HOW TO FIND AN ETHICAL BREEDER

There are a lot of buzzwords around dog breeding in the 21st century: puppy mills, backyard breeders, adopt don’t shop; in the age of widespread irresponsible breeding and pet overpopulation, can there be room for so-called ethical, responsible, or reputable breeders?

WHY BREED DOGS AT ALL?

Dog breeding originated with the goal of producing functional, sound animals to perform specific tasks. And to that end, let us not forget that selecting traits for companionship is an incredibly important function of the domestic dog! Despite the many changes over the past few centuries that have impacted the roles dogs play in our lives, the need for providing behaviorally and structurally sound, healthy dogs into the population has not gone away. 

We believe that every family who wants to welcome a dog into their lives deserves the best fit for them, to ensure a life-long partnership and “forever home.” For many, adoption of stray or relinquished dogs is the perfect fit; for others, the unpredictability of health and temperament in a shelter dog is simply not a viable or desired risk to undertake. For others looking for a dog to fulfill specific roles, whether that be a companion who is great around young kids, a partner for certain dog sports, a working dog, or many other scenarios, relying on the predictability of breeding for selective traits becomes an important alternative to adoption. Like many others who are tracking data on shelter animals, purebred birth rates, and animal behavior trends, we believe that a stable dog population needs to be funneled by both ethical breeders and reputable rescues that are fully committed to the dogs that come under their care.

WHAT QUALIFIES A BREEDER AS ETHICAL?

All breeders must charge a fee for their dogs to recoup some of the expenses of raising a litter, just as shelters must charge a fee to offset the expenses of caring for the animals they house; but an ethical breeder is thinking about more than the bottom line. Churning out litters primarily for profit is a sure sign of an unethical breeder, which can usually be spotted by persons who offer pick of their puppies for sale at birth, who breed the same parents multiple times, who aren’t involved in their breed parent club or other ventures, who don’t prioritize health and temperament and/or are unable to provide proof of testing these, and who generally don’t consider the incredible weight and importance of every individual life they help bring into existence.

An ethical breeder always has a place for the puppies they breed to land if something should happen to them that prevents them from staying at their new home, just as a responsible rescue should always be willing to take a dog they’ve adopted out back into their care. An ethical breeder’s dogs should never contribute to the overpopulation of shelters, as they will always have a home with their breeder if need be, and they fill a niche for their new families that available shelter dogs did not. Research shows that buying a dog from a reputable breeder does not mean that person or family “allowed a shelter dog to die in its place”. In America, there is actually a shortage of healthy, adoptable dogs from either rescues OR breeders and the country at present is unable to meet the demand of homes seeking dogs.

An unethical breeder is not invested in what happens to their puppies after they leave their property, which leaves dog owners flailing when preventable health conditions arise, behavioral concerns emerge, or anything unexpected happens during their new dog’s lifetime. Ultimately, the new owner is left alone to shoulder the burden of their breeder’s mistakes or carelessness.

OUR TAKEAWAY

Biology (genetic and heritable health conditions), inherited temperament, early socialization, and genetic diversity are all crucial components of an ideal domestic dog. Without ethical breeders, we risk losing the stable companions we’ve come to know and love as dog owners and admirers. But choosing a purebred dog is so much harder than simply finding someone who produces them, as unethical breeders have become very good at advertising and muddying the information they present to the public. For this reason, we’ve created the following guide to assist in locating a breeder who is truly able to represent the ethical treatment and future of domestic dogs.

12 Questions for Ethical Breeders

As with anything, ethical/reputable breeders exist on a spectrum. We have worked with the borzoi breed community at large to come up with a series of questions and green, yellow, and red flag answers to help you discern whether the breeder you are speaking with meets your standard of ethics. Furthermore, this guide can be adapted to just about any breed or species you are pursuing with a few tweaks!

1) WHY ARE YOU BREEDING?

🟢 Breeder has clear personal goals, vision, and strategy that they are able to articulate related to preservation of the historical purpose of their breed, and their breeding history plus participation in events backs them up.

