In recent years, there has been a rise in pet-purchasing awareness, resulting in a heated debate about whether adopting a dog or buying one from a breeder is best. The latter option has become a hotly contested ethical issue, due to the millions of abandoned dogs in the USA in need of a good home. However, owning a dog is a personal choice and long-term commitment requiring great consideration before any decision is made. Below is a list of some of the benefits of buying from a breeder:

  • Certainty: you know you are getting a pet worth the investment. Paying for a purebred dog is more expensive than buying from a rescue home or animal shelter. However in doing so, you will be more familiar with the type of dog and the kind of care he will need, based on his breed. Mutts, mixes, crossbreeds and hybrid dogs tend to have more “wild card” tendencies since there is less information available about their kind. Behavior is an important consideration particularly if you have small children in the house, with whom a snappy and cantankerous dog might be inclined to take liberties. Sometimes dogs that have been rescued learn negative habits that could be dangerous if unchecked. This risk is less likely when buying from a breeder who has likely raised the dog in a peaceful environment.
  • You get to see where the dog was born, and often meet both parents of the dog. Responsible breeders welcome potential pet owners to their home, and are willing to be asked questions about the raising and training this breed of dog. Prospective dog owners then have the opportunity to examine the pup’s original home environment for themselves.
  • Breeders provide paperwork, verification of veterinarian visits, health records, and will create agreement contracts, like a health guarantee. The breeders are invested in the welfare of their puppies, and usually go the extra mile to provide all the documents you need.
  • Because breeders usually devote attention to the individual puppy’s medical/physical needs, you are more likely to get a healthy, well-cared for pup with all the right shots and sufficient visits to the vet. Breeders generally also keep a record of any ailments the parents of your dog may have suffered, which is a helpful insight into your puppy’s future and potential struggles.
  • Many breeders are willing to function as a reference point of contact should anything unusual arise in your dog’s behavior or health that may cause concern. They are often willing to stay involved and answer any questions the owner might have during the dog’s life.

How do you find a responsible breeder?

Finding a reliable breeder may be accomplished by referring to your local vet, who can recommend someone for the particular breed you are looking for. Another option is to attend dog shows, or contact breeding clubs in your region.

A responsible breeder will have specific characteristics that will confirm whether or not you should purchase a dog from them. They will be inquisitive about you, your reasons for wanting a dog, as well as your ability to spatially and financially provide for a pet. Reliable breeders will usually major only in one or two particular breeds, and will not sell a puppy at less than 6 weeks old. They will provide assurance that the dog has been certified by the veterinarian, and that he is healthy. Another rule of thumb is that breeders ought to make a written agreement with you stating if for any reason you are not in the position to care for the dog during his life, that the breeder should be willing to take him back under his care. Reputable breeders will be willing to stay in contact with you to answer any questions you might have about raising the puppy, health concerns, or best training methods. They will offer references and help mentor you or point you in the right direction of dog care.

If you are hoping to buy a purebred dog to either breed yourself, or enter into competitions, there are a few helpful standards which will apply. Though opinions may vary, most people acknowledge a dog as a purebred is he has one or more of the following:

  • Registration with a breed club or national kennel club, and documented pedigree in a stud book
  • OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) certification from both parents of the dog, ranking as good or excellent
  • A champion title from his ancestors, and/or pedigree exceeding three generations

If you plan to purchase from a breeder, doing so can connect owners to a network of other breeders, groomers, trainers, and veterinarians who are particularly devoted to that dog breed. Pet ownership is for life, so be sure to do your homework before you purchase your new pooch.