Each year millions of unwanted pets are born. The obvious reason spaying and neutering is so critical is to prevent unwanted, accidental pregnancies. There are many more benefits, though, that are good for the pet as well as the owner.

A RESPONSIBLE BREEDER:

*Is well-educated about his/her breed
*Maintains dogs in clean quarters with suitable shelter from weather
*Breeding stock is healthy, termperamentally sound, can be seen by
  visitors
*Offers breed information and assistance
*Screens for genetic defects when appropriate
*Offers some type of guarantee if dog does not work out
*Questions buyer about family situation, job schedule, why buyer wants this breed, previous dog-owning
  experience, what happened to previous dog(s), etc.
*May want to visit buyer's home
*Keeps good records of pedigrees and medical/health status
*Usually belongs to local and/or national club