Why Choosing a Preservation Breeder Matters
If you’re considering adding a Schipperke to your family, you’ve probably come across breeders from all walks of life—some who seem deeply invested in the breed and others who just have a litter of puppies for sale. But where you get your Schipperke matters, and if you truly care about the health, temperament, and longevity of your future companion, you should be looking at a preservation breeder, not a backyard breeder.
What’s the Difference?
A preservation breeder is someone dedicated to maintaining and improving the breed. They don’t just breed dogs—they study pedigrees, perform health testing, participate in breed clubs, and often show their dogs in conformation or other competitive events to ensure they meet the breed standard. Their goal is to preserve the Schipperke’s unique traits, both physically and temperamentally, for future generations.
A backyard breeder, on the other hand, is someone who breeds without the same level of care or expertise. They may not perform health tests, they may not be familiar with the breed’s history or standard, and their primary motivation is often profit or the novelty of having puppies. They don’t take the necessary steps to ensure the puppies they produce are healthy, well-socialized, or even good representations of the breed.
Why Choose a Preservation Breeder?
Health and Longevity
Preservation breeders test for hereditary health conditions common in Schipperkes, such as MPS IIIB, luxating patellas, hip dysplasia, and eye disorders.
Their dogs come from healthy, carefully selected bloodlines, increasing the likelihood of a long, happy life.
Temperament and Socialization
Schipperkes are intelligent, independent, and full of personality. A preservation breeder selects for stable temperaments and exposes puppies to various experiences to ensure they grow into well-adjusted adults.
Backyard breeders often don’t have the knowledge or resources to properly socialize their puppies, which can lead to behavioral issues down the road.
Breed Knowledge and Support
A responsible breeder doesn’t just sell you a puppy and disappear. They are a lifelong resource for questions, advice, and support.
They know the breed inside and out and can help guide you through the unique quirks of Schipperke ownership.
Ethical Breeding Practices
Preservation breeders follow a code of ethics, ensuring their dogs are well cared for, puppies are placed in appropriate homes, and breeding practices don’t contribute to overpopulation.
Backyard breeders may cut corners, breed without regard for genetic health, or sell to anyone with the cash, which can lead to dogs ending up in shelters.
How to Spot a Preservation Breeder
They health test their dogs and can provide proof of testing.
They are involved in breed clubs, showing, or performance events.
They are knowledgeable about Schipperke history, temperament, and health concerns.
They ask you questions to ensure their puppies are going to the right home.
They have a contract that includes a return policy, meaning they take responsibility for the dogs they produce.
Why Sea La Vie is a Preservation Breeder
At Sea La Vie, we are passionate about preserving and improving the Schipperke breed. Our breeding program is built on dedication, knowledge, and ethical breeding practices:
Health Testing: All of our breeding pairs are thoroughly health tested to ensure they are free of hereditary conditions.
Investment in the Breed: We invest more financially into breeding as a passion than any puppy sale would ever cover.
Health & Temperament Guarantee: We stand behind the health and temperament of our dogs, ensuring they are well-socialized and properly cared for.
Club Memberships: We are proud members of the Schipperke Club of America (our national parent club) and the Colonial Schipperke Club (our regional breed club).
Commitment to Learning: We are mentored by experienced breeders and continuously study pedigrees, health, structure, type, and our breed standard to improve our program.
Quality Over Quantity: Many of our puppies that go to pet homes are show-quality animals. Our goal is to move the breed and our breeding program forward with each litter.
Conformation Excellence: All of our bitches come from Champion (CH) and many Grand Champion (GCH) show lines, including Best in Show winners and pedigrees that reflect the dedication and hard work of the breeders who came before us.
Lifetime Support: We stay in touch with every puppy owner for the lifetime of their pet, providing guidance and support whenever needed. We genuinely care about every Schipperke that passes through our home.
Why This Matters
Choosing where you get your Schipperke isn’t just about finding the cutest puppy—it’s about ensuring that your dog has the best possible start in life and that the breed itself continues to thrive. Preservation breeders aren’t just selling dogs; they are dedicated to the future of Schipperkes as a whole.
So if you’re serious about bringing a Schipperke into your life, do your research, ask questions, and make sure you’re working with someone who cares about the breed as much as you do!
Helpful resources about preservation breeding:
Breed Preservation: Everything Old is New Again
The Bubble: Just What Is a Preservation Breeder?
Tips for Finding and Working With a Responsible Breeder
What Does It Mean to Be a Preservation Breeder?
