<ul><br/><li><br/>A reputable breeder will offer a written guarantee. The breeder will provide a contract between themselves and the buyer that both will do certain things. The seller should give the
Wednesday, October 24th 2007, 9:00 pm
By: News On 6
A reputable breeder will offer a written guarantee. The breeder will provide a contract between themselves and the buyer that both will do certain things. The seller should give the buyer a reasonable amount of time to get the animal checked by the vet of the buyer's choice. If health issues are found the seller should give a full refund and take the puppy back.
The guarantee should also show that the seller has, at their own expense, had the puppy's parents tested for genetic illnesses found in the breed. Hip Dysphasia is a well-known example, but most breeds have other issues too.
The guarantee usually requires actions from the buyer too; the buyer may have to agree to give the dog heartworm preventative, agree to keep the dog fenced, keep it vaccinated, not breed it or take it to obedience classes.
Many times, reputable breeders will offer to take a puppy back, without refund, at any age should the owner not be able to keep the animal.
Reputable breeders have taken time to learn about their breed's behavior. They also take a hand in selecting the right puppy for the buyer, so the buyer does not end up with an adult whose personality is inappropriate for the buyer.
Reputable breeders take the time and expense to be involved with their dogs in some activity. Showing, agility, obedience, service dogs, therapy dogs, hunting, tracking, etc.
Reputable breeders have vaccinated their puppies, wormed, etc., have tested the parents for genetic problems and have the paper work to back up the tests.
Reputable breeders are available to their buyers even after the puppy is purchased.
Reputable breeders cannot guarantee a lifetime of perfect health, but they do as much as they can to help create the healthiest puppies possible.
Reputable breeders sell puppies on limited AKC registration to all but a very few trusted people. Limited registration means the dog can do any event, but its offspring cannot be registered, thus keeping the puppy from becoming puppy mill or backyard breeding stock.