By Susan F. Payne

Across this nation legislation is being introduced on state and local levels that can effectively put the access to responsively bred, purebred dogs at risk. In an effort to address such issues as animal over population and acts of cruelty to animals, legislation is popping up that is aimed at severely limiting the keeping of intact animals.

While it is hoped that what is best for dogs is the over riding reason behind such actions, this is far from what could be the desired result. Such laws could eliminate those hobby breeders that do such breeding in a responsible manner and leave only the large puppy mills and animal brokers that most of the public is now aware are truly the source of the problems with the canine over population and unhealthy animals. Education of the public concerning how to spot a reputable breeder and to be a responsible dog owner will go farther than any legislation ever could.

Do you like to watch Westminster Kennel Club? The Eukanuba Invitational? Do you attend your local dog shows? Fun, isn’t it? Where do you think these dogs come from? Not the pound. Not the mall pet shop. Not from a puppy mill or an Internet seller. For the most part these dogs are the product of the hard work and planning of people with decades of experience in a breed. These wonderful people have a dedication to their dogs. They are concerned with producing dogs that are characteristic of the breed with the additional goal of soundness in mind and body. They belong to kennel clubs, attend seminars and subscribe to magazines that keep them up on genetic issues, diseases and general canine health. They swap info with fellow breeders, have in depth discussions with their veterinarians, always interested in learning and proceeding responsibly in their hobby.

They can’t put this hobby in the closet if they get sick of it. They can’t roll over in bed and not take care of the animals. They also are very concerned with their reputation. They want to be as certain as they can that the puppies they produce are put in the best homes possible. These puppies go with spay/neuter contracts that include a Do Not Abandon clause. Responsible breeders take responsibility for their dogs from conception to death, even though the dog may be sold. If you have a problem in two days, two years or ten years, responsible breeders are there to help. Care is taken with each breeding that occurs. Genetic assessments are made. Can a mistake be made? Certainly, but here is where the reputation and dedication to the breed steps in.

When care is taken that a dog is sold into an appropriate home there is less chance that this dog will be irresponsibly kept. It will not be bred when it should not be. The dogs of the reputable breeder are not the ones that are barking uncontrollably. These are not the dogs that are wandering loose in your neighborhood. These are not the dogs that are attacking other dogs or people. These dogs get regular veterinary care, regular grooming and socialization.

Eliminating or greatly reducing those individuals and companies that are not breeding for the good of the breed, the good of the dog, will also reduce problems of canine overpopulation. So the appropriate step is to educate the general public on how to recognize a reputable breeder. Also, the public must realize that buying from other than a reputable breeder, while such an act may “rescue” a puppy from a less than desirable situation, in the long run results in more animals being brought into poor situations.

So the questions become how to define a reputable breeder and how to find such a breeder.

The first place to look for a purebred dog is through what is referred to as the parent club of a breed. All American Kennel Club recognized breeds have such clubs. They are national clubs. Examples are The Chihuahua Club of America, The Poodle Club of America. They have websites that are educational and direct visitors to members. From there, the potential buyer can look at the breeders’ websites or get other contact information. These websites are more of a showcase of the breeder’s dogs and not a solicitation to purchase.

Once a list of breeders is found and contact has been made, the next step is to visit the breeders’ homes. It is hard pressed to consider anyone reputable that will sell to someone without looking him or her in the eye, thus a face to face meeting must take place. Also, one should be wary of anyone who is willing to meet a buyer at a place other than his or her own home. Red flags should go up if this is the case. The conditions at the home may be far from ideal. As stated earlier, purchasing from such conditions only encourages such abuse and/or neglect to continue.

The freedom of responsible hobby breeders is under attack. The freedom to purchase a responsibly and lovingly bred purebred dog is also under attack as a direct result of the legislations and threatened legislations that are coming up across this nation. Let your representatives know how you feel. Let them know what the potential result of their actions could be. Be aware too, that groups that seem benign – PETA and some humane societies and rescue organizations – may not be truly acting in the best interest of the animals. Do your own research. Think through the issues.

With each freedom that is eliminated, it is only easier to eliminate the next. Perhaps animals are not “your thing.” But think of it this way, if we, the citizens, can educate the public and eliminate the unscrupulous “breeders” among us there will be less of a need for controls. There will be less of a need for funds for animal control and rescue. The people that contribute to these causes will have funds that can be directed elsewhere; perhaps to something that you feel is important.

Again, don’t let any freedom be taken away. Advocate for education of the public. Advocate for responsibility. You never know what will next be under attack.