Finding a Reputable Breeder
Good breeders carefully plan for and produce litters of purebred puppies with the specific intention of making a “contribution to the breed”, that is to say- their goal is to produce healthy, sound, stable, and conformationally correct dogs.
They strive to produce dogs that are fine examples and representatives of the breed. Their goal is to produce dogs that are good ambassadors for their breed, and preserve the breed standard.
In doing this, good breeders are guardians of the breed- they protect it from unwanted change as well as promoting the betterment of the breed- they are advocates for their breed.
Good breeders also stand behind the puppies they sell. They provide a valuable resource for information and support for the life of the dogs they have bred.
It is their careful breeding practices that promote positive changes in the breed for years to come.
If you are in need of help with a Dalmatian you can no longer keep, the first resource you should contact is your breeder (a good breeder will help for the life of the dog). If this is not an option, contact your local director who will have information on other available resources.
Good breeders will have a contract for new owners. Some explanations of what you might find and what to be aware of can be found here.
How to Spot a Good Breeder*
Good breeders register their dogs with the Canadian Kennel Club.
The Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) is a registry that keeps track of the pedigrees of purebred dogs. It strives to ensure that each dog registered is a recognised, distinct breed of dog.
Good breeders are members of their regional and/or national breed club. Membership in a breed club helps a good breeder stay abreast of events and issues that may affect their breed. Participating in club activities and events keeps a good breeder connected with other good breeders so important information about health, nutrition, training, etc. can be shared.
Good breeders follow their national breed club’s Code of Ethics (COE) and health testing guidelines.
Good breeders do NOT breed dogs that do not conform to the Canadian Kennel Club breed standards, (i.e., Dalmatians born with a patch or with an aggressive temperament or who are deaf).
A good breeder will test for specific genetic disorders and conditions like hip dysplasia, eye diseases, thyroid diseases, and congenital deafness. All these are inherited problems in the breed that all good Dalmatian breeders are working hard to avoid and eradicate.
Good breeders make every possible effort to ensure that their dogs are healthy and free of genetic disorders before considering them for breeding.
Good breeders submit health testing results to the Orthopedic Foundation of Animals (OFA) and to the Canine Health Information Center (CHIC), databases that keep track of health testing. All results, both normal and abnormal, are posted there. By doing this all breeding stock obtain CHIC numbers for further reference in a breeding program. For more information go to: www.caninehealthinfo.org and www.ofa.org .
The CHIC database is one tool a good breeder can use when researching a dam or sire for a particular breeding.
Good breeders show and title their dogs before breeding them.
Earning a championship in conformation by competing in dog shows is one way good breeders demonstrate a dog conforms to the breed standard. A dog who earns his championship has correct conformation, has been socialized and can adapt well to crowds, noise, other dogs and being handled by strangers. A commitment to the process of earning a championship also indicates a breeder’s level of belief and vested interest in an individual dog.
Many good breeders go on to compete in companion events as well, like obedience, agility, tracking, weight pull, dock diving, road trials and coaching. These last two activities test the Dalmatian’s ability to work with horses and to travel long distances with a rider or carriage.
Good breeders carefully consider which dogs to breed. CKC registered, CKC championship earned and health screened and results submitted to OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) with a CHIC ( Canine Health Information Center) number is just the beginning.
A good breeder carefully considers a dog’s strengths and weaknesses- which attributes to preserve and which might benefit from improvement.
A good breeder is always trying to improve the next generation and will seek out the best possible dam and sire combination with regard to pedigree, structure, type and temperament.
Good breeders dedicate themselves to raising healthy and well socialized pups. Once the well planned litter is on the ground, a good breeder will leave nothing to chance.
Good breeders interview and consider prospective new homes and owners very carefully.
A good breeder knows that the process of placing a pup with a new owner in exchange for a fee charged is not so much “selling” a puppy… it is really an adoption.
A good breeder will ask many questions about you, your activity level, your home and family.
A good breeder will want to get to know you a bit to determine if you and one of his or her pups will be a good fit.
A good breeder will have a contract that spells out certain assurances such as a puppy health guarantee and certain expectations like the requirement that a pet home neuter or spay the pup at the appropriate age.
Good breeders are there for you, for the life of your dog, for advice, support, and encouragement.
Good breeders always take back a pup for any reason
*Information used with permission from the Dalmatian Club of America