[Dailydrool] puppy mill BYB vs. reputable breeder how do you know?

[Cheryl Stafford]

Well, this has been my experience with our current resident Bassets 
Otter and Radar who both came from fantastic breeders.  We started on 
the Basset Hound Club of America website, found the "person in charge" 
for our general area, made contact with them and was given a direction 
to head in (list of breeders).  We found, probably on that site, a list 
of questions we SHOULD ask the breeder and a list of questions to EXPECT 
to be asked by the breeder.  It was quickly apparent who was in it for 
the money and who was in it for the love of the breed.  Especially when 
the person couldn't/wouldn't answer some of those questions.  When we 
happened upon Otter and Radar's breeders I felt like I was going through 
the toughest job interview of my entire life.  They asked all those 
questions and then some!!  There were several phone interviews as well 
as a couple face to face meetings, which required two hour, one way 
drives.  The breeders didn't have a website either, not that websites 
are bad.  Taking into account all the info they gathered from our 
meetings/conversations we were presented with a puppy out of the litter 
that would fit best with us.  We were sent pictures and updates all 
along after that.  We were asked to decide on a name so that they could 
begin using it and our puppies stayed with their mothers until they were 
age appropriate, 12 weeks.  We still keep in touch exchanging pictures, 
emails and cards.  Whenever I have a question/concern I can go to them 
and they are right there for me.  When Radar was so very sick she was 
constantly calling and checking on him.
It takes A LOT of hard work on your part to weed out and find a 
reputable person.  It is no easy task.
Hope this helps some and good luck to you,
Cheryl
Otter & Radar
Mollie & Jefro the Bloodhounds (who are both rescues that we have been 
blessed with)