Choosing a breeder from which to purchase your Boston Terrier puppy is a serious decision that can determine you and the dogs future.
Since it is almost impossible for you, the buyer, to know what any Boston Terrier puppy will grow into physically and emotionally, you must rely entirely upon your faith in the person from whom you are purchasing your pup. What steps should you take to insure that your pup meets your expectations to become all the things you want him or her to be?
There are three options open to you in choosing a Boston Terrrier breeder. All three types of breeders sell puppies that are AKC registerable, but registration is neither an assurance of quality nor an indication of dedication to the breed.
You most definitely want a "hobby" breeder as your choice to purchase your new Boston Terrier. A dedicated hobby breeder regards his dogs as just that, a hobby. These breeders acknowledge responsibility for each and every puppy produced and stand behind every dog they breed. When someone breeds dogs for the enjoyment, pleasure and thrill of producing the very finest possible specimens of the breed, rather than for profit, the result is superior quality. It is an interesting fact that poor quality pups from pet shops and backyard breeders are usually sold for the same price, and sometimes even more, than quality pups purchased from serious hobby breeders.
It is readily agreed that a pet shop or a dealer would be your worst possible choice. With pet shops and dealers, Terrrier pups - and all other products - are usually thought of as merchandise to be sold for more than acceptable profit. Generally, little has been put into the care of these pups.
Although a "backyard" breeder may seem to be a likely choice, these often have extensive ulterior motives for breeding. Furthermore, as is often the case, breeding is being done to make money. Their goal is to produce pups. Frequently this type of breeder knows little about the breed history or the accepted breed standard and knows even less about grooming and care. Backyard breeders are usually not aware of breed problems and often do not care.
The question is how does one recognize the serious, and dedicated hobby breeder? Do not be afraid to ask questions or to confront a prospective source with these requirements. It is your right and you can rest assured that a dedicated and reputable breeder will respond positively and with pride. Keep in mind that you will pay for quality no matter where your puppy comes from.
Ideally, a good hobby breeder will belong to one or several reputable breeder organizations, most notably the Boston Terrier Club of America. Participation in dog clubs usually indicates depth of involvement. The breeder is exposed to other points of view, learns more about their breed, general dog care, and modern breeding practices. Frequently they will be breeding in accordance with a club "code of ethics."
Knowledgeable breeders breed dogs together only when both dogs have been medically tested for genetic health problems and found free of such problems and will only sell their puppies from their own home. Many dedicated hobby breeders will ask that the pup be returned to them or placed with new owners that meet their approval if, for some reason, you are not able to continue ownership.
Your breeder should give you a reason-able period to have your pup checked by a veterinarian to determine its state of health. The breeder should also supply you with basic information about the breed, either as a gift or give you the opportunity to purchase it at a nominal cost. You should also receive the pup's health and vaccination records. Breeders should give you written instructions on feeding, training, care, and grooming.
A serious breeder will want to know what kinds of situations their puppies will be subjected to and what kind of care they will receive. Don't be offended if the breeder asks whether you have a fenced yard or what kind of dogs you have had in the past and what happened to them. Reputable breeders are genuinely interested in finding quality homes for their puppies.
Breeders should be willing to give you references names of people who have purchased puppies from them in the past or other Airedale owners or their veterinarian. They will also provide a contract or some written, signed conditions of sale. You should get a copy of your Boston Terrier's pedigree as well as be able to see a copy of the AKC Registration Application Form (blue slip).
While the AKC does not endorse or recommend specific breeders, they offer several resources to locate breeders.
