Dog Health Care: How To Spot A Reputable Dog Breeder

Anyone can be a dog breeder - owning a female dog that has produced puppies qualifies you for that dubious distinction. But how can you spot a reputable breeder? Answering "yes" to most or all of the following questions is a great start.

Does the breeder do health screenings? Reputable breeders submit their dog health tests to registries such as the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals to document they are free of heritable disease. They may test for hips, elbows, eyes, thyroid and cardiac. Ask to see official paperwork from both parents' registries.

Does the breeder have a contract? Look for two important components: a "return to breeder" clause requiring you to return the dog should you no longer be able to care for it, no matter the age or reason; and a spay-neuter requirement for pet-quality dogs.

Does the breeder sell puppies on "limited registrations"? The American Kennel Club permits breeders to register pet-quality ("nonbreedable") dogs this way, which means they cannot be shown and none of their offspring registered.

Does the breeder know the puppy's family history? Breeders intent on producing quality puppies have met or researched multiple generations in the family tree and can offer insight into expected longevity, temperament and health.

Is the breeder active in some facet of the dog community? Many reputable breeders enter dog shows for an independent opinion on how close their dogs are to the breed standard. Others "prove" their dogs in field and hunt work, obedience, agility and tracking.

Does the breeder avoid the "hard sell"? Reputable breeders will talk buyers out of a puppy if they feel it is not a good match. No reputable breeder ever sells through a pet store or online auction.

Source: Newsday.com