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Choosing a
Reputable Breeder |
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If your homework suggests that the Bouvier may be a good breed for you
and your family, the next step in the process may be to start finding a
Bouvier des Flandres breeder. At this point your education is not yet
complete, but you should be ready to start talking with the experts.
Finding the right breeder
means finding someone in whom you have confidence, trust and faith.
Different breeders have different approaches to promoting the welfare of
the breed, so you should try to find someone whose ideas about raising
dogs are similar to your own. You will find that for every two breeders
you contact, you'll get three opinions on the right and wrong way to
select a breeding pair, raise a pup, and place the puppies in a good
home.
Once again, the best way
to approach this phase in the process is to gather as much information
as you can. Don't settle on the first breeder you find, even if they
have pups available. In fact, the most experienced breeders generally
have waiting lists for prospective owners, so take special caution if
you find some one willing to offer you a puppy right away.
Your relationship with
your breeder lasts far beyond the placement of a puppy in your home. You
should be confident that your breeder is someone who will be there for
you throughout the life of your BdF. This is particularly true for
first-time owners, because no matter how much research you do, you will
have important questions and concerns that no amount of outside homework
can settle. Moreover, you will be entering into a contractual
relationship with your breeder that may affect your ownership rights and
obligations for years to come. If you can't trust your breeder, then
you've chosen the wrong breeder ! |
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Fact: If you ever see a Bouvier des Flandres in a pet store, it is the
result of theft, fraud, cruelty or stupidity of the last owner. |
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Pure
bred dogs do not belong in pet stores, which often fail to provide for
the basic needs of their "inventory." If you've purchased family pets
from a pet store in the past, its time to change your thinking. Please
follow
this link for more information about why
you should never purchase a dog from a pet store.
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Fact: If you don't visit the breeder, you could be buying from a puppy
mill. |
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Unfortunately, there
are puppy mills that breed Bouvier des Flandres, and the problem will
only get worse as the breed's popularity increases. Always visit the
breeder to be sure that you are buying from a reputable person who truly
cares for their animals. Also, you'll avoid getting scammed by "breeder
representatives" who pretend to act on behalf of breeders, but more
likely work for pet stores or puppy mills. Please follow
this link or read
this article for more information about
the problem of puppy mills.
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Fact: A BdF advertised in the newspaper may not come from a reputable
breeder, and may not even be a Bouvier. |
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It is very uncommon
for breeders to advertise available puppies in the newspaper, primarily
because the demand for their pups always exceeds the supply. Most
breeders have waiting lists, meaning there is almost never the need to
advertise an available dog. Sometimes, but rarely, a buyer will back out
and the breeder will seek to quickly place the pup. But don't count on
it. Its more likely that the ad was placed by a pet store, puppy mill or
con artist.
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Fact: There are only two places to responsibly get a Bouvier des
Flandres -- from a reputable breeder or from a rescue program. |
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Period ... end of
story. To learn more about BdF rescue programs, talk with the rescue
coordinators listed on
this page. To learn more about Bouvier breeders, continue
reading here. |
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In choosing a breeder there are three basic options
available to you:
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PET SHOP or
DEALER
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The worst possible choice.
Puppies are poorly bred and raised. They are thought of as merchandise to be sold
for a high profit. This high profit is possible because little has been put into the
care of the puppies. Many are sickly. Pet shops rely heavily on impulse
buying, which is no way to choose an addition to your family.
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BACKYARD BREEDER
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Also a poor choice. This
person owns a “pet quality” purebred dog and thinks having a litter would be fun
or a good experience for the children. These pet owners believe this is a
quick and easy way to make money. This type of breeding is done without
consideration of their dog’s health, history, and conformation. They are
unaware of their breed’s standard and possible genetic problems and
concerns. Their pet has not been certified free of disorders. Often
their dogs are not even regularly checked by a veterinarian. Their goal is to
produce puppies and sell them quickly at a very young age.
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HOBBY BREEDER
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The best choice. The serious
and dedicated hobby breeder is passionate about their dogs and their breed. The hobby
breeder’s goal is to produce superior dogs. They do this by breeding only the
very best animals, keeping in mind the AKC breed standard and the background of their
dogs. They do not make a high profit on their puppies, the money earned is
reinvested into their breeding program in their continuous quest to improve their breed.
These breeders have an undeniable dedication to the breed and stand behind their dogs.
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Your wisest decision in
purchasing a puppy will be to buy from a hobby breeder. Poor quality puppies from
pet shops and backyard breeders are usually sold for the same price and sometimes even
more than those from a serious hobby breeder. All three types of breeders sell
puppies with CKC papers, however, this is not an assurance of quality. |
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How does one recognize the serious, dedicated hobby
breeder?
They should meet the following requirements, your breeder should: |
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1. |
Belong to a local all-breed club and
their breed’s national club, this indicates participation and depth of
involvement. This also exposes the breeder to other points of view. They keep
up to date on breeding practices, health considerations, other bloodlines, and
general dog care. They breed in accordance with the Club's Code of Ethics.
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Show their dogs. This prevents
the breeder from breeding in a vacuum. The breeder who does not show will have
no idea how good or bad their dogs are. They deprive themselves of the
opportunity to learn/share information and ideas with others. Showing provides
the competition which encourages breeders to produce better dogs. The breeder
who shows wants to prove their dogs in competition by putting their breeding program
on the line. They do not allow the pedigree alone to indicate quality.
