As someone who has used a breeder for every dog I’ve ever adopted, I’ve had the opportunity to work with many different dog breeders over the years.
I’ve seen some that are truly responsible and trustworthy, and others that are not so much. As a dog lover, it’s important to know how to tell the difference between a good breeder and a bad one.
The rest of this discussion is going to help breakdown what you should be looking for to ensure that you are working with a dog breeder that shows integrity and trustworthiness.
Trust me, you would much rather feel comfortable with your puppy adoption opposed to having any doubts or concerns on your way home with your new dog.
With that being said, let’s start diving into what you can look for to ensure you work with a responsible breeder.
Finding A Responsible Dog Breeder For Your Puppy Adoption
1.) Health and Care Of The Dogs Is Your Starting Point
First and foremost, a responsible and trustworthy dog breeder will always prioritize the health and well-being of their dogs above all else. They will go above and beyond to ensure that their dogs are healthy and happy, and they will never cut corners when it comes to their care and feeding.
One way to tell if a breeder is truly committed to the health of their dogs is to ask about their breeding practices.
A good breeder will be open and transparent about their breeding program, and they will be able to provide you with detailed information about the health screenings and genetic testing they perform on their breeding dogs.
They will also be able to provide you with pedigree information and health clearances for the parents of the puppies they are selling.
2.) Check Out The Living Conditions
Another important factor to consider is the living conditions of the breeding dogs. A responsible breeder will keep their dogs in clean, comfortable, and safe environments, and they will be happy to allow you to visit their facilities and meet the dogs in person.
They will also be able to provide you with detailed information about the care and feeding of their dogs, and they will be willing to answer any questions you may have.
3.) Your Breeder Should Be Educating You About Your Potential Adoption and Dog Breed
In addition to the health and well-being of the dogs, a responsible and trustworthy breeder will also be committed to promoting responsible pet ownership.
They will educate potential buyers about the realities of dog ownership, including the time and financial commitments involved, and they will be selective about who they sell their puppies to, ensuring that their puppies go to homes where they will receive the care and attention they need.
4.) Does Your Breeder Have Any Presence Online Or In The Community?
It’s also important to look for a breeder who is actively involved in the dog breeding community. A good breeder will be a member of a reputable breeding organization, such as the American Kennel Club (AKC) or the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC), and they will be willing to provide you with references from other satisfied customers.
They will also be able to provide you with information about their breeding goals and plans.
Now that we have some of the primary things that you should be looking for, I think it’s also fitting to talk about some of the items that you need to run away from if you notice it occurring during the adoption process.
Red Flags To Watch For During The Adoption Phase With Dog Breeders
1.) Quick Money Is Never Good With Dog Breeders
One red flag to watch out for is a breeder who seems more interested in making a quick sale than in finding the right homes for their puppies.
A responsible breeder will take the time to get to know you and your family, and they will be selective about who they sell their puppies to. They will also be willing to provide you with ongoing support and guidance after the sale, and they will be available to answer any questions or concerns you may have.
2.) Reputation Matters
Another key factor to consider when evaluating a dog breeder is their reputation within the community. A good way to do this is to ask around and see what other people have to say about the breeder in question.
Talk to people who have purchased puppies from them in the past and ask about their experiences. You can also check online reviews and ratings, although it’s important to take these with a grain of salt as they can be easily manipulated.
In addition to their reputation, it’s also a good idea to look for a breeder who has a strong track record of producing high-quality puppies.
A responsible breeder will be able to provide you with information about the successes of their breeding program, including any awards or accolades their dogs have earned.
They will also be able to provide you with photos and information about the puppies’ parents and grandparents, so you can get an idea of the kind of dogs they produce.
3.) Knowledge and Experience
Another important aspect to consider is the breeder’s level of knowledge and experience. A good breeder will be able to provide you with detailed information about their breeding program, as well as their experience with the breed they are working with.
They will be able to answer any questions you may have about the breed, and they will be able to provide you with guidance and support throughout the process of choosing and raising your new puppy.
4.) Go For A Contract When Possible
Finally, it’s worth considering whether the breeder is willing to provide you with a written contract outlining the terms of the sale, including any guarantees or warranties they may offer.
A responsible breeder will be upfront about their policies and expectations, and they will be willing to put everything in writing to protect both you and their puppies.
Additional Considerations You Can Aim For When Choosing Your Dog Breeder
Here are a few more suggestions to keep in mind when searching for a dog breeder.
1.) Prior Customers Can Provide Feedback
Look for a breeder who is willing to provide you with references from other satisfied customers. These can be a great way to get a sense of what it’s like to work with the breeder and how they treat their puppies and buyers.
Be wary of breeders who seem to have an endless supply of puppies available. This can be a sign that they are not being selective about who they sell their puppies to and may not be prioritizing the health and well-being of their dogs.
2.) Don’t Mess With Breeders That You Can’t Visit First Or With No Genetic Information
Avoid breeders who are unwilling to allow you to visit their facilities and meet the puppies and their parents in person. This is a red flag as it may indicate that they have something to hide.
Be cautious of breeders who are unwilling to provide you with detailed information about the health and genetics of their puppies. This can be a sign that they are not performing proper health screenings and genetic testing, which can lead to serious health issues down the road.
Be leery of breeders who are not willing to provide you with a written contract outlining the terms of the sale. This can be a sign that they are not transparent about their policies and may not be committed to upholding their end of the bargain.
3.) Ask For Support Post Sale
Avoid breeders who are not willing to provide you with ongoing support and guidance after the sale. A responsible breeder will be there for you every step of the way, answering your questions and providing you with the resources you need to ensure that your puppy grows up to be happy and healthy.
The Takeaway
Understanding if a dog breeder is trustworthy and responsible requires a bit of research and due diligence. Look for a breeder who prioritizes the health and well-being of their dogs, promotes responsible pet ownership, and is actively involved in the dog breeding community.
Avoid breeders who seem more interested in making a quick sale than in finding the right homes for their puppies. With a little bit of effort, you can find a responsible and trustworthy breeder who will provide you with a happy, healthy, and well-adjusted puppy.
Luna and I wish you the best of luck with your adoption and hope you find the best breeder possible for your new family member!