CTCNC

Cairn Terrier Club of Northern California 



The $500 Puppy

The comparison below is hypothetical, but very typical of what we see all too often. Although not every breeder who charges higher prices is reputable and ethical, pet buyers should keep looking until they find one that is reputable and ethical. When you wonder why the price in some newspaper ads are seem so nice and low, consider this article. 

The Reputable Breeder puppy versus the Backyard Breeder puppy in the paper.

Reputable Breeder - Both the sire and dam of this puppy came from top Quality breeding which was developed over years and years of selective and knowledgeable breeding. Both meet the requirement of the written AKC/CKC standard for the conformation as well as temperament. Each has a pedigree, which has been studied and thoroughly researched. These dogs have been selected to breed each other because they can both contribute to the excellence of the breed as well as complement one another.

 Backyard Breeder   The dam of this litter was purchased from a local pet store and originally came from a Kansas puppy mill. She was sick off and on the first year of her life due to many different types of intestinal parasites and malnutrition. The sire, an over-sized male, lives down the street and was purchased from an ad in the newspaper. Neither owner has ever heard of an AKC/CKC written standard. Neither owner has seen a written pedigree. The female is skittish and snappy. Her owners hope that having a litter will calm her down.

Reputable Breeder - Before this breeding ever took place, both male and female had test including hip x-rays, eye tests and heart tests to determine that there were no physical genetic problems that might be passed on to offspring. The breeder is well aware of the genetic problems to which the breed is predisposed, and uses no animal for breeding unless it is certified clear of defects by a qualified Veterinarian. The health of her pups is guaranteed.

Backyard Breeder..The breeder is totally unaware of the genetic problems within the breed. Trips to the Veterinarian, except for dire emergencies or yearly shots, are considered too expensive. The breeder's hope is to make money off the sale of the puppies. If he keeps expenses down, he can buy that new couch he's been wanting. Puppies are sold with no guarantee.

Reputable Breeder - Both mother and pups are fed the highest quality, State of the Art dog food. Many trips to the vet assure him that mother and pups are thriving under the very best care. The pups are raised in a busy part of the house where they are socialized, groomed and exposed to different kinds of stimulus. They are touched and talked to and even cuddled and sung to.

Backyard Breeder  These puppies are born in a box in the garage and receive little care other than what the mother gives. To cut costs they are weaned quickly and put on generic dog food. The bitch's health declines rapidly due to poor health and some pups are weak and runty. They are sold as quickly as possible because advertising and vaccines are expensive.

Reputable Breeder - They are typically not sold before they are twelve weeks old. Every buyer is interviewed at length and pups are placed only in homes where they will receive the finest treatment. The breeder spends time with each new owner, educating and answering questions. Follow-up calls are made to make sure the pups are adjusting well.

Backyard Breeder- They are sold without having had their dew claws removed, without shots, parasite checks, vet examinations, guarantees of information of any kind. They are sold to anyone who has the cash. If the new owner is lucky, he may receive an AKC/CKC registration application. Although the puppy is of very poor quality, it is sold with full breeding rights.

Reputable Breeder - Each new owner receives a bill of sale and health guarantee, a vaccination record, minimum three-generation pedigree, guarantee of registration with the AKC/CKC, and thorough puppy care and nutrition information. If the puppy is not considered to be of such quality, as it will better the breed, the puppy is sold with a limited registration or non-breeding registration and new owners agree to neuter/spay the dog at the appropriate age. Owners are encouraged to continue a relationship with the breeder, and to call and ask questions at any time during the dog's life

Backyard Breeder   The new owner might get a shot certificate. Registration is not bothered with, "these are just dogs."

Reputable Breeder - This breeder is a professional and has a good reputation to maintain. The goal is to produce beautiful and sound specimens, which anyone would be proud to own. Profit, if any is made, goes toward future breeding, always aimed toward the betterment of the breed, or for show entries, handler's fees, new equipment and important veterinary tests.

The new owner usually disappears with the pup, never to be seen or heard from again. If the market is not good, the breeder takes the leftover pups to the local pet shop. or flea market. Not all ads in newspapers are placed by backyard breeders, just ask a few questions if you use a newspaper as a source for your next puppy. If the first question asked when you call that number is "What color do you want?", hang up or be ready to take a large risk.

Notes

This article is not to tell you that you can't find a good puppy  at a low price.

It is not to tell you that every backyard breeder will give you a bad or poor dog.

It is not to tell you that you can't find a good dog in the news paper.

It is to tell you that there are huge risks when you go out looking for a cute but cheap dog

The more risks you take, the more chance that you will be burned.

Just consider the risks when you make a decision about a puppy.

Take time to read the information found on
Puppy Referral
links.