Reputable Breeder

At Go Pets America, we like to believe that we work hard for both the puppy buyer and the puppy seller. When it comes to buying and selling puppies, the "Responsible Dog Owner" seldom meets the "Reputable Breeder."  Instead, the impulsive puppy buyer meets the Puppy Mill. The sad consequences of this failure to connect are millions of abandoned dogs in shelters and thousands of abused dogs in already overcrowded rescue organizations.

Responsible Dog Owners - Reputable Breeders

Since owning a puppy requires a commitment of 10-15 years, we strongly encourage buyers to resist their impulsive urges and instead exercise the same caution and diligence one would apply to buying a house or a car.  Don't kid yourself into believing that buying a dog is not a major financial and emotional decision.

The breed information pages on Go Pets America are great places to start your search for unconditional puppy love.   Endeavor to expand your knowledge of a specific breed that interests you, by checking a book out of your local library or surfing other dog websites that provide breed information.

Seek a consensus opinion of breed characteristics and look for issues such as shedding, exercise, size, barking, grooming and temperament. You will want to be sure to find a good Vet in your neighborhood before you buy. Many breeders, offering a written health guarantee, require their dogs to be vet-checked within 72 hours of ownership to validate their health guarantee.

Now, after proceeding with caution and determination, you are on your way to becoming a "Responsible Dog Owner".

Unquestionably the most daunting task in the search for the perfect puppy is in finding a "Reputable Breeder." Yes, we're sorry to report, not all puppy sellers breed their dogs for the right reasons.  And, please be advised, "AKC Registered" does not come with a guarantee of quality or health!

Your puppy search will not be complete unless you educate yourself on the subject of Puppy Mills.  Please take the time to read: Get the Facts on Puppy Mills by the Humane Society of the U.S.

Unfortunately, to our knowledge, there is no National Pet Organization that defines, registers, monitors or licenses "Reputable Dog Breeders."   Until the time comes when the AKC, CKC or the National Breed Clubs give this issue more attention, we have to rely on the considerable body of available knowledge to define a "Reputable Breeder."

Primary Characteristics of a Reputable Breeder

1. Provides a written contract of sale with a health guarantee and written instructions on feeding, training, grooming and care
2. Provides access to the mother (dam) who should be on site and exhibit a healthy, happy temperament
3. Does not sell puppies until they are at least 8 weeks old or in some cases older
4. Shows you where the puppies are kept.  This area should be very clean
5. Provides you with a record of the dates and types of vaccinations and de-worming done, feeding instructions, a pedigree, and a "blue slip" to apply for registration of the puppy in your own name with the AKC.
6. Is able to prove he has performed pre-breeding health checks on the parents
7. Provides references of people who have purchased puppies in the past, the names of other breeders, and the veterinarian who provides care for the breeder's dogs.
8. Offers a return-buy back policy and make it clear that his/her responsibility continues as long as the dog is alive. They should be available for advice whenever needed, and help you over many rough spots.
9. Is involved in some way with rescue organizations
10. Abides by  code of ethics, typically by belonging to a breed club or association
11. Is very knowledgeable about the breed he or she is selling
12. Requires or encourages the neutering of all pet-quality dogs
13. Sells puppies only to approved buyers and never sells to brokers or puppy mills
14. Can discuss socialization of the puppies and can make recommendations for their continued socialization and training
15. Usually breeds no more than two breeds.

By being a Responsible Dog Owner and buying from a Reputable Dog Breeder, you will be getting a great start on a lifetime of unconditional puppy love.