Signs of a Good Breeder?

[SouthernWoman]

Since I am considering looking for a dog and it will probably be purebred, what should I look for to find a good breeder?

What should the facilities look like? How should I look for the dogs to be kept? What kind of certifications, etc. should I look for?

Thank you for any help!

[Blaze]

There are many things you should look for in a responsible breeder.

One of the most important things is to find a registered breeder who screens for genetic health defects (such as hip dysplasia, eye disorders, cardiac conditions, epilepsy etc – basically whatever else is common in the particular breed.) They need to provide you with proof that they have done this and any other applicable veterinary information. They need to be willing to discuss the health of their lines and also offer guarantees (usually a replacement pup or full money back) in the case that the pups do have any genetic problems. It is very important that you get a contract specifying that it will happen too and that the conditions are very clear.

You need to ask lots of questions and a good breeder will be more than happy to answer them.

Find out how long they been involved in breeding (and what with breeds, it is recommended that you go to one who only has 1 or 2 breeds at a time), how knowledgeable they are on the breed, make sure they tell you all the breed's disadvantages as well as advantages (including genetic problems, health issues and characteristics), depending on what you want in a dog - go for a breeder who has proven stock (shows for conformation, field training, obedience, agility etc depending on the breed), find out their goal in breeding and what they have achieved so far.

Make sure the facilities are extremely clean and suitable. It is generally recommended that you go with a breeder who keeps the dogs (and especially puppies) indoors as opposed to outdoor kennels (although depending on the breed this can be acceptable in some cases.) It is best that the dogs are part of the family and that they don’t have temperament problems (which can go unnoticed if outside). You need to make sure that the pups are brought up in a home environment where they have been properly socialised etc. Make sure that all the dogs look healthy and happy and ask to view them all, if possible (but if not - at least the parents).

The breeder needs to be able to provide you with the details of their veterinarian as well as the details of past buyers so that you can get references from them. Talk to them and get a feel for the breeder. Find out about their experiences with the breeder and their dog – find out if there has been any behavioural or health problems which could be due to bad breeding and find out about the temperament, if they are happy then take that as a good sign. Ask the breeder about any homes that didn’t work out and find out the reasons etc.

A good breeder will insist you spay or neuter your dog and will enforce it with a contract.
A good breeder will also need to know a lot about you before they allow you to buy one of their dogs. They will ask many questions (ranging from your experiences with the breed, situation at the time, reasons for wanting a dog, how you are willing to provide for it and ensure it is well taken care of etc) and you will more than likely have to go for at least one interview. They will also need to see how you interact with their dogs and a lot will ask for references. And they might want to see your house, family etc. The more questions they ask the better! Always be wary of any who are willing to sell you a pup without knowing your background and don't buy from them at all.

Also a good breeder will ensure that if you cannot take care of the dog, for any reason - you will return it to them.

Find out what age the breeder lets the puppies go to their new homes and don’t go to one who is willing to give it to you before 8 weeks (preferably 10-12). Find out how they socialise their pups. They should be well handled, exposed to lots of different situations, have plenty of toys and mental stimulation, they should also be exposed to mild stress to make them more resilient later in life. The puppies should experience different sounds, surfaces and meet lots of different people (ranging from all ages). When you see them they should be well adjusted and happy. Also look at where they are kept, how clean it is etc. Most good breeders should start toilet training them at an early age and the pups should be on a high quality food as well as having all medical issues taken care of.
They should be wormed at 2 weeks and preferably every 2 weeks after that until they go to their new homes, they should be free of fleas and have their first set of vaccinations when you get them. They should also be thoroughly checked out by a vet before you bring them home.

Make sure that you like the parent’s temperaments! And remember they are genetic so that is very important. You are allowed to ask the breeder to prove that the mother has a good temperament and they should have no problems doing that.
Also they should be willing to temperament test the litter for you.

Look for a breeder who has built up a good reputation and make sure you like them. Only go with them if they make you feel comfortable and you can tell that they have the dog’s best interests as their main priority.
Make sure that they are willing to offer your support and advice whenever you need it and that you feel completely happy with your decision.

Anyway that is some of what you should look for and it is probably more than you wanted lol. But I hope it can be of some assistance and if you want to know anything else we are more than happy to help! Good luck with your search!

[SouthernWoman]

Very helpful! Thank you for the explainations and advice.