What defines an ethical dog breeder?
Welcoming a new puppy is an exciting time and there are several things you need to do to make sure you and your new puppy will have a long and happy life together. One of these is choosing the right puppy breeder. It is very important you spend some time ensuring you are purchasing a puppy from an ethical breeder. Not only does this increase the likelihood of you purchasing a healthy and well-raised puppy, it also ensures you are not supporting a commercial puppy farm, where pets are bred for profit and often marketed to innocent purchasers in deceptive ways that hide the commercial intent of their business, or a backyard breeder who may have good intentions but lacks the expertise in correctly selecting the best parents for your new puppy, and may be unaware or unprepared to undertake the extensive health testing process that is essential to ensuring the best chance of producing healthy puppies with sound temperaments.
Remember, your new puppy will be a long term companion and part of your family so it is worth spending time doing the research to ensure you are purchasing from an ethical breeder. You probably wouldn’t buy the first car you saw for sale, so why do the same with a puppy?
Be aware that most trendy hybrid or ‘designer’ breeds, such as “oodles” (purebred Poodles crossed with various breeds such as Golden Retrievers to produce ‘Goldendoodles‘ or the Bernese Mountain Dog resulting in ‘Bernedoodles‘), ‘poos’ (Poodles crossed with breeds such as a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel to produce crossbreds like ‘Cavapoos’) or “liers” (Cavalier King Charles Spaniels crossed with breeds such as Pugs or Beagles) are quite likely to originate from puppy farms or commercial puppy mill operations, due to their recent explosion in popularity, so you will need to be especially cautious if you are choosing to purchase a designer dog breed as they are not governed by the ethical requirements of the breed associations. There are many good reasons to purchase a purebred dog and a lot of the claims made by “oodle” breeders (such as claims to be hypoallergenic or non-shedding) are largely marketing, not fact so make sure you research thoroughly prior to committing to a breed. Regardless of the breed/s you choose, make sure the breeder undertakes all the health tests that are recommended for the breed/s involved.
An ethical dog breeder will hold the health and temperament of the puppies as paramount. They will perform all the recommended genetic and health tests for the breed. Getting a mixed breed dog or “mutt” does not negate the need for testing as there are many illnesses and conditions that may be more common in a specific breed, but can still occur across in cross-breed dog, and are less likely to be screened out in the process. In fact, the theory that ‘hybrid vigor’ reduces health problems in cross-bred dogs has been questioned and at least one large study has demonstrated an equal incidence of health problems occurring in mixed breed and purebred dogs. It is often thought a mixed breed puppy will incur a lesser purchase price than a purebred, but this is often not the case and many ‘on-trend’ mixed breed puppies are far more expensive than their purebred cousins.
Ethical breeders will choose not to breed with dogs who are likely to pass on health conditions, and every potential breeding dog will undergo extensive testing such as hip and elbow x-rays for breeds with a higher likelihood of hip dysplasia and Holter monitor assessments for breeds at risk of cardiac issues. It is important to ask which testing assessments have been performed and cross-reference this with the AKC’s requirements for each breed.
A DNA test or a general vet check is not sufficient for health testing, and you should be wary of a breeder who offers this as sole proof of health screening.
For an ethical dog breeder making a profit is not the major consideration when it comes to producing a litter of puppies. Ethical breeders are very considered in their approach and a litter of puppies will be bred with the primary goal of maintaining and improving the breed, with the unique characteristics of the breed kept top of mind. Most ethical breeders are highly involved in the relevant dog breed clubs, local dog community and will be able to tell you about the pros and cons of the breed and if it will be a suitable breed for you. Don’t hesitate to ask your breeder about their experience with the breed and how long they have been involved in the dog breeding scene. An ethical breeder should have an extensive network of contacts within the dog breeding community and no hesitation in putting you in contact with another breeder if they are unable to help you with a suitable puppy.
