Buy a Breeder

Your breeder

Before you watch the videos of Belgian Malinois puppies at play, or gaze into those soulful eyes in that adorable little face--Make sure you are comfortable with Your Choice of Breeder! A Good Breeder will do everything in Her or His power to make sure that You are matched with the right pup for your lifestyle, intended purpose of the puppy as an adult, and ongoing success in the rearing, socializing and training of your puppy! If you are both "on the same wavelength" everything will go much more smoothly, before, and after you take your puppy home!

How to pick a Breeder - A checklist

1. Only one or two litters "on the ground" at a time!

If the Breeder is caring for more than two litters--at any one time--the chances that your puppy will receive all of the attention s/he deserves--is less likely.

2. If at all possible, Visit the kennel!

A reputable Breeder is proud to show off her or his CLEAN kennel, as well as the Sire and Dam of your puppy. Of course, make an appointment, but if the kennel is filthy and/or the dogs look ill-kept, RUN, don't walk to the nearest exit!

3. Are the puppies exposed to human living quarters, and to a variety of other environments?

Ideally, a puppy should be whelped indoors in the Breeder's home. They should have indoor and outdoor opportunities to play in an "enriched" environment. If they are exposed to other animals and to a variety of people--other than the Breeder--so much the better!

4. Early Canine (Non-Invasive) Neurostimulation

Developed by the US military, ENS, also called the "SuperDog Protocol" improves the puppies adaptability, stress resistance, and sociability through endocrine stimulation. Breeders who employ these techniques generally produce puppies who handle a variety of stressors with greater ease, and who are better able to adapt and to learn. It's like Puppy Pre-K!

5. A Good Breeder Answers Questions. A Great Breeder ASKS Questions!

A good Breeder will be eager to tell you about the Breed, the dogs in their care, and will have minutely observed the puppies they are raising. A Great Breeder will ask you questions about your individual situation in order to match the right puppy with the right people. A Breeder who doesn't ask you questions doesn't care about the fate of their pups, and doesn't care about YOU! Be prepared for a two-way conversation! After all, this pup will become a part of your life! The more you and the Breeder know about each other, the better the fit!

6. Breeding Pairs should be Mature and Healthy

Best practices suggest that the Dam should be at least two years of age and will have passed examinations (OFA evaluated x-rays) for hips and elbows--before first being bred. Bones are not fully knitted and joints are not fully developed before the age of two. Additionally, all breeding stock should be DNA-tested (and cleared for breed-specific disease markers particular to Belgian Malinois). Dams should be retired from Breeding no later than age 8. Earlier, if she is not in peak health. Sires can continue to produce at nearly any age, but must also remain in peak physical condition. Sires are retired at age 12.

7. A Good Breeder Does Not Sell Puppies Before 8 Weeks of Age!

A good Breeder knows that puppies benefit from "Mom Time" with the Dam, and also learn a lot from their fellow Siblings! Weaning is a Process, not a time to be ripped from the security of their first family! Gradually, the puppy is introduced solid foods, given opportunities to safely play and learn and take first steps into the Big World! An 8-week-old puppy is fully able to bond with his or her new person or persons. Yes, it is more work for a Breeder to hang on to the puppy through the weaning process, as his or her Mom is NO LONGER providing poop clean-up services, and is not particularly interested in nursing pups with a rows of needle-sharp teeth! But, Mom is still providing a sense of security and order in the puppy's life. Puppies kept with their Dam and Siblings up to 8 weeks of age are better able to handle external stimuli and stressors--than those taken away at the beginning of weaning. A Breeder who will release a puppy to you at the age of 6 weeks, wants your money--not what is best for the Puppy! (or for You!). Don't be fooled by the Myth that a 6-week-old puppy will "bond better" with you at that age. This is absolutely untrue, and may result in a puppy who is fearful and/or aggressive as s/he matures. (Winter 2020 in North Caroline. Mr. Remes at 13.5 years, Ms. Xena at 4 months).

8. A Good Breeder Finds Future Homes For Puppies--Before The Sire and Dam are Mated!

A Good Breeder takes Deposits on proposed crosses and places Buyers on a Waitlist. Of course, a Breeder may plan for 6, and get 12! In any case, be leery of Breeders who sell in parking lots or Craigslist. Or have pens full of puppies waiting to be "re-homed".

9. Good Breeders follow AKC Guidelines and often belong to a Breed-Specific Dog Club

If a Breeder "specializes" in more than one breed, like everything from Dachshunds to Danes. That should raise multiple Reg Flags! Look for a Breeder who specializes in One Breed and is ready to answer questions about their Breed of Choice!

10. A Great Breeder will Offer a Genetic Health Guarantee!

Genes don't lie, and they don't change when your dog matures. If your dog should develop symptoms of a genetic illness--or test with bad hips at the age of 24-30 months, a Breeder should offer to buy the puppy back at full price. A Great Breeder should also take back and re-home a puppy if, for any reason, your situation should change, and you must surrender your pup. A Good Breeder doesn't want to see his or her pups being sent to a Shelter or Rescue!

'Buy A Breeder' Before You Pick Your Pup!