While many focus on a dog’s appearance and pedigree, the first 2 months of a puppy’s life are often overlooked. Yet, this period is crucial.
Mishandling during these early weeks can lead to heartache moments and significant expenses later on.
A reputable breeder understands this critical stage, ensuring your pup is healthy, well-adjusted, and ready for years of joyful companionship.
We’ll be covering essential information to keep in mind before choosing a breeder, as well as ways to ensure you’re collaborating with knowledgeable and responsible breeders.
Before getting a puppy, make sure that you have done the due diligence in selecting the breed of your choice.
Basic Terms You’ll Want To Know
Sire
A “sire” is basically the doggy dad, aka the male parent.
Dam
A “dam”, on the opposite, is the doggy mom, the female parent. She plays a crucial role in nurturing and raising the little furballs during their early days (8-12 weeks).
Litter
A “litter” refers to a group of puppies born from the same mother (dam) during a single pregnancy. It’s like a furry bundle of joy, all born together at the same time.
Typically, it’s recommended for a dam to have no more than 1 or 2 litters per year. This allows her body to recover and maintain good health.
Puppy Mills
Puppy mills are mass-breeding facilities that prioritize profit over animal welfare. In order to maintain low overhead, dogs in these mills often suffer in cramped, unsanitary conditions. Furthermore, to maximize profits, a doggy mom (dam) often gives more than 2 litters in a year.
Therefore, getting a dog from a puppy mill can result in both health and behavioral issues.
Backyard Breeder
A backyard breeder is an amateur dog breeder who typically operates from their home (hence the term backyard) without the proper knowledge, ethics, or health testing. It could also be an accidental litter, births that are unplanned where they decided to sell the puppies for profit.
Similar with puppy mills, getting puppies from backyard breeder may have health issues or behavioral problems due to poor breeding practices.
Why Good, Responsible Breeders Are Important
You’re not just seeking a reputable dog breeder; you’re on the hunt for a trustworthy and responsible one.
Breeding is not just about doggie matchmaking – it’s about the parent dogs’ backgrounds, health tests, socializing the pups, and creating a clean, nurturing environment for their crucial first 2-3 months.
Good breeders offer insights, set puppy expectations, and match you with the ideal furry fit for your home. Think of them as your future dog mentor, a go-to resource for all your puppy queries.
Remember, getting a poorly bred or unsocialized pup can lead to hefty bills and heartache. Invest time now for a happier, healthier 10 to 20 years with your four-legged friend.
How To Find a Good Dog Breeder: 13 Clues to Keep an Eye On
Now that we’ve emphasized the significance of securing a reputable breeder, let’s explore these 13 indicators. Consider them as your insightful questions to ask.
While it’s not necessary for every box to be checked, strive for more checks than blanks in your breeder evaluation.
1. Allow On-Site Visit
Requesting for on-site visits serves as a vital safeguard against puppy mills and backyard breeders.
A good breeder would allow you to visit and even welcome you to hang out with one or both parents.
Take a good look around – how was the living conditions? is the place tidy and clean?
The mom and dad (sire & dam) should be friendly and mix well with people. Their little ones should share that friendly vibe. Now, here’s the scoop: Sometimes, the dad isn’t in the picture, but that’s okay. Just be sure to ask about his health history.
If the breeder’s location is a road trip away, consider a video call.
2. Preferably Parents Over 2 Years Old
Breeding dogs when the sire and dam are over 2 years old is generally preferred for several important reasons.
It allows for full physical and mental maturity, reducing the risk of health complications and ensuring better-quality offspring. This age also permits comprehensive health screening to identify hereditary conditions.
However, it’s essential to note that the age of 2 is not a strict rule but a guideline. Some dogs may be ready for breeding earlier, while others might benefit from waiting longer, depending on their breed, health, and individual development.
3. At Least 8-12 Weeks Before Going Home
For smaller or rarer breeds, responsible breeders commonly keep puppies until they are around 8-12 weeks old. It ensures the puppies have quality time with their littermates and mother.
This extended stay also allows for essential socialization, vaccination, health checks, and maternal care.
Across the U.S, about twenty-seven states and the District of Columbia have regulations regarding the age at which puppies can be sold or adopted.
In nearly all these states (excluding D.C., Virginia, and Wisconsin), puppies must be at least eight weeks old to be offered for sale. Many states also emphasize the importance of not separating puppies or kittens from their mothers prematurely, in addition to specifying a minimum age requirement.
4. Making Sure Puppies Are Healthy
When you’re picking a breeder, make sure they’ve done all the health tests needed for the pup’s parents. This is super important because it checks if the puppies will be healthy.
Look up the recommended health tests for your chosen breed, as outlined by reputable organizations like the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the Orthopedic Foundation of Animal (OFA) standards.
While these health tests can be costly, responsible breeders, the ones who genuinely care, do these tests and give you a full health record for each puppy. This not only assures the puppies’ well-being but also demonstrates the breeder’s commitment to responsible practices.
5. They Get To Choose The Families
A reputable breeder doesn’t solely concerned with the price tag. They’re genuinely interested in finding the perfect home for their puppies.
Be ready for a two-way interview where you both ask questions. They might inquire about your home, the time you can dedicate to the puppy, and your lifestyle.