An ethical breeder will typically raise their puppies in a home environment where they are loved and given careful early socialisation. The breeder will be meticulously careful when determining who will get one of their puppies, so expect the breeder to ask you many questions about the environment in which you plan to raise the puppy – don’t be offended as they are trying to find the best fit for their puppies and reduce the risk of the puppy ever having to be rehomed due to being an unsuitable match. This is a good sign that the breeder genuinely cares about their puppies and isn’t breeding for profit.
Ethical breeders will vaccinate and microchip their pups, will provide you with information about how you can best care for your new puppy and will not release a pup to its new home until 8 weeks of age to ensure your puppy gets the best start in life by spending enough time with his mother and littermates. Your new puppy should come with a care pack including a sample of the food the puppy has been eating and extensive information on the best diet for your puppy to minimise the likelihood of any tummy upsets.
An ethical breeder will offer to take back the puppy if for any reason you can no longer offer him a home.
By supporting an ethical breeder you are doing a huge part in reducing the epidemic of shelter dogs.
Identifying Irresponsible Breeders
Puppy farms or puppy mills are at the top of people’s list when we think of unethical breeders however, a puppy farm can often be hard to identify, especially online. A puppy farm is defined by the RSPCA as
“an intensive dog breeding facility that is operated under inadequate conditions that fail to meet the dogs’ behavioral, social and/or physiological needs”
But this definition overlooks other types of unethical breeders, such as large scale commercial breeders or backyard breeders, which are discussed in further detail below.
It is important to understand the difference between a “registered” and an ethical breeder as these terms are often used interchangeably but are commonly referring to different things. All ethical breeders will also be a registered breeder, but some unethical or commercial operations may claim to be ‘registered’ and it is important to know the difference as the term ‘registered’ is used for two different types of registration – breed associations and local councils or business registrations.
An ethical breeder will register their puppies with the relevant governing body – for example, the American Kennel Club or the Australian National Kennel Club. These governing bodies hold their members to strict standards in regards to health testing, the conditions under which dogs can be bred and they require all members adhere to the Code of Ethics which state breeding is “only for the purpose of improving the standard of the breed, and not for the pet market or any other commercial purpose.”
Unethical breeders and puppy farms will often state they are “registered”, but what they mean by this is a commercial registration with a local council. This IS NOT the same as being a “registered breeder” in the widely accepted sense and should be a red flag for any potential puppy buyer. If your breeder isn’t willing to commit to the ethical requirements and regulations of the governing body, it is a good indicator they are breeding purely for financial gain. Use the AKC Marketplace (USA) or DogzOnline (Australia & New Zealand) to search for a breeder registered with the relevant governing bodies, and steer clear of online classified or Facebook marketplace groups. Ethical breeders often have a waitlist for their puppies and would rarely need to advertise their puppies this way.
What about the “backyard breeder”?
This should not be confused with anyone who breeds dogs within their own home. Indeed all careful and responsible breeders are small scale and raise the pups within their home and backyard. The term “backyard breeder” in this context is typically used for those that have either failed to desex or care properly for an entire dog such that they have accidental litters. The other group of backyard breeders includes those simply having a litter thinking that it will be fun or in the hope of financial gain. They typically have no expertise in the breed, are breeding with whatever dog they have (regardless of suitability) and do little or no genetic health testing.
In a nutshell, irresponsible breeders will have little expertise, will often have a profit-driven model, will not do genetic and specialized testing for suitability of matings and will often cut corners when it comes to vet care, food, rearing of the pups and suitability of the homes to which the pups go as it soon becomes apparent that breeding and raising a litter of puppies is a far more time-consuming, expensive and stressful undertaking than they first anticipated. Raising a litter of puppies with the correct nutrition and health care often leaves the ethical breeder with little-to-no profit, especially when the time spent looking after the litter is incorporated into the costings. For more information, the ANKC has put together a great document on the guidelines that should be followed when breeding a litter.
Most dogs that end up in shelters have originated in an unethical breeding scenario – either a well-intentioned by an uneducated and underprepared backyard breeder or a commercial breeding operation.
