How to Tell If a Dog Breeder is Responsible?

Many of us want to find that breeder that will alwaysoffer no contracts, stay away!
be there when we need their help or to provide us6. Ask the breeder what health testing they do on their
with helpful tips about raising our puppy properly. Whiledogs and puppies and how often. Some breeds
there are such breeders, it is harder to find them thanrequire specific types of testing since they can be
you might think.more prone to certain disorders. If they do not perform
There are numerous ways of finding breedersthe tests necessary and provide proof for those tests,
nowadays and one of the most popular ways isstay away from that breeder!
through the Internet especially since many breeders list7. Ask the breeder if they provide a warranty or
their kennels and breeder information on different dogguarantee on the puppy with a signed contract. If not,
kennel club websites and dog breeder directories. As ayour best decision would be to look for a puppy
result, our search may result in dozens of breeders inelsewhere.
our area, but are they all responsible and how do we8. Ask the breeder if they show their dogs and what
know that?titles they have won. If they show their dogs, this is a
It is very important to find a responsible dog breeder ifgood sign but this does not mean they are responsible.
you want to have a happy and healthy dog and andAlso, check what clubs they are members of and
build a long trusting relationship with the breeder. Therewhat is the code of ethics for each of those clubs.
are many breeders out there that breed for money9. Ask the breeder if they perform temperament tests
only and do not care about the well being of their dogs.on their dogs and if they have completed any
These breeders are called puppy mills. Their mainobedience training.
concern is to produce as many litters as possible and10. Ask the breeder who are the parents of the puppy
sell the puppies to anyone with money in their wallet.you wish to acquire. If they do not want to tell you,
They do not care about what the buyer will do withstay away! You should also be able to see the
that puppy or what will happen if the puppy gets sick.parents.
These types of breeders are irresponsible and you11. Before getting the puppy, go and visit the breeder.
should stay away from them even if they price theirGet to know them and their kennel. If they do not
puppies much lower than other breeders.provide this option, this is a warning sign!
So you ask, what makes a breeder responsible? Here12. Puppy's parents should be free of any genetic
are some points you should consider when choosinganomalies.
the breeder from whom to purchase a puppy:13. A responsible breeder will place the puppy in their
new home when it is 7-8 weeks old.
1. First step, make sure the breeder is registered with14. Do not make purchases online, make sure you visit
AKC or CKC.the breeder and see the puppy in person, not just
2. Check how many litters the breeder produces perthrough online pictures!
year. Anyone having more than 2 litters would be15. A responsible breeder will take your puppy back if
considered a warning sign!the puppy develops health issues and you cannot take
3. Check how many dog breeds the breeder iscare of the puppy. This should be in the contract!
breeding. Anyone with more than 2 dog breeds would16. Just because you are getting a "pet dog", does not
be considered a warning sign!mean the above rules should be broken! Pet or no pet,
4. Ask how old is the Dam and the Sire. If they are tooyou still have to make sure the puppy is healthy and
young or too old, this is not responsible breeding byfree of behavioral problems.
any means. Too young, would be any dog youngerThese are some guidelines on how to find a
than 2 years. Too old, would be any dog that is moreresponsible dog breeder and we hope that you find
than 7 years old.them useful.
5. Ask the breeder to show you their contract. If they