05/16/2023
Puppy buyer: Has health testing been done?
Backyard breeder: they have their first set of shots and the vet said the parents are healthy!
Reputable breeder: yes! Here are the OFA/Pennhip results on the dam and sire. Here are the testing results for genetic diseases proving they were clear before breeding. Here are the results of cardiac testing. And here are the results of the extra testing we did according to what our kennel club requires for this breed. Oh, and here are the shot records and microchipping info of course!
Puppy buyer: Do parents have any titles?
Backyard breeder: what’s that? We don’t breed sHoW dOgS but have champion lines!!!1!1!1!1
Reputable breeder: yes! Here are (at minimum) the titles on both dam and sire that prove they have solid temperaments and are capable of being sound, solid dogs in particular areas of work (even if it’s breeding for companionship purposes only, there should be some sort of temperament related titling). Here are titles proving they are good representatives of their breed.
Puppy buyer: Are your dogs bred to the breed standard?
Backyard breeder: ???? (Likely has no clue of their breed standard, if they understand what it means to begin with)
Reputable breeder: Yes! Our dogs are bred for the physical conformation and appropriate temperament that this breed calls for.
Puppy buyer: If it doesn’t work out, can the puppy/dog be returned?
Backyard breeder: No, once you buy it it’s yours. Figure it out.
Reputable breeder: Yes! Even if it’s 10 years later. We actually REQUIRE that they be returned to us.
Puppy buyer: Do I need to fill anything out?
Backyard breeder: Nope! If you have the cash, pick a puppy.
Reputable breeder: Yes! Here is our application process. Please elaborate on what you are looking for in your new dog and what your lifestyle is like so that we can match you to the puppy that suits you best if you’re approved! There may be a wait!
Puppy buyer: If I need any advice or help, who do I talk to?
Backyard breeder: I’d likely tell you to try essential oils, or just never respond to you. Not my puppy anymore not my problem. Lose my number.
Reputable breeder: Me! I am an expert on my breed and am dedicated to being your support system throughout your dog’s whole life! Please stay in contact! I care about keeping up with the dogs I produce!
Puppy buyer: If my puppy by chance ends up with a genetic disorder, what do I do?
Backyard breeder: again, not my problem. Figure it out.
Reputable breeder: Contact me immediately! I will help you through every step and would be willing to refund you your puppy’s price or replace your puppy if you wish. If so, I will take the first one back and they will receive top notch care at my own expense. We do everything possible to prevent this but, although rarely, this can happen. We are prepared to assist if it does.
Puppy buyer: how are your puppies raised?
Backyard breeder: In a plastic pool pretending it’s a whelping box. They’re 6 weeks old so ready to leave, just take one.
Reputable breeder: We do puppy culture or a similar system! We begin housebreaking manners, crate training, exposure to lots of surfaces/noises/items/smells, socialization, and even learning games before puppy goes home so that they have a good head start in life and it makes it easier for you as well! We always keep them together until a minimum of 8 weeks old, if not longer.
Puppy buyer: What do your puppies cost?
Backyard breeder: $500 (Average BYB prices tend to be $300-$700).
Reputable breeder: $1500 (Average reputable breeder prices tend to be $1200-$2500).
*Although many BYBs waaay overcharge for poor quality dogs*
In a nutshell...
Backyard breeder: I am creating poor quality dogs for money. I am the reason our shelters are filled with dogs exactly like what I am producing. Supporting me is supporting sh*tty breeding practices and buying a dog that is potentially going to be a train wreck.
Reputable breeder: I am preserving my breed by producing quality dogs. I support my buyers always, and the dogs I produce are always a part of my responsibility for their lives. My dogs fit the ideal picture of their breed and you would never see them in a shelter system. Supporting me supports responsible breeding practices and the idea that dogs should be produced with quality in mind, not money.
