It is a big decision to add a dog/puppy into your life. This decision should not be taken lightly because once you make that commitment you should make it for the life of the puppy/dog.

What is a "hobby breeder"?

“Hobby” breeders are people who breed the occasional litter of puppies to continue their show/working lines, to provide them with future show/working dogs and to breed for the improvement of the breed as a whole. Despite the use of the word 'hobby', would-be owners should not assume that this is meant to imply a casualness, carelessness or lack of commitment. Quite the reverse is true!

A hobby is an activity that people choose to do, when ‘hobby’ breeders rear a litter they do it for love and not to make a profit. "Hobby" breeders are professional (not in the business sense, but in the attention to detail sense). They put a great deal of time, effort and thought into breeding and are not breeding for casual reasons or to make money.

"Hobby" breeders are aware of the huge commitment involved in breeding including ethical & welfare matters; and they willingly accept responsibility for the lives they create. A responsible breeder never breeds purely to sell puppies to earn a living; a responsible breeder regards each puppy as an investment in the future of the breed.

When a “hobby” breeder plans a litter, health, temperament, welfare and quality are the key words. Knowledge and experience in planning breeding's, caring for pregnant Mum's and delivering and caring for puppies are essential components in 'producing' healthy, sociable puppies with good natures. Puppies which are most likely to develop into healthy, well behaved and good natured adults and ones that are most likely to live long and healthy lives.

Unlike any other type of "breeder", the “hobby” breeder is NOT motivated by money. They are motivated to produce quality, healthy puppies of sound temperament & mind that will fulfil a role in life, whether that is as future show/working dogs or companions.

“Hobby” breeders generally spend more money on planning/raising a litter than could ever be recouped by the sale of surplus pups in the litter (surplus to their requirements i.e. the pups from a litter that they are not keeping themselves). There is NO profit in rearing puppies well. Rearing a litter correctly is expensive and can run into several thousand pounds. If a breeder makes only a small loss on a litter then that is cause for celebration! Unlike other types of breeder, the “hobby” breeder is not watching the bank balance!

Considerable time is spent on planning mating’s, long journeys to stud dogs undertaken - even though a breeder may have stud dogs, not all dogs are a good match for each other. All health testing is carried out too (regardless of cost!). Bitches are kept in optimum fitness and are at the peak of health. Bitches are well fed, fully vaccinated & wormed and have had any medical needs that may occasionally occur attended to.

Bitches are bred at appropriate ages & are not over bred; many will have one or two litters in a lifetime, whereas the money orientated breeders ensure that their bitches produce the maximum number of litters permissible in the shortest space of time possible.

“Hobby” breeder’s puppies are lovingly delivered in suitable, clean and warm surroundings. Their every need is catered for together with those of their mother. Breeders watch over their Mum's and babies (often for 24 hrs per day for the first 10 or so days!) which results in chaos in the breeder's home, loss of sleep, take-away meals and a total loss of a personal or social life. Any veterinary needs of the pups are also met without fear of cost.

When the 24 hr 'puppy watch' ends, the breeder does not leave a litter to 'get on with it’; they are still actively with their pups for most of the 24 hr day. Normal life is on hold when a caring breeder is raising a litter. All a breeder's time, attention & resources are focussed on the litter, their mother and subsequently on dealing with and supporting would-be owners.

Puppies are loved, cared for, socialised, cosseted, wormed and checked for good health. They enjoy plenty of quality food, clean surroundings together with space to play and explore and lots of stimulating toys. They enjoy the best that life can offer them regardless of the time or work involved or the expenses incurred. No cost cutting is employed - what the pups need, the pups get!

Finally, puppies are vet checked, micro-chipped or tattooed before leaving for suitably approved homes. These are homes where a breeder can feel confident that their precious puppy is going to be loved and cared for well for the duration of his life.

Puppies from caring breeders are sold with a contract stipulating the breeder's commitment & responsibility to the pup/dog and the new owner's commitments and responsibilities. They are also supplied with extensive puppy packs, food, toys and pet insurance.

Responsible “hobby” breeders provide life-long support and advice to the owners of the pups they have sold. They are always on the end of the phone; they will board dogs to help owners out where needed (holidays etc.), they will also take back or help find a new home for a puppy or dog (regardless of age) should this be required in the future.

Remember ...

Good breeders will offer you and your puppy/dog lifetime support. When you set out to purchase a puppy you may feel that support, help and advice are not necessary (or perhaps you may feel that you don't need breeders "interference"!) and therefore, these areas will not be a priority when searching for a puppy. However, please don't under estimate the value of choosing a breeder who will support you. It won't be until you have a dilemma that you will realise that lifelong support and commitment from your puppy's breeder can be invaluable!