San Diego Rhodesian Ridgeback Club
Traits of a Good Breeder
 Please do your homework before you buy.

Good breeders do what is right because they love the breed and want to produce quality dogs. They do not breed to exploit the breed as a source of income. They will ask you many questions, as they want the very best homes for the pups they produce.  They will be there for you for advice and assistance for the life of your pet.

Be sure at least one of the parents, not some relative three generations back, is AKC titled. Reputable breeders show their breeding dogs in the conformation ring because the title of AKC Champion indicates the dog or bitch meets the breed standard.  Performance titles, such as Agility, Obedience, and Lure Coursing also show the breeder is out proving the versatility and quality of their dogs. You should ask to see the Pedigree, and Title certificates…reputable breeders are proud of those.

OFA! Both sire and dam should have written certifications from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals of Good or better Hips, and clear Elbows, at a minimum.  Our breed also commonly tests for Thyroid, eyes (CERF) and heart problems in breeding animals. All records can be accessed at www.offa.org   RUN, don’t walk, if the breeder can not show proof of OFA testing. Hip and elbow dysplasia is prevalent in all large breeds, and its occurrence minimized by faithful testing.

Make sure the breeder has Breed Club affiliation, either local or national. Club affiliation brings pressure upon a breeder to maintain good breeding ethics. Other breeders know them. Club affiliation can not guarantee responsibility, but NO club affiliation is often an indication of NOT being responsible.

Read the contract. All ethical breeders will include a Return to Breeder clause requiring that the dog come back to them, if at any time in the life of the puppy the buyer can not provide a good home. This is not the same as a “first right of refusal”.

 All ethical breeders will require spay/neuter of non-breeding pets, and will have requirements for those who may be bred.

All pups should be examined prior to sale for a health clearance by a veterinarian.
Any dermoid sinus should be removed prior to sale of puppy.

Always ask to meet the dam and see other adult dogs in the household, at their home.  Are the dogs and litter in a clean and healthy environment?  Temperament is hereditary. Do you like the dogs? Do they seem well socialized?

Ask yourself “If I were a dog or puppy, would I want to be owned by this breeder?”