How to find a reputable breeder?

So many times we hear stories of people who have responded to an add on Facebook or Gumtree or some other for sale platform to purchase a Murray pup. And so many times we hear how wrong things turned out and new owners end up horrified at the thought of them supporting unregulated breeders, puppy farmers and just plain greedy people. Too often it is new people who don't know the who's who in the Murray world who are misled, misinformed or taken advantage of. We usually hear the horror stories after their purchase when they join Murray enthusiast groups and meet other owners.

So how do you find a reputable breeder? How do you know you are not supporting a puppy farmer or backyarder? How can you ensure you are supporting only the best breeding practices with your new purchase?

We've put together a bit of check list to help puppy buyers know the difference.

1. Insist on seeing the parents. Some commercial type breeders have bitches and sires living all over the country and come to collect pups once they are born to sell on. If you cant view BOTH parents................walk away! These greedy commercial type breeders sell their pups on breeder terms that entitles them to collect puppies from each litter born for the life of the dog. Is this what you want to support? Don't listen to their excuses why both parents aren't there to be viewed.............i can assure you they will have plenty of them, and some almost seem plausible. But don't be fooled - its a RED FLAG.

2. Insist on seeing both parents clear DNA testing and hip score reports. There are too many rogue breeders out there who think their way is the only way to breed. We've heard it all - they have bred for 30 years, they have had Murrays in their family for 100 years, they have never sold a pup with health issues bla bla bla, we've heard it all! But rest assured.................as soon as a health problem arises, you wont get any co operation or assistance from them. No matter what they tell you at the point of sale. The only way to know your getting a well bred healthy pup from a breeder who cares about the future of the breed is to see this paperwork before the point of sale (not after!!!). Don't let them tell you they will email or post it to you later on. A responsible breeder will have all of this documentation in order before the mating even takes place. So no excuses!

3. Insist of individual club registration and lineage paperwork from an Association. Not just from Dogs Vic or another state based organization-insist on club paperwork! Chances are they are not part of a breed club because they've been removed for not breeding to standards and adhering to ethical guidelines. Registered official breed clubs DO NOT and SHOULD NOT keep breeders who are doing the wrong thing. At the Australian Murray River Retriever Pets Association Inc. you can be assured that anything that smells like a rat is BOOTED OUT. We don't compromise on standards or ethics with our breeders, we take animal welfare as a priority over mate-ship and bullshit! Your individual registration paperwork should include a photo of your pup, breed club membership number and pup microchip number. If it doesn't - its not legit! Remember commercial breeders are street smart - they know how to make fake paperwork, they know all the stories you want to hear and will believe! If a breeder tells you they will get it to you later, post or email or whatever other bullshit excuse - walk away!! No papers - No sale!

4. Insist on vet receipts/records which shows the pup has been micro chipped and vaccinated. DO NOT hand over a cent of money until you have proof of this. Many have purchased pups that were not micro chipped, some did not even have vaccinations done. That is a huge RED FLAG that the breeder does not care about anything else but the money. It is a requirement by law that the breeder does this, pups cannot be advertised for sale with this. Do not take excuses, like oh sorry the vet wasn't available, or sorry I have been unwell and couldn't get it done in time!! These are all bullshit excuses. Some breeders will even try and bargain the price with you if micro chipping and vaccinations have not been done yet. Don't compromise! No papers/records - No sale!

5. Breeders who care often supply puppy starter packs with their pups. These can include: lead, collar, blanket, toy/s, bowl, starter food, bed etc. Breeders who do this like to know the pup is leaving with everything it needs to begin its new life. This is a good indicator of a good breeder. Often the new pups years later still have the same blanket or toy that come with them as a pup, these are special touches and gives you an idea of what kind of person your buying a pup from. Puppy packs don't have to be fully loaded with bullshit items like diaries since birth and puppy paw prints - that's just going stupid with things and may be a reason to justify a huge mark up in price. Don't fall for this garbage! We have seen some pups sell for over $2000 - $2500 just because a stupid paw print diary and some snap shots come with them. Be real people! While this stuff is lovely - it isn't worth double the price! A pup does not need a collection of sentimental crap to have a good life!

6. NEVER take a pup who is less than 8 weeks old. There is extensive research that shows this is a crucial period in their emotional development that they need to be with their litter mates and mum until this age. Some hard core hunters and old school breeders believe they should go from as young as 6 weeks and sometimes even younger. Again...........these breeders don't care about the welfare of the pup - they are just thinking about getting the bucks in and saving a couple weeks worth of food for the pups. Don't do it! If you fall in love with the pup before it is 8 weeks old, sure pay for it, then come back when it is 8 weeks old to take it home. Don't fall for bullshit excuses like - the breeder has to go away so the pup must go now, or, if you don't take it now someone else will, or any other excuse the breeder has to offload the pups before 8 weeks of age. This is not ethical!! Walk away!

7. Make sure your breeder provides you with details of breed clubs which you can join to be supported by other Murray owners. If they don't, ask yourself why? What are they hiding from and what don't they want you to find out? Ask how to get in touch with other Murray owners so you are fully supported for the life of your new Murray family member.

8. Always ask around and check the reputation of your chosen breeder. They are not going to tell you if they have done the wrong thing, nor are they going to tell you if a previous puppy purchase went wrong. They are also not going to tell you if they are dodgy! Ask multiple sources not just their mates. If they are part of a Murray Facebook group - ask in other Murray Facebook groups about them, ask people to private message you if they do not want to publicly post their experience. We all know someone who has been bullied out for speaking up about dodgy breeders, so make sure you ask everywhere! Protect yourself. If you do hear negative reviews about a breeder - then at least you can be prepared and ask the right questions and at least you have a variety of information to base your purchase decision on.