. Both meet the requirements of the written AKC and ASCA standards for the breed in conformation as well as temperament.   Each has a pedigree, which has been studied and thoroughly researched.  These dogs have been selected to breed to one another because they can both contribute to the excellence of the breed as well as complement each other.

Before this breeding ever took place, both male and female had hip x-rays and eye tests to determine that there were no physical or genetic problems that might be passed on to offspring. The breeder is well aware of the genetic problems to which the breed is predisposed and uses no animal for breeding unless it is certified to be clear of defects.

The breeder wishes to maintain a good reputation. His or her goal is to produce beautiful and sound specimens, which anyone would be proud to own.   Profit, if any is made, goes toward future breedings, always aimed toward the betterment of the breed, or for show entries, handler's fees, equipment and important veterinary tests all aimed at protecting the integrity of the breed.  Both the mother and pups are fed the highest quality diet. Trips to the vet when necessary assure that mother and pups are thriving under the very best care. The pups are raised in a busy part of the house where they are socialized, groomed and exposed to different kinds of stimuli. They are touched and talked to, cuddled and even sung to. They are never sold before they are seven weeks of age. Every buyer is interviewed at length and pups are placed only in homes where they will receive the finest treatment.

It is not unusual for the breeder to spend time with each new owner, educating and answering questions. Follow-ups are made to be sure the pups are adjusting well.   Each new owner receives a bill of sale and health guarantees, vaccination record, minimum four-generation pedigree, guarantee of registration with the AKC and/or  ASCA and thorough puppy care and nutrition information.  If the puppy is not considered to be of such quality as it will better the breed the puppy is sold with a limited registration or non-breeding agreements. The new owners are encouraged to continue a relationship with the breeder, and to call and ask questions at any time during the dog's life.  If at anytime in the dogs life the owner cannot keep the dog, the breeder agrees to take the dog back rather than have said dog surrendered to a rescue organization or SPCA.

Why Pay Less For a Pet Puppy From a "Backyard Breeder"?

The backyard breeder is often unaware of the genetic problems within the breed, or often times ignore them.  Trips to the Veterinarian, except for dire emergencies or yearly shots, are considered too expensive, as well as genetic testing for hip dysplasia and eye defects, which frquently go undone, putting prospective puppies at higher risk for chronic genetic health problems for the duration of their life span.   The backyard breeders' hope is to make money off the sale of the puppies.  If he keeps expenses down, he can buy that new couch he's been wanting or pay for his vacation.  Puppies are usually sold with no guarantees, and should an owner have the misfortune of having to surrender the dog at some point in its life, they are referred to rescue or the local SPCA.  These puppies are considered to be lucky to be born in a box, in the garage, and receive little care and socialization other than what their dam is able to provide.  To cut costs, they are weaned on generic dog food and allowed to nurse on the mother as long as possible to keep food bills down. The bitch's health declines due to poor health and the  pups suffer nutritionally as well.. They are sold as quickly as possible, (often by the age of 5wks) because advertising and vaccines are expensive.  Often they are sold without first shots, parasite checks, guarantees or information of any kind. They are sold to anyone who has the cash. If the new owner is lucky he may receive a registration application. Although the puppy is of very poor quality, it is sold with full breeding rights. The new owner usually disappears with the pup, never to be seen again only to repeat the cycle of back yard breeding for profit.  If the market is not good, the breeder takes the leftover pups to the local market place, or flea market.

The comparison you have just read is hypothetical, but very typical of what we see all too often.

When I am asked why my prices are so much higher than those in some newspaper ads or from backyardbreeders, I mail a copy of this article. Those buyers who respect the quality and excellence of our breeding program become wonderful homes for our puppies and care for them as family members.  Those that are seeking pets deserve nothing less than a nice quality, healthy and stable temperamented companion, as well as a breeder they can count on.