How to Choose a Good Dog Breeder

Finding just the right dog requires effort. You can rescue, adopt, or purchase a pup. After considering these options, if you decide to purchase a purebred dog, it is best to find a breeder who has the best interests of both the dog and you at heart.

How do I find the right breeder?

You may be able to find a good breeder by talking to people “in the know”. For example:

• Ask your veterinarian for a good reference — they see lots of pups.
• Ask your friend where they got their dog. Most reliable breeders earn their reputation by providing healthy pups to good homes, resulting in “word of mouth” references.
• Meet breeders at local dog shows.
• Look online for local breed clubs.
• Review the American Kennel Club (AKC) “Find a Puppy” page on their website: www.akc.org. In Canada, you can check the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) “Finding an Accountable Breeder” page at www.ckc.ca.

Once you locate a potential breeder, get to know them, and remember that they want to get to know you, too. Good breeders want life-long, loving homes for their pups, so they will have a few questions for you. And you want a healthy, happy pup, so you will have questions for them, as well. Enjoy a lively, informative conversation with your breeder.

Should I visit the breeder?

It is always best to see where the pups are born and raised. Avoid “parking lot” transactions when buying a pup from a breeder. A responsible breeder is proud to show you their home and kennel.

If they do not allow you to see the facility where the pup was born and raised, you may be purchasing a puppy mill dog. Puppy mill dogs are often poorly bred, unsocialized, and the parents are housed in poor living conditions.

How do I know if a breeder is good?

A good breeder will adhere to high standards for themselves and their animals. The following list outlines characteristics of a good breeder.

1. They allow you to visit and tour all areas where the pups and their parents spend their time. The grounds should be well maintained with clean, odorless kennels and exercise areas. Dogs should not be confined in cages for long periods. Small-breed dogs may be housed in the breeder’s home.
2. They do not churn out high volumes of pups, but rather, consider their breeding dogs to be family members and treat them with loving care. The breeder should encourage you to spend time with one or both parents on your visit. The parents should be friendly and socialize well with people and other dogs. Their pups should have the same demeanor, and should be clean and energetic.
3. They may not have a litter of pups readily available, but they can put your name on a waiting list. Optimum mating times occur according to natural schedules, so litters are usually born in spring and fall. Conscientious breeders give their mother dogs a rest between litters to avoid over-breeding them, so the wait for a pup may be over a year.
4. They are knowledgeable about the breeds they raise and can answer your questions about the dog’s potential size, temperament, exercise requirements, inherited health issues, special needs, etc. Most devoted breeders only deal with one or two types of dog, so their knowledge of the breed should be extensive.
5. They know that socialization is an important part of puppy development and spend one-on-one time with their pups. They provide toys, fun, exercise, and lots of love for each pup.
6. They have a good working relationship with a respected veterinarian who examines each pup and provides immunizations and parasite control according to medical standards. The breeder should readily provide a complete medical record on each pup.
7. They practice responsible mating, taking genetic predispositions into account to reduce potential inherited problems. When appropriate, the breeder should present documentation that illustrates the pup’s parents/grandparents were screened for hereditary breed problems, such as hip dysplasia, eye problems, and heart conditions.
8. They provide references from other families that have purchased pups and they welcome inquiries.
9. They question you about your ability to care for the dog, how much time you have to spend with the dog, and where the dog will fit into your family.
10. They only sell pups to people they have approved and they never sell their pups to pet stores or over the internet.
11. They inform you of the pup’s diet and daily routine to minimize complications when the pup goes to their new home. Typically, they will give you a small supply of the food the dog eats to avoid any sudden diet changes.
12. They are available to answer any questions you have after you take the pup home.
13. They provide a written contract with a guarantee of health, allowing time for a pre-purchase examination by a veterinarian of your choice. If medical problems are diagnosed, the breeder should readily take the pup back and provide a full refund.
14. They provide documentation of pedigree and registration papers in your name.
15. They request that you give them the first option to re-home the dog if circumstances prevent you from keeping them.

What questions should I ask the breeder?

You can learn a lot about the breeder and the puppies by asking some targeted questions. Here are a few key questions excerpted from the AKC website:

• What can I expect from this dog breed?
• Has the parents’ health been tested?
• How are your puppies socialized?
• Are the puppies up-to-date on their vaccinations?
• Do you provide a health guarantee and contract?
• What is your experience with this breed?
• Are you involved in any breed clubs, organizations, or dog sports?
• How can we contact you after picking up the puppy?
• What requirements do you have for people looking to get one of your puppies?

View the AKC or CKC websites for more information on each of these points.

How do I spot a puppy mill dog?

There are a few red flags to be aware of when looking for your future puppy that indicate they may be from a puppy mill.

• Parent dogs are not on site. Often, puppy mill dogs are sold through a third party.
• There may be puppies from multiple litters and/or breeds housed together with no parents.
• The seller may want to meet at parking lots or other rendezvous sites.
• The seller may have no veterinary paperwork for the pup. Review any provided paperwork carefully. If it is from a veterinarian in a different region, then that pup was transported for adoption. If it does not match the age, breed, or description of your pup then it may be falsified.
• The pup may be dirty, ill, or unsocialized.
• The seller will provide no contract, registration papers, references, or return policy.
• The seller will likely not ask questions about the life you would provide for their puppy, showing a lack of interest in their future.
• Puppy mill dogs are typically sold over the internet or through pet stores.

Can I get a purebred dog through adoption?

When looking for a purebred pup, remember that one in every four dogs in shelters across America has a pedigree and needs a home. Although the registration papers may not be available, a shelter may be a good source for you, unless you plan to show or breed your dog. You can find breed-specific rescue groups online, and they often have purebred pups available for adoption. Purebred dogs may be put up for adoption due to family circumstances.

If you decide to start with a pup of proven pedigree with a documented family tree, take time to find just the right one from just the right breeder. Be mindful that it will take time and effort to find the best pet for your family.