Likewise, don’t hesitate to discuss your needs and preferences. They might even want to meet all your family members to make sure they match you with the most suitable puppy. It’s all about finding the perfect fit for both you and the pup.
6. Limit To 2 Litters Per Year
Responsible breeders adhere to a strict limit of maximum 2 litters or fewer each year. This is to ensure their female dogs have ample recovery time between litters to prevent over-breeding. Puppies typically arrive in the spring and fall, following natural breeding schedules.
While this means you might not find puppies readily available, you can join a waiting list. Your wait for a puppy might extend beyond a year, but it’s all for the well-being of the dogs.
7. Higher Prices, and Deposits Needed
Quality is worth the wait.
Reputable breeders typically have just 1-2 litters each year, leading to waiting lists and deposits. Their puppies often come with a higher price tag, which is a worthy investment compared to the long-term health, happiness, and reduced medical expenses that follow.
8. A Track Record of Experience
Look for breeders with several years of experience under their belt. If they happen to be newcomers to breeding, don’t fret; simply inquire about co-breeding or mentorship arrangements to ensure they’re well-versed in the right practices.
9. Resourceful and Eager to Assist
Great breeders are resourceful and ready to address all your inquiries.
They’ll provide insights into the pup’s diet and daily routine, making the transition to your home smoother.
10. Focused on 1-2 Breeds
Responsible breeders choose to specialize in only 1-2 breeds rather than chasing trends for what’s currently marketable.
This specialization allows them to build extensive knowledge, including insights into potential breed-specific diseases, temperament, exercise needs and so on.
If you want extra assurance on the your chosen puppy, DNA or genetic tests can provide insights.
11. Willingness to Rehome Puppies
A responsible breeder will often request the first opportunity to rehome the dog, should your circumstances ever change and you’re unable to keep the pup.
12. Solidify the Deal with a Puppy Contract
A responsible breeder will have you sign a puppy contract, which includes the names of both parents and the puppy’s AKC registration number.
It’s essential and often includes a return-to-breeder clause, typically up to a certain age.
Furthermore, they’ll guarantee the puppy’s health and allowing time for a pre-purchase examination by your chosen veterinarian. If any medical issues arise during this examination, the breeder should be ready to take the puppy back and issue a full refund.
13. Minimal Online Presence
Interestingly, reputable breeders often don’t rely on flashy online marketing, websites, or social media.
They usually sell puppies through local breed clubs, and that’s sufficient to maintain a substantial waiting list.
It’s a testament to their reputation and word-of-mouth referrals rather than a need for digital marketing.
Identifying Warning Signs in Breeders: What To Avoid
While it’s clear that you should steer clear of breeders who go against the principles we’ve discussed above, there are additional red flags to watch out for.
What other signs should raise concerns when you’re on the hunt for a responsible breeder?
- Craigslist, social media, and online brokers with their own websites.
Reputable breeders often don’t heavily rely on these platforms. It’s always a smart move to check for reviews on platforms like Reddit or other online forums before making your decision.
Also, reputable breeders typically maintain waiting lists; beware of those claiming puppies are “available now.” Ask yourself why they’re ready instantly – could it be due to oversupply from puppy mills? - Prioritizing the Price Over the Puppy’s Future.
When a breeder cares more about the price tag than the puppy’s future family, it’s a clear indicator of their profit-oriented mindset, which can complicate your journey as a pet owner.
Signs like not having a two-way conversation. Placing a breed like a husky in a tiny 500 sq ft apartment might not make sense, and a good breeder would discuss these important factors with you.
Also, they might be reluctant to share contact information as they are less concerned about offer assistance when needed.
Where to Find a Reputable Breeder
Here’s an effective starting point to explore when searching for a responsible breeder:
- Word of Mouth: Seek referrals from your veterinarian or trusted friends who’ve had positive experiences.
- AKC Website: The American Kennel Club marketplace provides a directory of reputable breeders.
- Local Breed Clubs: To find a breeder in your area, simply search “your city” followed by “breed club” (e.g., “New York Poodle Club”) on Google. Connect with local breed clubs for recommendations and guidance.
- Professional Dog Shows: Visiting dog shows offers the opportunity to meet breeders and their dogs in person.
Here’s To A Paw-fect Start
The journey of finding the perfect puppy can be long, and at times, you might be tempted by the convenience of readily available options.
However, remember that getting the right puppy can save you from future heartaches and hefty bills.
Invest your time in discovering the right dog breeder, and you’ll be grateful later on. By making informed choices, you’re laying the foundation for a lifelong, paw-fect partnership with your puppy.
Once you have found your puppy, here’s a guide on how to name your puppy.
Editor’s Recommendations
References:
[1] The Humane Society – Puppy Mills FAQ
https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/puppy-mills-faq
[2] Table of State Laws Concerning Minimum Age for Sale of Puppies, by Rebecca F. Wisch, Michigan State University College of Law
https://www.animallaw.info/topic/table-state-laws-concerning-minimum-age-sale-puppies#:~:text=Of%20those%20states%20with%20laws,to%20specifying%20a%20minimum%20age
[3] Breed Health Testing Requirements by AKC
https://www.akc.org/breeder-programs/breed-health-testing-requirements/
[4] Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) program by OFA
https://ofa.org/chic-programs/
