Responsible Breeders...

Are upfront about the negative characteristics of the breed

Will never pressure you to buy a puppy

Will always take the dog back at any age and for any reason

Will tell you if they think this is not the breed for you

Are active in the dog world (showing, working, etc...)

Breed only those dogs that are certified against health defects and closely resemble the breed standard

Are Familiar with and follow the Code of Ethics of their National Breed Club

Will ask you lots of questions

Will provide a guarantee and written contract

Does not allow puppies to leave until they are at least seven weeks old

Requires that all puppies, regardless of quality, placed in "pet" homes be altered as soon as possible

Rarely break even, financially

Know there is no such thing as a stupid question

Are always learning

Do rescue

Irresponsible Breeders...

Do not check for genetic disorders

Will not take dogs back

Are hesitant to answer too many questions

Breed for profit

Cannot provide references

Often repeat breedings

Does not care what happens to the puppy after the sale

Allows puppies to go to new homes before they are seven weeks old

Encourages buyers to breed

Do not consider their actions to have an impact on pet overpoulation

Do not consider the welfare of the puppies or their parents while making breeding decisions