7 things to look for in a breeder

Sep 9

When you decide to add a new dog to your home there are a few different sources you can go to. Some people go the breeding route and there are A LOT of breeders, that breed a variety of different dogs. Some are considered “backyard breeders“ which is basically a broad term for breeders who may not breed responsibly, have the correct permits, may breed abnormal hybrid dogs, and aren’t registered. Usually when you go to a breeder you will spend anywhere from $500- $7,000 for a dog depending on the breeder. What are you paying for? Usually, you are paying for your dog to have a good temperament, be in line with the breed standard, and for a healthy dog. As always, there are outliers, and no one can guarantee a perfect dog, however, if you are going to pay that much you want to be happy. If you are looking to add a new dog to your family, do it responsibly and find a responsible and ethical breeder. Let’s dive into some things to look for when searching for a breeder.

They should have the correct permits depending on their city and state, and Registered with different organizations.
Seems silly, but a responsible breeder should be able to meet the requirements to have the correct permits in their city and state, and be registered with organizations such as the AKC, and be part of clubs or organizations for specific breeds. This is because they have to meet a standard for breeding, which is important and have a code of ethics. A lot of breeders go off on their own and breed dogs that do not meet or improve the breed standard and can end up breeding more or worse health issues in the dog.
They should have done health testing on the dogs.
Pure bred dogs are prone to different health issues dependent on their breed and per the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) you can look and see what health testing is recommended per breed. The breeder should be able and willing to be transparent with the health testing results for the litter parents. If not, I would consider that a red flag.
**Note, the OFA and other similar organizations usually have a database where you can see the testing done on their dogs. You should look at siblings and the line as a whole.
You should be able to meet the litter and the parents.
Meeting the parents can give you more of any idea of where these puppies come from and see the parents temperaments. At bare minimum you should be able to meet the mother. If a breeder doesn’t allow you to visit the litter and see where they are being kept I would be wary. You want to be able to see if the place is well kept, and what the environment is clean, is it safe, etc.
Breeders should also ask you questions.
If a breeder is willing to give a puppy to just anyone it may be a little questionable. They should ask about your lifestyle, if you have other pets, other pets you’ve owned, kids in the household, etc. Their first questions shouldn’t be to pay the deposit. The breeder should want to know what kind of dog you are looking for, and make sure one of their dogs would fit you. As frustrating as it may seem to be denied from a breeder, you should be comforted by the fact they didn’t let you spend your money on a breed of dog that may create more problems for you rather than easily transitioning into your home and lifestyle. Make sure you do your breed research and pick a breed that would suit you best not just for looks and aesthetic.
A responsible breeder should have a contract.
Always ask to see it prior to purchasing your puppy. You should see a clause that allows you too return the dog to breeder for any reason, at any age. That is a a responsible breeder, and keeps the dogs out of the already filled shelters. If for some reason it stipulates no refund, I would be wary (in my opinion) especially if you are spending so much on the dogs. I would also check and see if their are any stipulations saying the breeder maintains ownership of the dog, or you are required to use an aversive method or tool on the dog. I personally find those stipulations strange and I would be wary of that, at least question it or get clarification.
The breeder should not push a dog on you early
I know a lot of people who have gotten their puppies at 6 or 7 weeks. Which is illegal in some states. Regardless of the legality, it is not good for the puppy. In development, the puppies aren’t ready to be in a new home until 8 weeks. They learn a lot from their littermates, and their mother as they are growing, and removing them too early can result in behavior problems down the line. It is irresponsible for a breeder to give you a puppy before 8 weeks. And if they push that on you, it may not be the right fit. Good breeders also work with the puppies as they develop and implement things like puppy culture, or something similar. Think of it as early socialization for puppies. Doing this helps introduce small stresses and experiences to the puppies that they are able to easily work through and become comfortable with. This usually helps the puppies be more well rounded and resiliant as they get older. This kind of work shouldn’t stop at 6 weeks or 7 weeks. I would ask your breeder, what kind of work do you do with your puppies?
Lastly, ask around!
If you are looking for a specific breed and looking at a specific breeder do some digging on them. There are a lot of forums, and groups that may have information or have worked with them in the past. And honestly, if you are nervous or have some concerns, don’t go with that breeder, wait on it. A breeder with a waitlist doesn’t always mean they are good.

Conclusion

It can be very overwhelming when you look for a breeder. Do your research and go with your gut. We get excited and try to get a new puppy quickly but it can sometimes bite us in the booty later on. The breeder you choose should make you feel comfortable, and be someone you can go back to when issues arise with your puppy. No dog is perfect, and even pure bred dogs end up with behavior or health issues, but you shouldn’t be left to fend for yourself. Remember, breeding is a business, but there are breeders who are responsible and truly do right by the dog, and the owner.

Happy training!