No one I’ve have ever come across wishes to endorse a facility that harms or promotes the mistreatment of any animals in any way or form. Regrettably, animal brutality laws, mass breeding mill/farms are somewhat Laxed here in the UK. There are many legal grey areas, which can be manipulated by some unscrupulous members of the public. Even though the R.S.P.C.A and other government organization are doing a tremendous job at trying to keep this unregulated industry at bay, anyone can breed and sell dogs. Our pet industry is a buyer beware industry.
Here as some valuable tips you should look out for if your thinking about buying a new pup or a dog.
There are some fantastic breeders out there, which I would buy a pup from in a heartbeat as they have a wealth of knowledge second to none. They understand genetics. They understand concepts such as recessive genes. These types of breeders first and foremost have the welfare of their dogs and puppies as first priority. As a general rule, you should be vetted. Knowledgeable breeders are extremely cautious where, when and to whom they place their dogs or puppies with. To be frankly honest you should feel like the Gestapo has interrogated you. An ethical breeder will want to know as much about you as you should want to know about them. The breeder will ask you about your lifestyle, your back garden, whether or not you have children and possibly even about your income. You should not be offended by these questions. A responsible breeder is concerned about the welfare of the puppies they have produced. Sometimes potential owners are whoever refused a pup or dog from these reputable breeders. Try not to take this too personally. ”Ask why”. It could be, your looking for a family pet and this litter has been bred for the working environment. Or maybe it could be the location you live in, high rise flats perhaps ,and your particular breed of dog may need a lot of exercise and open spaces. If a breeder simply quotes you a price and lets you pick a pup, pay and leave, this is conducting a business transaction, pure and simple. It may seem less expensive up front, but the costs of vet bills for avoidable genetic problems may number in the thousands, and the emotional price may be high as well. Believe me reputable breeders cares if they place a wrong dog to the wrong family. Money is not their primary motivator. Making sure the right puppy or dog is. Reputable Rescue Groups operate the same way. Which can be extremely resourceful. Have a look at this blog on choosing the right puppy or dog It should help narrow down a particular breed that is most suited to you and your life style.
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RED FLAGS
The K9 industry is defiantly moving in the right direction of becoming more business savvy. The following are warning signs. If you see them, it does NOT mean you are dealing with a mill. It does mean you should exercise caution. For example, by asking more questions
Pure-bred:
A pure-bred dog comes with papers from an organization such as the CKC, AKC, KC or UKC. The dog has a pedigree. No pedigree? You are buying a mutt.
No Breeder on Site:
This is a huge warning sign. If you are not dealing with the breeder, then you really do not know where they came from. You can ask the broker if they buy from a mill, but in my experience, I have yet to see anyone admit to it.
Spay or Neuter
A responsible breeder will ask that you spay or neuter a pet quality animal. A pet quality animal will make a wonderful family pet, but is simply not breeding material. You may receive limited registration papers, meaning that your animal is registered but any offspring would not be eligible for registration. Many times a pet quality animal from a good breeder is better than the pick of the litter from a puppy mill.
Kennels and crates:
Young puppies need to be with other puppies and their mom until at least 7 ½ weeks of age. Great rescuers can compensate for this. They put the pups into homes that can make up the loss. If a puppy lives in a crate during a critical period, they are not being socialized. Often puppies that live in crates learn to soil in them. These puppies are very difficult to house train. Great breeders breed infrequently because they focus on quality. The puppies live with the family so they are exposed to life with people. Puppies raised in barns, kennels and crates often behave like wild dogs – not family pets. Don’t be fooled by spotless, automated business practices. Dogs should not be produced on an assembly line. Of course, breeders do use x-pens and whelping areas. These should be kept as clean as possible.
Guarantees and contracts:
These are legal documents. They are only as good as words on the paper. Legal battles are costly. Even if you are in the right, can you afford to take legal action? Read before you sign. Put details or changes in writing.
No interview:
Why not? Great breeders screen because they care.
Health issues:
A good breeder will be honest about genetic disease in her particular breed and will tell what she has done to minimize the risk of future health issues. Every single breed has specific health concerns. Any so called breeder that tells you that there are no health problems is either lying or simply ignorant to that information and should be avoided.
A fat chubby belly on a calm puppy might mean the pup is full of worms. Mixed breeds and farm puppies can make great puppies. But they need medical attention just like any pure bred. Ask to see veterinary records.
Runt of the Litter:
An ethical breeder will never say ‘tea-cup’ or ‘warlock’ or any other equally preposterous phrase. Tea-cup means runt , simple as that. Warlock means grossly oversized, simple as that. Also a good breeder should never charge more for a ‘rare’ color, as a simple understanding of genetics would allow her to produce any color desired. While truly rare colors, such as albino, are caused by serious genetic problems that an ethical breeder would not want to perpetuate.
Designer Dogs:
I’ve met a lot of nice “some-thing-a-poos.” But make no mistake. It is not a pure-bred. They are popular cross breeds that consumers will pay money for. Look for the same standards you would expect in a great breeder or rescue group.
Health Checks:
It costs money to breed correctly. Some breeds require hip x-rays. Some breeders run genetic testing for recessive genes. Vaccinations, birthing, time off from work to keep the facilities clean all cost money. If you are paying £500 for a pup, a good breeder will probably have paid out as much in veterinary care. Some even pay for in home veterinary care to ensure the pups are not exposed to contagious diseases on route to a clinic. Great breeders can easily justify the cost.
Rescue Groups with Designer Dogs:
Yes it is possible for a rescue group or shelter to have a litter of designer dogs. Very few rescue groups have a steady supply of puppies. It is rarer to see litters of pups that belong to a specific breed. Occasionally, it might happen. Some agencies may have puppies that were seized from a mill operation. Some facilities may work with rural strays that sometimes are pregnant. Obviously these groups cannot tell you a breed mix. In these cases I would deal with reputable rescues.
At least one parent on site:
You want to see how the parents of a litter behave. If they are aggressive or ill, why are they being bred?
But the Pet Store Told Me That They Purchased Their Puppies From Private Breeders:
I’m sure they did tell you that. They want your money. Dogs are retail items to them, product to be sold. Ask to speak with the private breeder. if they haven’t got there contact detail. Think about it, Why not ?? Ask yourself why a private breeder from Leeds would be selling puppies at a store in a local high street in Devon. It simply does not make sense.
Figure the cost of raising a litter properly and then sending the puppies away or even selling them to a broker who in turn sells them to pet stores. A pet store could not stay in business selling puppies that had been bred responsibly. Your £500 would possibly cover the cost of proper breeding, but not shipping and food and care while in the store, plus earn enough profit to make the business worthwhile. I will tell you without a doubt that the puppy you pay £500 for was sold to the store by a broker for £75 or less. That would not be possible were private breeders actually involved.
The bottom line is BUYER BEWARE. Poor breeders don’t care if they create a situation where the pup acts like a wild dog. Poor breeders don’t care if you have years of house training issues. Poor breeders don’t care if you or the animal is happy. Reputable breeders do care. If you suspect that an animal is suffering, contact your local Humane Society or R.S.P.C.A.
There is no excuse for animal abuse.
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