San Diego Rhodesian Ridgeback
Club
Traits of a Good Breeder and What to
Look For
1. A good breeder is trying to breed pups that are at least as good as its parents, or, ideally, better. Good breeders breed only to improve the breed. If the pups are not at least as good as the parents, what has the breeding added to the breed? The only thing a good breeder does not breed to improve is temperament. A dog or bitch with a bad temperament should never be bred.
2. Good breeders show their breeding stock in the conformation ring because the title of AKC Champion indicates the dog or bitch meets the breed standard, and should add to the gene pool of the breed. Make sure at least one of the parents is an AKC Champion.
3. OFA!! Both the sire and dam should have written certification from the
Orthopedic Foundation for Animals certifying the animals to be free of all signs of
hip displaysia, a crippling disease. Hip displaysia can appear long after you have
paid your money and fallen in love with the puppy. I have heard "oh, I just want a
pet. I don't want to breed anyway", to which I would respond "do you want to be
able to take your dog for a walk?" OFA certification of the parents of your pup will
not guarantee your pup will not be displastic, however, it greatly reduces the risk. I
have heard "displaysia does not run in my line." Nonsense! All large dogs, including Rhodesian Ridgebacks, risk displaysia, regardless of line. Reputable
breeders have been submitting x-rays of their dogs' hips to OFA since 1967. It's
basic. And, now breeders are submitting x-rays of their dogs' elbows, too. Some
breeders submit the results of eye examinations to the eye registry, CERF. A reputable breeder will be happy to show you the actual certificates of the sire and
dam of the puppies.
4. Are the puppies happy to see you? If they are afraid of you, this means they have not been socialized. They should be delighted to see you and want to be picked up. If the puppies are quiet and not interested in you, and the breeder tells you they are just tired because they have been very active all day, ask if you can come back another time when they are not so tired.
5. The mother of the litter may be very guarded with her puppies. However, if she is a "raving maniac" about you observing (not touching) her puppies, I would question her temperament. I would avoid getting a puppy from a mother that is afraid of you. There is little worse than a fear biter. Yes, temperament is inherited.
6. Make sure the breeder has Breed Club affiliation of some kind, either a local or national breed club. Although this will not guarantee that the breeder is truly reputable, it is as good an indication as NOT having Club affiliation is an indication of NOT being reputable. Club affiliation brings pressure upon a breeder to adhere to good breeding ethics.
7. Ask the breeder why he or she is breeding. A good breeder breeds for the protection and advancement of the breed. He or she is doing this by breeding OFA certified AKC Champions that conform to the standard , have good temperaments, and do not have health problems. Do not buy a puppy a puppy from other than a reputable breeder. There are millions of dogs destroyed each year by animal shelters because of haphazard breeding.
8. Understand you are buying a breeder as well as a puppy. Is this the person
you want to go to with your questions? Will you feel comfortable phoning this person for advice, and will you trust the advice? Does the breeder give written
instructions on the care of the puppy? Has he or she had the puppies checked by a
veterinarian? What are the guarantees this breeder offers? Have you carefully read
the contract?
9. Has the litter been carefully checked for dermoid sinus? It takes an experienced Rhodesian Ridgeback breeder to detect dermoid sinus. Your vet will not usually find this.
10. All reputable breeders sell pet quality puppies with spay or neuter contracts.
11. Does the puppy come with a "return to breeder" clause in the contract? Such a clause shows the breeder will always be interested in the welfare of the puppy - for its entire life.
12. Observe the adult dogs in the house. Do you like their looks and temperaments? Be sure because this is what your puppy will mature to look and act like. All puppies are cute and lovable, but they grow up to be like their parents.
13. Only buy from the actual breeder of the puppies. Brokers or middlemen are only interested in making money. They are not interested in the welfare of the puppies or the breed. It is uncommon for reputable breeders to make money. They breed for the love of their breed and their dogs.
14. Last, ask yourself "if I were a dog would I want to be owned by this breeder?" "If I were a puppy would I want to live in this house?"