A good breeder has to have lots of experience and expertise. This is acquired from reading, interactions with others in the pet community, the pet hospitals and their vets, the internet and library, and also a deep abiding care and concern for the little lives they usher into this world carefully and conscientiously.
It is easy for some one to be an arm chair breeder, but that sort of shallow breeder is not one I would adopt a puppy from nor should you. A good breeder(s) loves what they are doing and has a commitment and loyalty strong enough to withstand unjust unfounded criticism and the challenges that will inevitably test their strength or their other resources.
A good breeder always has to have some business sense, ability to interface well with others, and be a teacher in the community. Works with the pet organizations established for the welfare of animals. The good breeder not only needs to know how to select the best possible healthy individuals to breed and produce offspring, but also needs to know how to market the puppies that result. A good breeder does not over extend their finances, space availability, or emotional reserves because they are doing a service to others seeking a pet to adopt as well as providing for the welfare of their own pets and lives. A good breeder needs friends who help, believes in the purpose of continuing a breed through reproduction, and provides guidance and support when asked. A good breeder provides life time support to those who adopt puppies and provides a means of communication and even a network such as the Azpekelist Yahoo group for new owners to join and to meet and make friends with others who share their love of a particular breed they own.
A good breeder is an ARTIST.... valuing truth, beauty, form, function, visual harmony, healthy positive qualities, and love. They are creating living works of ART!
