More average people are breeding dogs today than in decades past.
The upswing in the popularity of canine ownership and the demand for "designer" pooches are contributing factors in this trend.
Some might say that dog breeders are a dime a dozen.
How, then, can you be sure that the one you do business with is a reputable one? Breeding dogs is an industry that brings in millions each year in North America.
Contrary to what most people believe, though, many individual breeders don't make a significant profit overall.
Vet costs, housing, food, stud fees, registration costs and other incidentals eat away at the largest part of those profits.
This is largely why so many "puppy mills" spring up every year, despite new, tougher laws cracking down on such operations.
The term "backyard breeders" has taken on a negative connotation as well in recent years.
It refers to ordinary people who take to breeding dogs in their homes and backyards.
The term has become a negative one because too many "backyard breeders" cut corners in order to make a profit.
It's important to note that not all people breeding dogs in their homes are unscrupulous.
Many actually do a fine job.
They truly love breeding dogs and take deliberate steps to protect them, feed them and care for them properly.
Fortunately, many US states have enacted "Puppy Lemon Laws" in an effort to discourage poor breeding practices.
The terms of these laws vary from state to state.
Most offer some type of consumer protection for canine buyers (as well as cat buyers) who discover their new pet is sick or has some type of defect within a certain period after purchase.
However, puppy mills and backyard dog breeders are still prolific.
It's up to you as the consumer to take charge of the canine-buying process and be your own advocate.
Here are just a few traits to look for in order to determine whether a particular seller is a responsible one: 1) He or she will have a business license and/or registration certificate: A dog breeder need not necessarily have a business license or any kind of certification to produce healthy pups.
However, those who have taken steps to get a legal business license in their area are usually more credible than those who don't.
The same applies to registration certificates.
A reputable breeder will almost always register with a governing organization, such as the American Kennel Club or similar registry.
Avoid one that cannot show proof of either a business license, registration certificate or both.
2) The owner will be willing to show you where the canines live, play and sleep: A responsible dog breeder will maintain clean and healthy living conditions for his/her pooches.
This means adhering to "best practice" standards for cleanliness.
If a business owner is reluctant to show a prospective buyer the living area of the dog(s), take this as a sign to do business elsewhere.
3) He or she will offer customers a "guarantee of health": This means the dog breeder will provide the buyer with tangible proof that a puppy is healthy.
Usually this takes the form of a signed certificate or letter from a vet who has examined the puppy.
This should also include immunization records.
Avoid a seller who can't provide these.
Breeding dogs must be done in a caring and ethical manner.
If a dog breeder that you are dealing with seems evasive, there's probably a reason.
Use your intuition and gut instincts when you select a dog breeder.