How to Identify an Unethical Breeder
Any breeder that allows you to purchase a puppy online, or is willing to let your purchase or pay a deposit for a puppy without first talking to you to ensure you can offer the puppy a suitable home is highly likely to be an unethical breeder. It may seem very easy to simply look at the breeder’s website and ‘mail order’ your new puppy, but this is a good indicator the breeder has no interest in the future wellbeing of the puppy and may have put little care into health testing and caring for the puppy in the early stages of life.
You should be able to visit the breeder and view the environment in which the puppies and dogs are kept. The dogs should look healthy and well-cared for, and you should be on the lookout for signs that the breeder is running a commercially motivated operation, such as having several litters of puppies at once or a large number of breeding dogs. Most ethical breeders will only keep two to three breeding females at the most, and typically will produce only a small number of litters per year.
Be wary of breeders who present themselves as “registered breeders” but can only provide local council business registration details. This is an indication that they are breeding for commercial gain and maybe a puppy farm.
You should expect the breeder to ask you questions to ensure you can offer the puppy a good home for the rest of its life. This may include questions about your living environment (backyard space, height of your fences), your lifestyle (how many hours you spend at work, how much time you will have to spend with the puppy) and anything else they feel is relevant. A puppy is a big commitment and some breeds require particular environments to be happy and healthy.
How many times have you seen a 12 month old puppy looking for a home because the owners purchased it on a whim and later discovered the puppy wasn’t suitable for their lifestyle? The vast majority of dogs that find themselves in shelters are the result of poor decision making, and an ethical breeder will help you ensure the puppy you purchase will be a perfect fit for you.
The breeder should be knowledgeable about the breed and should be able to tell you all the pros and cons, as well as anything you need to be aware of specific to the breed. This applies to cross breeds as well as purebreds, and the breeder should be able to tell you what kind of traits and temperaments the parents have so you can have an idea what to expect with your new puppy.
How to Find an Ethical Registered Breeder
Every country has its own governing body. In the United States, it is the American Kennel Club. In Canada, the Canadian Kennel Club governs the breeding and registration of purebred dogs. The United Kingdom has The Kennel Club and Australia has the Australian National Kennel Club.
Each governing body provides extensive information on where to find a puppy from a breeder operating under the rigorous, ethical standards required by the association and they also provide links to supported rescue organizations. You will find a list of the breed clubs, a list of the breeds and a list of breeders, often with an indication of whether the breeder has pups available.
You can also locate a calendar of upcoming dog events. Attending a dog show can be an excellent way to meet a variety of breeds and meet some of the breeders. This is a good way to find a breeder you like and be on their waiting list for a planned litter.
If you want to do your breed research properly then you should look for the breed club. Not all breeds have a club, but where they do they may have breeder list or even puppy listings. Some clubs are also involved in breed rescue or rehoming should you not want a puppy. Being in the hands of breed specialists means they have a good understanding of the breed, the specific dog’s needs and the home to which they will be best suited.
What to expect when you approach an Ethical Breeder
You can expect to be interviewed in some form and to be asked a lot of questions regarding your home, household, lifestyle and past experience with dogs. A breeder will always appreciate honesty and will look on you favorably if you have done some reading and research about the breed. They will also be very happy to answer your questions and share their expertise.
Whilst the question of cost obviously needs to be asked at some stage, a breeder will not be thrilled if this is your first question or you seek to bargain. Be aware that a good breeder will have poured countless hours into the planning and care of the litter, often taking time off work to do so. For many it is like selling a family member that they have brought into the world and loved 24/7 for the first 2 months of their life.
You will rarely save money by going to an unethical or commercial breeder, often the puppies are more expensive due to the commercial nature of their business, or you will find yourself spending more money down the track due to health issues arising from poor breeding and inherited health issues.
How to find an ethical breeder – F.A.Q
If I buy a Poodle Cross or other cross breed will I get specific breed characteristics like a low shedding coat?
If you buy a crossbreed, you will get either parent’s coat or an unpredictable mix of the two different breed’s coats. Different puppies in the litter will get a varied combination of characteristics from one or other parent or an odd variant of both. The puppy and resulting adult dog may well be gorgeous but don’t expect any certainty on it’s final characteristics. The only way to guarantee coat type and other characteristics is to buy a pedigree puppy from an ANKC registered breeder.
