When starting out cold, with no information about Dachshunds or those that show and breed them it can be hard to know the best way to rate a breeder and the puppies they produce. Do your research about health issues, breed standard, what Dachshunds were bred for, temperament and get to know the breed overall to make sure it is the right one for you and your family situation. If you know someone that already has a dachshund you can get a referral from them for a breeder. Attend dog shows and talk to those showing Dachshunds. The best way to find the right breeder and get the healthiest puppy you can is to arm yourself with questions and the answers you want hear.
Please remember what you are reading my personal list of standards. I don't think I could put a percentage on the list for grading. Not every statement has to be met to be a good breeder, but striving to meet them and meeting most important of them along with always trying to better yourself and your breeding program will certainly put a breeder in the the good, better or best catagory.
- A good breeder will...
- Have a sincere desire to protect the breed.
- Understand what the dachshund was bred for.
- Understand how dachshunds were bred and know at least some of the history.
- Have a knowledge of inherited physical traits, both good and bad.
- Have a knowledge of how traits are passed on.
- Have a knowledge of inherited disorders and how they are passed on.
- Know the health problems that are more common in dachshunds than other breeds.
- Know the correct conformation of the dachshund.
- Not mix breeds together.
- Not breed a variety of different breeds.
- Have both sire and dam both AKC registered.
- Have thoroughly researched the pedigrees.*
- Have proven their dachshund is worthy to be bred*.
- Have both parents are in good physical health and UTD on vaccines.
- Have had recommended health testing done and have the results available upon request to prospective puppy buyers.
- Have an understanding of the test results and how to use that information in their breeding program to breed healthier puppies.
- Keep up to date on ongoing studies and research to continue adding new tests to thier list of pre-breeding testing.
- Has the financial resources to meet any emergency that may arise with the dam, whelping or puppies.
- Understands and utilized methods of temperament testing and socializing puppies.
- Has adequate time to spend rearing a litter of puppies.
- Has the room and ability to keep the dam and puppies comfortable, warm, clean and healthy.
- ALWAYS take back a puppy or adult no matter when and for what reason.
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- Take their time in answering all of your questions.
- Know the right questions to ask you to find the best home for a puppy.
- Does his or her best to match the right puppy with the right family situation.
- Be up front about faults a puppy may have and not sell every puppy as a show prospect.
- Help to educate the puppy buyer about the importance of spaying and neutering companion animals.
- Give you time to make up your mind about a puppy and not rush you into making decision.
- Invite you in to see how and where their dogs are kept.
- Help to educate puppy buyers about recent updates in vaccine schedules and routine vet care.
- Have a health contract to protect the puppy, the buyer and themselves.
- Be there for you after you purchase a puppy.
- Provide you with health records or dam and puppies. Many breeders will use an outside stud and not have as much information on him.
- De-worm and vaccinate puppies and keep them with their mother until at least 10 weeks old.
- Provide you with a health certificate from a licensed veterinarian withing 10 days of placing a puppy.
- Carefully screen puppy buyers and keep in touch with families to keep up to date on the puppy's health and to be a source of support for families new to the breed.
- Be able to assist new puppy buyers with training and nutrition tips.
- A good breeder participates in dachshund rescue.
- Tattoo or micro-chip a puppy and pre-register that number with a pet tracking program.
- Keep health records on all puppies placed as they can be obtained and build a database for future breedings.
- Can tell you why they made the choice to breed the pair they did. What did they hope to accomplish putting that particular male and female together?
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*Many show breeders will have you believe the only way to prove a bitch or dog worthy of breeding is in the conformation ring. They are also the first to admit they breed many dachshunds that are not champions because they have traits they want. The conformation ring is only way to prove correct conformation. A dachshund can have been evaluated by a show breeder, judge or handler. A dachshund with minor faults may be an obedience champion, have titles in field trials, agility or be a registered service dog. What is important is the
whole dog and not focusing on only one aspect.