John & Michaela  Wille
Red Diamond Labradors Humboldt, Ks.

620-717-1941 or 620-432-1272
These guidelines apply regardless of the breed you are interested in.
The most important distinction in breeders is that of profit motive. Good breeders make
puppies very carefully with a primary goal of improving their beloved breed. To
breed for any other reason is unethical. Unfortunately, puppy mills, brokers and
novices masquerade as good breeders to earn money. Here are a few tips on how to
recognize the good, the bad & the ugly:

What good breeders do:

Carefully select a sire for their dam that compliments her strengths and corrects her
weaknesses.

Participate in conformation shows, obedience, agility, fieldwork or whatever. They
are actively working with their dogs towards attaining a goal.

Make you jump through hoops to get one of their dogs.

Make you go on a waiting list.

They may visit your home.

Invite you to their home/kennel.

Never mention cost until you do.

Love their animals.

Require that the dog be returned only to them if you ever decide you don’t want the
dog.

Spend the time to get to know you.

Give you more information than you probably want.

Provide ongoing support and expertise.

Have many references they can provide.

Have a contract.

Match the right puppy to you and your circumstances

Cry when their puppies go home with you.

What good breeders don’t do:

Sell you a dog because you have the money.

Refuse to let you see their kennel or meet the dam and/or sire.

Buy pups from puppy mills and pretend they bred them.

Hold pups up for sale outside of shows or stores.

Be in a hurry with any part of the process.

The main point here is to never buy a dog from someone who easily sells a
dog to you because you have the cash!

Remember, you may keep this dog for fifteen years, twice the length of the
average marriage today so chose carefully and be willing to wait months for
the right baby.