Whispawillow Kennels

Beeders

“Breeder” refers to the individual who is involved in the breeding of dogs. In reference to a specific litter, the breeder is the owner of the dam at the time when she is bred. Breeders are a direct and primary source of puppies.

Individuals are involved as dog breeders for any number of reasons, among them the improvement of the breed and the progeny resulting from their breeding stock; for conformation showing; for working purposes such as herding or assistance dogs; and for the sale of puppies to the dog-buying public.

Breeders rank on a continuum from excellent to very poor. Good breeders adhere generally to high standards in their breeding practices and may be identified by the superior quality of their stock, their well-maintained and managed facilities, and their willingness to display the parents of a litter and other progeny. Good breeders will have well-groomed, clean, healthy, and socially well-adjusted dogs and puppies, and will provide evidence of vaccinations and relevant health clearance(s) showing the breeding stock is free of genetic defects generally associated with the breed. A good breeder is also one who maintains thorough and up-to-date records, i.e., whelping dates, histories, vaccinations and other health records, cleaning routines, etc.

Poor breeders often reflect the opposite, with run-down or crowded facilities; a reluctance to show off parents of a litter and other progeny; dirty, unhealthy, and ill-adjusted (e.g., overly submissive, hyper-active, or aggressive) dogs. These dogs may be sold at an inappropriately young age, often without proper vaccinations; and no certification for genetic defects. Poor breeders have little regard for the frequency of breeding or the age of breeding stock. Good breeders will have a written contract or agreement with the new owner to take the puppy or dog back for practically any reason, without any particular time limitation, and with financial compensation in the event of genetic disorders that occur commonly in the breed. Poor breeders provide little if any guarantee.

When a dog is selected and purported to be purebred, the word “purebred” or “registered” must, by law, be on the bill ofsale or receipt and the dog must be registered with a recognized body under the Animal Pedigree Act. The Animal Pedigree Act is an essential part of federal law governing the registration of purebred dogs in Canada and any infractions thereof. A statement of breed on the bill of sale (e.g., “Cocker Spaniel”, “Golden Retriever”, or “Maltese”) is not sufficient. Requirements for purebreds are established by an authorized breed association (e.g., the Canadian Kennel Club).

Potential purchasers of a puppy or dog should spend time screening breeders and the animals sold by them. This is as important for an individual acquiring a pet as for those looking for breeding stock and potential show-quality dogs. All buyers should consider “good temperament” as an essential criterion for selection.

Impulse buying should be strongly discouraged. Breeders selling dogs to the general public must spend time with the consumer to ensure that the dog is compatible with the expectations of the purchaser and that the purchaser can provide a suitable environment for the dog.

Canadian Veterinary Medical Association
A Code of Practice for Canadian Kennel Operations
Second edition