Responsible breeders are individuals who have focused their efforts on one or a select few breeds and through breeding, historical research and ongoing study, mentoring relationships, club memberships, showing, raising and training of these breeds have become experts in their health, heritable defects, temperament and behavior. Responsible breeders are well suited to educate and screen potential buyers/adopters and provide follow-up support after purchase or adoption. Responsible breeders take lifetime responsibility for the animals they have bred.

Screens breeding stock for heritable diseases; removes affected animals from breeding program. Affected animals are altered; may be placed as pets as long as health issues are disclosed to buyers/adopters.
Has working knowledge of genetics and generally avoids inbreeding.
Removes aggressive animals from breeding program.
Keeps breeding stock healthy and well socialized.
Never keeps more dogs or cats than they can provide with the highest level of care, including quality food, clean water, proper shelter from heat or cold, exercise and socialization and professional veterinary care.
Bases breeding frequency on mother’s health, age, condition and recuperative abilities.
Does not breed extremely young or old animals.
Breeds and rears dogs or cats in their home as they are considered part of the family.
Ensures neonates are kept clean, warm, fed, vetted and with the mother until weaned; begins socialization of neonates at three weeks of age.
Screens and counsels potential guardians; discusses positive and negative aspects of animal/breed.
Ensures animals are weaned before placement (eight to ten weeks of age for dogs and cats).
Complies with all applicable laws regulating breeders in their jurisdiction.
Never sells puppies to a dealer or pet shop.
Offers guidance and support to new guardians.
Provides an adoption/purchase contract in plain English that spells out breeder’s responsibilities, adopter’s responsibilities, health guarantees and return policy.
Provides accurate and reliable health, vaccination and pedigree information.
Makes sure pet quality animals are sold on a limited registration (dogs only), spay/neuter contract or are altered before placement.