Responsible Breeders...
Are upfront about the negative characteristics of the breed
Will never pressure you to buy a puppy
Will always take the dog back at any age and for any reason
Will tell you if they think this is not the breed for you
Are active in the dog world (showing, working, etc...)
Breed only those dogs that are certified against health defects and closely resemble the breed standard
Are Familiar with and follow the Code of Ethics of their National Breed Club
Will ask you lots of questions
Will provide a guarantee and written contract
Does not allow puppies to leave until they are at least seven weeks old
Requires that all puppies, regardless of quality, placed in "pet" homes be altered as soon as possible
Rarely break even, financially
Know there is no such thing as a stupid question
Are always learning
Do rescue
Irresponsible Breeders...
Do not check for genetic disorders
Will not take dogs back
Are hesitant to answer too many questions
Breed for profit
Cannot provide references
Often repeat breedings
Does not care what happens to the puppy after the sale
Allows puppies to go to new homes before they are seven weeks old
Encourages buyers to breed
Do not consider their actions to have an impact on pet overpoulation
Do not consider the welfare of the puppies or their parents while making breeding decisions
