Breeding Responsibly

Responsible Breeders:
1. Breed only to improve the breed
2. Are involved with their national breed club(s) and their local kennel club
3. Do not breed dogs that are not healthy or temperamentally sound
4. Do not add to the pet overpopulation problem because they keep track of the dogs they've produced
5. Require contracts preventing their dogs from ending up in shelters, pet shops or auctions
6. Rescue at the very least their own line
7. Test breeding stock for hereditary conditions (i.e., OFA, CERF, PennGen)
8. Are familiar with genetic defects that can affect their breed
9. Serve as mentors to all potential and current owners and new exhibitors
10. Seek to produce a well-rounded dog that is not just aesthetically pleasing but is capable of performance as well
11. Socialize and train their dogs to serve as positive examples of their breed(s)
12. Encourage obedience training and provide training information to new owners
13. Welcome questions about their breed and responsible dog ownership
14. Remember that they too were novices at one time
15. Do not use third-party brokers or sell their dogs in pet shops or auctions
16. Do not breed "designer breeds" (i.e. Cockapoo, Labradoodle, Peekapoo)
17. Strive to produce dogs that meet the official breed standard (no "teacups" or "oversized" dogs advertised)
18. Require spaying or neutering of pet-quality pups
19. Do not advertise "champion bloodlines" if their own dogs are not champions
20. Do not advertise "show quality" if they are not actively involved in conformation and can determine that a dog
      meets the breed standard
21. Do not sell puppies less than 8 weeks old (some require puppies to be older in order to ensure the pup is
       socially and mentally ready to leave the dam and littermates)
22. Deter potential owners from choosing their breed if it is not the right match for their family
23. Do not make a living from selling dogs after paying for genetic testing and proper healthcare
24. Typically breed no more than one to two litters per year at the most
25. Usually have a waiting list for puppies to ensure all dogs will have a good home BEFORE they are born
26. Do not need to advertise in newspapers and do not sell dogs on the side of the road
27. Encourage potential owners to visit their premises and meet their dogs
28. Have a good reputation built with their national breed club(s) and local kennel club
29. Understand that no dog or breed of dog is completely immune from potential hereditary issues
30. Strive to be part of the solution, not part of the problem

How to Find a Responsible Breeder:
* Visit the National Breed Club for your breed: National Breed Club Search
* Contact your local AKC licensed or member club: Club Search
* Email the breeder referral contact for the Mississippi State Kennel Club: MSKC Breeder Referral
* Consider adopting a rescue dog: National Breed Club Rescue Contacts

Responsible Breeding Articles
AKC Responsible Breeding Steps
Dog Breeding Resources
National Breed Clubs Codes of Ethics
Responsible Breeding


Crossbreeds, "Designer Breeds" and "Mutts" vs Purebreds
Contrary to popular belief, crossbreeds and "mutts" are not less prone to the genetic issues that affect the breeds from which they were bred.  They are still a product of their sire and dam's DNA and therefore carry their dominant and recessive genes. No breed type, temperament or coat type can be predicted in crossbreeds because they can take on the primary characteristics of either breed.  Don't fall prey to expensive "designer breeds" that are really mixes of legitimate AKC purebreds.  These dogs cannot be registered with the AKC and cannot compete in conformation or performance events.  Visit these sites for more information:
The Labrador Retriever Club of America & Poodle Club of America on "Labradoodles"
Collie Club of America "Buyer Beware" Regarding Collie Hybrids (author is a member of our MSKC)
American Shih Tzu Club on "Designer Dogs"
Designer Dogs Article by Augusta Kennel Club
Golden Retriever Club of America on Goldendoodles and Rare white Goldens
Poo-Dogs and Designer Mutts

Mythical Sizes Labeled by Unethical Breeders
American Shih Tzu Club statement regarding "Imperial" or "Tiny Teacup" sizes
Chihuahua Club of America statements regarding "teacups", "pocket size", "tiny toy", "miniature" and "standard
Poodle Club of America statement regarding "teacups", "royals" and "pocket poodles"