🟡 Breeder is not as able to articulate their goals, but the dogs they produce perform well in conformation and/or performance events and they work readily with other breeders to preserve their breed.

🔴 Breeder does not lead with their goals, rarely if ever keeps puppies from their litters, regularly breeds the same dogs (perhaps in different configurations) all from their own backyard, and can’t articulate why or what each breeding is for and how it serves the breed as a whole. Vaguely cites “champion bloodlines” and “AKC papered dogs” without any concrete explanation of what that means to you. The only discernible reason is profit / to be a business.

2) HOW DO YOU SOCIALIZE YOUR LITTERS?

🟢 Breeder follows Avidog, Puppy Culture, or similar science-based canine learning and development principals.

🟡 Breeder has developed their own puppy raising program similar to Avidog/PC without formal knowledge or protocol.

🔴 Breeder does/will not describe socialization protocol in detail or openly admits to providing minimal early socialization.

3) WHAT HEALTH TESTING DO YOU DO?

🟢 Breeder has results publicly listed on the Orhtopedic Foundation for Animals website, breeding animals have attained their CHIC by completing all tests recommended for their breed, and all testing is up to date prior to breeding. Check to verify the results of each test as CHIC numbers are assigned to animals whether or not their results are normal/passing.

🟡 Breeder does not list all results publicly, or has not updated testing as recommended prior to breeding but had it done in the past.

🔴 Breeder has incomplete records, false records, no records, or openly admits to failing to meet the minimal testing standards in their breed.

4) REGISTRATION (IN NORTH AMERICA)

🟢 Puppies are registered with the American Kennel Club, and/or the Canadian Kennel Club, and/or the United Kennel Club, and/or the breed parent club.

🟡 Puppies are registered ONLY with the United Kennel Club*

  • Some breeds cannot be AKC or CanKC registered (see Silken Windhounds or COO imports with limited pedigrees, for example), in which case solo registration in UKC is acceptable.

🔴 Puppies are not registered with a national or parent breed club of any kind, or are registered with the Continental Kennel Club (widely considered a disreputable registry with no barrier to entry).

5) GOOD STANDING IN THE COMMUNITY

🟢 Breeder is a member of their breed parent club (Borzoi Club of America in borzoi) and is recommended by at least 2 other breeders in good standing in the club and/or their breed community.

🟡 Breeder is not a breed club member, but can be recommended by at least 2 breeders in good standing with the club, or has a set of mixed reviews from fellow breeders in their breed.

🔴 Breeder is not a breed club member, and cannot be recommended by breed-club-affiliated breeders.

6) BUYER SATISFACTION

🟢 Previous puppy buyers are willing to share direct testimonials with new or prospective buyers and either would buy again or already have.

🟡 Previous puppy buyers will provide indirect testimonials, such as within a breeder’s online “family” group or passed along via the breeder, but not via connecting new buyers with former ones to discuss the breeder privately.

🔴 Previous puppy buyers’ experiences are not provided to new buyers, are only on the breeder’s website (i.e. “testimonials” section that is not verifiable), and/or multiple previous buyers are dissatisfied with the breeder.

7) BREED PARTICIPATION

🟢 Breeder shows in conformation and participates and titles their dogs in events suitable to their breed’s function.

  • In borzoi, this may include lure or open field coursing, amateur racing, obedience/rally, agility, nosework, and/or other official dog sports.

🟡 Breeder ONLY participates in EITHER conformation or sporting venues, not both, or breeder does not participate regularly, but puppy buyers do successfully.

🔴 Breeder nor most buyers participate in conformation or sports, or exhibit extremely limited participation.

8) PEDIGREE RESEARCH – WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS PAIRING?

🟢 Breeder is able to provide detailed information about why a particular pairing was chosen and how success for that pairing will be evaluated. Breeder is able to articulate how the two dogs compliment each other, both structurally and temperamentally, and are knowledgeable about the potential health issues behind both lines. This is true for either line breedings or outcrossed litters.

