How to tell a good Breeder

Questions to Ask Breeders when looking for your Puppy 

1. Why do you breed dogs?
2. How did you choose your dogs?
3. What got you started in breeding?
4. How long have you been involved in breeding?
5. How do you keep yourself educated and informed as a breeder?
6. Do you recommend companion dogs to be neutered or spayed?
7. What kind of guarantee do you provide for your puppies?
8. Do you do health screening tests on your breeding dog? If so, what tests?
9. Where do your Dogs live? Inside? Or kennel?
10. What sort of educational and support system do you offer to new puppy owners?
11. Where and how are the puppies raised?
12. Can you briefly explain the raising process for your puppies up to the time they leave your home?
13. Are you willing to take back any dog you produce, regardless of age, if the owner is unable to keep the dog for any reason?
14. Do you support rescue?

 Always remember- PLEASE DO NOT BUY FROM PUPPY STORES! Puppies from Puppy Stores are almost always imbreed, have temperment and health issues, and come from Puppy Mills!

YOU WANT A BREEDER WHO IS A HOME BREEDER AND THE DOGS ARE THEIR PETS!!

The fact that you are reading this indicates that you care about purchasing a sound, healthy, good-tempered puppy. The purchase of a dog is a lifetime commitment. That is, your commitment for the life of the dog. The following information is provided to you by the Potomac Dog Club to assist you in deciding whether or not you have found a responsible breeder from whom to purchase this newest member of your family.

There are numerous factors to consider when searching for a breeder. This document is not a comprehensive list, nor will all good breeders necessarily meet every criterion mentioned. We hope the information provided here will be one more tool to assist you in your search.

Ask yourself the hard questions—is this the right breed for my family and our lifestyle? Is this the right time in our life to bring a dog into the family? Do I have the time to commit to this dog, now and for the next 12-14 years?

If your answer to these questions is “no,” then that is fine—better to come to this conclusion now than to wait until after a pup is in your home. If your answer is “yes,” then read on.

Finding a good breeder is the start of a relationship that will last for the life of the dog. The person you choose will be someone you can turn to with questions, for advice, for help with your dog for many years to come. Hence, you should seek a breeder with whom you will be comfortable working for many years.

A good breeder should be more than willing to spend time with you on the phone or in person. They should be will to explain the  breed, and its qualities, good points and bad.

What should you look for when you go to visit your breeder? The dogs should appear well cared for. That is, they should be clean, their nails should be short, their coats bright, their ears clean. Their kennels should be clean. Do you see fresh water for them?

Ask to see the dam, and if he is on the premises, the sire as well. However, it is a myth that good breeders always have the sire on the premises. Many good breeders look throughout the country for the best sire for their puppies. Sometimes, having the sire on the premises merely means the breeder happened to own two dogs of the opposite sex which they mated. The puppies and the dam should look healthy and well-cared for.  

A good breeder does not over breed a bitch. That is, they may only breed a bitch once every two or three years. Ask your breeder how often they breed their bitches. If the answer is—every time she goes in heat, or even once a year, then this should raise a warning sign.

A good breeder is seeking the best possible homes for their pups. Hence a good breeder will ask you many, many questions, about your experience with dogs and with the Dog breed, about your work schedule, and about your family. Indeed, a good breeder may well ask you more questions than you ask them; in fact, if you feel as if you’ve just been grilled, it’s a good thing.

A good breeder wants to know all about you in order to decide if one of their puppies would be a good choice for you. As well, a good breeder will make sure you do your homework, provide you with resources to learn more about the Dog breed, and will be happy to spend time with you discussing this breed, its characteristics, health, and temperament.

A good breeder will keep records on his breeding program, will be able to discuss with you the philosophy of his breeding program, and will provide you a history of his line of breeding.

A good breeder is going to ask a reasonable price for his pups. What is a reasonable price? Well, considering the amount of time that goes into all aspects of breeding, including the work to get that five generation Champion pedigree, the testing and screening done in advance of mating, the testing done once the litter is on the ground, and the amount of time and effort committed to this process, do not be surprised to pay several hundred dollars. The quality of the dog will determine the price. Several hundred dollars is little to pay for many years of enjoyment and love. REMEMBER—you get what you pay for!

Finally, a good breeder is going to want to stay in contact with you. He will insist upon a written contract, and many breeders today will stipulate that if you cannot keep the dog you are to give him first right of refusal for the return of the dog, or to directly return the dog to him, no matter the age of the dog.

A good breeder will send you home with a diet sheet, a sample of the pup’s dog food, and a good puppy packet. Puppy packets contain information on what to expect in the coming days and weeks, how to housebreak your pup, etc. A good breeder wants to help you, will be open to your questions, and will work with you as you introduce and raise this new member of the family.

Your puppy should come with a Health Certificate that the seller provides, proving the health of the puppy. Bad breeders are in it for the money and WILL sell you sick puppies! This not only costs YOU money, but the mental anguish that you will go through is taxing.