Woof! More Than Cuteness: A Trainer's Look at Ethical Dog Breeding

Woof! More Than Cuteness: A Trainer's Look at Ethical Dog Breeding

Every puppy's wagging tail and floppy ears melt our hearts. But as a trainer who works with dogs of all breeds and origins, I can't help but think about the journey they took to get here. And that journey, especially in the world of dog breeding, isn't always sunshine and puppy breath.

Ethical dog breeding is more than just avoiding puppy mills and backyard breeders. It's a philosophy that prioritizes the well-being of the dogs – both the breeding stock and the future generations – above aesthetics or profit. As a trainer, I often see the consequences of unethical breeding practices reflected in the dogs entrusted to me. Let me break it down.

From the Ground Up: Prioritizing Health and Temperament

Ethical breeders start with meticulous selection. They prioritize health, conducting rigorous genetic testing for predisposed conditions and choosing breeding pairs accordingly. This isn't just about ticking boxes – it's about preventing suffering and ensuring healthy, active lives for their puppies.

Each breed club has recommended health tests for health issues that show up in their breed. For example, the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America recommends hip evaluation, elbow evaluation, ophthalmologist evaluation, cardiac exam, and Von Willebrand’s disease DNA test to be done on all breeding stock. In the US, there are two places you can have hip and elbow radiographs sent to to have them evaluated, the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) and AIS PennHip. The OFA also does cardiac and eye certifications (CAER). For genetic testing, Embark, research partner of Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, is the most thorough test currently available, offering testing for over 160 genetic mutations.

The second thing to look for when searching for an ethical breeder is relevant titles. If you want a Belgian Malinois to do bite sports with, you should look for IPO or Schutzhund titles on the parents. If you are looking for a German Shorthaired Pointer to hunt with, you should look for hunt titles on the parents. If you are looking for a show prospect or even just a pet, you should look for conformation titles on the parents. These titles are proof that your dog will be genetically predisposed to do what you want them to do, whether that’s working, showing, or just being a structurally and temperamentally sound pet. Another thing to look for in this regard, while not necessarily titles, is the success of other dogs in the pedigree. If you are looking for a service or therapy dog prospect, look for breeders that breed specifically for these traits and have produced successful service and therapy dogs.

But it's not all about genes. Responsible breeders also focus on temperament. They understand that a well-bred dog isn't just cute, it's also stable, confident, and adaptable. They socialize their puppies early on, exposing them to different environments and people, ensuring they grow into friendly, well-rounded companions.

Other things to look at are temperament of parents, conditions puppies are born and raised in, registration of parents and litter with a reputable registry, age of breeding stock, and cohesive breeds if looking into crossbred dogs. Since temperament is largely genetic, it is important to know the temperament of the parents to get a good idea of how your puppy will turn out post-maturity. When looking at conditions, look for a whelping box, puppies being raised indoors, early crate and potty training, enrichment and socialization and cleanliness, as well as the puppies being seen by a veterinarian for vaccinations, deworming and a check up. Puppy Culture is a fantastic program to keep an eye out for when researching breeder programs! As far as registration, this is how you can see your dog’s pedigree and know for certain where they come from, as well as how you can compete with your dogs. For example, some reputable registries are the American Kennel Club, the United Kennel Club and the Canadian Kennel Club. A huge red flag is dogs being bred before two years of age, since all health testing cannot be completed until then. A dog is also not fully mature before two years, and it is important to know how your dogs turn out as mature adults before having them produce puppies.

Beyond the Pedigree: Transparency and Education

Transparency is key. Ethical breeders are open about their breeding practices, the health tests they conduct, and any potential limitations inherent in the breed. They educate potential owners about the breed's needs and expectations, fostering responsible pet ownership and preventing future behavioral issues.

From Leash to Love: Supporting Ethical Breeders

So, what can you do as a dog lover? Support ethical breeders. Research breeders thoroughly, look for certifications and health test results, and ask questions. Be prepared to pay a fair price that reflects the care and effort invested in raising healthy, well-bred puppies.

By choosing ethical breeders and supporting responsible pet acquisition, we can all work towards a future where every dog's journey is filled with love, care, and wagging tails. Remember, it's not just about finding the perfect pup – it's about ensuring a lifetime of happiness, both for the dog and for you.

Let's talk! What are your thoughts on ethical dog breeding? Share your experiences and questions in the comments below. We can all learn from each other and do our part to create a better world for dogs.

P.S. Don't forget to share this post with your fellow dog lovers! Together, we can spread the word about responsible dog breeding and adoption.