🟡 Breeder is able to at least somewhat articulate goals of their breeding program and pairings, and has clear plans for evaluating the litter. Particularly if they are not able to articulate their vision and goals clearly, those evaluation plans include other breeders' eyes and experience.

🔴 Breeder consistently re-breeds the same dogs from their own backyard. Breeder cannot clearly articulate how and why these two dogs should be bred and how they further or preserve the breed. Breeder does not clearly indicate how they are evaluating the success of a pairing, and/or does not communicate an evaluation plan.

9) PLACING PUPPIES IN HOMES

🟢 Breeder plays a primary role in selecting the best home for each puppy, and keeps puppies until at least 10 weeks old (some breeds up to 12 weeks)

🟡 Breeder allows buyers to select their own puppy without significant breeder input but waits until after 8+ weeks old, and/or sends puppies home between 8-10 weeks old

🔴 Breeder allows buyers to select their own puppy outright prior to 8 week old evaluations, and/or sends puppies to homes sooner than 8 weeks old

10) APPLICATION PROCESS

🟢 Breeder conducts phone, virtual, or in-person interview(s) with buyer, performs a home check either themselves or through an agent in the breed community, and checks potential homes’ references thoroughly.

🟡 Breeder conducts phone interview(s) and/or reference checks only without requiring a home check.

🔴 Breeder conducts all application business online and/or requires deposits prior to phone or in-person contact. Breeder doesn’t seem to say no to anything or express concerns as long as you’re ready with the deposit.

11) FOR FIRST-TIME AND NEW BREEDERS:

🟢 Breeder provides contact information for others in the breed community who will vouch for them, and can discuss and/or connect buyers with the breeders behind the lines they are working with. Those vouching for the breeder pass your green:yellow:red flag ratio tolerance easily themselves, and are positive about the breeder you are speaking to, perhaps co-breed with them, and if they are mentors to the breeder, are willing to provide support to buyers as well.

🟡 Breeder provides you with contact information for either their mentor(s), the breeders behind the lines they are working with, or others in the breed community, and while those breeders do not pass your green:yellow:red flag ratio tolerance, or are not willing to extend support to you for your puppy, the breeder you are speaking to has very few/no yellow or red flags themselves.

🔴 Breeder has no mentors or breed community members to put you in contact with, their claimed mentors don’t claim them in return, their mentor(s) are unwilling to speak with you, and/or their mentor(s) are considered disreputable in the breed community.

12) FOR ESTABLISHED BREEDERS: WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED AS A BREEDER? WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO IMPROVE IN YOUR PROGRAM?

🟢 Breeder can provide examples on what their strengths and weaknesses are. Able to articulate their goals and vision for their program and how they have succeeded or failed so far. Willing to share knowledge of what they have learned or what brings them joy as a breeder. Can demonstrate how they have grown from past mistakes (all breeders make mistakes sometimes; they are human after all).

🟡 Breeder does not go into depth to answer one or both of these questions but is able to engage with the content. Willing to share knowledge but may not freely offer it. Can provide insight into how/why they do things the way they do and what they are striving for, albeit without specific examples.

🔴 Breeder is reluctant to provide examples of failures or faults, overconfident or defensive, or seems like they are saying “what you want to hear” (lack of substance or sincerity to answers). Unwilling to share the challenges they have experienced along with their successes.

OTHER GREEN FLAGS

  • Breeder is readily available to answer questions from their puppy homes and responsible buyers

    • Note: breeders are not obligated to respond to all applicants, especially superficial or insincere ones. Furthermore, it is normal to wait a little while to hear back from a breeder. Many have full-time day jobs or have their hands full with puppies on the ground!

  • Breeder will attempt to make referrals to other reputable breeders when they have no puppies/dogs available

  • Sales contract protects the dog first and foremost

  • A health warranty is included with purchase

  • Breeder will ALWAYS take their dogs back if they cannot remain in their new home

  • Breeder will allow prospective buyers to visit their dogs*

    • It is not always safe for individuals to meet on a breeder’s property. It is not necessarily a red flag if first-time meetings are not on-site.

