This Site Chosen By Microsoft As THE Afghan Web Link for Encarta Afghan Hound Database and Breed Information Exchange How To Choose A Breeder By - Stephanie Hunt-Crowley, ChandharaAfghan Hounds USA

How to choose a breeder?

Well, there are many doggy websites out there with lists of how to choose a breeder that apply equally to all breeds - read these and you will get an overview of what to look for and what to avoid in general terms. This would be a good place to begin as these are neutral sites with no reason to either attack or defend any individual breeders. This will give you a general idea of the things to ask and what to expect of a breeder. You will also learn what breeders will expect from you. They will want to talk to you - or should - reputable breeders do not ask you to fill out an order form and ship puppies on demand, in any breed. They will ask you many questions and may ask for references. You in turn have an equal right to ask the breeder for references. A good breeder will be willing and able to provide them. Avoid breeders that make a point of "trashing" other individuals.

The backyard/commercial/pet breeders will often make negative comments about "snobby show breeders" and preach that their dogs are "better" because they breed for "good" pets and not for show points - when you hear that, run! Some show breeders ARE "snobby" and cop an attitude on the phone - put the phone down and move on. Some of them will say outrageous things about the breed as they believe this is their way of "protecting" the breed - I disagree. A good breeder will take the time to answer all your questions - and they will ask a million of you, to see who you are and what you know about the breed, and will never demean either the breed or another breeder. Sadly, in your search you will find those that do both.

One more thing I can say is that if you are in the USA, avoid any puppies registered with the Continental Kennel Club. The Con KC (NOT to be confused with the "real" CKC - Canadian Kennel Club) is a registry that was set up to register dogs that cannot be registered with AKC and they do not even require known pedigrees! If it looks like a breed and you say it is a breed - they will register it as the breed and call it "original stock".

When you buy a puppy you are also beginning a relationship with the breeder, so it is important that you are comfortable with that person. You need to know that they will be there for you throughout your dog's life. Take your time, if in doubt - wait - this is a long lived breed and an Afghan Hound should be with you for 13 - 15 years. Rushing into it and getting the wrong puppy from the wrong breeder is something you could regret for a long, long time. Getting the right puppy from the right breeder will give you many years of happiness.

Stephanie Hunt-Crowley
Chandhara Afghan Hounds
shcrowley@prodigy.net
May 2002

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