by Hollie Crane
It’s effortless to develop a fondness for a particular dog breed due to its distinctive characteristics, whether they are physical, like captivating eyes and fluffy tails, or temperaments, like calm or whimsical personalities. Due to this strong connection, individuals may sometimes hastily choose the first breeder they encounter.
However, it is crucial to remember that finding a reputable dog breeder is equally as important as finding the perfect breed. A responsible breeder will assist you in obtaining the puppy you have always desired. Conversely, an irresponsible breeder can result in significant and long-lasting consequences. We will provide advice on choosing a puppy breeder.
What to look for on breeder websites?
While perusing breeders’ websites, individuals may find it beneficial to observe breeders who actively engage with their dogs within the canine community. The presence of titles indicating successful competition in diverse areas such as conformation, therapy, or performance venues can serve as evidence that the breeder produces dogs fit for their intended purpose. Moreover, these titles can signify the breeder’s dedication to training and socializing their dogs.
Visitors are encouraged to review the website for health clearances of the breeding stock. It’s a standard expectation to find OFA scores for hip and elbow clearances. Additionally, specific breed-related concerns may necessitate DNA testing or regular examination. Prior to breeding, the parent club’s website will provide guidance on the recommended health screenings for the breed.
8 tips for finding a good dog breeder
#1 Meet the puppy’s parents
Meeting the parents of the puppies provides valuable insights into the type of breeder one is dealing with. When friendly and happy, it indicates that the breeder takes good care of their dogs. If it is not possible to meet the father, meeting the mother can still offer valuable information.
#2 Know the breed well
Ensuring that the breeder can readily provide comprehensive information about a breed’s temperament, desired traits, and common ailments resulting from unethical breeding practices is crucial. It is also important for the breeder to possess knowledge about the genetic history of the puppy’s breed. If there is a lack of knowledge about the breed, it is easy to fill it through the Internet. Even if there is no information in your Internet segment, you can install VeePN with its free trial version and connect to another region. With a high probability, you will be able to find more valuable information using a VPN.
#3 Get a full medical history
Reputable breeders are more than willing to provide evidence of health screenings, such as certificates from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) and OFA Companion Animal Eye Registry (CAER). Moreover, they ensure to impart knowledge about breed-specific health conditions, enabling individuals to be well-informed and vigilant in the years to come.
#4 A good breeder is interested in a potential owner
A reputable dog breeder anticipates and welcomes an abundance of inquiries from prospective owners, valuing patience when addressing them. Simultaneously, the breeder is also invested in assessing the potential adopter, ensuring that their cherished puppies find loving homes. They inquire about the individual’s daily routine, request the opportunity to meet the entire household, and verify the amount of time that can be devoted to the little fur ball. Should a breeder fail to demonstrate a genuine interest in the puppy’s future well-being by neglecting to ask pertinent questions, caution is advised.
#5 Check the conditions where the puppy is growing
A reputable breeder happily welcomes visitors to see where their dogs are raised. They take pride in maintaining a clean and spacious living environment for their dogs, ensuring that there is ample room for the pups to move freely. Additionally, reputable breeders prioritize providing their dogs with comfortable and secure access to both indoor and outdoor spaces.
#6 Make sure the puppies are handled by different people
Puppies benefit from early socialization with a variety of individuals to help them feel at ease and secure around people. Breeders should regularly invite others to interact with their dogs.
#7 Ask for some recommendations
When selecting a breeder, it is recommended to ask for a minimum of two recent references. When reaching out to these references, listen for elements such as tone of voice and enthusiastic responses. If the references provide a glowing review of the breeder, it is a positive sign. Otherwise, it may indicate the need to continue the search for a suitable breeder.
#8 Is the breeder ready to take the dog back?
A significant indication of a reputable breeder is their willingness to take back your dog in case you are unable to care for it. A responsible breeder should demonstrate concern for the well-being of the dog and would interview prospective owners rather than focusing solely on selling a dog. If a breeder refuses to take back a dog, it is advisable to find another breeder.
Which breeders should be avoided?
Red flags are raised when websites showcase only a couple of dogs from each breed, producing 4 or more different breeds. A profound breeding program is expected, showcasing the breeder’s offspring. The presence of one or two dogs per breed and multiple breeds may indicate a breeding farm or puppy mill. Prospective buyers can also utilize Google to gather more information about the breeders. Dissatisfied puppy buyers often express their concerns about mistreatment and health problems that surfaced in the puppies they purchased.
Puppies benefit greatly from staying with their littermates until they reach eight weeks of age to learn important socialization skills. It is advisable to avoid breeders who are willing to separate the puppies earlier than that. Additionally, there is a growing trend in which puppies are spayed or neutered between two and six weeks of age. This practice is considered unfavorable since puppies require hormones from their reproductive organs for proper development. It is recommended to refrain from having puppies altered prior to six months of age, so it is advisable to distance oneself from any breeder who suggests or advertises otherwise.
Conclusion
Purchasing a puppy is an exciting experience, and it should be one that leaves the buyer feeling confident in their decision. Potential owners are urged to take their time when selecting a breeder, researching each option thoroughly. It is important to ensure that they adhere to responsible breeding practices and prioritize health and temperament when producing puppies for sale. Doing so will help potential buyers choose a good puppy breeder.
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