Puppy Mills are increasing in Alaska.
Please read following article used with permission to help educate potential Saint Bernard puppy buyers. A responsible breeder WILL NOT SELL puppies in a parking lot or to a pet store. A lot of this is happening in the valley. Alaska Saint Bernard Rescue will offer advice on reputable St.Bernard breeders, barb@iceworm.com. A Paw Print Responsible Breeding From the Point of View of theSaint Bernard Rescue Foundation by Barb Jansen
If you breed even one litter you are, by definition a breeder. The question is what kind of breeder are you? Whatever your motives for wanting a litter of puppies, I'll bet that you really want to be a "responsible breeder", someone who has the love of dogs at heart. This page is intended to help you think about what it takes to become that caring and responsible breeder. It isn't as obvious as you might think. It doesn't much matter whether you are looking for a pet, or looking for a performance or show dog. The standards for a good breeder are pretty much the same. When you get a dog you can choose to (1) get one from a rescue to avoid supporting a breeder you believe is unethical, or (2) carefully select an ethical breeder. The St. Bernard Rescue Foundation is overrun with Saints produced by irresponsible breeders. I encourage most people to take a chance on dogs from rescue. Many, if not most, can make wonderful companions. If, however, you really want a higher degree of predictability of temperament, health, working ability, size, coat and other factors you can increase that by seeking a well-bred dog from a responsible breeder. If you are looking for a dog and want one from an ethical breeder the first step is to decide what qualities make a breeder "ethical". Ultimately this is something only you can decide, but it helps to know what the possibilities are. And let me make this very clear: Just because someone has a reputation for winning lots of shows, and having beautiful winning dogs does not make them a responsible breeder. A responsible breeder is judged by their care and concern for their dogs and dogs in general as demonstrated by their breeding decisions. Below I will provide a description of the most important points of what I think makes a responsible breeder.Here are my definitions: Puppy mill.-Medium to large operation whose only purpose is to sell dogs at a profit. -Will sell to anyone. Will sell to wholesalers/brokers/bunchers.-Do not do health checks on parents (OFA, CERF, etc.)-Do not care about temperament, genetics, conformation, or health.-Operates as cheaply as possible to maximize profits. This often means vaccinations and veterinary care are either very poor or absent.-I suspect any facility that has more than one or two different breeds.-Facilities can be clean, but more often are not.-Dogs show little to no socialization.-Pedigrees are not available.-Health Guarantees, in the rare instance they are offered, are usually fraudulent (i.e., guarantee for 3 months for all defects, when hip dysplasia cannot be entirely ruled out until the dog is 24 months old). Backyard Breeder.-Thinks "purebred" = quality and health.-Breeds for reasons such as, "I thought she would be more fulfilled if she had puppies." "I wanted the kids to see the miracle of birth." "She's purebred, and I thought I could make some money."-Backyard breeders usually hope to make some money, but they are not purely profit minded. They are just ignorant.-Again, there are no titles, no pedigree offered, no knowledge or thought of genetics or testing for genetic defects in the sire or dam.-Some backyard breeders can be educated. Suspect a puppy mill or backyard breeder when:-The breeder asks you no questions.-The breeder is offended by questions you ask.-The breeder cannot offer proof of genetic testing of sire/dam.-The breeder does not want you to see their kennel.-The breeder shows you one or two puppies only, does not allow you to see either dam or sire.-The sire/dam have no titles (Ch., obedience, tracking, agility, etc.)-You can smell the kennels as you get out of your car.-There are many breeds available to choose from. Reputable breeders. The number of dogs someone owns has nothing to do with it. A responsible breeder: - has spent a number of years studying and learning about their breed- is active in one or more breed clubs or similar groups and thus is in regular contact with other people in the breed- knows their breeding stock inside and out for several generations back- has an "eye for a dog" and has developed a detailed picture of the type of dog they're breeding toward- almost always compete in some in some sort of activity with their dogs (conformation, working activities, obedience etc.) so as to have a realistic idea of how their dogs compare to others of the same the breed- is knowledgeable about the hereditary problems that occur in their breed and has the appropriate tests done prior to breeding in order to decrease the likelihood of their occurrence in their pups- considers temperament important- is knowledgeable about the mating and whelping of dogs in general, so as to minimize the chances of injury or death to the breeding dogs- is extremely concerned with the quality of the homes that their puppies are destined for, to the point of not performing a breeding if they don't feel good homes will be available for the pups- never has more dogs of their own than they are properly able to care for- is willing and able to educate and build a relationship with their puppy buyers- is honest- uses spay/neuter contracts and/or limited registration to prevent the casual breeding of their puppies- tell you about their dogs' siblings.- tell you about their dogs*faults* as well as strengths.- will show you their dogs' xrays- help you select a puppy that has a temperament that's compatible with you and your handling skills--and may talk you out of a puppy that you like- will offer to refund your money or give you a replacement puppy if your puppy develops health problems.- is ALWAYS willing to take back a dog of their breeding if a puppy buyer cannot keep it for any reason You will know you have found a responsible breeder when the breeder make you PROVE you are qualified to own one of their puppies. If a breeder doesn't ask you any questions (Is your yard fenced - why do you want this breed - how many dogs have you owned in your life - at what ages did they die, and how did they die - have you ever gotten rid of a dog & why - what do you know about raising and training dogs) but only asks to see your checkbook, RUN don't walk away. If the breeder makes you feel like you are trying to adopt one of their kids, you have found a responsible breeder. If a breeder will sell to you without giving you the third degree, RUN don't walk away. A breeder who sells carefully will have bred the litter carefully. A breeder who sells to anyone who walks in probably bred the litter about as casually. And a breeder who demands that you sign a contract requiring that you return the puppy to them, if at any time, at any age, for any reason you decide not to keep the dog, is a responsible breeder. A responsible breeder will always be willing to take back one of their dogs - they feel responsible for every puppy they sell, for that dog's entire life.
