What defines a responsible breeder?
Anyone who owns a female at the time of mating is considered a “breeder” as defined by the American Kennel Club (AKC). Because a dog has “AKC papers” doesn’t guarantee he is either representative of his breed in appearance and temperament or that he is healthy, sound and less likely to develop genetic diseases. Most dog breeders fit into one of three categories • The pet shop–the worst possible choice: Their business is making money so they get puppies cheap from puppy mills that produce them in mass numbers often in filthy conditions. • The back-yard breeder–not advisable: Often with good intentions, most have little knowledge of the predisposition for genetic disease in their animals, nor do they understand how to properly socialize growing puppies.. • The hobby breeder–the best choice: Loves his animals and is committed to raising healthy animals that conform to the standard for the breed–in appearance and temperament… The responsible breeder • is a long-standing member of a b
