The era of allowing your dog to have puppies ‘just because’ is a thing of the past. Nowadays, such practices can lead to the label of a "backyard breeder." 

Backyard breeders range from puppy mills to individuals who unintentionally allow their pets to breed or fail to spay/neuter them, subsequently distributing or giving away the resulting puppies without much thought. While the "Adopt, Don't Shop" slogan is aimed at reducing the number of euthanized dogs, it's important to acknowledge that there is still a valid demand for intentionally bred dogs.

Responsible breeders serve as a stark contrast to commercial breeders, backyard breeders, brokers, puppy mills, pet stores, auctions, and others who prioritize profit over ethical practices.

Responsible breeders take a methodical approach to breeding, with the goal of preserving and improving their chosen breed. They carefully plan each breeding, place their dogs with great care, and make a lifelong commitment to both the animals they've produced and their subsequent generations. This commitment to ethical breeding practices ensures that well-raised and healthy puppies are available to meet the demand of responsible dog owners.

In this article we will give you extensive tips on how to determine if a breeder is in fact ethical. At the end of the article there is a handy CHECKLIST to make your research fool proof.

There exists a legitimate demand for purposefully bred dogs, and responsible breeders stand in stark contrast to commercial breeders, backyard breeders, brokers, pet stores, auctions, and others who profit from questionable practices. Responsible breeders meticulously plan their breeding, place dogs with care, and assume a lifelong commitment to both the animals they've bred and their offspring.

Responsible breeders uphold a high standard of care for their dogs, encompassing:

#1  Providing quality food, clean water, proper shelter, exercise, socialization, and professional veterinary care for all dogs.

#2  Maintaining cleanliness and proper grooming for their dogs.

#3  Raising dogs intended as pets within a home environment.

#4  Prioritizing the well-being of the mother and, where applicable, the father, with a breeding plan tailored to each dog's age and health, in consultation with a veterinarian.

#5  Safely handling and socializing puppies with other dogs and people of appropriate ages.

#6  Placing or keeping dogs as pets if they are unable to breed, unsuitable for breeding, or have been returned.

#7  Avoiding permanent physical alterations solely for cosmetic purposes in dogs.

#8  Ensuring puppies are gradually and fully weaned before placement, with an ideal age for placement between 9-12 weeks.

Responsible breeders focus on breeding dogs that are likely to become happy and healthy pets and they:

#1 Prioritize health and functionality over appearance.

#2 Screen for heritable traits that could negatively affect puppies and only breed the healthiest, most physically sound, and behaviorally stable dogs.

#3 Minimize the risk of inherited disorders by avoiding inbreeding (parent to offspring or sibling to sibling).

#4 When placing a puppy or adult dog with a known heritable issue, disclose all relevant information to the new family and ensure spaying or neutering is done before placement.

Responsible breeders emphasize transparency and provide a comprehensive dog history. They will:

#1 Encourage prospective owners to visit where dogs are bred and raised, meet the litter, and ideally, both parents (or at least one), while discussing breeding and sales practices.

#2 Provide accurate health, vaccination, and pedigree information.

#3 Create clear adoption/purchase contracts outlining responsibilities, health guarantees, and return policies.

Responsible breeders are dedicated to securing good homes for all dogs they breed by the following practices:

#1 Using waiting lists or other methods to assess the availability of quality homes before breeding.

#2 Ensuring a good match between the owner and the dog by sharing the dog's characteristics and needs, and they exclusively sell animals directly to prospective owners, avoiding third-party or broker involvement.

#3 Serving as ongoing resources for new owners and being ready to take back or rehome an animal if necessary.

Responsible breeders advocate for the welfare of all dogs by:

#1 Spaying/neutering pets before sale or securing a commitment for future spaying/neutering.

#2 Educating prospective buyers and their communities about the risks of obtaining dogs from commercial breeders, stores, and websites.

#3 Supporting laws and policies that promote breeder transparency, quality care, and accountability.

In conclusion, when adoption is not an option, individuals and families seeking pets should obtain them directly from responsible breeders who carefully breed, care for, and place their dogs. While this process may require some extra effort, the rewards of a healthy pet with ongoing support from a knowledgeable source are well worth it. By choosing responsible breeders, pet owners can avoid unintentionally supporting the cruelty often associated with large-scale dog breeding, poor conditions, and third-party sales through brokers and pet stores without lifelong support.

Registering a dog with the Kennel Union of South Africa serves as confirmation that the dog belongs to a recognized genetic breed. However, it's crucial to note that this registration alone does not provide any assurance regarding the health of the breeder's dogs or the ethical practices of the breeder. The registration primarily focuses on breed standards and lineage rather than the overall well-being and ethical conduct of the breeder. Therefore, individuals interested in acquiring a dog should conduct thorough research and consider multiple factors, including the reputation of the breeder and the health and ethical practices they uphold, in addition to the dog's registration status.

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