The difference
between a Bargain puppy and a Quality puppy
Quality
- Both the sire and dam of this puppy came from top quality
breeding stock which was developed over years and years of
selective and knowledgeable breeding. Both meet the
requirement of the written AKC standard for the breed in
conformation as well as temperament. Each has a pedigree
which has been studied and thoroughly researched. These dogs
have been selected to breed to each other because they can
both contribute to the excellence of the breed as well as
complement on another.
Bargain -
The dam of this litter was purchased from a local pet store
and originally came from a puppy mill. She was sick off and
on the first year of her life due to many different types of
intestinal parasites and malnutrition. The sire, an
over-sized male lives down the street and was purchased from
an ad in the newspaper. Neither owner has ever heard of the
AKC written standard. Neither owner has seen a written
pedigree. The female is skittish and snappy. Her owners hope
that having a litter will calm her down.
Quality -
Before this breeding ever took place both the male and
female had thorough vet examinations and OFA tests including
x-rays and CERF eye tests to determine that there were no
physical or genetic problems that might be passed on to
offspring. The breeder is well aware of the genetic problems
to which the breed is predisposed and uses no animal for
breeding unless it is certified clear of defects by a
qualified Veterinarian. The health of her pups is
guaranteed.
Bargain -The
breeder is totally unaware of the genetic problems within
the breed. Trips to the Veterinarian, except for dire
emergencies or regular shots are considered too expensive.
The breeder's hope is to make money off the sale of the
puppies. If she keeps expenses down, she can buy that new
couch she's been wanting. Puppies are sold with no
guarantee.
Quality -
The breeder is a professional and she has a good reputation
to maintain. The breeder is a member in good standing with
the Official National Breed Club (Bichon Frise Club of
America) and the local All Breed Kennel Club (Bichon Frise
Club of Northern California). Her goal is to produce
beautiful and sound Bichons which anyone would be proud to
own. Profit, if any is made goes toward future breedings
always aimed toward the betterment of the breed, or for show
entries, handler's fees, new equipment and important
veterinary tests.
Both the mother and pups are fed the
highest quality diet. Many trips to the vet assure her that
mother and pups are thriving under the very best care. The
pups are raised in a busy area of the house where they are
socialized, groomed and exposed to different kinds of
stimuli. They are touched, talked to, cuddled and even sung
to.
They are never sold before they are nine weeks old.
Every buyer is interviewed at length and will fill out a
questionnaire. Pups are placed only in homes where they will
receive the best of care. The breeder spends time with each
new owner, educating and answering questions. The pups are
only placed in the homes that are the most suitable for
them. Follow-up contacts are made to make sure the pups are
adjusting well.
Each new owner receives a bill of sale,
vaccination record, minimum three-generation pedigree,
guarantee of registration with the AKC and thorough puppy
care and nutrition information.
Puppies that are placed in
pet homes are sold on a spay/neuter contract and limited AKC
registration.
The new owners are encouraged to continue a
relationship with the breeder, and to call and ask questions
at any time during the dog's life. The breeder will take
back the dog at any time in its life with for any reason
should the owners no longer be able to keep it.
Bargain
Priced - These puppies are
born in a box, in the garage and receive little care other
than what the mother gives. To cut costs they are weaned on
generic dog food and allowed to nurse on the mother as long
as possible to keep food bills down. The bitch's health
declines rapidly due to poor health and some pups are weak
and runty. They are sold as quickly as possible because
advertising and vaccines are expensive.
They are sold
without shots, parasite checks, registration papers, vet
examinations, guarantees or information of any kind.
They
are sold to anyone who has the cash. If the new owner is
lucky they may receive a AKC registration application.
Although the puppy is of very poor quality it is sold with
full breeding rights. The new owner usually disappears with
the pup never to be seen again. If the market is not good
the breeder takes the leftover pups to the local pet shop
and in some instances the pound or sells them to an internet
broker.
The comparison you have just read is hypothetical but very
typical of what we see all too often. Although not every
breeder who charges higher prices is reputable, ethical pet
buyers should keep looking until they find one that
is.
When I am asked why my prices are higher than those in
some newspaper ads I refer them to this article on my
website. Those buyers who respect the quality and excellence
are wonderful customers and become "partners" in this hobby
that I love so much. Those that are seeking pets deserve
nothing less than a nice quality, healthy and trusting
animal as well as a breeder they can count on.
