Kennels are not zoos – arguments for and against the visits

It's becoming self-evident, but we still consider it important to emphasize: the first step to becoming a responsible dog owner is deciding from whom we purchase a puppy to join our family.

If a purebred dog is our desire, in addition to adopting dogs with breed characteristics that are available for adoption, another option is to turn to a breeder. But how do we know which breeder is truly reliable and which one of them breeds the dogs based on values similar to ours? During a visit – though it may not be the first step –,  breeders can also get to know us as prospective owners.

It matters which breeder we buy from; it’s important to be clear about what the priorities are

Of course, it’s not certain that the first kennel will be the winner, as it is also important to determine whether the breed characteristics or the appearance of the dogs are primary for us. Perhaps the distance can be a factor, and the chemistry is crucial too. Nevertheless, even in this way, we can choose from a dozen of kennel’s  nationwide, regardless of the breed.

Does the buyer choose?

The simplest would be to personally admire each fluffy little one, spending plenty of time close to them to find out which puppy is the most likable, which one behaves in a way that matches our expectation. However, a significant part of breeders is extremely cautious with potential buyers; you can’t just visit them for a little pat. Not without reason.

A visit can be risky for breeders

In Hungary, it is characteristic for dog breeders to keep their dogs at home, at the family’s residence. While this type of breeding method is also common abroad, vaste-scale investments in large estates specifically built for dogs and the necessary infrastructure for breeding, including separate buildings, are not rare. Enclosures, kennels, isolation units, medical facilities, and a permanent staff ensure the well-being of the dogs.

However, it’s not only this reason that breeders are cautious about receiving guests. The health of the often extremely valuable speciemens and their offspring is crucial. Visitors, especially those who already have dogs, can easily infect all members of the kennel; it only takes a few bacteria stuck to the sole of a shoe. An infection could cost the lives of the not yet vaccinated newborn puppies.

Kennel visits are always preceded by mutual information gathering; only then does it make sense to schedule an appointment. When someone calls us unfamiliar and said that they would come by in an hour to pet dogs with their child, it is not a realistic idea; we surely cannot accommodate it

– the information is provided on the website by the Jacks&Bears kennel, which breeds Bernese Mountain Dogs and Jack Russell Terriers.

In the first few weeks, bacteria can be particularly dangerous for unvaccinated puppies

In many cases, responsible breeders follow strict safety protocols when bringing adult dogs into canine environment. Some places even bathe the dogs when leaving and arriving, and they may go into quarantine for a short period. It is crucial to prevent them from infecting either their kennel mates or other dogs they may encounter.

Being visible and transparent

Although restrictions on interactions are important for the health and peace of the dogs (and the breeder’s family), it is necessary for prospective buyers, the hopeful owners, to get to know the breeding facility. Not just the dogs living there and their life stories, but also how they are treated, how much attention and care they receive, before they become part of a family.

We as breeders have numerous tools to create transparency, not just when inquirers visit us. When we sell a dog abroad, the buyer meets them for the first time when they come to pick them up, but by then, they already know everything, and we also know everything about them

– summarized by Gábor Ziegler dog breeder in response to the question of Love my Dogz how they can reach potential customers .

Fortunately everything is available through online platforms, even when the puppies are still very young. The internet and social media provide breeders a tool through which potential buyers can gain insight into the daily life of the puppies. They can not only learn about potential competition results but also virtually experience the behavior of individual specimens through videos and photos.

Participation in dog shows or, from the buyer’s perspective, attending such shows, provides a good opportunity to gather information about a chosen breed or, more broadly, about pedigree dogs. The most renowned breeders are regular participants in dog shows.

Good breeders also apply thorough screening because it matters to them to whom the little ones – or slightly bigger puppies – will go to. It is advisable to make the visit at this stage, during which not only can the breeders get to know us better, and of course, we get to know them, but it can also be revealed whether there is chemistry between us and the puppy.

From their fundamental nature, behavior, and the circumstances of their future owners, a competent professional can clearly see whether a certain puppy will have a good place in its future home.