What To Look For When Selecting a Greyhound Breeder
Most of us have heard the saying, "it's all how you raise them". While how you raise a puppy can certainly play a role in how your puppy develops, good genetics are also a factor.
Throughout this article, we will explain how to find a reputable Greyhound breeder. We will explain what to look for and questions you should ask.
Traits
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Pedigree
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Coefficient of Inbreeding
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Health Testing
You should always look for a breeder who is doing breed appropriate health testing. You should ask the breeder about the health of close relatives, for diseases that can’t be tested for – namely, osteosarcoma in racing Greyhounds, and bloat or kidney disease in show Greyhounds. Both of these diseases, while not directly inherited, show a strong familial tendency. If you are primarily looking for a pet, then health and temperament should be your prime considerations, and the parents of your future puppy should have been evaluated for these things:
-Basic or Advanced Cardiac Exam
-ACVO Eye Examination
-DNA based NDRG1 PolyNeuropathy test from an approved lab.
-Autoimmune Thyroditis Evaluation from an approved Lab
In heart issues, racing Greyhounds are subject to Dilated Cardiac Myopathy (DCM), while show Greyhounds can have Sub-Aortic Stenosis (SAS), and either can have valve deficiencies. Racing Greyhounds should be DNA tested for malignant hyperthermia, and show Greyhounds should be tested for NDRG1, or Greyhound neuropathy (a degenerative neurological disease). DNA tests do not replace health testing. Many breeders do much more than just the basics when it comes to health testing.
You can find more information on health testing on the following websites:
The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals:
https://ofa.org/chic-programs/browse-by-breed/?breed=GH
Greyhound Club of America:
https://www.greyhoundclubofamericainc.org/finding-a-greyhound-puppy/
Greyhound-Data Pedigree Search:
https://www.greyhound-data.com/breed.htm
Purpose
A reputable breeder will be breeding for a purpose. Most reputable breeders have a purpose to improve quality of the breed as a whole, but also focus on specific aspects. Those aspects may include conformation, performance, and health. You should never be afraid to ask, "What is the purpose of this breeding?"
Conformation
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Performance
A Greyhound's purpose, above all, is to be fast. Whether you are looking for a performance dog or a loyal companion, you should look for a breeder who is competitive in performance events- lure coursing, LGRA, NOTRA, and professional racing are all acceptable performance events for a breeder to prove their dogs in. All lure coursing clubs (AKC, ASFA, LGRA, and NOTRA) have dog rankings on their websites and race tracks also have kennel and top dog statistics on their website. The Greyhould Club of America and the National Greyhound Association are both great sources for finding a reputable breeder. You can reach someone at the GCA or NGA by a simple phone call or email. Finding a breeder who produces quality runners helps show you which breeders are breeding to better the breed. The goal of every breeding should be for the next generation to be better than the last. Even if you are only looking for a companion, you should still be looking for a breeder who has competitive dogs. If you are not interested in a dog that loves to chase, Greyhounds are not the breed for you.
Temperament
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Ethics
A reputable breeder is an ethical breeder. Ethical breeders practice good puppy raising: including safe and clean environments, good food, appropriate weaning, socialization, proper vetting,offer written guarantees on health problems, and send puppies home at the appropriate age (8-12 weeks). Ethical breeders implement practices in the best interest of the breed. They are often members in good standing with their local and/or national breed club. They are a resource for life and will be able to answer any questions you may have. Ethical breeder's should be willing to take a puppy back at any time. You should always ask the breeder if they have contract with a written health guarantee. Guarantee's should cover genetic defects until the puppy/dog is a minimum of 1 year old.
Enrichment
Whether a breeder uses their own personal social media accounts, has an accout for their dogs, or has a website- you should be able to see, or at least ask, for pictures and/or videos of the breeders dogs in daily life, not only when they have puppies. Never be afraid to ask what type of training and/or stimulation a breeder provides for their dogs. Remember, Greyhounds are highly stimulated by running.
Registration
Registration does not = quality. A registration only means a dog is purebred. While that is important, it does not equal quality. Having a registration paper should be a given, not a factor.