If a low shedding coat is a priority then there are multiple pedigree breeds with low shedding coats. Here is a list of some of them:
Poodle, Bichon Frise, Bedlington Terriers, Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, Yorkshire Terrier, West Highland White Terrier, Cairn Terrier, Schnauzer, Portuguese Water Dog, Irish Water Spaniel, Havanese, Chinese Crested, Bouvier des Flandres, Lowchen and Lagotto Romagnolo.
If I have an allergy to dogs, will I be able to own a dog if it has a low shedding coat?
People can be allergic to other aspects such as the dandruff or saliva of the dog. Allergies could even be related to products such as shampoos used on the dog. If you have had allergy issues around dogs, you should get specialist allergy tests done before purchasing a dog.
I want to buy a purebred and have seen one in the pet shop or on Gumtree that they say is from a registered breeder.
Firstly, registered pedigree breeders are NOT permitted to sell via a pet shop. They are required to find suitable homes themselves and most would not dream of doing anything other than this as they want to meticulously screen the homes to which each of their precious babes go. One has got to ask “registered with whom”, when viewing such advertisements as ultimately it can be any created organisation out there trying to give itself a name and appear credible.
Secondly, if the dog is not from a registered breeder with the puppy coming with pedigree paperwork from the relevant organisation, then you have no guarantee of what the puppy’s breed is. There have been many instances of dog owners attending dog training classes with a large dog that they can’t manage having thought they had bought a small dog.
I’ve seen puppies advertised that are said to be purebred and that they come with “papers”
Be careful here. There are a number of self-claimed groups popping up that are creating their own “papers” with a dog’s family tree. The only reliable associations for providing papers are the American Kennel Club, the Kennel Club (UK), the Australian National Kennel Club and the Canadian Kennel Club, If you are seeking a crossbred puppy, you will not find one bred by a responsible registered breeder, as there is no central governing body for crossbred dogs.
If I buy a cross breed will it be healthier due to genetic diversity?
The odds are that a cross bred puppy will be from parents with no health, temperament or genetic health screening. It may well be the result of an accidental mating where a parent’s health or temperament problem may be passed on. It may well be the result of ignorant pet owners having a litter with no knowledge or caution. Then there are the puppy farms that simply don’t care and will not spend any dollars on tests. The pedigree community are very active in breed research and have funded the development of genetic tests for many of the conditions we can see in any dog. They know the family history of the dogs, so will be aware of any health issues, unlike a pup coming from dubious origins. This can create the perception that Pedigree Dogs all have problems and mixed breeds don’t. Whilst health issues can always arise despite the best of care, it’s irresponsible to not do screening for all health conditions known to occur in a breed. Regardless of whether a litter is pure bred or cross bred, the parent dogs should still be tested for all conditions known to occur in the breeds involved to minimise the chance of health problems in the puppies.
Will I pay more for a Pedigree Dog?
Probably not. An ethical, registered breeder is not a commercial breeder so their prices are largely based on covering costs. There are a number of things that impact the cost. Average litter size for the breed, cost of various tests, importation of semen for increasing genetic diversity, food suited to the breed size and veterinary expenses are some of the main things.
Backyard breeders will often have spent less on the above care or may have released their puppies under 8 weeks or without microchips or first vaccination, so can charge less.
Commercial breeders will often charge more as they are profit motivated. Many of those breeding for the deliberate crossbreeds charge more than double that of an ethical breeder.
Are there any other ethical options if I don’t want to buy a puppy from a registered breeder?
Yes! You can contact your local breed specific rescue and often find a great older puppy or dog who needs a new home. Every country has its own governing body. In the United States, it is the American Kennel Club. In Canada, the Canadian Kennel Club governs the breeding and registration of purebred dogs. The United Kingdom has The Kennel Club and Australia has the Australian National Kennel Club. You can contact these organisations and they will direct you to the relevant rescues.
This post was inspired by and contains original content found in this article by Bronwen Casey and was originally published on the Bayside Dog Owners Group here.