dog breeder puppies

Buying with Confidence: 5 Tips for Finding Reputable Dog Breeders

Deciding to add a furry member to your family is exciting. Dogs bring love and enthusiasm into any home and its no secret why they are called man’s best friend. While there are many ways to go about picking your perfect companion, sometimes you already have a specific breed in mind.

Whether you want the breed for a specific personality trait or a particular aesthetic its important to know your new pup is coming from a good home environment. You don’t want to accidentally purchase a dog from a puppy mill that will have potential health or behavioral problems.

So where does one start when finding a good breeder? We are here to help! Keep reading for the 5 best tips for finding reputable dog breeders.

1. Ask Around

The best place to start is making a list of potential breeders. Ask your veterinarian for any breeder recommendations they may have. If you have a friend who owns the type of dog you are looking for, ask them if they have recommendations as well.

Another great place to meet potential breeders is a dog show. This is also a good place to check out different breeds if you don’t already have one in mind. The breeders that go to dog shows are typically reputable and professional.

2. Potential Red Flags When Finding Reputable Dog Breeders

Just as there are signs for finding reputable dog breeders, there are also signs of ones that you’ll want to avoid.

A potential red flag to look out for is if they always have puppies available, this can be a sign of a puppy mill. Another indication of a puppy mill is if the breeders’ website shows multiple different breeds available.

If a breeder is willing to let you take the puppy home before it is 8 weeks old they are uncaring and irresponsible. It’s important that the puppies stay with their litter for at least this long.

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Check the online reviews of any potential breeder. If a customer has had a bad experience there’s a good chance they vocalized this on the internet.

3. Pay Attention to the Signs

Finding a reputable dog breeder can seem like an intimidating task, but there are plenty of things to keep an eye out for. First is that a responsible breeder isn’t going to sell their puppies to just anyone.

Just like you want to take the time to find a dog from a good home, a good breeder will want to ensure their dog is going to a good home with a responsible owner. A reputable dog breeder will allow you to visit and will show you where the puppies are kept.

Find a breeder you feel comfortable with and who is up for answering all of your questions. And don’t be surprised if they ask you questions in return, the breeder should want to keep the line of communication open between you two.  

A caring breeder won’t always have puppies available but may take down your info or refer you to another breeder they know.

4. Visit the Breeders Home

Taking a trip to the breeders home is an excellent way to get insight on how the puppies are treated. Make sure the environment is clean and spacious and that the puppies aren’t confined to crowded cages.

Take note of how lively and healthy the puppies appear and if they shy away from people. A good breeder will have a caring relationship with their pups, and if the dogs shy away this can be a sign of abuse.

The puppies should look well fed and have no signs of illness such as coughing, sores on their skin, or runny noses. You should also feel encouraged to interact with the puppies and check out the space they live and play in.

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Look around to see if you notice propper toys, good spaces for exercise, or other signs that the breeder is truly invested in the puppies well being.

5. Check Their Knowledge

A reputable breeder is one who is very familiar with the particular breed they have. They should be able to offer you sound advice on the temperament of the breed and the best ways to conduct training. They should also inform you of any potential health conditions that the dog may develop later on in life and the best ways to avoid them.

When buying a dog from a breeder you also want to get the health history of your puppies parents. A responsible breeder will also show you proof of past health screenings such as OFA scores that your puppy has had.

Overall you’re looking for someone who is honest and there to help you and your dog have the best life.

Trust Your Instinct

Now that you know what to look for and look out for when finding reputable dog breeders, you’re ready to take the next step. Trust your instinct when dealing with a dog breeder you’re potentially interested in.

If something doesn’t seem right, it probably isn’t. And it’s better to be overly cautious than to have a negative experience and end up with a sick or abused puppy. 

So it’s time to get your house (and heart) ready to be filled with the love of your new puppy. And with these tips, you’ll have the perfect furry friend in no time.

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