Why You Shouldn't Trust A Breeder That Won't Take A Dog Back

Anyone who’s purchased a pup from me in recent years has signed a contract saying their pup can’t be surrendered to a rescue or shelter under any circumstances. Instead, if they can’t keep their pup for any reason they’re required to bring him or her back to me so I can find a suitable home. I firmly believe that is the duty of a breeder. Your pup is always your responsibility if a person is unable to care for it any longer.

Why you shouldn’t trust a breeder who won’t take their pup back

A couple days ago, I received a phone call from a person saying they needed to surrender their dog and the breeder wouldn’t take it back, so would I be able to take him? I told him I’m at pretty full capacity but to send me pictures and videos and I would do my best to find him a foster home as quickly as possible until we can get him placed in his forever home. It would probably take a few days. 

He told me his wife was getting sick from the dog so he had to go right away. After further conversation I learned the dog was a year old. So the wife is suddenly so ill from a dog she’s lived with for a year that it absolutely must go today? I was willing to bet the wife isn’t sick from the dog, rather she was sick of the dog given that the age from 10 months to 2 years can be a difficult time with a pup. 

I told him to send me the pictures and if he really couldn’t keep him for a few days I would find space for him so he didn’t end up in a shelter. He agreed and no pictures came. I followed up, no answer. Followed up again and received a text that he just couldn’t wait - the pup was in a shelter but wouldn’t say where. 

Why? He really couldn’t be bothered to send pictures? He really couldn’t be bothered to provide shelter for his own dog for a couple more days? He really had so little love for this pup that he couldn’t spend the time?  It was just easier to be rid of him. 

Unfortunately this happens every day and although I’m disappointed in the owner’s actions, I have to look to the breeder. There are so many breeders that only care about making the sale. They don’t care who’s hands they put a pup in and have no intention of taking the pup back if the owner can no longer house him or her. I’m not getting into the reasons a person would give up a pup. There are good reasons and downright awful reasons and it really doesn’t matter what those reasons are. The breeder has a responsibility to the pup they brought into the world. 

If a breeder is unable or unwilling to take a pup back, they have no business breeding. Honestly, they should be subject to a penalty but that would only result in the lowest of the low finding some heinous way to rid themselves of an unwanted pup so they didn’t have to deal with it. 

Purchasing a pup from an unscrupulous breeder funds their breeding operation

This brings me to my point. Even though you may think ‘It’s ok if the breeder doesn’t take their pup back because I’d never surrender him.’ It still matters. Even though you wouldn’t do that, another person who purchased a pup from that breeder could. In giving your dollars you’ve just supported that breeder. You’ve enabled that breeder to go on to have another litter next season. They will continue to sell pups to people who may not be able to keep them. The pups could end up in a shelter, and the cycle goes on with that breeder taking no responsibility, making a living by filling up the shelters. 

How do you know if you’re working with a breeder that will stand by their pups? Look at the contract. There should be some sort of rehoming provision. If there isn’t, move on to another breeder. The contract should be complete and contain legal jargon. Read more about breeder contracts in 7 Things That You Should See In Your Puppy Contract.

If the breeder’s contract looks like something they typed up themselves or if they don’t have one at all you should look elsewhere. Why? Because that contract is a legal and binding document that protects you as much as it protects the breeder. A breeder that doesn’t have a solid contract either doesn’t take it seriously, doesn’t realize the importance, or has no intention of holding responsibility to you or the pup after it leaves their care. Read 3 Reasons A Breeder Doesn’t Have A Contract. 

If you’re considering working with a breeder, ask for their contract ahead of time so you can review it prior to meeting the pup. Once you’ve met the pup, you’re more inclined to make an emotional decision. Then if there’s an issue later you’re stuck relying on your breeder and all you can do is hope you have a good one. It’s always best to choose the breeder first, then find the right pup - not the other way around. 

There are literally breeders everywhere. The market is flooded with them and the result of breeders that don’t take responsibility are shelters full of unwanted pups. You can do your part to reduce pups in shelters by working only with breeders that will stand by them. In doing this, you’ll reduce the demand of pups from irresponsible breeders. They’ll have a harder time selling their pups and will possibly rethink subsequent breedings. Read 9 Tips For Choosing The Right Breeder.

Please share this article with people you know that may be searching for the right pup. Together we can work toward lowering populations in shelters and demand breeders adhere to better breeding practices.  Read How To Choose A Breeder That Minimizes Their Footprint On The Shelter Community.