Professional dog breeders have a bad reputation in popular culture and among dog lovers, but some rumors have more bark than bite. Partnering with an experienced breeder is one of the best ways to ensure you adopt a happy, healthy puppy with a history of treats and belly rubs.
In addition to providing necessary health services and socialization skills, reputable breeders like Snowy Pines White Labradors are highly experienced and go the extra mile to educate people on how to be responsible owners. If you’re unsure how to nose out facts and fiction regarding dog breeders, here’s your guide to the most common myths.
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Reputable breeders cost too much money
Puppies from the pound may cost you more money over time because of unaddressed health problems in those facilities and the dog’s genetics. While rescue workers ensure that each pup is healthy enough, they don’t go to the same extent as a reputable breeder does with pedigree tracing and documentation.
Many animal shelters and kennels are known to keep dogs in cages and other cramped conditions for long stints. Because of budget constraints, these dogs don’t usually receive routine vet checkups, genetic testing, or socialization skills.
Typically, the dogs leave their mothers before they should, and the agency is primarily focused on rehoming the dogs rather than ensuring their health. While you may pay more upfront for a dog breeder, if they are reliable, they have gone to great lengths to ensure you’re getting a healthy and happy dog.
They don’t care about the health of the dogs
The misconception that breeders are acting with no regard for the health and safety of their dogs couldn’t be further from the truth. Breeders must conduct tests to keep the dog’s health in order and use CERF and other tests to check for eye problems and hip dysplasia.
Additionally, breeders must regularly perform tests for blood and thyroid disorders to ensure that their dogs are not passing genetic diseases to their offspring. Reputable breeders support one another by sharing information about their dogs’ breed and health information to ensure that each animal lives out its total number of dog years in health and happiness.
Breeders who don’t allow visitors are mistreating the animals
Some people believe that not allowing visitors to the breeder’s property is a clear sign of foul play. However, there are beneficial reasons to keep buyers at bay that don’t involve trying to hide the mistreatment of their pets.
A reputable and trustworthy breeder with experience might understand that biosecurity is crucial, and they are transparent with potential pet owners about why they keep dogs separated initially. It is responsible to acknowledge that some puppies are not immunized against life-threatening diseases and infections until a certain age, so it is best to protect their health first and foremost.
Should a potential owner be looking to bring a pup into their home, the breeder should be willing to allow them to see the puppies in person and adjust their visitor policy if the screening process is complete.
Breeders hurt dogs by breeding them back to back for multiple litters
Historically, the rule of thumb for the veterinary community has been that female dogs need a break between every litter. Therefore, the thought was that if anyone were to breed a female in consecutive heat cycles, they were an irresponsible breeder. However, recent canine science has proven that there’s no reason to skip a heat cycle if the female dog in question is in good physical condition.
It is indeed safe for them to breed on consecutive estrous cycles. The only requirement is that the dog maintains or regains its breed-appropriate body condition. These dogs receive a clean bill of health according to a veterinarian examination before each cycle, so there’s little worry that the mother’s health will decline due to pregnancy.
Reputable dog breeders don’t sell online
More than ever, buyers are searching for puppies via the internet. Though many people instinctively distrust what they see online, advertising a breeding program on the Information Superhighway does not mean the breeder is irresponsible.
Websites are convenient tools to connect breeders with willing puppy buyers. Still, the internet should only serve as the starting point. Responsible breeders will often have a screening process for a prospective dog owner and may ask interested parties to complete a standard application.
Moreover, these providers have lengthy interviews, and they may even call references for vetting purposes. The breeder should offer to meet you in person at some point.
Breeders cause overpopulation
Responsible breeders are integral in keeping the dog breeds thriving and healthy. If these professionals were to discontinue breeding, many other problems would ensue. For starters, quality breeder dogs can grow to be too old, which can cause a shortage of dogs capable of keeping the breed’s lineage healthy.
Reputable breeders do not contribute to pet overpopulation. Instead, these workers screen potential buyers to ensure that each of their dogs ends up in loving homes. If the buyer wishes to get rid of their dog, many breeders will step in to ensure that the dog ends up in a safe place.
Before you go
Do not allow myths to deter you from buying a pup from a reputable breeder dedicated to finding loving homes for all of their pups. Most times, you’ll be able to tell from the screening process and attention to health whether the breeder is trustworthy and provides quality pets.
