A responsible companion animal breeder will:
1. Conscientiously attempt to match the demand of animals with the supply - in this way they proactively avoid creating an oversupply of animals. Breeding too many animals would mean that some of them may be euthanased or end up at a shelter as an unwanted animal and responsible breeders try to avoid this as they have the animals welfare at heart.
2. Provide a high standard of care and living conditions for their animals - animals are kept in a clean environment with adequate high quality food and water and are given the opportunity to exercise, play and lead a normal life.
3. Demonstrate a genuine concern for the animals in their care - they tend to ask prospective buyers many questions and ensure that the new owner and the animal will be a good match. e.g. a working dog is only sold to a person who can provide this type of active dog with enough mental and physical activity.
4. Be open and transparent and provides a complete history of the animal - the breeder will provide you with documentation relating to the animal and its parents, grandparents etc.
5. Will be aware of any known inherited disorders for their particular breed and take active steps to reduce the incidence of that disorder in future offspring - the breeder screens breeding animals using available tests and avoids mating animals that are likely to produce sick offspring. They also avoid mating closely related animals.
6. Provide ongoing support and information to the new owner - the breeder will give their full contact details and encourage you to call them if you have any questions of concerns.
7. Will generally provide a guarantee (timeframes may vary) - the most responsible breeders will often ask you to bring the puppy back to them if it doesn't work out in order to avoid the puppy ending up at a shelter as an unwanted animal.
8. Provide references on request - the breeder provides you with references form reputable sources such as their veterinarian or people who have purchased puppied form them in the past.
10. Comply with the relevant local and state/territory legislation and codes of practice including any registration and licensing requirements.
See the attached RSPCA Australia Position Paper A5 for more detailed information on what makes a responsible companion animal breeder.