  • Breeder is forthcoming about historical health issues or temperament issues AND about how they handled them as they happened, plus how they’re mitigating them going forward

  • If a sincere buyer is not a fit for the breed at this time, breeder will give practical information about what they need to address to ready themselves for the breed or a new dog in general, and can direct the buyer toward resources to help them achieve their goals for a future puppy.

    • Again, be mindful that breeders do not owe anyone their time and answer more messages that go nowhere than ones that become relationships or buyers, so keep expectations on communication realistic!

OTHER RED FLAGS

  • Breeder is known for “trash talking” or “bashing” other breeders, especially publicly

  • Breeder will not provide you a copy of their contract(s) prior to purchase

  • Breeder does not microchip, deworm, and/or have puppies up to date on vaccines before going to their new homes

  • Breeder has no health guarantee and/or return policy

  • Breeder does not provide ongoing support to buyers after puppies go to their new homes

  • Breeder insists that their “lines are healthy” or “there have been no temperament issues” or “they know their lines”

  • Breeder does not take health testing results seriously and/or does not exercise caution and careful strategy when breeding dogs with equivocal or abnormal health results

Waiting for a well-bred puppy can sometimes take months or even years, so prepare to be patient.
The wait will be worth it. :) Good luck!

SOCIAL MEDIA SHARES

Want to share a condensed version of these tips on social media? We’ve adapted this guide for TikTok and Facebook/Instagram:

WHERE TO FIND AN ETHICAL BORZOI BREEDER

  • There is no centralized database for borzoi breeders. You may look to sites like GoodDog or AKC Marketplace to find a borzoi breeder, however, not all breeders found on these sites will meet your standards of ethics.

  • For referrals to Borzoi Club of America member breeders, see the BCOA’s Borzoi Breeder Referral contact info. Same caveat as above: make sure to vet breeders from this list carefully as not all club members will meet your standards of ethics.

  • For those in Canada, Borzoi Canada keeps a Canadian breeder referral list.

  • We recommend this Facebook group for finding health-tested borzoi.

  • Message us for recommendations! We try to stay up-to-date on who is breeding borzoi and what their practices are, and will do our best to assist in your borzoi journey.

ADDENDUM

On Dog Overpopulation by Sara Reusche

We hear a lot about overpopulation in dogs. It’s why responsible pet owners are encouraged to spay and neuter their dogs! 

But what do the numbers say? 

What does this mean? 

Let's assume that every dog that enters shelters is medically and behaviorally adoptable (which we all know not to be the case, but it allows for conservative estimates). Between shelter/rescue dogs and those who are rehomed privately, we can currently provide about 55% of the dogs needed each year. 

So, where do the other 3.6 million dogs come from? 

Some come from responsible breeders of purebred dogs who are dedicated to their breed. Let's assume that every dog that is registered through the AKC is produced by what we would consider a responsible breeder, who is committed to health, temperament, and early socialization (which we all know not to be the case, but it allows for conservative estimates). Purebred, responsibly-created dogs would account for 16.25% of of the dogs needed each year. 

That still leaves 2.3 million dogs needed each year, at the most conservative. 

Realistically, my personal opinion is that this number is closer to 4.2 million, allowing for euthanasia of dogs in shelters/rescues due to medical or behavioral issues, as well as discounting the number of irresponsible breeders of purebred dogs (BYB, puppy mills) whom we'd like to put out of business. 

This is why I feel so strongly that purpose-bred pet dogs need to be produced by responsible breeders who select for temperament(!) and health (including relevant health testing) and who raise their puppies in the home with appropriate socialization and developmental programs. 

Overpopulation is absolutely still an issue in some areas of the US. But there are also dog shortages in many, many other areas (such as here in Minnesota, where we’re having to transport the vast majority of our adoptable dogs in from out of state or out of the country). We’ve spayed and neutered most of the nice pet dogs. The population of dogs that we see as trainers is evolving because we as a society are literally removing the nicest pets from the gene pool.