A
responsible breeder is one who
always puts the best interests of the breed and
of individual dogs first, above any consideration of profit,
trendiness, or personal ambition. A responsible breeder does not
produce a litter just to have pups to sell or just because a bitch
happened to come into season. He/she produces a litter only after
careful consideration of
the physical qualities and temperament of the proposed parents, their
individual strengths and weaknesses, how their pedigrees (ancestors)
relate,
and what the proposed breeding would contribute to the improvement of
the
breed. This is often a difficult and time-consuming process, therefore,
it is not surprising to find that a responsible breeder considers the
puppies
as his/her "kids" and wants only the best homes for them.
and My Best Advice Choosing a
Quality Puppy
-- Some
breeders will
sell pups with full AKC
Pup Papers without A Spay and Neuter
Contract or Limited Registration.
-- Breeders
who
will sell with full papers are hard to find, but well
worth the
extra effort to find; quality Scotties do not come inexpensively.
-- It's
your Scottish Terrier; you are paying for with no hard feelings
attached
as can
often happen with co-ownership or unusually restrictive contract
arrangements such as Limited Registration. You are playing for a
quality Scottie at
your price;
you deserve fair,
ethical treatment.
-- Always
hold out for the puppy you want. Persistence and insistence
is
necessary, but worth the wait. Many breeders have litters planned and
you
can reserve the pup you want at this pivotal time.
-- If you do not mind a spay or neutered Scottie, you may want to opt
for this choice. You may be wise to wait
until
the young Scottie is six months old and buy the pup with full AKC
papers <not limited registration> if they have been
spay or neutered at the breeder's expense.
-- You may be assured the dog 100% is yours at this point if you
insist on a Litter Registration Submittal Form to the AKC for full
registration upon your
receipt of the pup.
-- You may want
to opt for a spay or neutered rescue
dog. Contact the Scotty Rescue in your locality or state.
-- Expect to
pay approximately
$750 to
$2000+ for an
intact
male or
female. If you buy a spay or neuter contract Scottie you may be
disappointed in their quality.
-- Contrary
to popular belief,
breeders that
breed for conformation show purposes
do not
always have the best quality, healthy puppies. Ask them if they
tight line breed or inbreed their "program" dogs. Ask to see their dogs
full pedigree for 5 generations. Ask them if their puppies are raised
inside their homes. Are they family dogs or breeding stock? Have they
been properly socialized vs. left in a kennel with little to no human
contact? Do not
automatically accept the misinformation that
only commercial <for
profit> show conformation breeders should breed their show lines
Scotties.
-- Some
people are on waiting lists approximately 2
years for a puppy. Be persistent and relentless in your search.
Do not allow others to influence your enthusiasm to locate a quality
puppy.
-- I
do
not recommend any
particular breeder; you must decide for yourself which breeder is
right for you. Have a checklist ready to ask all the questions
you have before contacting a breeder.
-- Special
Note: litter environmental conditions may vary. The safest, healthiest,
and happiest
conditions are puppies raised inside a family's residence.
-- Quality of
breeders varies as widely as the
limited selection of Scotties available.
-- Remember
you get what you pay for.
-- Expect a
quality pup, and do your research carefully. Owning a dog is a personal
commitment of yours for the life of the dog.
-- Choose
carefully. All puppies are adorable; it is your responsibility to
screen before you go to the breeder's home.
-- Unless you
have the
fortitude of a Greek Warrior;
you will be coming home with a puppy.
Generally people do not "look" but purchase instead when viewing these
wonderful, unique breed pups.
--
ASK, Ask, ask,
and RESEARCH, Research, research before going to see them!
In summation:
- Cavaat
Emptor <Buyer Beware>
- Do your homework!
- Any
breeder that will not
answer all
of
your questions is not a responsible breeder !
Email
Addresses of Some Scottie Breeders in the Southeast:
