Finding a Good Breeder

excerpted from "Thirty Years of European Rottweiler Breeding"

By Guy Verschatse

Since adding a Rottweiler puppy to your family or breeding program can be a
huge step, and because there are now a large number of people breeding these
great dogs, it is becoming increasingly important to be very discriminatory
when choosing a breeder. The first step is to realize that there are several
types of breeders, each of whom has various distinct characteristics.

First is the "commercial breeder", who may keep several different
breeds specifically for the retail market: in other words, for the money. These
operations usually produce several litters a year with little thought for genetic
screening and are generally associated with the term "puppy-mill".
Since money is the motivating factor, the production of a large number of dogs
takes precedence over the production of quality dogs.

The second type of breeder is the "backyard breeder", this type of
breeder mates whatever two dogs happen to be in his or her backyard with no
thought for the consequences. The quality of dogs in this type of breeding is
usually low and there is no goal in mind for the final product.

For these reasons, it is better to purchase a dog from a "hobby or performance
breeder". This type of breeder, whether breeding for conformation or working
competitions (ZTP/Sch/IPO/Ring sport) had definitive goals in mind and is dedicated
to the dogs.

There are several traits to look for in a reputable, conscientious breeder.
First and foremost a good breeder will have a "breeding program" and
no dogs are bred at random. By this I mean that the breeder has a clear goal
and will be able to tell you why two dogs were mated. Maybe they compliment
one another physically or they both have ideal working drives, maybe both have
excellent hips and stable temperaments. A reputable breeder can explain what
traits they are breeding for and how they are trying to accentuate those traits
through the use of out-crosses, line or in-breeding.

Secondly, a respectable breeder will be knowledgeable about the history and
true purpose of the breed, he will be a member of a breed club and have the
breeding stock registered in these clubs.

Also, the facilities a breeder uses may speak for their competence and dedication.
The whelping areas should be relatively clean and the puppies well socialized
and outgoing. There should be up to date health records of the puppies with
the vaccination and deworming histories. Temperament testing and puppy-evaluations
can also be valuable tools used by good breeders. In this way puppies can be
placed in appropriate homes and show or working prospects can be separated from
"pet" puppies.

Possibly one of the most important aspects of a reputable breeder is the way
in which they screen their breeding stock. The temperament of the parents is
highly heritable and should be well thought out. Shy or nervous dogs should
definitely not be part of a solid breeding program and many breeders will not
breed their dogs unless they pass some form of temperament evaluation such as
a BH, VPG/SchH exam or Breed Suitability Test (Ztp) offered by the various clubs.
Temperament is only half of a good dog, however and with all of the structural
problems within the Rottweiler, a reputable breeder will be screening for health
problems as well. After all, what good is the dog that has the drive to go out
and theoretically fight a Helper but will never have the chance to prove it
due to health problems such as HD (Hip Dysplasia)? Within the last years, several
physical abnormalities have come up within the Rottie-breed: entropian, ectropium,
hip and elbow dysplasia, ligament problems, etc. All of these traits should
be taken into consideration when breeding a litter and the buyer should not
be afraid to ask for certification to prove any claim the breeder makes.

As can be seen, the problems affecting our breed are numerous and substantial,
this may explain why the price of a good puppy can range from $1500 (pet quality)
to over $3000 (show/ working quality). Most superior breeders make substantial
investments in their dogs through training, competition, health care and genetic
screening. Therefore most breeders struggle to break even and the prices of
the puppies do not represent all that is invested in them. In general you are
getting what you pay for, and that cute puppy that seems priced too good to
be true, probably is.

Lastly, find out if the breeder guarantees their puppies and if so, what falls
under the guarantee? Many breeders will replace a puppy (not refund the money)
once evidence of congenital problems is provided: however, this guarantee usually
applies to the first puppy and the buyer is just as likely to end up with two
poor quality dogs. That is why I must emphasize again the importance of screening
both temperament and physical traits. Many people would rather purchase a puppy
from parents with sound temperaments and certified health without a guarantee,
than take the chance of purchasing a puppy from uncertified parents with vague
guarantees of puppy replacement. I have had breeder who don’t want to
know you once they have sold you a pup, and their guarantee, well it goes out
the window. Keep away from this type of breeders.

Upon the purchase, make sure all paperwork is in order, including any pedigree
or registration that may be provided. Ask the breeder to substantiate all claims,
ask for references from previous puppy buyers and try to see grown pups from
previous litters. This may sound like too much to take into consideration, but
nothing worthwhile comes without work.