How to Choose a Breeder

Just because someone calls themselves a breeder, doesn’t necessarily mean they are a good breeder and that you should get your puppy from them. It’s easy to put two dogs together and end up with puppies. But to end up with puppies that are well breed with great temperament and are free from genetic diseases and health problems takes a lot of work and years of practise. And just because the breeder claims that the pups are registered and have papers doesn’t guarantee you of getting a quality dog. Registered dogs only mean they are purebred, but is not an indication of health, temperament or genetic soundness.

Choosing the right breeder means you don’t have to worry about choosing the right puppy from a litter. If your breeder is a reputable one, then she has done her homework and researched bloodlines and characteristics extensively. A reputable breeder will choose the animals to be bred based on their strengths but also to complement each other. Only dogs that exemplify the breed standard are to be bred.

Tips to Select the Right Breeder

    Choose a breeder that has been in the business for many years and preferably only works with one breed of dog, definitely no more than two.

    Reputable breeders are in the business to improve the breed and strive to make a perfect specimen of their chosen breed.

    Most good breeders show their animals. This is how they determine whether the dogs they are thinking of breeding are tops among the breed. The better their dogs do in shows, the better they are to breed.

    The pups, ideally, should be raised in a home environment if they are to be pets. This allows them to get used to the hustle and bustle of everyday activities within the home and also allows for early socialization.

    Dams (Mothers) should be no younger than two years old.

    Get references and talk to people who have purchased pups from this breeder. Ask about temperament, health problems and also the whole experience of getting a pup from the breeder. Were they there after purchase to answer questions? Did they provide guidance and information during the adoption process?

    You should have a contract outlining exactly what you are getting and should have health guarantees included. The minimum should be a one year health guarantee, but really good breeders will have longer guarantees, to three or four years of age.

    Does your breeder have a take back clause where if for whatever reason you are no longer able to keep your dog, that the breeder will take him back? Most good breeders insist on the dog being returned to them as they want to keep track of where their dogs are going.

    Have the animals that are being bred been genetically tested and health tested? All breeds have specific health issues that you should be familiar with before buying your pup. Some examples are eyes, hips and elbows. Has your breeder tested for those things?

    Just because the breeder claims that they have papers for their dogs and puppies, doesn’t mean that you are getting a quality pup. Having a purebred pup does not mean a quality pup either. Even puppy mills can get registered papers.

    The breeder should be asking questions about you. Good breeders want to know all about the homes their pups are potentially going to.

    You should have histories on the pedigree of both parents.

    If possible, visit the facilities before putting a deposit down or purchasing your pup. Meet as many of the dogs as possible to see how they are treated, what condition they are in and their temperaments. You should at least meet the mother (Dad may not belong to the kennel and was rented just for stud service, but you should still be able to get full disclosure of all testing and family history).

    Don’t buy the cheapest pup or from the breeder who is closest to you. Make sure you check out the breeder thoroughly before buying. Chat with the breeder for awhile and you’ll be able to tell whether this is someone you should be buying a puppy from.