I need help for a friend looking for a Scottish Terrier breeder

[Catlady711]

Thank you, I'll check out that link.

Not sure my friend is into going to dog shows that I know of, but I'll mention it to her.

[Giselle]

Bottom line for EVERY breeder: He/she must be breeding to improve the breed itself.

That means that the breeder is actively proving his or her dogs. Possible forms of proving their breeder stock:
- conformation
- Schutzhund
- herding
- Earth dog trials
- lure coursing
- French ring
etc.

I do not consider agility and obedience *alone* to be proof enough for breeding ability because any dog, shelter/mutt/registered purebred/etc., is capable of performing in agility and obedience. But not every dog can compete and excel in the above activities. For example, lure coursing is geared towards sighthounds. Protection and working dogs are naturally suited to Sch. Terriers are made for Earth Dog, etc.

The breeder should be health testing via:
- CERF
- OFA
- PennHIP
- Optigen
- von Willebrands
- Thyroid
- any other genetic ailment that the breed is particularly predisposed to, i.e. for Bedlington Terriers, they should have their copper levels checked often for Copper Toxicosis.

If you're looking for a reputable breeder dedicated to improving the breed, I highly recommend checking the breed's national club first:
http://clubs.akc.org/stca/weare.htm

Please check out their health site, too:
http://clubs.akc.org/stca/geneticissues.htm

Word of caution: Ever since our current President came into office, his Scottish terrier, Barney, has sparked a surge of popularity. Popularity almost always proves detrimental to a breed's general health. Ergo, use EXTREME caution when you are screening breeders.

[Giselle]

BTW, I don't know if I can unconditionally agree with some of these:

Only 1-2 litters per year
Specalizing in only 1-2 breeds
Vet checked and wormed and first shots
Health guarantee

I don't know of many reputable breeders who schedule their litters to 1-2 per year. Some only breed when they know they're going to be able to use some fantastic dogs, which is sometimes 1 litter every few years. Others will find some *superior* dogs and do a couple litters at a time. It really fluctuates with the quality of dogs they find.

I also know of some AMAZING breeders who specialize in more than 1-2 breeds. It takes time to familiarize with a breed, but it's not unheard of to have a reputable breeder in more than 2 breeds.

Vet checked, wormed, and first shots are as basic as food and water. Even BYB's and PM's usually do this. I wouldn't even keep this in mind while looking for a breeder.

Health guarantee: READ IT. Please please please read whatever health guarantee a breeder gives to you. Some only guarantee the first year. Yeah, okay, but a lot of genetic diseases crop up after the 1st year. What then?! Read the health guarantee, consider the genetic diseases prevalent in a breed, and weigh the risk. Health guarantees are very tricky things because it's such a multi-faceted issue, so please read the guarantee carefully.

[Catlady711]

Thank you for the info Giselle! It was very helpful.

There is a breeder my friend mentioned she heard about. Their site does not impress me in the least, there is alot not mentioned that I feel should have been. I think it's a higher class BYB myself, (higher class, meaning they claim to have the parents tested and cleared for VWD at least and have a 1 year genetic health guarantee listed but not expounded upon).

I sent them a lengthy email of at least 25 questions that I felt should have been put in their ad. I wouldn't be surprised if I never hear from them, or get canned response or lacking answers.

I'll keep what you mentioned in mind when looking at any others she mentions or I run across. Thanks again.

[IRescue452]

Don't forget to check if the breeder is on the AKC suspension list
http://www.barkbytes.com/suspend/suspindx.htm

[Giselle]

Oh yeah, high class BYBs definitely exist. They're the most lucrative types because they're so well-tuned as to what the prospective buyer looks for and they use a lot of gimmicks that deceive even more experienced dog people.

Choosing a breeder is an art and a science. I'm glad that you clearly have been able to pick up on it so quickly Fire those questions away! If you don't receive a satisfactory answer to any of those questions and it causes you concern, don't be afraid to walk away. There are literally HUNDREDS of other breeders out there!

[Catlady711]

I guess in a way it makes it easier for me to be picky/objective since I'm not the one wanting to get a new pet. I think that's another reason my friend asked for my help.

Thanks for that link also. I didn't know a person could be suspended from the AKC or that there was a list to check that.