PUPPY MILL NORFOLKS
Jean Jones, Indian Creek Kennel, 42 Bergman Lane, Newport, Washington. Also known as Jeanette Bergman, operated Mountian Top Kennels near Newport, WA. Over 320 dogs were confiscated from her property because of claims of gross mistreatment of these dogs. Please read articles at http://www.petloveshack.com/watrial.html for the details of this Puppy Mill. The dog pictured to the right is the sire of her "Norfolks", the bitch shown below is the mother "Norfolk". The puppies are CKC registered...not AKC registered. This person was suspensed from registering dogs with the AKC for 10 years. The suspension is up in September 2007. (read article: http://www.parkbytes.com/suspend/suspbe.htm)

Disreputable Dog Dealers love to advertise cute puppies

THINGS TO WATCH FOR:
• Advertises on a puppy web site that requires you to pay for additional information on breeder and litters. (BEWARE)
• Multiple breeds associated with the listing. If you research the persons name and email address or kennel name you might find multiple breeds associated with the person on multiple web sites. BEWARE.
• Brags that dogs have multiple AKC Champions in the pedigree. This may be true. Unfortunately....the fact a dog is AKC registered or champions in the background is not proof that the person is not a "Puppy Mill" or a breeder of dubious reputation. BEWARE.
• Brags dogs are being shown. Frequently, Puppy Mill people will enter their dogs in a AKC Dog Show that has "no competition". When the dog or bitch wins the breed, they take a picture of the dog going Best of Breed or Best of Opposite Sex. It is for advertising purposes only. Rarely, if ever, do they show up at a show where other Norfolk Breeders with good reputations are and compete with them. There sole goals is to say the dogs have been shown and have Best of Breed standing. BEWARE
• Imports dogs from little know countries in Europe....these countries have dubious registration processes, unfortunately, the AKC is accepting the registrations. Some foreign breeders of good reputations have be duped into selling dogs to puppy mills. Big mistake...BEWARE
• Ask to visit their home, kennel or farm, or tell them you have a friend in their area that would like to visit their place? If they refuse....BEWARE.
• Gives you a vet reference: This is a great opportunity. Call the vet, ask about the puppies. Ask how often the person breeds? Ask if they only breed to their own dogs? Ask how many different breeds this person owns and breeds? Ask how many total litters they have every year? Ask what genetic tests, if any, they perform on their breeding stock? Ask what happens to the breeding stock when the bitch or dog no longer can produce? Ask about the puppy you are purchasing, has it been seen by the vet and examined? Does it have its first shots? Ask about the general health of the puppies this breeder brings to the vet? If the person has a good relationship with their vet, the vet will know all of these answers. If they refuse to give you a veterinary reference.....RUN....don't walk to the nearest exit. BEWARE.
• If you think it is a good deal and the price is $1800 or $999...you are probably not getting a good deal, you are getting a half breed or a puppy mill dog.
• Offers to sell the dog without any restriction on breeding (BEWARE...misery loves company.)

WHERE TO FIND A REPUTABLE BREEDER OF NORFOLKS
It is true. It is hard to find a reputable breeder of Norfolk Terriers. A reputable breeder usually only breeds when they want to keep something for themselves. A reputable breeder does not breed everytime the bitch comes in season and constantly breeds to the same stud dog(ie both parents on premises). A reputable breeder will generally belong to the parent club the Norwich and Norfolk Terrier Club(NNTC)(AKC approved parent club)or a local Kennel Club. They will frequently support other clubs in their local area. Websites you will want to visit:

• NNTC: Breeder Listing avialable: www.norwichandnorfolkterrier.org
• American Norfolk Terrier Association (ANTA) Website: www.norfolkterrrier.org
• Bluebonnet Norwich and Norfolk Terrier (BNNTC) Club: Breeder Listing Available: www.bnntc.org
• NNTC Greater Chicago: Breeder List: http://www.nntcgc.com

Remember, by purchasing a Norfolk from an unreputable breeder you are contributing to the problem. When there is such a high demand, the Puppy Mills and disreputable will breed the bitch every time they come in season....and you are perpetuating the problem. Be patient, keep calling, don't expect your long distance calls to be returned. Call back until you reach someone. Be respectful of the persons time. Ask if they can talk before you demand to know if they have puppies.

SO YOU THINK YOU HAVE FOUND THE PERFECT PUPPY
You think you have found the perfect puppy. Fine....go one step farther. Call the NNTC or a member of the NNTC in the same area of your breeder. Ask them what they know about the person. Tell them where you found this person and how you are going about this. If they don't know your breeder, maybe they can put you in touch with someone that does. Don't be fooled....don't contribute to the problem just for instant gradification. Another place to find a local breeder is http://www.infodog.com/brag/breedbystate/. You just might be surprised. Most Norfolk breeders that don't have puppies will try to refer you one to someone that does, if they think you are qualified. Ask if they know of anyone with a litter or a litter coming up. Be willing to wait. Call back to check up on the progress of the litter. Be willing to put down a deposit on the puppy. Last, and ask for a vet reference. Call the vet, discuss the puppy you are purchasing. See list of question to ask the vet above.

Some Great Places To Visit

CyberPet - boldly go where no pet fancier has gone before

Norwich and Norfolk Terrier Club (AKC Approved Parent Club)

Bluebonnet Norwich and Norfolk Terrier Club

Norwich and Norfolk Terrier Club of Greater Chicago