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BACKYARD BREEDER VS
REPUTABLE BREEDER
WHAT QUESTIONS YOU SHOULD BE ASKING!
What you need to know before you get a dog…
It is important to understand that all Border Collie Breeders/Breeders are not equal. A dog is a member of your family for up to 16 years. Getting a dog is like entering a marriage, it should be taken seriously...Many people take longer to decide on a TV than on a dog, and they are also willing to pay more for the TV too! You won't have a TV for 15 years in most cases, so choose your dog wisely...rather, choose your Breeder wisely. It's all fun and games till you are faced with a sick, flea covered puppy full of worms and with no registration papers, with no one to call but the Vet!
There is no excuse. Awareness should be made, and education needs to be spread.
The True Cost of a Puppy: Why Responsible Breeding Matters
The price you pay for a dog is not just a number—it's a reflection of the breeder’s commitment to health, temperament, and responsible practices. Regardless of whether you spend €500 or €5000, the following points remain critically important.
When someone chooses to breed a litter, they take on a serious responsibility. Ethical breeders prioritize genetic health, provide proper veterinary care, ensure appropriate socialization, and back their puppies with registration and titled lineage that reflects quality. Their pricing reflects this effort—not just profit.
While a puppy priced under €1000 may seem like a bargain, it can often result in far greater expenses down the road—vet bills, behavioral issues, training, and emotional strain. On the other hand, overpaying for a dog from a breeder who offers no proof of quality or health testing is equally misguided.
Before purchasing a puppy, it’s essential to educate yourself. Many buyers say, “I just want a pet, not a show dog,” as justification for cutting corners financially. Reputable breeders hear this often, but what’s frequently overlooked is that well-bred pets and show dogs often come from the same litters, held to the same standards of care.
Choosing a puppy from an irresponsible breeder often results in:
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Lack of breeder support
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Poor health or temperament
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High vet and training costs
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Continued support of unethical breeding practices
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A greater chance the dog may end up in a shelter
It’s far better to save and invest in a responsibly bred puppy—one with a solid health guarantee and lifelong breeder support—than to risk the heartache and financial strain of dealing with the consequences of poor breeding.
If you cannot currently afford to buy from a reputable breeder, it is worth reconsidering the timing of your purchase. Supporting backyard breeders or puppy mills directly contributes to the cycle of overpopulation and neglect.
Yes, I am placing responsibility on the buyer. Choosing where you get your puppy from has lasting implications—not only for your own experience as a pet owner but for the welfare of dogs overall. Ethical breeders stand by their dogs for life; they do not allow them to end up in shelters.
Anything can happen. Emergencies arise. Even with well-bred dogs, I've faced high vet bills for unforeseen issues. Now imagine how much worse those scenarios could be if the dog had come from an irresponsible breeder who skipped health screenings, vaccinations, or proper care in the earliest stages of life.
The difference is immeasurable—in both cost and heartache.
Red Flags When Buying a Puppy – What Responsible Breeders Don’t Do
When buying a puppy, it’s not just about looks or price—it’s about health, ethics, and responsibility. Here are major warning signs to look out for when choosing a breeder. If any of these apply, walk away.
1. They Let You Pick a Puppy Too Early (From Photos or “First Come, First Served”)
Temperament takes time to reveal. A good breeder waits until puppies are older and properly assessed before matching them to homes. Choosing by color or cute face alone benefits only the seller, not you—or the puppy.
2. They’re Breeding “Just Once” or “For Fun”
This often means a lack of knowledge, no experience with breed health, temperament, or proper care. These breeders may not be prepared to support you when challenges arise and likely haven’t done health testing.
3. They Don’t Provide Registration Papers
No reputable breeder sells puppies without official registration (like FCI, AKC, etc.). Beware of fake registries like Continental or World Kennel Club. Papers prove pedigree, prevent inbreeding, and show the dog’s value and background
4. No Microchip Provided Before Leaving
In Cyprus and many places, microchipping before transfer is mandatory. It's also the only way to confirm a puppy’s identity and ensure health testing and parentage match.
5. Pricing Based on Color or Gender
The cost of raising a puppy is the same regardless of appearance. Ethical breeders price based on quality, health testing, and care. If they’re charging more for color, they’re prioritizing profit over principles.
6. No Written Genetic Health Guarantee
Every puppy should come with a written health contract that includes a minimum 1-year genetic guarantee. It should specify testing done on the parents (hips, elbows, eyes, hearing, and DNA for breed-specific diseases).
7. Breeding Dogs Too Young
Breeding under 1.5–2 years is irresponsible, unless under rare circumstances. Dogs need time to physically and mentally mature, and cannot be fully health tested before then.
8. No Proof of Specific Health Testing for the Breed
A vet check is not enough. For Border Collies, the breeder must provide proof of:
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Hip & elbow certification (OFA/FCI)
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DNA testing (CEA, CL, TNS etc)
9. Puppies Leave Before 8 Weeks Old
Removing a puppy too early can have lifelong consequences. Socialization with the mother and littermates is crucial for behavior and emotional development. In many places, early separation is illegal.
10. No Vet Check or Vaccination Record
Every puppy should be examined by a licensed vet before leaving, with at least one vaccine and a documented health and deworming record. This isn’t optional—it’s essential.
11. They Let You Breed the Dog Without Question
Reputable breeders don’t sell breeding rights to just anyone. Breeding dogs responsibly requires years of mentorship, education, and commitment. If a breeder is eager to sell you a breeding dog for extra money, that’s a major red flag.
Final Thought
A responsible breeder protects the dogs, the breed, and you—the buyer. Anything less is a disservice to everyone involved. Don’t settle. Be patient, ask questions, and always choose ethics over convenience.