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WHY PAY MORE?
The R5000 puppy
- both parents of this puppy the came from top quality breeding
stock which was developed over years and years of selective and
knowledgeable breeding. Both meet the requirements of the
written KUSA (Kennel Union of Southern Africa - www.kusa.co.za)
standard for the breed in conformation (physical structure) as
well as temperament and disposition. Each has a pedigree, which
has been studied and thoroughly researched. These two dogs have
been selected to breed to each other because they can both
contribute to the excellence of the breed as well as complement
one another.
The R500 Puppy
- the dam (mother) of this litter was purchased from a local pet
store or from a classified advert, and originally came from a
puppy mill or backyard breeder. She was sick off-and-on during
the first year of her life due to many different types of
intestinal parasites and malnutrition. The sire (father), an
over-sized male, lives down the street and was purchased from a
“guy” who claimed to have lovely pups. Neither owner has ever
heard of KUSA, SASDA, or the FCI, nor the written breed
standards. Neither owner has seen a written pedigree. The female
is skittish and snappy. Her owners hope that having a litter
will calm her down. The male looks ”nice”. Sometimes the words
“pure bred” or “from registered parents” are thrown around at
prospective buyers – this is not good enough. This is no
guarantee as to what you are getting – this is used mainly to
impress buyers into thinking that these puppies are the same as
the “R5000” puppies, just cheaper!
The
R5000 Puppy
- before this breeding took place, both male and female had
numerous tests done, including hip& elbow x-rays, and official
scoring by a specialist, eye tests and heart tests to determine
that there were no known physical or genetic problems that might
be passed on to the off-spring. In addition the DNA testing
should have been done on the parents, or their parents etc, to
clear them of additional hereditary problems (TNS, Collie Eye
Anomaly).The breeder is well aware of the genetic problems to
which the breed is predisposed and uses no animal for breeding
unless it is certified clear of defects by a qualified
veterinarian. The health of this breeder's pups is guaranteed.
The
R500 Puppy
- the breeder is totally unaware of the genetic problems within
the breed. Trips to the veterinarian, except for dire
emergencies or yearly shots, are considered too expensive, or
the vet is too far away!. The breeder's hope is to make money
off the sale of the puppies. If he keeps expenses down, he can
buy that new couch he's been wanting. Puppies are sold with no
guarantee, most times with no papers.
The R5000 Puppy
- the breeder behaves professionally and responsibly because he
has a good reputation to maintain. His goal is to produce
beautiful and sound specimens, which anyone would be proud to
own. Profit, if any, goes toward future breedings (always aimed
toward the betterment of the breed) or for show entries, new
equipment and important veterinary tests. Both the mother and
pups are fed the highest quality diet. Many trips to the vet
ensure that mother and pups are thriving under the very best
care. The pups are raised in a busy part of the house where they
are socialised, groomed and exposed to different kinds of
stimuli. They are touched and spoken to, cuddled and often
trained in the basics. They are never sold before they are eight
weeks old. Every buyer is interviewed properly, and pups are
placed only in homes where they will receive the finest
treatment. The breeder spends time with each new owner,
educating and answering questions. Follow-up calls are made to
make sure the pups are adjusting well. Each new owner receives a
bill of sale and health guarantee, vaccination record, minimum
three-generation pedigree, guarantee of registration with the
KUSA and/ or SASDA, and thorough puppy care and nutrition
information. If the puppy is not considered to be of such
quality as to increase or maintain the quality of the Border
Collie, the puppy is sold with a limited registration or
non-breeding agreement. The new owners are encouraged to
continue a relationship with the breeder, and to call and ask
questions at any time during the dog's life. A contract would
also state the full agreement between the breeder and the new
owner.
The
R500 Puppy
- these puppies are born in a box in the garage and receive
little care other than what the mother gives. To cut costs they
are weaned on generic dog food and allowed to nurse on the
mother as long as possible to keep food bills down. The bitch's
health declines rapidly due to poor health and some pups are
weak and runty. They are sold as quickly as possible because
advertising and vaccines are expensive. They are sold often
without having had their dewclaws removed, without shots,
parasite checks, vet examinations, guarantees or information of
any kind. They are sold to anyone who has the cash. Although the
puppy is of very poor quality, it is sold with full breeding
rights. The new owner usually disappears with the pup, never to
be seen again. If the market is not good, the breeder takes the
leftover pups to the local pet shop or shelter.
The
comparison you have just read is theoretical, but very typical
of what we see all too often. Although not every breeder who
charges higher prices is reputable and ethical, pet buyers
should keep looking until they find one that is. Those that are
seeking pets deserve nothing less than a nice quality, healthy
and trusting animal, and a dedicated breeder they can count on.
So do not have the attitude “I don’t want a show dog, I only
want a pet” – you deserve more, with the guarantee that
everything in the breeder’s power has been done to allow your
healthy, loving pet to be at your side for many years to come.
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