Why Pay More For A Pet Puppy?

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Quality Bred
Both the sire and dam of this puppy came from top quality breeding stock which was developed over years and years of selective and knowledgeable breeding. Both meet the requirement of the written AKC and ASCA standard for the breed in conformation as well as temperament. Each has a pedigree, which has been studied and thoroughly researched and breeders of those dogs interviewed. These dogs have been selected to breed to each other because they can both contribute to the excellence of the breed as well as complement one another.

Backyard Breeder
The dam of this litter was purchased from a local pet store and originally came from an Kansas puppy mill or is the product of a backyard breeder who sold her with breeding rights without ever evaluating her. She was sick off and on the first year of her life due to too many different types of intestinal parasites and malnutrition. The sire, an over-sized male, lives down the street and was purchased from an ad in the newspaper. Neither owner has ever heard of the AKC or ASCA written standard. Neither owner has seen a written pedigree. The female is skittish and snappy. Her owners hope that having a litter will calm her down. Instead, the puppy you purchase inherits the temperament problems of the dam and bites your grandchild, causing a permanent scar.

Quality Bred
Before this breeding ever took place, both male and female had health testing including hip X-Rays, eye tests and genetic screenings (that are currently available) to determine  there were no physical or genetic problems that might be passed on to offspring. The breeder is well aware of the genetic problems to which the breed is predisposed.  They don't  use any animal for breeding unless it is certified clear of defects by a qualified Veterinarian or appropriate tests. The health of her pups are guaranteed.

Backyard Breeder

The breeder is totally unaware of the genetic problems within the breed. Trips to the Veterinarian, except for dire emergencies or yearly shots, are considered too expensive.  Puppies are sold with no guarantee. 

Quality Bred
The breeder is a professional, with a good reputation.  Her/his goal is to produce beautiful and sound puppies.   Both the mother and pups are fed the highest quality diet and supplements over the course of their life; not only during gestation. The pups are raised in a busy part of the house where they are socialized, groomed and exposed to different kinds of stimuli. Never raised in the garage, barn, or kennel building.  They are touched, talked to, cuddled and even sung to. They are never sold before they are eight weeks old. Every buyer is interviewed at length.   Pups are placed only in homes where they will receive the finest treatment.  The breeder takes much in consideration to make a good match between the needs and wants of the family and the personality of the puppy. The breeder spends time with each new owner, educating and answering questions. Follow-up calls are made to make sure the pups are adjusting well. Each new owner receives a bill of sale, health guarantees, vaccination record, minimum five-generation pedigree, guarantee of registration with the AKC or ASCA and thorough puppy care/nutrition information. If the puppy is not considered to be breeding quality, the puppy is sold with a limited registration with non-breeding agreements. The new owners are strongly encouraged to continue a relationship with the breeder, and to call and ask questions at any time during the dog's life.

Backyard Breeder
These puppies are born in a box, in the garage and receive little care other than what the mother gives. To cut costs they are weaned on generic dog food and allowed to nurse on the mother as long as possible to keep food bills down. The bitch's health declines rapidly due to poor health causing some pups to be weak and runty. They are sold as quickly as possible because advertising and vaccines are expensive. They are sold without having had their dewclaws removed, without shots, parasite checks, vet examinations, guarantees or information of any kind. They are sold to anyone who has the cash. If the new owner is lucky he may receive a AKC registration application. Although the puppy is of very poor quality, it is sold with full breeding rights. The new owner usually disappears with the pup, never to be seen again. If the market is not good, the breeder takes the leftover pups to the local pet shop.

The comparison you have just read is hypothetical, but very typical of what is seen too often. Although, not every breeder who charges higher prices is reputable and ethical. Pet buyers should keep looking until they find one that is. When I am asked why my prices are so much higher than those in some newspaper ads, I mail a copy of this article. Those buyers who respect the quality, excellence and holistic rearing are wonderful customers and become "partners" in this hobby that I love so much. Those that are seeking pets deserve nothing less than a nice quality, healthy and trusting animal. As well as a breeder they can count on."
- Anonymous