Even though you are not buying a show dog, you want and deserve a puppy that
resulted from a carefully planned litter, a puppy which has received the same care and
attention as a potential champion. This breeder is very conscientious of their
reputation and will be careful and honest with you in selling you one of their
puppies.
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Allow you time to have the puppy
examined by a veterinarian, usually 48 to 72 hours. You do this as an
assurance to yourself that the puppy's health is sound, even though the puppy has
previously been checked by the breeder's veterinarian. This way if any
problems are found they can be resolved quickly.
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Give you written instructions on
feeding, training, care, and grooming. You will receive a copy of the
puppy's vaccine and health records. The breeder should provide you with information
and resources about your puppies breed.
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Show you proof that the sire and dam
of your puppy have been x-rayed clear of hip dysplasia, preferably with an OFA
certification number.
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Make it clear to you that they will
be available to you after you leave with your new puppy. Many dedicated
breeders will ask that the dog be returned to them or placed with new owners who
meet with their approval if you are unable to continue ownership.
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Want to know what kind of dogs you
have had in the past and what happened to them.
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Ask questions of you. They
will make you aware of the negatives of owning a dog as well as the positives.
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Will have a clean environment, well
socialized puppies and a dam with a good temperament—happy and self-assured.
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May be hesitant to sell you a puppy
until they know more about you. Will not pressure you into deciding
immediately, and encourage you to see other litters before making your final decision.
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Provide you with a contract and or
conditions of sale.
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Require spaying or neutering of pet
quality puppies. Breeders spend a lot of time and effort planning breeding
programs designed to improve the breed. They selectively carry on their programs
with the best quality available. Pet quality puppies should be loved and
enjoyed as pets. Reputable breeders do not want their dogs being used to just
‘make puppies,’ or have their bloodlines end up in a puppy mill.
Therefore they will require your puppy to be spayed or neutered before being registered
with CKC.
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If your
breeder meets the above criteria you are in good hands. If you have a negative
response to any of the above, think twice. Do not be impulsive and ask
questions. Keep in mind you will pay for quality, whether you get it— is up to
you. Select your puppy's breeder carefully! |
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suggestions for how to find breeders using resources available on the Internet: |
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Breed
Clubs |
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| Probably the best approach to
finding contact information for breeders is to contact the Bouvier des Flandres breed
clubs closest to your area. Many local clubs have information about members who have, or
who plan to have, puppies available for sale. Because the local clubs often have mandatory
ethics codes for breeders included on their referral list, you are more likely to find an
experienced, knowledgeable breeder through the local clubs. The club may also sponsor
shows or social events where you can meet breeders and their dogs. Be sure to ask which
events are open to non-members. A partial
list
of breed clubs is available right here at the BdFCC Home page. If you cannot
find the address for a breed club in your area, or if there is no local club, then contact
one of the national breed clubs for assistance. |
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| The
Mailing List |
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| As an alternative, a message
to the Bouvier Mailing List may put you in touch with
breeders or lead to a referral. Be sure that your message to the list includes some
information about yourself and your circumstances. It is also a good idea to include a
short statement about why you think you'd be a good owner. This allows breeders and others
on the list to gauge whether you're serious about finding a pup, and whether you've done
your homework ahead of time. Unfortunately, too many people come to mailing list looking
for a puppy without having truly researched the breed. You can distinguish yourself by
posting a thoughtful, informed message. |
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What's So
Great About a Good Breeder? |
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they specialize in the breed and
know its strengths and weaknesses |
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they research and strive to avoid
genetic defects and diseases |
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they will offer advice and
information whenever you need them |
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they take the time to properly care
for and socialize their puppies |
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they can help you get started in
conformation, obedience, carting, etc. |
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they put the welfare of the pups
first--many lose money on a typical litter |
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they produce Bouvier because they
love the breed and want to make it better |
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rec.pets.dogs.breeds
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| Similarly, a message posted to
the rec.pets.dogs.breeds Usenet newsgroup may lead to a breeder referral. As with a
message to the mailing list, your post should describe your interest in the Bouvier and
the work you've done to research the breed; this will help breeders identify you as a
serious candidate. Please be very cautious about information your receive from newsgroups.
Con-artists sometimes use the newsgroups to take advantage of unsuspecting buyers. |
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Rescue
Dogs |
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| Finally, if you are willing or
able to adopt an older Bouvier, considering opening your home and hearts to a Bouvier
rescue dog. All too often, these lost or abandoned dogs urgently need a loving family to
share their lives. Please contact one of the
national or local rescue coordinators if this might be an
option for you. |
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Some
Final Advice |
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| Don't be discouraged by
waiting lists. The breed is rare, and demand is greater than the supply of quality
puppies. Finding the right breeder should be far more important than finding an available
puppy. You can always use the time to learn more about the breeder and the breed. And,
when you finally bring home your little bundle of Bouvier love, it will be all the more
special because you took the time to make the right decision. |
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Remember:
No pet shops. No puppy mills or unknown sellers. No newspaper ads unless you thoroughly
investigate the situation. When in doubt, get some advice from the mailing
list before proceeding. Be smart! |
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