www.GreatDane4U.com
A Responsible breeder…
– is eager to share detailed breed information
– believes there are no “stupid” questions
– grabs every opportunity to educate
– explains total breed care
– supplies shot records, pedigrees, care information
– explains genetic defects in the breed
– is willing to let you see the sire & dam
– questions the buyers ability to care for the dog
– offers guarantees
– talks about training and development
– cares about each and every pup
– maintains sanitary, clean quarters for the dogs
– tests all breeding stock
– tell you about their dogs’ siblings.
– are familiar with their line for several generations
– tell you about their dogs *faults* as well as strengths.
– will show you their dogs’ x-rays
– help you select a puppy that has a temperament that’s compatible with you and your handling skills
– may talk you out of a puppy that you like
– will offer to refund your money or give you a replacement puppy if your puppy develops health problems.
– will ask you a lot of questions.
– will expect you to ask a lot of questions.
– will be honest with you about both the best and worst parts of their breed.
– will try to determine if their breed is right for you, and may steer you in another direction if they think their breed is *not* right for you.
– will provide you with pedigrees, genetic test results.
– will show you the dam and (if possible) the sire.
– are not motivated by profit.
– are motivated by the love of their breed.
– breed to improve the gene pool of their breed.
– are active in showing/obedience/hunting/agility, etc.
– will want to keep tabs on you and your dog for the dog’s life.
– breeds for a reason — to improve the breed.
– each litter is carefully considered before being created.
– any animal used for breeding is thoroughly checked for health problems before being bred.
– any animal used for breeding is proven in some way to have the abilities and other characteristics essential to the breed.
– keeps at least one puppy in each litter for his/her breeding program
– thoroughly evaluates potential puppy buyers to be sure each puppy is put into a good home
– requires that puppies not to be used for breeding be neutered.
– encourages all puppy owners to test their puppies for various health problems and report them back to the breeder so that the breeder has a broad as well as a deep knowledge of what is in his/her lines.
– takes back any dog he/she ever bred if that dog looses its home
– is honest about the various setbacks their breeding program may have suffered.
– is deeply knowledgeable about the breed’s, history, original purpose, weaknesses and strengths.
– is willing to refuse to sell a puppy to a family that is unsuited to the breed.
– provides advice, feedback, and other help to people who have purchased a puppy from him/her.
– is willing to recommend to a family that adopting an adult dog of the breed might be a better option for them and helps them find a rescue group.