When looking for a dog breeder, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by all the thoughts running through your head. How do I find a dog breeder? What do I look for in a dog breeder? What questions should I ask?
Finding a good and ethical dog breeder is so important. Maybe you’ve been looking for a particular breed, and now you’re on the hunt for a breeder close to you. Maybe distance doesn’t matter if you get a good-quality dog from an ethical breeder. It’s really up to you and how deep your pocket is/ how much you’re set on a specific breed.
I have adopted two different dogs from two very different breeders and talked to dozens in the process. I wasn’t particularly set on a specific breed, but I did have certain qualities in my mind when searching.
Generally, you want to find a breeder that cares about who the puppy is going to. This should matter to them since the point of a good breeder is to better the breed. You want a breeder that can answer any and all questions you have without making you feel dumb. An informed owner is generally a caring owner, after all!
How do I find a Breeder?
There are a few ways to find a breeder near you. The most reliable one (most of the time) will be the AKC website. This will allow you to see registered breeds near you. The downside to this is that although the litter will be registered, AKC does no research into whether the breeder is a healthy and happy breeder.
Each breeder you find on the AKC website (and really anywhere) should list their own website. This website will give you some insight into turn around for litters, location, if there are multiple breeds in one place, and hopefully a rough price estimate.
Another way to find breeders near you is to join Facebook groups. There are so many Facebook groups for each state that involve breeders and rescue groups. These groups can point you in the right direction as long as you keep your eyes out for the breed you are looking for. I also suggest joining any rescue groups for the breed you’re looking for — sometimes, they even have registered puppies available!
What should I ask the breeder?
When you finally identify a breeder that seems like they aren’t turning around litters constantly and can provide you with the future member of your family, what next?
When talking with a breeder, you want to establish a relationship with them as a person to see how your future puppy has been growing up. Here are a few questions that any responsible breeder should be able to answer
- Are the parents tested for any genetic conditions?
- May I see the parents?
- May I see the puppy/where the puppy is growing up beforehand?
- May I do a meet-and-greet with my animals?
- What information are you sending home with me?
- Will the puppy be fully vaccinated and/or chipped?
- Will there be a contract? (no contract is an extreme red flag)
- What age will I be able to get the puppy (anything before 8 weeks is a no go)
- Is it possible to get weekly photos or videos?
These are all questions that the breeder should be ready for. In fact, when I was discussing with my Mini Aussie breeder, she immediately began discussing all of this without so much prompting because she saw that I was asking the right questions.
Asking to see the parents either via photo or in person is one of the biggest questions that should be asked. This not only gives you insight into what your puppy will look like when it’s older, but it also proves the breed you’re asking for. It shows whether or not the adults have any physical aspects that aren’t quite to breed standard (so you know what you’re investing in). If you do get a chance to meet the parents, this will help you discern that, hopefully, any well-trained and well-behaved aspects are able to be duplicated in your little one.
You also should be prepared to be sent home with a whole myriad of things! Anything and everything from beginner training packets, a toy, vet records, a bit of puppy food (or at least the brand they’ve been using), any genetic testing done, the parent’s genetic testing, your registration, and potentially the parent’s registration, and the microchip information so you can update everything to the new home information.
Whew! That is a lot. Don’t worry! A great breeder will always be there with any questions or concerns about your new pup.
