another reason not to buy a dog from a breeder

[rdking647]

http://www.today.com/news/akc-registered-breeders-raising-dogs-miserable-conditions-6C9640008



dont shop.... adopt....

[tblue]

1. I could punch those people.

That AKC needs to be sued and put out of business. That arrogant lying woman! And the breeders need to go to prison. I am so glad they did this exposé. I could cry. I cannot stand anyone abusing any animal. Zero tolerance.

(I am nonviolent, but when I was about 10, I punched a boy for hurting my aunt's dog, and I'd do it again. You mess with an innocent, and I turn real ugly.)

[rdking647]

4. me and my wife have a deal

if either one is arrested for beating the crap out of an animal abuser the other immediatley posts bails

[OneGrassRoot]

5. I'm the same way. No apologies either. n/t

[Vincardog]

2. From your link name it sounds like another reason to know your breeder and visit their operation.

Don't buy from a pet store especially a chain.
Do adopt, some of the best animals are killed every day in "shelters".

If you want a specific breed for a specific "job" know and visit your breeder before you chose your dog.

[Progressive dog]

3. The always visit the breeder is good advice

but the best way to get a dog is adoption. My avatar is our rescued GSD.
Most rescues are very good about vetting and caring for these dogs until adoption. They do this out of the goodness of their hearts.

[femmocrat]

6. There are very good breeders and some god-awful ones.

It is the buyer's responsibility to check out the kennel. Buying an AKC registered dog only means that its parents were also AKC registered. It has nothing to do with quality.

A reputable breeder will give a health guarantee and will take back dogs that the buyers cannot keep. They will provide proof that the line is free of breed-related health conditions (like hip dysplasia). They will (unless the puppy is show quality) insist on a spay-neuter contract. Don't buy a puppy just because it comes from "championship lines". A reputable breeder only breeds champions to improve the breed.

Don't buy from "backyard breeders" and DO get everything in writing. I don't know anything about AKC inspections but with only 9 inspectors, the odds are pretty overwhelming that your puppy's breeder has never been inspected.

God bless those who adopt from shelters, but shelter dogs can come with their own set of problems. Just do your homework first before taking on such a huge commitment as a puppy or an adult dog. It's traumatic for a dog to be returned to the shelter because it didn't work out.

On edit: Here is a link to the AKC's response to the Today show's "expose" : http://akcdoglovers.com/2013/05/01/the-facts-the-today-show-didnt-tell-you/

[Marrah_G]

7. And if you do buy from a breeder so some research

It won't be easy to buy from a good breeder, because they care where their dogs go. A good breeder will check to make sure you have a safe home and many will have contracts to regulate whether or not and with whom you breed you dog to. If a breeder is willing to sell to you without checking you out, don't buy from them.

Take the time to research the breeder.

And one last thing, if the breeder does not require you to return the dog to them if for any reason you cannot keep it, run the other way.

[femmocrat]

8. So true!

Quality breeders are very often affiliated with their breed's rescue groups, which is a very worthwhile endeavor. They will foster the dogs and keep them out of shelters while finding them new homes. They do wonderful work.