Backyard Breeder

Backyard Breeder	Reputable Breeder
1. Motive for breeding: "fun", "good for kids", "to make money". Does not screen buyers and don't refuse to sell, even if buyer is unsuitable.	1. Dedication to producing quality dogs is serious avocation. Has so much invested in dogs that he struggles to break even, not make a profit. Will sell pups only to approved buyers.
2. Breeds the family pet to any convenient pet of the same breed just to have purebred pups. Has no understanding or concern with genetics, pedigree bloodlines, or breed improvement.	2. Can explain how planned breedings are used to emphasize or minimize specific qualities through line breeding, outcrossing, or more rarely, inbreeding.
3. Breed dogs with age 1 or younger. Does not give you a written contract what states to the best knowledge that the puppy is free of heretics disease.	3. Does not breed dogs younger than age 2. Guarantees that puppies are free of heretics disease with a written contract.
4. Offers no health guarantee beyond proof of shots, if that. Unqualified to give help if problems develop.	4. Written contractual commitment to replace a dog with genetic faults or to help owner deal with problem.
5. Seller has little knowledge of breed history, the national breed club or of the AKC breed standard. May claim this does not matter for "just pets".	5. Loves the breed and can talk at length about its background, uses, and ideal type.
6. Pups raised in makeshift accommodations, sometimes unsanitary, indicating lack of long-term investment in breeding and lack of true care for the puppies well-being.	6. Has an investment in dog equipment and the puppies environment is sanitary and loving.
7. Even when selling "just pets", may produce AKC papers or "championship pedigrees" as proof of quality. Yet seller does not increase his own knowledge through participation in national, regional, or local breed clubs.	7. Belongs to national, regional, and/or local dog clubs, indicating a love for the purebred dog. Sowing the dog don't mean automatically that it is a reputable Breeder.
8. May be unwilling to show a buyer the entire litter or to introduce the dam of the litter. Cannot or will not compare/critique pups or pup’s ancestors.	8. Shows litter and dam in a sanitary environment or at home. Helps buyer evaluate and choose a pup. Explains criteria for "show prospects" versus "pet picks".
9. Prices are at the low end of local range, since must move pups quickly. Advertises in the local newspaper classifieds.	9. Prices will be at the high end of local range. Price will not reflect all that is invested in the pups. A reputable breeder hardly profits from the sale of puppies. Does not advertise in the newspaper. Has an established waiting list for the pups.
10. No concern for the future of individual pups or the breed as a whole. Does not use AKC’s limited registration option or ask for spay/neuter contract to guard against the breeding of sub-standard pups. If you cannot keep pup, tells you to take it to a dog pound or to sell it.	10. After purchase, will help you with grooming or training problems. Will take back a pup you cannot keep rather than see it disposed of inappropriately. Sells pets with spay/neuter agreement and on AKC limited registration.

A Few Guidelines for Selecting a Toy Poodle Breeder

1. A reputable breeder will not breed dogs under the age of 2

2. A reputable breeder requires that "pet-quality" animals be spayed or neutered and sells them on Limited Registration. Be wary of breeders who do not mention altering.

3. A reputable breeder provides a written contract with the sale of the pup. This will vary from breeder to breeder, but usually spells out the rights of the seller and buyer, health information, genetic health guarantees (should be at least 1 years), required altering and take back/return policy.

4. A reputable breeder typically has a waiting list for the unborn puppies and does not advertise in the newspaper classifieds

5. A reputable breeder shows passion, love, and tremendous knowledge about the breed. He or she cares about placing puppies in excellent homes and will often interview potential buyers thoroughly. Ask for references and will refuse to sell a dog if the home is not appropriate for the breed or for a puppy.

6. A reputable breeder will hold on to puppies as long as it takes to place them in the right homes

7. The environment (typically a home) in which the breeder keeps the dogs should be clean and well-maintained. Do not agree to meet the breeder off site. TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS ON THIS!

8. A reputable breeder is involved in the dog fancy, including showing and/or breed clubs. While there are exceptions a person who is not involved with others in the breed can be suspect.

9. A reputable breeder is willing to provide answers to questions you may have and is willing to provide names of others who have purchased pups from them.

10. A reputable breeder will allow you to meet the puppies parents if available and, if the father isn't available, they will show you pictures and provide you with the information on how to contact the owner of the sire (father).

11. A reputable breeder follows up on puppies. He or she is interested in how the pups develop physically and mentally, difficulties in the owner/dog relationship and health problems.

12. A reputable breeder will not let puppies leave their home prior to 8 weeks of age and often not until 10 weeks of age.

13. Tails and dew claws should have been removed from the puppies by 3 days old.

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