How to Select a Dog Breeder

After making the decision to purchase a pure bred dog, your next task is to select the right dog breeder. Choosing a good dog breeder is an essential part of finding a healthy puppy to join your family. Follow the tips below to find the best puppy.

Ask Others for Recommendations

Never look at ads or on the internet for "pure bred puppy" listing. A good breeder is found through word of mouth. Ask friends or neighbors that have a dog of the breed you desire to recommend a good dog breeder. Find organizations dedicated to the breed and call or email them for breeder recommendations in your area. While collecting information about good breeders, also listen to stories about bad breeders in your area and take notes on those to avoid.

Understand That You Might Have to Wait

Do not select a breeder simply because they have available puppies. Find the right breeder and then reserve a puppy. Rushed decisions often lead to bad choices.

Interview the Breeder

Call the dog breeder and ask questions. Ask how long the breeder has been in business, what kind of dogs they breed, the ages of their dogs, the frequency of breeding, etc. Ask for the breeder's accreditations and affiliations. Ask if the breeder provides AKA papers. You may not plan on showing or even registering your puppy, but a proven lineage eliminates risks of inbreeding. Be wary of any breeder that sees your questions as bothersome. A good dog breeder will answer all your questions and provide any other information they feel might help your decision. Ask for references. A good breeder should have references readily available. At the end of the interview, if you have a good feeling about the breeder, schedule a visit.

Visit the Breeder

The only way to see if a dog breeder keeps healthy dogs is to see them for yourself. Schedule a visit and ask to see the adult females, adult males, and puppies of the breed you are interested in purchasing. Kennels should be clean, all dogs should have water, and all dogs should be free of visible signs of disease and injuries. All dogs should have energy and be happy to see you, not lethargic. Check the dogs for visible parasites. Make sure puppies are in kennels of proper size. Small kennels can cause hip and leg problems as puppies grow. If a breeder refuses to show you any dogs or any areas of the kennels, they might be hiding something.