A retrospective study by Juraj Korbelik, Jacqueline Rand, and John Morton reveals significant differences in early socialization between puppies raised by registered breeders and those from nonregistered breeders. The study examined 80 litters—half from breeders registered with the Canine Control Council (CCC) and half from breeders advertising in local newspapers.
Puppies raised by CCC-registered breeders were more frequently socialized with adult dogs, humans of varied appearance, and exposed to a wider range of environmental stimuli. In contrast, puppies from nonregistered breeders often experienced limited exposure and were more likely to result from unplanned pregnancies.
This disparity in early experiences could have long-term consequences. Adequate early socialization is crucial in reducing future behavioral problems, such as fear or aggression, and contributes to the dog’s adaptability and emotional stability. While the study did not measure later behavioral outcomes directly, it raises concerns about the higher risk of surrender or euthanasia among under-socialized dogs from nonregistered breeders.
The authors advise that individuals who purchase puppies from nonregistered breeders should prioritize , a critical window for emotional development. They also call for further research to explore behavioral trajectories based on breeding backgrounds.
Source: Juraj Korbelik, Jacqueline Rand, and John Morton. 2011-10-10. “Comparison of early socialization practices used for litters of small-scale registered dog breeders and nonregistered dog breeders.” Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Volume 239, Issue 8, Pages 1090–1097. https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.239.8.1090
