This breeder doesn't sound bad, but her health guarantees are red flags and we are not clear what her contract really offers. A good breeder should offer a health guarantee to the effect of "if crippling hip OR elbow dysplasia, full refund" as well as lesser issues resulting in specific $ refunds less than the full amount. In return, I like breeders who also offer to give money back upon my submission of health certifications: OFA certs at 2 years of age - $ back....Eye cert (CERF) before 1 year of age - $ back...proof of spay/neuter by 1 year of age - $ back etc.
Here is what I post on my website as advice on finding a good breeder:
Reputable breeders do not breed to make money or because they think their dog is cute. Too often, unsuspecting people purchase puppies from backyard breeders or neighbors. More often than not, these dogs are not suitable for breeding and do not have optimal health, optimal temperaments, or optimal structure for the breed.
A good breeder breeds dogs for only one reason – to improve the breed, including health, temperament, and structure. They are driven to contribute something to the breed and work closely within the breed community to accomplish this.
Look for one who:
-Only breeds one or two types of dogs and is deeply knowledgeable about the “breed standard” (the desired structure, size, proportion, coat, color, and temperament) and is breeding in adherence to this standard.
-Explains in detail the health issues common in the breed and specifically in the breeder’s dogs. She explains the potential genetic problems based on ancestral history.
-Provides information on at least 4 generations behind both parents of the puppy – the more the better. Included is cause of death and age at death if known.
-Provides documentation for each parent of health certification appropriate for the breed, including OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) for hips and elbows, CERF for eye certification, heart, thyroid, DNA and blood disorder certifications . Their contract is willing to support these certifications .
-Demonstrates appropriate knowledge of how best to care for the breed based on genetic health predisposition s and needs, including vaccination, chemical exposure, drug contraindicati ons, and diet.
-Is actively involved with the National Breed Club and adheres to its Code of Ethics for Breeders. Good breeders may also actively compete in conformation, obedience, or sport trials.
-Always provides a written contract designed to protect the puppy (not you OR breeder). The contract specifies your obligation for care and health certifications and the breeder’s commitment to support for the lifetime of the puppy, including taking the puppy back should anything interfere with your ability to care for it.
-Requires you to spay or neuter the dog at the appropriate age in the written contract, unless the breeder specifically makes breeding arrangements with you or sells you a puppy for “show”, to ensure protection of the puppy and the breeder’s responsibiliti es as a reputable breeder.
-Feeds high quality nutrition and understands what this means. If the breeder does not feed whole foods (optimal), then at a minimum feeds a high quality kibble without chemical preservatives, low quality ingredients and excessive grains.
-Expects to meet you, and the family, prior to placing a puppy with you and encourages visits. Wants to ensure an appropriate match between your needs and the puppy’s needs and temperament and as a result, interviews you at length about what you are looking for.
-Requires you to explain how this puppy will live, where it will sleep, what rules will be implemented, training provided, and whether someone will be home to attend to its needs.
-Raises its dogs in the home, not in an outdoor kennel, and can show you where the dogs are kept and spend most of their time.
-Encourages you to spend time with the parents, or at least mother, when you visit and has dogs that appear happy, healthy, and excited to meet new people without shying away from visitors or things.
-Does not have puppies regularly available, rather only has a litter when an excellent match between two healthy dogs is found that is believed to positively contribute to the breed. As a result, you will likely wait for your puppy.
In return, a good breeder will require you to commit to her care protocol in order to receive her “health guarantees”, to spay and neuter appropriately to avoid irresponsible breeding outside of your breeder’s program and efforts and to promise to return the dog if you are ever unable to care for it.
If a breeder does not meet these criteria, you are strongly encouraged to walk away. Reputable breeders are not difficult to find, but do require diligence on your part and a willingness to do your homework. Remember, it is well worth this investment to have a healthy and balanced dog who will likely be with you for years to come.
You can find reputable breeders by contacting the national and local breed club for referrals and attending breed specific shows/events to learn more. Remember, a reputable breeder will never sell dogs through a pet store or any other way that allows for a blind purchase of their animal and no way of knowing that the buyer will provide a responsible, lifelong home.
Good luck!
