German Shepherd Breeders
vs
Backyard Breeders

So, you've been thinking about getting a German Shepherd puppy...

You are confident that you can provide the exercise and mental stimulation that this working dog breed requires.

And German Shepherd puppies are the absolute cutest!

You can hardly wait to bring that cute bundle of fur home. Spotting an ad in the paper, you reach for the phone.

But now is not the time for impulsiveness. Do not rush. Finish the most important part of your search first.

Find a Quality German Shepherd Breeder

You do not want to be surprised with a poor temperament and assorted health issues after you have bonded with your new puppy.

Take the time to find a dog that is sound in mind, body and temperament.

Avoid the Puppy Mills and Backyard Breeders

Dog breeding should be a passion... not a business.

You have probably heard about the horrors of puppy mills. But, stay away from backyard breeders as well.

These casual breeders have the wrong motives which could range from:

• "Easy" money
• Sharing the miracle of birth with their children
• A desire to reproduce or duplicate their great pet

While some reasons may be noble at heart, they do not consider the health of the puppies. Nor are they looking out for the future of the breed. Backyard breeders create character flaws and genetic issues.

The resulting puppies are members of the breed by name alone.

Locating a Breeder

Responsible breeders will not typically advertise in the newspaper classifieds. They often have a waiting list (spread by word of mouth) long before the puppies are born. Instead of the newspaper, check with veterinarians, groomers, obedience or training schools, pet supply outlets, breed organizations or kennel clubs in your area. Pick up a copy of The German Shepherd Quarterly or another breed publication for a list of ethical breeders.

Yes, you will find a better price at a backyard breeder. They price low to to sell the puppies quickly.

But, you get what you pay for. According to Norma Bennett Woolfs, "Finding a Responsible Breeder," you should expect to pay over $500 for a large breed puppy ($200 for a small breed, $300-$500 for a medium breed). I paid $400 for my backyard German Shepherd puppy... with full registration papers.

To his credit, the backyard breeder I found in the paper showed me OFA certificates for both parents. But, he did not want to know anything about me...

Or the type of environment the puppy would be going to.

Be Prepared for an Interview

A quality breeder will (and should!) ask you a ton of questions. In “What Is a Backyard Breeder?” Karen Peak correctly states that “a good breeder will all but interrogate you."

Do not take this personally. Reputable breeders are very demanding of their buyers. They take full responsibility for the puppies they produce and have strict criteria for potential buyers. You should also spend time questioning him.

Is a GSD right for Me?

An ethical breeder should also highlight the challenges in owning a GSD. After all, both of you have a vested interest in keeping the dog from being euthanized in a shelter. Linda Hazen Lewin writes in “How to Recognize a Reputable Dog Breeder” that “no responsible breeder wants their dogs to end life in the pound, on the streets, or shuffled from one unsuitable home to another.”

If you locate a breeder that does not discuss the disadvantages of the breed, continue your search.

Right Breed, Right Dog

Once you have determined that a GSD puppy is right for you, now you need to pick the right one.

The backyard breeder I visited did not offer any advice whatsoever about my pick. His attitude was "take the puppy and go."

A reputable breeder works very closely with his dogs. And he should know the personality and temperament of each one. Ideally, the puppy’s progress has been tracked since birth and he can identify each one’s traits.

This helps to match every puppy with a buyer for a perfect fit. He is also able to judge which animals have the best potential to be show dogs and which ones will make the best pets.

Mission: Improve the Breed

One goal of an ethical breeder is to improve the bloodline of the breed. Therefore, he will more than likely keep in contact with you.

He will want to know if the dog:

• becomes a biter
• is excessively shy
• develops arthritis
• has problems with his coat

You should expect a call from the breeder if any puppies from the litter develop unexpected temperament or health issues. The breeder is an invaluable resource. Do not hesitate to ask for information, help and advice.

Usually, each puppy comes with a health guarantee. Should the puppy develop a disorder that is covered in the guarantee, a responsible breeder will take steps to make things right. This may include a refund, a new puppy, or assistance with the problem.

A caring breeder considers each litter to be his responsibility for life. And will gladly offer assistance. Many times without expecting compensation.

Got Papers?

AKC registry is not necessarily a sign of a quality puppy. The backyard breeder I visited advertised full registration for every puppy in the litter. Another red flag.

This "breeder" hadn't taken the time to find out which puppies should (or should not) enter the gene pool. In other words, he was not looking to better the breed.

Many breeders require a contract in which the buyer promises to spay or neuter the puppy. This prevents future backyard breeding and deterioration of the breed. Some breeders provide an AKC limited registration instead of a regular registration. This means that although the puppy is registered with the AKC, “no litters produced by that dog are eligible for registration.”

Do not pay more for this certification. In “What Is a Backyard Breeder?” Karen Peak warns us to be wary of breeders who charge extra for a pedigree or a registration.

Tell Me About Your Mother...

Ask to see the litter’s sire and dam. Ironically, a responsible breeder will most likely not have both parents on site.

Unlike casual breeders, they do not mate their dog with the most convenient dog of the same breed. The choice of stud is a matter of breed improvement, not proximity. Backyard breeders do not take the time to verify that a stud may lack the ideal qualities of the breed.

The dam, however, should always be on site, and he should be happy to let you meet her. If the breeder hesitates, go elsewhere. The dogs may be aggressive, fearful, or have temperamental issues.

Try to spend some time with the mother. Pet her and play with her to determine her temperament. It will be a good indicator of the personalities of her pups.

Forewarned is Forearmed

I hope you've learned from my mistake in patronizing a backyard breeder. Don't get me wrong, I love my Schatzi to death. I am thrilled that I rescued her from that unhealthy environment.

And I am prepared to do whatever it takes to get her out of her introverted shell.

But, I will never again support a backyard breeder.

As you search for your new best friend, remember that the following are not necessarily signs of an ethical breeder:

• "AKC registered"
• "home raised"
• "both parents on premises"

You don't always get the dog you want, but you get the dog that you need.
~Cesar Millan, "The Dog Whisperer"

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