Irresponsible Breeding is Abuse.

Did you know that in some states, irresponsible breeding is against the law? By this, I mean that if one person has a male and one person has a female of the same breed, and they just put the dogs together without doing the proper DNA testing and vet checks, with the proper hips/eyes/elbows, etc., it is illegal. In 2003, A.K.C. started the Frequently Used Sire Program. If a breeder has more than 3 litters in a calendar year, the sire must be DNA tested before the 4th breeding or if the breeder has 6 litters in a lifetime,(ex: 3 litters in 2006 and 3 litters in 2007) the sire must be DNA tested before the 7th litter. I also understand that there are quite a few new registry's that have popped up in recent years. One that seems to be prevalent around the Tri-State is the CKC or The Continental Kennel Club. They just are not as stringent on their rules. Not saying that they are not good, just not as stringent on the rules as A.K.C. I am just more comfortable with A.K.C. With the CKC, you don't have to do the DNA like with A.K.C. Even though I don't breed, I have a digital xray of my Yellow Lab's hips and spine. I am a purist. I do not believe in mixing breeds to get a "designer" dog. I have been working dogs for over 20 yrs. I have seen a lot of these mixed breeds or "designer" dogs, and have seen the health issues that come with mixing. Purchasing a puppy from a pet store is extremely risky. Most purchase their puppies from puppy mills. And, if looking for a puppy, make sure that you see the parents. Seeing the parents will give you an idea of what you are buying, i.e. temperament, looks, and any faults, such as cherry eye, or conjunctivitis, which is hereditary, weak hips or elbows, which also are hereditary. Buying from a pet store does not allow you to view the parents. Not having all the information on your puppy is like, well, like when I go to the doctor and, being adopted, as I am, don't have any idea what my medical history is. Remember, knowledge will help you purchase that puppy that will fit right into your home, hence making you and the puppy both happy.

This information was gathered by me throughout my years working with dogs.