You’ve been dreaming of adding a dog to your family for years, and now the kids have convinced you it’s time to make it happen. It’s important to find the right breeder.
Look for a breeder with clean, odor-free facilities and raises dogs as part of their family, not in isolation. They should be willing to answer all your questions.
Research the Breeds
It’s important to look for breeders who place the welfare of their dogs and puppies above profit. This is why good breeders usually don’t sell their puppies on Craigslist or outside supermarkets.
A responsible puppy breeder will be able to explain the health screenings they have done on their parents and why they chose those particular sires and dams. Ask them how often they show their dogs and whether they have champions or titled dogs in the lineage.
Find out when the puppies will be ready to leave their mother — a quality breeder will wait until they are at least eight weeks old. This is because the pups will still get important nutrition from their mother, who will teach them essential skills.
Visit the Breeders
Once you have narrowed your list of breeders to a few, visit each in person. This is usually the time to ask many questions (there are no stupid ones). Be prepared for your breeder to ask you many seemingly invasive questions about your family, your home set up and your dog experience.
A responsible breeder cares about his puppies and wants to ensure they have a happy, healthy life with their new pet parents. They should be willing to give you previous buyers’ contact information and all health test documentation and pedigrees for the mother and father. They also may provide training and socialization tips for puppy parents to use. This is very important for the success of your new puppy!
Ask Questions
A responsible breeder will not be offended by your asking lots of questions – they should encourage it. Remember, this puppy may be part of your family for ten or more years, so you want to know its background.
Besides basic information like parents, grandparents and litter history, they’ll likely ask about your familiarity with the breed and why you are interested. They’ll also probably ask about your family members, pets, and home setup.
If a breeder is unwilling to discuss these things with you, this should be a major red flag. It reflects their attitude toward the dogs they’re breeding and the kind of pet owner they’re looking for. Good breeders care about their dogs and will only sell them to reputable homes.
Meet the Pups
The popular children’s song makes choosing a pup sound easy, but finding the perfect puppy takes more than seeing a cute doggie in the window. Responsible breeders want to know who will take home their puppies, so they’ll likely ask you to fill out an application, provide references and even visit your home.
Once you’ve narrowed your selection to a few puppies, the breeder should let you interact with them individually. Touch their paws, ears and mouths. A healthy pup will not squeal or run away from you.
If a puppy is shy or aggressive, it’s in their genes and will be difficult to live with as an adult. Make sure the breeder does not laugh this off as a bad trait.
Make the Decision
The breeder should be willing to provide references and allow you to visit the puppies in their environment with their mother. Ask about how they socialize the puppies so you know they have been exposed to people and other dogs.
Responsible breeders will screen you and the puppies, looking for the best home for each puppy. If they seem defensive or unwilling to answer your questions, walk away.
Ask about their health testing policies. Find out if the litter has been screened for hip and elbow dysplasia, eye conditions and hereditary diseases. The breeder should also be willing to share their OFA certifications and DNA records with you. It would help if you also learned how long the breeder will be involved with their puppies after being sold.
Meet Khurram Raheel Akbar our senior content writer. With over 10 years of experience in the field of content writing, Raheel, has established himself as an expert in creating engaging and informative content. His exceptional writing skills have enabled him to craft compelling stories that resonate with audiences across a variety of industries. Raheel’s writing style is concise, clear, and impactful, making him a go-to writer for any business looking to enhance its brand’s online presence. His dedication to staying up-to-date with the latest trends and strategies in content marketing allows him to create relevant and informative content that drives traffic and increases conversion rates. Raheel’s passion for writing is matched only by his commitment to delivering exceptional results to his clients. Whether you’re looking to revamp your website, launch a new product, or establish your brand’s voice, Raheel is the senior content writer you need to bring your vision to life.
