Backyard vs Reputable
Backyard Breeder
1. Motive for breeding: "fun", "good for kids", "to make money". Does not screen buyers and seldom refuses
to sell, even if buyer is unsuitable.
2. Breeds the family pet to any convenient pet of the same breed just to have purebred pups. Has no
concern for genetics, bloodlines, or breed improvement.
3. Though pet may be well loved, it probably wasn't looked at for possible hip dysplasia or checked for other health clearances.
4. Offers no health guarantee beyond proof of shots, if that. Unqualified to give help if problem develops.
5. Sells has little knowledge of breed history or of the AKC breed standard. May claim this does not matter for
"just pets".
6. Pups raised in makeshift accommodations, indicating lack of long-term investment in breeding.
7. Even when selling "just pets", may produce AKC papers or "championship pedigrees" as proof of quality.
Yet seller does not increase his own knowledge through participation in national, regional, or
local breed clubs.
8. May be unwilling to show a buyer the entire litter or to introduce the dam of the litter. Cannot or will not
compare/critique pups or pup's ancestors.
9. Prices are at the low end of local range, since must move pups quickly.
10. No concern for the future of individual pups or the breed as a whole. Does not use AKC's limited
registration option or ask for spay/neuter contract to guard against the breeding of sub-standard
pups. If you cannot keep pup, tells you to take it to a dog pound or sell it.
Reputable Breeder
1. Dedication to producing quality dogs is serious avocation. Has so much invested in dogs that he
struggles to break even, not make a profit. Will sell pups only to approved buyers.
2. Can explain how planned matings are used to emphasize specific qualities through line-breeding,
out-crossing, or more rarely, inbreeding.
3. Has breeding stock had x-rays for hip dysplasia and tests for other genetic faults. Can produce
certification to prove claims?
4. Lifetime commitment to replace a dog with genetic faults or to help owner deal with problem.
5. Loves the breed and can talk at length about its background, uses, and ideal type.
6. Has a serious investment in dog equipment and facilities.
7. Belongs to a national, regional, and local dog clubs, indicating a love for the sport of purebred dogs.
Exhibits own dogs as an objective test of how his stock measures up.
8. Shows litter and dam in sanitary environment. Helps buyer evaluate and choose a pup. Explains
criteria for "show prospects" vs "pet picks".
9. Price will be at high end of local range, not cut-rate. Price will not reflect all that is invested in the pups.
10. After purchase, will help you with grooming or training problems. Will take back a pup you cannot
keep rather than see it disposed of inappropriately. Sells pets with spay/neuter agreement and
on AKC limited registration.
struggles to break even, not make a profit. Will sell pups only to approved buyers.
2. Can explain how planned matings are used to emphasize specific qualities through line-breeding,
out-crossing, or more rarely, inbreeding.
3. Has breeding stock had x-rays for hip dysplasia and tests for other genetic faults. Can produce
certification to prove claims?
4. Lifetime commitment to replace a dog with genetic faults or to help owner deal with problem.
5. Loves the breed and can talk at length about its background, uses, and ideal type.
6. Has a serious investment in dog equipment and facilities.
7. Belongs to a national, regional, and local dog clubs, indicating a love for the sport of purebred dogs.
Exhibits own dogs as an objective test of how his stock measures up.
8. Shows litter and dam in sanitary environment. Helps buyer evaluate and choose a pup. Explains
criteria for "show prospects" vs "pet picks".
9. Price will be at high end of local range, not cut-rate. Price will not reflect all that is invested in the pups.
10. After purchase, will help you with grooming or training problems. Will take back a pup you cannot
keep rather than see it disposed of inappropriately. Sells pets with spay/neuter agreement and
on AKC limited registration.
@Written by Chris Halverson, Dog Fancy Magazine, 1980
Health Clearances
Do Bloodhounds have health issues ...
As with all large breeds, bloodhounds may have hip and elbow dysplasia, a potentially crippling disease. Reputable breeders should all receive OFA certification on their breeding stock to reduce the chances of their puppies having issues. As you research this breed and before you decide this is what you want to bring home ... we would advise you to take the time to go the the OFA website (www.ofa.org). and learn more about the health clearances that should always be done on your bloodhound.
We have made the decision to be sure that all of our hounds go through all health clearances necessary prior to becoming one of our breeding stock. In fact, as you go through our website, you will see that we have made the hard decision to re-home one of our females due to them not passing her hip/elbow tests.
There are other health issues that you may occur with your bloodhound ... do your research on this wonderful but complex breed. Also be prepared, as hard as it will be, your hound will not live as long as their smaller counterparts will. The typical life span for a bloodhound is somewhere between 9 to 11 years of age.
We have made the decision to be sure that all of our hounds go through all health clearances necessary prior to becoming one of our breeding stock. In fact, as you go through our website, you will see that we have made the hard decision to re-home one of our females due to them not passing her hip/elbow tests.
There are other health issues that you may occur with your bloodhound ... do your research on this wonderful but complex breed. Also be prepared, as hard as it will be, your hound will not live as long as their smaller counterparts will. The typical life span for a bloodhound is somewhere between 9 to 11 years of age.
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