Bringing a new puppy into your life is a big decision, and choosing the right breeder is one of the most crucial steps to ensure your future furry family member is healthy, well-adjusted, and ethically bred.
This blog will guide you through what to look for in a breeder, what questions to ask, and what red flags to avoid and green flags to note!
Start with Research
A responsible breeder prioritizes the health, temperament, and well-being of their dogs. Look for breeders who follow ethical breeding practices, which include selective breeding for health and temperament. Transparency is also key and your breeder should be willing to provide information about the puppy’s parents, health history, and genetic testing.
Finding people who have had experience with the breeder you are looking into online through reviews, social media, forums, or groups can also help you assess client and customer satisfaction.
Visit the Breeder’s Facility
A responsible breeder will invite you to their facility. This gives you the chance to see how the puppies are raised and to meet the puppy’s parents. Look for clean, safe, and spacious environments. Puppies should be raised in a clean home or facility, not in overcrowded or unsanitary conditions. You should also ask how the puppies are getting properly socialized, and ask about opportunities to observe their interactions. Puppies should be exposed to different people, sounds, and environments early on to ensure they become a well-socialized and confident member of your family!
If a breeder is hesitant to let you visit or insists on meeting offsite, consider this a red flag.
A non-reputable breeder may even be susceptible to a lawsuit or legal action due to poor living conditions, neglect, or dishonesty about their breeding practices.
Ask About Health Certifications and Guarantees
Reputable breeders will have their dogs’ health carefully documented. They should provide health certificates & vaccination records, including genetic testing for common breed-specific health issues. This is a big green flag and something to keep a keen eye out for!
When it comes to non-shedding breeds like doodles, it is important to ask the breeder why their dogs don’t shed. If the breeder is unable to provide you with the genetic information and testing to prove this, this is a big red flag. Breeding a poodle to another breed does not result in a
non-shedding dog. Shedding is the dominant gene. It requires genetic testing and selective breeding over several generations to truly achieve a non-shedding puppy. Any breeder who does not understand this or who has not put in this work is more than likely producing puppies that still shed.
Get to Know the Breeder’s Reputation
Before making a commitment, explore the breeder’s reputation thoroughly. Look for reviews and testimonials, comments on their social media pages, and breeder affiliations that add credibility. If you’re searching locally, consider asking your veterinarian, who may have insight into reputable breeders, or reaching out to friends or family members familiar with the breed you’re interested in. Vetting a breeder is essential to avoid potential health issues or legal complications.
Choosing the right breeder can make all the difference in your puppy’s health and happiness. By conducting research, visiting facilities, and asking the right questions, you’ll be well on your way to finding a trustworthy breeder.
