Breeders
The more I get involved with dogs, the more I understand the importance of finding and supporting reputable breeders. They breed to better the bred, by the follow the breed standard and provide the proper health testing, titling, and temperament among other values. The biggest thing is that they care where their puppies go. They care that it is a good fit for the home and the biggest thing is if it doesn’t work out they take them back. Imagine how much less space shelters and rescues would need, if we all supported reputable breeders? Everyone always seems to want a “cheap” family pet. However, cheap and quality and purposely bred dogs are not feasibly when you consider the costs to the breeder. I once came upon a blog about the value in having a relationship with your breeder, I wish I could find it! It talked about how reputable breeders support you and your dog throughout it’s life time. If you have health questions, grooming questions, questions about training or nutrition etc. they are there for you. Coming from someone, which lucked out their rescued GSD puppy passed all of her prelims, it can be challenging sometimes with not having a breeder to go to for advice. I spend a lot of time doing research when It would have been amazing to have a mentor from the get go.
