What a responsible breeder Is to me...
The following are some of the things I believe a 'Responsible', or 'Hobby Breeder' should be. (These are things most Hobby Breeders do in some form or another.) In general, I do not plan breedings or litters, as I have found the emotional attachment to puppies to be too strong, and I have difficulty giving them up! If the right opportunity presents itself, I will stud my boys. Until then, here are a few guidelines I consider when looking for a breeder.
- Breed for the love of the dogs and the health of the breed. I think 'Aussies' are a fantastic, and unique breed, that are capable of so many things.
- The mental and physical health of my pack are my first concerns. I reference Breed Standards and select the stud and dam, with attention towards physical correctness, sound bodies, genetic health, sound temperament and the ability to perform the tasks for which they were originally created.
- Litters are infrequent, and I keep them for longer periods of time (usually 12 weeks). This gives the mother a chance to teach manners, and allows the puppies to begin training, developing character, and become a more well rounded dog.
- **Puppies will not be sent to new homes before 10-12 weeks of age.
- Socialization is not limited to, but includes the following: Different /loud noises, people and smells. Many hobby breeders follow the Rule of 7's.
- Before puppies are placed, I spend a lot of time socializing my puppies, so that they have a wonderful start in life. This may even include Temperament Testing or Puppy Aptitude Testing, so that the right puppy is matched to the right owner.
- I encourage buyers to be flexible in gender requirements, as stereotypes are often incorrect.
- Puppies are not always available, but we will be maintaining a waiting list. If you are interested in future litters, let us know.
- I rarely make money on my dogs. The extra time and care given requires a lot of resources.
- At a minimum, I cross train my dogs in agility, swimming, dock diving, disc work, tricks, FitPaws, hiking, herding, social situations (human and canine), confirmation (breed shows), and help them to develop their 'off-switches'. There are more (a lot more!), but these are the ones I focus on.
- Registration in both AKC (American Kennel Club) and ASCA (Australian Shepherd Club of America).
- There are potential genetic problems, prevalent within the breed. At a minimum, all sires and dams are tested for correctness, awareness and health in their hips, elbows, eyes, and drug resistant genes.
- Both Sire and Dam are tested before breeding, and are chosen for qualities which will add something positive to their descendants.
- Puppies which are not of breeding quality will be required to be altered (spayed or neutered) at the appropriate time (24-36 months). 'Limited registration' will also be required, and typically Co-Owned until proof of their alteration. This helps to prevent registration of offspring which may not be healthy for the breed line, or not authorized.
- Potential buyers will be questioned about the environment, training and care methods they will be providing.
- Records for the puppy, as well as lineage, will be sent home with the buyer. I also suggest reading through the Info and Links pages.
- If the buyer is unable to keep the puppy, for any reason during any stage of it's life, the puppy will be returned to us. We are committed to every dog we produce, for life. I hope to keep in touch with my buyers, and build relationships through experiences and education. If something comes up that I don't have an answer for, I will do the research, or help you find a resource with the best answer.
- There is no such thing as a trivial question. Please let us know if you have any questions. We are here to help.
- Puppies are placed based on temperament, character, and training needs. They will not be placed, based on cost or
Visual comparative analysis: http://www.ktcampbell.com/taji/rbvsbyb.htm
Definition, and review (Dog breeders defined): http://www.thedogpress.com/editorials/Dog-Breeders-Defined_LP.asp
Defining puppy mills: http://www.thedogpress.com/Columns/Define-Puppy-Mills_Chien-1002.asp