Learn what to look for in a puppy breeder to ensure that you
are getting a healthy, home raised, well-socialized puppy from a
breeder that cares. Avoid puppy mills and back yard breeders by
looking for these traits in puppy breeders.
1. Breeder offers no more than 3 breeds - preferably only 1
or 2.
2. Purebred puppies are registered or registerable with the
appropriate breed club.
3. Breeder cares about the well-being of their breeding dogs
and the puppies they produce. Breeder puts the welfare of their
dogs before profit.
4. Breeder provides a safe, happy and healthy home for their
dogs and puppies. Breeder does not constantly confine their
breeding dogs to cages, and treats their dogs in a humane manner
at all times, realizing that dogs are pack animals and thrive on
love and companionship.
5. Breeder is knowledgeable about their breed(s).
6. Breeder ensures that puppies are healthy and
well-socialized prior to placement. This includes knowing a lot
about any hereditary diseases or health problems that are
prevalent in their breed(s) and carefully screening dogs being
bred to ensure that these conditions do not exist.
7. Breeder places puppies at the appropriate level of
maturity for their breed - no less than 8 weeks of age.
8. Breeder screens for any hereditary health problems that
are prevalent in the breed and ensures that all breeding dogs
are free from these disorders prior to breeding.
9. Breeder has puppies vet checked and vaccinated.
10. Breeder recommends spay or neuter of "pet-quality"
puppies.
11. Breeder offers (and stands by) a reasonable health
guarantee.
12. Breeder ensures that puppies are being placed in
responsible, forever homes.
13. Breeder is dedicated to buyer education and support while
adjusting to new puppy.
14. Breeder is willing to rehome puppy or assist in finding a
suitable new home in the event new owners cannot fulfill their
commitment.
15. Breeder conduct should be courteous and professional in
all dealings with potential buyers, as this is a reflection of
how they will treat you in future, should you purchase a puppy.
16. Breeder should be able to provide you with many
references from buyers of his or her puppies that you can
contact to ask questions of.
17. Breeder should not be in a hurry to sell you a puppy - on
the contrary, it should seem like you are undergoing an
interview process for a job (because you are!)
