|
RESPONSIBLE BREEDING
|
What is a responsible breeder? You will find that
term in several articles on this web site and may wonder. Also you
may have seen a recent Oprah show that dealt with puppy mills and
heard the term there. The American Kennel Club sent a response to
the show about that program, which dealt with the horrendous
conditions that are found at many - but not all - kennels that breed
for profit and the wholesale production of puppies.
Our show breeders are breeding with the primary purpose of producing
healthy puppies with good temperaments. They will often choose one
or two of these pups, called best of the litter, to show and to
continue their planned breeding program. Any less than top quality
pups will be sold as pets. "Pet quality" indicates that these
puppies have nice qualities but the breeder feels they have traits
that would make them less suitable for breeding and show. These are
not inferior puppies but they do not meet the standard of perfection
that we strive to reach. There may be a problem with the bite, a
less outgoing temperament, even that the body length and height is
outside the measurements described in the standard. As responsible
breeders, they will be sold with a contract that requires these
particular puppies will never be bred and they will be carefully
placed in homes that have been thoughtfully chosen.
If you want to buy these healthy, carefully bred pet quality
puppies, you will pay a nice price - but this is money you can
expect to save on veterinary care in the future because the majority
of these puppies grow to be healthy adults with fewer than normal
health issues. Will they be perfect? No, there has never yet been a
perfect dog or one with no health problems. However your chances of
a long and healthy life for your pet are greatly increased when you
patiently wait for a puppy from a responsible breeder who has
screened parents and grandparents for known genetic problems.
BFCA Health Committee |
| this page has been viewed |
 |
times |
|
