WHAT KIND OF BREEDER ARE YOU SEEKING?

Many families prefer to adopt from a local shelter or rescue, but quite often it's impossible to find Cavaliers or low shedding small dogs because they are rarely surrendered. When that option has been exhausted, you have to start the search for a breeder. 
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​Maybe you know exactly what type of dog you want down the the exact size, sex and color - or maybe you're just beginning your search and narrowing between similar breeds such as Cavachons and Cavapoos. While you are choosing your breed, it's equally important (if not more important) to decide what type of BREEDER you are looking for. Many people will say they want a "reputable breeder" or an "ethical breeder" without really knowing what that means or how to really figure out what type of breeder you've contacted. Hopefully you've also learned that price alone is not an indicator (we've seen lots of poorly bred dogs sold to unsuspecting buyers for the same price or more than well bred dogs). We hope this post will help you figure out what type of breeder you're looking for. 
While we know there are exceptions to every rule, the majority of breeders fall squarely in to these three categories: 

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1. THOSE WHO CUT CORNERS - Some breeders may not know better (often referred to as "backyard breeders") while others are simply attempting to increase their profit margins by spending less on their dogs and their breeding programs. These breeders can be identified by their refusal to do anything for their dogs or puppies that might cost money. Breeders in this category will often do some or all of the following: 
   • Not have DNA panels on their breeding parents. 
   • Not have annual hip, eye, heart and patella exams on their breeding parents. 
   • Not have comprehensive vet checks on the puppies. 
   • Have breeding dogs that are not registered with the AKC. 
   • Feed their dogs (and their puppies) low quality food. 
   • Don't thoroughly interview prospective families and never decline a sale. 
   • Sell their entire litters to brokers or puppy stores to avoid detection. 
   • Have more dogs than they can properly house. 
   • Offer health guarantees with little to no actual guarantee because they've learned that once a family loves a puppy they won't return it for another one. 
2. THOSE WHO OVERBREED - These breeders could fall in to Category #1 and also overbreed their dogs (i.e. puppy mills) or these breeders may present as reputable breeders but they simply overbreed their female dogs over and over to increase profits. They have identified what they need to do in order to attract higher quality homes and higher prices, but in order to make money they ignore breeding protocols. While there is a great debate in the veterinary and breeding community about back to back litters, there is no debating the fact that authorities agree that having more than 4 litters in a lifetime can be detrimental to the health of the female, and may even shorten her life.
3. THOSE WHO BREED FOR QUALITY, NOT PROFIT - These are the breeders that most consumers are seeking. The ones who don't need to breed their dogs for income, but choose to do so because they truly love the breed(s) and love sharing them with well chosen families. Here are some ways to identify these breeders: 
   1. Their dogs are all registered, they have adequate health certifications and DNA testing and the breeder is happy to produce it.
   2. They do not breed dogs with hereditary illness. As soon as they identify and health issue with a dog in their program, they stop breeding that dog despite what it may mean to their bottom line. 
   3. They will never sell to a broker or puppy store because they can't confirm their puppies are safe and well loved.
   4. They have other sources of income and don't rely on breeding to feed their family. Reputable breeding is truly not that profitable!
   5. They breed for purpose, not just to sell puppies. 
   6. Their dogs are generally healthy (there is always the occasional issue that is outside of anyone's control) with vet and vaccination records, a vet reference and plenty of customer references too. 
   7. They have a limited number of dogs in their home and know their dogs personally. If their program is larger, they may use Guardian Homes or other means to properly house and take care of their animals.
   8. They feed quality food and make sure you are educated on proper puppy nutrition as well. 
   9. Their animals show no signs of neglect and they are happy to prove it by allowing you to see the parents, their pedigrees and their records. 
   10. Their breeding pairs and their puppies are properly socialized and show no early signs of behavioral, anxiety and fear related issues.
   11. They do not allow their dogs to be re-homed without their permission or placed in shelters - ever. 

We hope this post, in combination with our other resources, will help you determine and locate the type of breeder you want to work with. When you demand a less expensive puppy, use a broker or "rescue a puppy" from the puppy store, set a budget below what a responsible breeder can produce or want a puppy without being on a waitlist or filling out an application,  you are making a choice about your breeder whether you realize it or not.