Page 12 - EAKC 26th Newsletter MAY

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9 26 ISSUE; EAST AFRICA KENNEL CLUB NEWSLETTER, APRIL 2018
make a quick buck who, more often than not, have not! So why then do we keep on purchasing pups
not done the research necessary, have not ruled from anybody other than a reputable breeder? The
out hereditary conditions and who may also be answer is simple – we have not been educated to
engaging in’ in-breeding’. If any breeder offers to ask the necessary questions! When working with
deliver the dog to you at the local shopping centre clients and I explain aspects of dog behaviour to
or at your home – run a mile! them, there is normally an element of surprise
and a comment such as ‘oh, I didn’t know that’. Of
If you do want a Pure Bred dog, then buy from course they don’t know, there has not been enough
dedicated, reputable breeder. That a dog has papers education available for members of the general
is just not enough. I have no doubt that not one public to access with dogs, and this applies to
reputable breeder would sell one of their beloved buying a pup as well.
pups from any location other than their own
kennels. If a breeder tells you they are a KUSA An additional point to think about is that this dog
Registered breeder, beware! The Kennel Union of will be with you for a decade and in many breeds a
SA, (KUSA), even states on their website that:- lot longer than that; do you want to bring a dog into
your home that has teeth as sharp as knives and to
“The Kennel Union does not register Breeders interact with your family without have researched
– there is no such thing as “KUSA Registered its parentage?? Personally, I would rather safe
Breeder” KUSA registers and records Kennel guard my family against possible bad breeding and
Names”. my pets from possible disease.

The KUSA website further says, A reputable breeder breeds only for the betterment
“KUSA Members may apply for Accredited of the breed and with all the hard work and
Breeder status, which is only granted after certain expenses incurred, I doubt very much if they make
requirements and criteria are met. The Accredited very much profit. On average they are passionate
Breeders Scheme recognises good practices in dog about their own particular breed and will go to just
breeding and promotes responsible breeding. It about any length to ensure that their pups are the
does not guarantee the health or disposition of the best. This is not just for the breed characteristics,
dog, nor that the dog will meet the breed standard they look at temperament, genetic concerns etc.
or be of show quality” Many of the top breeders will have their puppy
assessed by an expert to ensure that they can
So you see, there are no guarantees. It is up to you, match the pup with the home it will go to, as well
the potential purchaser to make the enquiries as issue you with a certificate that the pup’s parents
yourself. The above wording was taken from the are free from heredity diseases such as HD (Hip
KUSA website in December, 2010. To see what Dysplasia) etc.
criteria apply to become a KUSA Accredited
Breeder, visit the KUSA website at www.kusa. A good breeder often does not even need to
co.za. advertise, their good name and standards ensure
that they have prospective owners lined up waiting
What to look for in a breeder for a litter to be born. Many of the breeders will
Will you pay more getting a dog from a reputable interview you and your family to find out if you are
breeder? Most definitely yes, but lets look at it this the correct owner for their pups, and even visit your
way – you have decided that you want a top of the home to make sure the premises are suitable. You
range, brand new car, which will last you several may even have to wait a couple of months, for the
years and carry you and your family safely. Are you next litter, before you get your pup.
going to purchase this at the local shops or cafe, or
from a man on the corner of the road – of course An additional benefit is that dedicated breeders
normally check up on the dog at least once a year,
HOW TO CHOOSE A REPUTABLE BREEDER