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Understanding puppy classified ads -- don’t be fooled!
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It can be tricky to understand breeders' ads for dogs and decipher what they really mean. There are many online or in the newspaper. Since a puppy is a 15-year commitment, it is worth the research to be educated when you make your decision.
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First, answer this: If you were shopping for a puppy, regardless of breed, which of the following 3 classified advertisements do you think is a good bet for a quality dog?
“Oakview kennel Boxers. European Bloodlines, USDA licensed, Breeding family pets since 1980! beautiful and stunning.”
“Rare White Dobermans! Purebred, WWKC registered, Males 500, females 600. Will go fast!”
“AKC German Shepherd Puppies, Champion Lines, Both parents on premises, health guaranteed, 600 obo.”
How about NONE of them. Let’s break it down:
1. “Oakview kennel Boxers. European Bloodlines, USDA licensed, Breeding family pets since 1980! beautiful and stunning.”
The first statement basically says they have 29 years experience breeding Boxers. Oh, well congratulations on being a puppy miller and producing sub-standard dogs for 29 years! Would you like a plaque or something?
“USDA licensed” So they’re advertising the fact that they are compliant with the law? I’m glad they have the government's permission to mass-produce puppies.
“European Bloodlines” Sounds fancy, doesn’t it? Europe (which is an entire continent, by the way) does have some good Boxers. But this means very little. Maybe the breeder bought and flew in a dog years ago, then bred it, and still has dogs related to it that they breed. Euro bloodlines doesn’t mean much in that case, and it doesn’t mean much anyway, because unhealthy dogs exist everywhere, even in Europe.
“Beautiful and stunning” What dog isn’t beautiful? In whose opinion are these dogs “stunning”… the breeder's? No conformation show titles are mentioned. They might not even look anything like Boxers should look, for all we know. This is a non-informational and useless part of the ad.
2. “Rare White Dobermans! Purebred, WWKC registered, Males 500, females 600. Will go fast!”
Worldwide Kennel Club (WWKC) is a joke of a registry. They are often used by puppy mills, and WWKC papers frequently come with dogs sold in pet shops. They will register practically anything, including mixed breeds, if you just pay the fee. You might as well just start your own registry and make certificates on your computer for anyone who will pay you $15.
The second thing wrong with this ad is very sad, White Dobermans. It is wrong to breed a genetic fault. They are actually albinos, and can have a wide range of problems. They suffer from light sensitivity; albinistic Dobermans are also more likely to have behavior and learning issues, various health problems, and shortened lifespan.
Lastly, why are females more expensive than males? Simply because someone can breed the females, thereby making money. The implications of it are disgusting. Only irresponsible backyard breeders price females higher than males. Good breeders encourage pet owners not to breed and often utilize spay/neuter contracts.
3. “AKC German Shepherd Puppies, Champion Lines, Both parents on premises, health guaranteed, 600 obo.”
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is indeed a valid registry. They register many breeds of purebred dogs, and they are an organization that does many things, including promoting responsible dog ownership. But simply being registered with the AKC is NOT a mark of quality. In fact, I fostered a rescue dog who was from a commercial breeder (often called "puppy mills"), was sold through a dog broker to a pet shop, and had AKC papers. Dogs registered with the AKC can have just as many health problems as any mongrel or un-papered dog.
“Champion Lines” This is vague and meaningless. All it means is that somewhere, someplace in the pedigree was a champion (CH) titled show dog. If you found out your father’s great-great-great-grandpa was a genius who was 7’ tall and handsome, would you, yourself expect to also be naturally smart, tall, and good looking? You share a tiny bit of the same genetics, right? Hah. Now if the puppies' parents were both Champions, then it would mean something… but then why would the breeder have to advertise in classified ads?
“Both Parents on premises” Yippee, the little puppies aren’t bastards. They have both a mother and a father, how sweet. Too bad this is a often a sign of either a backyard breeder who bred two random pets, or a commercial breeder who probably has a multitude of breeding dogs. Good breeders don’t necessarily need to own both dogs. Their concern is the best match genetically, not geographic convenience.
And finally, the health guarantee. Makes you feel all good inside, like getting a warranty on a computer. But read exactly what that “guarantee” states, because it most likely says that if you discover a horrible, crippling health defect in your dog 6 months down the line, they will replace it with a new puppy. Will you want to give back your puppy to be euthanized by them, just so you can get a new replacement? Highly doubtful, and that’s what they’re betting on.
If you want a dog, consider rescuing. Statistics say that around 1 in 5 shelter dogs is a purebred, too. If you are set on a particular breed, there are rescues for all the breeds, i.e., German Shepherd Rescue. Or try your local shelter where new dogs come in every day. A puppy is only a puppy for up to 10 months after you bring them home, so consider an adult or older dog.
If you want to get a dog from a breeder, support a reputable and ethical breeder. It will make a big difference in the health and temperament of the dog you get. You can go to the national or local breed club to find breeder referrals, go to dog events, and learn more.
Also check out: The 10 best LARGE breed dogs for kids
For more info:
- Guidelines on choosing a breeder: http://www.jlhweb.net/Boxermap/reputablebreeder.html/
- The author, dog behaviorist, certified trainer Jennifer Hack, and Chicago Dog Training information: www.DynamicDogsChicago.com
- Dog Training in Cape Coral, Florida: www.DynamicDogsFlorida.com
- Info on White Dobermans: http://whitedobes.doberinfo.com
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