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!)
