In the previous articles we have posted you have heard the term ‘preservation breeder’ mentioned a number of times.  We have emphasized that there are huge differences between a preservation breeder, a puppy mill, and a backyard breeder.  We stand firmly in our opinion that preservation breeders are the only breeders puppy buyers should be buying from, whether that puppy will go on to show, be used for sports and other performance activities, or become a cherished pet. 

Here’s why.

If we were to list the primary reason you would want to buy from a preservation breeder, it would be responsibility.  In fact, the terms preservation breeder and responsible breeder are often used interchangeably.  What do they do that is so different?  They plan the breeding long in advance of the arrival of the puppy.  They focus on health of both the parents of the puppy and the puppy themselves.  They engage in important puppy raising practices.  They work to ensure each puppy is matched to the right home.  They sell on a binding contract to ensure everyone is clear on their responsibilities to that puppy.  And they make themselves available to the puppy buyers for the life of that puppy.

Let’s look at that more closely.

When we say planning it’s much more than a decision to breed a dog on her next heat.  Long before that preservation breeders look at the pedigree of the dam and the sire.  Do they come from a family of dogs who have proven themselves to have excellent structure and temperament?  When it comes to structure, was it assessed by experts other than the breeder, such as internationally accredited judges, in the show ring?  One could question whether that is even important to puppy buyers with the goal of having a family pet.  The answer is a resounding YES.  Good structure is the foundation of a sound dog.  Good movement, which can only be achieved with good structure, means that a dog will have good mobility.  A dog that has good mobility has a greater chance of being pain free for the majority, if not all, of its life.  It means that it can join in family activities or even go on to do fun weekend sports.

And temperament, why is that important?  Any dog owner’s wish is to have a dog who is easy to live with.  You want a dog who can go onto learn how to fit into your household and be a joy to be around.  Now much of this will depend on breed genetics, but at the end of the day we want each dog to be able to optimize its behaviour in a way that is positive and fun.

When it comes to health, a preservation breeder will manage the outcome of the litter long before it’s first set of vaccinations.  The preservation breeder will test the parents for genetic disease.  Each breed will have a set of diseases that have become predominant over the generations.  Some of these diseases, which will severely compromise the dogs that are affected, can be avoided with genetic health testing.  It is important that the breeders engage in this testing for all dogs that are being bred, and they should be willing to share those results with puppy buyers.  With passing results, preservation breeders are then able to make health guarantees against those diseases for the puppies that they sell.  This practice ensures the health of not only the puppies, but of future generations as well.  It’s imperative for the betterment of each breed.

Once the puppy is on the ground, responsible preservation breeders will engage in sound socialization practices.  There are whole programs that are available that many breeders use.  Some however will rely on their own proven methods that were developed over years.  Why is this important?  Basics such as comfort in social settings, being able to settle in the home, and even learning how to learn are essential to having a stable dog.  It’s important to note that these socialization activities are merely the foundation.  Puppy owners must understand their part in continuing the lessons as the puppy transitions through its various stages of development.

Just before the puppies’ transition to their new homes, their temperaments become easier to read.  It’s important that each puppy is matched to a home that is right for them based on their temperament.  Puppy owners too want a companion that is best suited to them so that they can have a comfortable and harmonious life together.  Because the breeders are the ones to manage the temperament assessment, they are best equipped to determine a suitable match.  It is for this reason that you can expect responsible preservation breeders to be the ones to match puppies to families. 

Preservation breeders will also sell the puppies on a contract.  One of the things buyers can expect to see is a non-breeding contract.  Breeders will want to ensure that new owners understand they cannot breed their dogs without permission.  This permission comes in the form of a breeding contract, which is only granted for certain dogs that go onto other preservation breeders.  The intention is to ensure only the very best are used to further the breed.  This is not to say that puppies sold on a non-breeding contract are not desirable.  They are.  However, even the most exceptional and well-bred dog may not demonstrate the excellence required to preserve the breed. 

Another important element of the contract is an agreement to return the puppy to the breeder if for some reason the family can no longer care for it.  This can be done for any reason, through the life of the puppy, and should be without judgement.  The focus is on the wellbeing of the dog.  It’s also a way that preservation breeders support dog rescues by taking on the homing of a dog themselves.

When the puppy goes to its new home, it is not the end of the breeder’s responsibility to the puppy.  Rather, it is the beginning of the breeder’s relationship with the puppy’s new family.  Whether the family needs resources about diet, training, behaviours, or they simply want to share the highlights of their life together, responsible preservation breeders will have the lines of communication open.  This may be by phone, email, kennel Facebook groups or any one of a number of other means of communication.

So, you see, so much goes into being a responsible preservation breeder.  In addition to smart, ethical practices, a responsible preservation breeder works to improve the breed with every generation.  The health and happiness of future puppies depends on it.

If you found this article helpful, be sure to like and share it so that others can come to understand the role of preservation breeders in producing puppies of all types, especially family pets.