To find a reputable breeder you can visit the AKC’s website at
www.akc.org to see if there’s a
breeder listed in your area. You can also call veterinarian offices in your town and
ask whom they recommend as reputable breeder for the breed that you are looking for.
Reputable breeders are always dedicated to breeding healthy dogs and placing
their pups in the right homes.
Things to look for when you visit a breeder:
- Cleanliness: Both the facilities and the dogs should be clean. Regular
dog odors are unavoidable, but they should not be overpowering. Ask the breeder
about their sanitation procedures.
- Appearance: Are the dogs clean and well-groomed? Little puppies can be
quite messy, but they should never be filthy.
- Attitude: Well-cared-for puppies should be energetic, bright-eyed and
curious about strangers and new things. If the puppies you see are fuzzy-eyed,
lethargic, and not paying attention to you, it could be a sign of ill health.
- Behavior: An injured or unhealthy puppy will behave differently from the
rest of its littermates. If the rest of the littermates are vocalizing, romping
around and wrestling, don’t assume that the one puppy that is staying quiet on
its own is simply the sweet and quiet one. This could actually mean there is
something wrong with the pup. A reputable breeder would know in advance if
there is anything wrong with any of their pups and will be willing to share
this information.
- Information: A reputable breeder will be more than happy to provide all
information relating to the puppy’s pedigree. The pedigree should reflect
at least three or more generations. Note: A reputable breeder would never
overbreed the pup’s mother. Make sure to ask how old the pup’s mother is and
how many litters that she’s had. If the breeder appears to be hesitant to
answer, it may be a warning sign.
- References: A reputable breeder will be more than happy to supply names
of past clients. Make sure that you CALL ALL the references given. Don’t be
afraid to ask for more if you feel the need.
- Written Contract: An ethical breeder will sell a pup with a written
contract. Be sure to ask what the terms of this contract are. The contract
should include a health guarantee.
The Reputable Breeder Checklist
- Did they interview you and your family carefully?
- Are they happy to answer any and all of your questions?
- Do they have specific requirements that must be met by you such as spaying or
neutering, backyard requirements, etc.?
- Do they sell their pups with a written contract?
- Do their pups come with a written health guarantee?
- Do they test their breeding stock for hereditary diseases specific to the breed?
- Is it their objective to try to decrease the rate of occurrence of such
diseases from their stock?
- Will they show you the health certificates and test results on both the dame
and the sire (i.e., the mother and the father) of the puppies?
- Are they extremely concerned with producing puppies with excellent temperaments
and healthy?
- Are they committed to keeping their pups well socialized and well cared for?
- Can they identify each puppy and do they chart their growth and development
from birth?
- Does the Breeder state in the contract that if you are unable to care for
or keep the dog in the future that you must return the dog to them?
