If you’re looking to add a new pup to your family, buying from a breeder can have its benefits. You can pick your specific breed, know what to expect as
your puppy grows up, and have the support and experience of your breeder for the life of your dog. Unfortunately, there are many breeders out there who are not abiding by the most responsible practices. To make sure you are setting yourself and your new pup up for success, you really want to do your due diligence in picking the best breeder. Researching everything you can about breeders will help, as well as keeping in mind the below points of interest.
Green Flags (These breeders are pick of the litter! They are responsible, and abiding by best practices for their breed of choice)
- A long history in the breed
- “Breeder of Merit” through AKC
- Full Health Panels–OFA’s / Penn Hip/ Chic#s/Pawprint Genetics
- Proven or titled dogs. Dogs who excel in sports or conformation.
- Specific sporting tips based upon breed
- Parents available to meet.(Sire might not live onsite, but you should be able to meet the dam.)
- A thorough contract that requires no breeding of pet puppies or sterilization after a certain age. Contract should also include the ability for the dog to be returned to the breeder in the event that it needs to be rehomed.
- Early Neurological Stimulation–Enrichment, structured environment, early grooming habits (if breed requires it), and beginnings of potty and crate training are all good signs.
- No price changes based upon size, sex or color
- Breed specific resources for everything
- A good breeder will likely have a waitlist
Yellow Flags (Proceed with caution. Make sure to bring up/ask about some of the green flag points above)
- Not willing to let you meet the dam/sire or take a tour
- Delivery
- Volhard temperament testing
- Insisting on taking littermates
- Older or multiple puppies available
- No waitlist
Red Flags (Stay away from breeders who follow any of the below. There’s a good chance that these breeders are doing this for financial gains only)
- Multiple Breeds or Multiple Litters on ground at once
- Out of Standard fur/hair. Ex. Dogs who are merle when their breed should not be merle or dogs who have long hair when that is not in the breed standard
- Charging more for color or sex
- Puppies being kept outdoors or in a dirty environment
- Long nails on puppies or mom/poor grooming in general
- Poor diet / Food affiliations / requirements to feed a specific brand of food & supplements
- Requiring a dog to be returned for breeding without health testing/titling
- No breed standard/parent club: What is the dogs’ purpose? Why are they breeding? Predicted coat type? Predicted Height? Predicted temperament?
- Homing puppies younger than 8 weeks of age
Unethical breeders who breed for financial gain are one of many reasons why animal shelters continue to stay full. They also do not have YOUR best interest in mind. By taking your time and finding the best breeder out there, you are not only making sure that your pup will have a long, healthy and fulfilling life- you are helping to make sure that ethical, preservation breeders thrive.
A great place to start your research is with the national club of the breed you are interested in. Most have approved breeders on their website who you can contact to inquire about their breeding plans. We recommend you still ask questions and practice your own due diligence. It will also show the breeder you have done research and are not buying a puppy on a whim. Once you bring your puppy home, start the socialization process right away. There are lots of safe ways to socialize and also start training your new pet. If you need some extra help you can always reach out to us for dog training services such as our puppy class.
