Everybody loves a cute, little, wiggly puppy. But it?s important that your pet, no matter what breed, comes from a reputable and reliable source.
Going through a breeder is a great way to find a quality, healthy purebred pup.
Ann Jeffcoat of Chesachobee Chessies in Millersville has been helping to breed Chesapeake Bay Retrievers ever since her aunt opened a kennel in 1954.
“Our dogs live in our homes with us and are our pets first and foremost before anything,” Jeffcoat said. “I?m very particular about who my puppies go to.”
As a breeder, Jeffcoat interviews potential owners, asking questions ranging in topic from what environment the dog will be in to how much the person knows about the breed itself.
“I have multiple conversations with them to get a feel for exactly what they do and don?t know about the breed,” she said, adding that she requires the dogs to attend basic obedience classes for proper socialization and training.
Buyers are also required to sign a contract stating that they will give the dog back to Jeffcoat if anything should happen that makes them unable to care for the dog properly.
Fannie Trail, who has been breeding pugs with her husband John for ten years, runs a kennel in Baltimore.
“Birthing puppies is just like being a midwife because pugs don?t like [giving birth]. I have to take over,” she said. “But the pug is a very good mother after they are cleaned up and ready to go.”
Trail said that a good breeder is knowledgeable. “They don?t [give the dogs] their own treatments and medications, they get a vet,” Trail said. “In my opinion, when you are a breeder, you put more time and effort into [raising the puppies healthy].”
Breeders must be licensed by the state of Maryland and all dogs must be up to code with shots, she said.
Jack Russell breeder Jill Goodman said that “weeding out the future owners who don?t do their homework [on the breed]” is the most difficult aspect of breeding dogs.
“A dog is a lifelong commitment,” she said. “I try to match the personality of a dog with a person. Jack Russell terriers are geared for active families and lifestyles.”
John?s Pug Puppies
» John and Fannie Trail
» 3604 Frederick Avenue, Baltimore, 443-857-3902
Chesachobee Chessies
» John and Ann Jeffcoat
» 867 Generals Highway, Millersville, 410-729-2560
Jack Russells
» Jill Goodman, Heath Ogburn
» 1437 Hallowell Lane, New Windsor, 410-635-2414
