Fact verses Fiction Among Breeders
March 28, 2012Fact: Not all breeders are alike.
Fiction: Getting a puppy from a breeder that owns and breeds show dogs will be more expensive. I only want a pet/family companion.
Reputable breeders are there for you for the life of your dog. At least in the Australian Terrier breed, which is not very common breed, most generally have a waiting list for upcoming litters.
We support health testing the Dam and Sire prior to
breeding. Also some breeders, like us, temperament test their puppies to
confirm their puppies personalities. This assessment helps to provide
you with the best puppy possible for your family. (Ask for a copy of the
health and temperament test results).
Do not be comforted by someone who might state
they are "ethical" because they belong to a National Club for the example, the ATCA and
signed their code of ethics. (Really... you have to sign something to be ethical!) From my personal experience, sadly, not all
members abide.
The parent club, the American Kennel Club of
America (AKC) has the same rules and code of ethics all breeders should
adhere to.
Note: In either organization, member's are not monitored. Clubs even have a disclaimer that specifically states "we do not endorse any breeder".
Do not be fooled by websites either, what you see might not be what you get.
What should you do to locate a quality breeder then? Take your time, ask a lot of questions, (here is a list I suggest) do your research and most importantly...visit the breeder if at all possible and get references!
Quality breeders put much time, money and love behind raising healthy puppies. Getting a quality puppy from a reputable breeder, can actually save you money and most of all potential heart ache.
Theresa A. Goiffon
Owner/ Breeder/Author and Advocate of Australian Terriers
Posted by Theresa Goiffon. Posted In : Helpful Tips
Greetings from Northwestern Wisconsin!
I am a wife, mother, breeder and author. I home school 2 of our girls and our 3rd is now on her own. I work part time at our church. I also have a small Website business providing website design to small businesses and friends.
Previously, I had a 25 year banking career. Retired several years ago, as a Vice President of Commercial Banking and Business Development Director for a financial institution.
I have owned and raised dogs and cats for over 40 years. In 2007, we started to show and raise Australian Terriers. We have 6 Australian Terriers and 2 Australian Shepherds.
We own and have bred some of the top Australian Terriers in the USA. We have been honored at the 2011 AKC Eukanuba National's with the highest award for a breeder, Best Bred-by Australian Terrier and the 1st Award of Excellence. This win was awarded to our Ch. Dunham Lake Gabriella Touched by an Angel "Gabby" handled by her 12 year old breeder/owner/handler, my daughter, Ellie.
We have Championed several Aussies and we have Champions in training, that being said, our dogs are first and foremost our companions.
Our two younger daughters, are actively involved in Junior Showmanship, it has been a great activity for them and our family as well.
I take my role as a breeder very seriously. I support health testing and temperament testing as well as evaluating proper conformation prior to breeding. We believe in breeding for quality not quantity.
We do not ship our puppies. Regardless of whether your puppy comes from us or not I hope you find our site a helpful resource.
If you have questions about our program or about the Aussie Terrier, please e-mail me theresaagoiffon@msn.com or give me a call@ 715-689-2675. Thanks for visiting us!
Blessings, Theresa
