Barrie Kennel & Obedience Club

 

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Above - Doberman Pups - Hausenbrook Dobermans

Below - Weimaraner Pups - Instar Weimaraners

Above: Goldnote Golden Retriever Puppy

Below: Field Spaniel mom and pups - Winfarthing Kennel

Above: Autumnmist Golden Retriever puppies

Below: Snowmist's Winter Promise (Snowmist Siberians)

Above: Castlekeep Irish Wolfhound Puppy

Choosing a Breeder

 

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Questions to ask yourself and the breeder.

Description

Examples
Where do I look for a breeder?

Call the CKC and find the breed club. Or go to the Selecting A Breed page.

Responsible breeders often advertise in dog magazines, have a websites, can always provide a reference or give you their vet's phone number.

A good breeder should also show their breeding stock. Shows are not just a beauty pageants. Conformation is about the independent assessment of how much a dog looks like its breed, and how closely its temperament matches that which its breed is supposed to have.
  • The Dogs in Canada

     magazine   

  • Websites
  • Vet
  • Reputation
  • References
  • Dog shows and other dog

     events 

Do they have questions for you?
They should have a questionnaire for you to fill or a series of questions for you. They will ask you for references.
This is proof they care where their pups are going.
Can you visit the kennel?
You should be able to meet the adults and the puppies.
Most kennels are in private homes and require that you schedule an appointment. Be polite and don't just show up unannounced.
Should the pup be registered?
  
It's against the law in Canada to sell unregistered dogs as purebred. All dogs are tattooed or have a microchip and are registered with the Canadian Kennel Club
  
The Canadian Kennel Club doesn't allow breeders to charge more for "papers".
What should I look for in the pedigrees?
Many unreputable kennels hide their dogs' pedigrees to hide their breeding practices. They also do not post them on their site to hide the fact their dogs were bought from puppy brokers. 
Pedigrees are posted on their site or they will provide a copy at your request. You will find information such as titles, lineage, longevity and health clearances some might even have COI (Coefficient of Inbreeding) or (Canine-Genetics) 
How long they have been in business?
The majority of kennels do not last longer than 5 to 6 years. Will they be there when you need help? 
They should keep numbers low (quality not quantity), show and train each dog or at least have the appropriate facilities for the number of dogs they keep. Hold a kennel license and be inspected once a year. They should be very knowledgeable about each dog and their pedigrees. They should be able to tell you the good and the bad about their lines.
What types of inoculations and de-worming are required?

Following minimum vaccination:

  • Canine Distemper
  • Parovirus
  • Canine Coronavirus
  • Parainfluenza
  • Deworming
  • Or Titers to check for 

     immunity  

All appropriate shots (at least the first set), and de-worming should be done before the pup leaves.
What age should the puppy be
before leaving the kennel?
Responsible breeders will not let them go before seven to eight weeks of age or more for smaller breeds. 
Older if travelling long distance or by air.

If the breed requires it :

Are both parents
at least 18 months old and have the clearances been done for their breed: eyes, hips, elbows, heart, thyroid, patella etc.....
Ages for some some clearances:
  • OVC clearances for hips and

     elbows: 18 months   

  • OFA hips: 24 months
  • PennHip: Keep the dogs in

     the higher percentile. 70+   

  • CERF eyes: once a year.
  • Heart: over a year old.

     Preferably by a

    cardiologist when possible  

Never breed dogs that don't have the temperament and health test required by their breed clubs' Ethics Committee. If the breeder does not or cannot produce hard copies of health testing carried out on the parents of a puppy you're considering, don't buy from this person.

Dogs health clearances are often done by:

  • Certified Ophthalmologists.
  • D.V.M.
  • D.V.Sc.,
  • Dip. A.C.V.I.M. Cardiology
How often is a female bred?
Under normal circumstances a mature adult female is usually only bred after 18 months to 2 years of age. Breed clubs set the rules for spacing between litters..
This will depend on the breed clubs rules. Please make sure you have visited your specific breed's National Club site and read their Code of Ethics. 
Is the kennel clean?
Both Dogs and kennels should be clean and spacious! Facilities will vary depending on the breed.

Various communities have regulations and inspect kennels in their area. Some require a license be posted in the kennel.

Kennels that are inspected will have proof of this posted in their home. Look for the certificate or ask to see them.
Is the puppy registered with
a Canadian Kennel Club non-breeding contract?
All purebred registered dogs are identified by a tattooed or a microchip before leaving the breeders' premises.

All pet pups should be neutered/spayed. Show quality pups should be tested prior to breeding. Caring breeders should have fines set up for breaking their contracts.
On top of the CKC non-breeding contract, most breeders will have their own private contracts and will insist that you neuter the dog or contact them if you no longer want the dog. 

A good breeder will pursue legal action when their contracts are broken. This can be enough of a deterrent for puppy brokers.
Written health guarantee?
What is their guarantee? 1, 2 or 3 years? Is it in writing? Can you return the pup?
Good breeders will offer a minimum of 2 year guarantee from date of birth or date of sale. This guarantee protects both parties.
Will they answer any question
you have about the puppies training?
Do they have the puppies on a pre-training schedule? Feeding schedule?

Will they give you their vet's name and phone number? Have reference willing to and will ask you for references.
AFTER SALE SUPPORT IS VERY IMPORTANT!!!!!
Can you meet the Sire and Dam?
Sometimes, the breeders are looking for the best match for their dogs and have gone afar for the right match so the Sire will not always be on-site. However, they should be prepared to supply you with adequate information if the Sire is not available.

You should be able to visit them prior to giving your deposit.
Not all good breeders will have the space for a stud dog or two.

Pups will inherit their parents' temperament and looks. Can you live with that for 10 to 15 years?
Temperaments
They must spend hours everyday observing the reaction of the pups to different situations.

One temperament test is often not accurate.

Raising the young pups in the house is one of the best way to really know the pups temperament. This also exposes them to people and noises they will hear in your house. 
Do they belong to a dog club?
They should belong to, at the very least, one club.
  • Belong to their National

     Breed Club (very important!)

  • CKC
  • Local all breed clubs 
How much should I be prepared to pay?
The prices charged by reputable breeders reflects the time, money and health testing invested in producing a healthy litter of puppies that are "almost" free of genetically inheritable conditions.

A lot depends on supply and demand and other factors such as: how rare a breed is or the cost of breeding certain breeds. (Ex. English Bulldogs).

With a good breeder prices can vary between $900 to $3000.
 Remember you get what you pay for.
 

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