How to Find a Responsible Breeder

A new pet can be such a wonderful addition to your family. There are many loving pets at your local animal shelter in need of a good home. However, if you desire a specific breed there are certain standards when followed produce a healthy pet with a sweet personality. Remember that you are making a long term commitment when you buy a cat or dog. Most cats and dogs can live well past twenty years of age.

Animals love people and they learn their social skills early in life. If an animal is isolated and neglected he may develop undesirable character traits that would cause him to be fearful or even hostile around humans. Choose a breeder that raises animals "under foot". This means that the kittens or puppies have the freedom to roam throughout the house, rather than being locked in cages.

If possible meet the mother of the puppy or kitten to get an idea of her health and how she rears her little ones. In most instances some of the kittens and pups may still be nursing so it usually isn't a problem to see the mother. If the mother is healthy her babies are also likely to be very healthy because they get their milk from her. Check her eyes for clarity and look at the condition of her coat and paws. If the mother has fleas, ticks, pink eye or other problems, her offspring will also suffer with the same symptoms.

A clean environment is also very important. When visiting breeders check to see whether the animals are living in a well kept area. Does the breeder take pride in his or her animals? Typically, breeders who participate in cat or dog shows take their breeding efforts much more seriously than pet shops because they live up to a high quality standard. Ask specific questions about the breed and test their knowledge.

You will be able to distinguish between a breeder that is only in the business to make money and one who truly cares for her animals.

In addition you also want to avoid breeders who run puppy or kitty mills. Over-breeding for profit is a major problem. Many over-bread animals suffer horrible health conditions and display painful symptoms. Some animals have sores on their bodies and problems walking. These conditions are very sad to see and one wouldn't want to support this type of breeding by purchasing a cat or dog from an unethical breeder. If you come across one of these breeders move on and report this person to the local animal control authorities.

Questions to ask the breeder:

How long have you been breeding cats or dogs?

Do you give your females a rest between litters?

When do you retire your females?

How many pregnant females do you have at one time?

Does the breeder have a contract and papers for each puppy or kitten?*(This is very important because if you buy the animal specifically for pet shows or breeding then you need the proper papers. A contract is also a good sign that the breeder cares. Most breeders will specify whether or not they want the kittens or pups spayed or neutered and it is the best option to have cats or dogs sold as pets to be fixed. This extra step can prevent tampering with the breed through unauthorized breeding. Mixed breeding disrupts the overall integrity of the breed. A good breeder will only select top quality pups or kittens to be sold as "show quality". Pet quality animals do cost money because they are still purebred; however the price is considerably less for a pet quality dog or cat as compared with a breeder quality animal. )

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