Does not breed dogs younger than two years old and has all bitches tested and certified against things like Hip Dysplasia (OFA-Orthopedic Foundation for Animals-certified) and eye diseases (CERF-Canine Eye Registration Foundation-certified). Does not breed the same bitch season after season.

Offers a medical guarantee on your puppy and a contract stating conditions your dog must meet in order for it to be bred.

Does not house multiple litters at the same time. Can tell you about the program he/she has developed for socializing each of the puppies, and has clearly spent a lot of time with the current litter of puppies..

Asks a lot of questions about you and what you plan to do with a puppy. Insists on taking the puppy back if it is not a good match for you.  May have a contract for you to sign if you get a puppy.

Will allow you to tour the premises and to meet the mother. The conditions should be sanitary and ideally indoor. The mother should be friendly, and no excuses should be made about her temperament.

Should have and display full pedigree, information on the father, and a reference list of people with puppies from previous litters.

Often does "breed rescue" or is at least familiar with the local breed rescue and is also a member of the local breed club.

"Five Star" List of Responsible Breeders

Note:  The following breeders expressed an interest in the cause of helping owners choose the right dog for them.  These breeders have the following qualifications:   1)  they consider health and temperament to be very important in their breeding program   2)  they offer some sort of medical guarantee  3) they have registration papers and extensive information on both parents  4)   they supply breed information and are in touch with rescue organizations.  This breeder referral list is not an endorsement based upon personal experience with a breeder nor is it a guarantee that the breeder will fulfill any promises or claims made.   Please remember to use the guidelines above when selecting a breeder, to ask as many questions as possible, and to ask for a list of references.

HOW TO RECOGNIZE AN IRRESPONSIBLE BREEDER

This page was last updated on 07/17/03.

The Choosing the Perfect Dog Web site is based upon a class designed by Michele Godlevski in 1994.  This class was featured in the AKC Gazette in 1995.

Black & white drawings by Jane Finneran.

None of the images on this page may be used without permission.
                                                                       

   Site and text written by  Michele Godlevski.