A dog is a lifetime commitment, so it’s important that you choose a puppy with your head as well as your heart. You want to ensure that the dog you bring home is well-bred and healthy, so that it will be a part of your family for many years to come.
Unfortunately, there are many puppy mills and backyard breeders out there looking to make a quick dollar. Their puppies typically cost less than those from a reputable breeder because they cut a lot of corners. But don’t be fooled — that cheap price is rarely a bargain. These puppies often end up with health issues, such as hip dysplasia, that will cost you more in medical bills than you saved on the dog’s initial purchase price.
Need help finding a reputable breeder? Then just follow this advice on how to pick a good breeder.
How to Choose a Good Dog Breeder
The first step to finding a good breeder is to do your research. You can start by:
- Asking someone with a dog you like. If you know someone who owns a canine with a good temperament and other qualities you desire, ask for the name of the breeder. You’ll also want to ask if the dog has any noteworthy health issues and if he or she recommends that particular kennel or not.
- Talk to veterinarians and groomers in your area to see if they can recommend a breeder.
- Join a Facebook group dedicated to the breed you’re interested in getting. The members will often know the names of reputable breeders and can also warn you against bad kennels.
Once you get a list of names, you’ll want to narrow your choices down to reputable breeders. So, how do you know if a dog breeder is reputable?
How Do I Know if a Breeder is Reputable?
A reputable dog breeder will:
- Allow you to visit the kennels and see the mother and littermates (and sometimes the father) of your future puppy
- Be knowledgeable about the type of dog he or she is breeding
- Have the parents of the puppies’ health tested (common tests include hip x-rays and blood tests for thyroid levels)
- Choose top-quality parents with strong pedigrees
- Offer a health guarantee for the puppies
- Ask you questions about your experience with dogs and your living arrangement to ensure that the puppies will be getting a good home
- Have many years of experience breeding and raising dogs
- Will often have a waiting list for their puppies
- Believe in properly socializing the dogs
- Can provide references from happy families
- Will not send a puppy home before it is eight weeks old
Breeders to Avoid at All Costs
If a breeder fails to meet these basic tests, then more than likely, you’re dealing with a puppy mill. You should avoid purchasing from a mill for many reasons, including:
- The puppies are often sickly or in poor condition from being raised in crowded, deplorable conditions.
- The parents of the puppies are usually low-quality dogs with bad conformation.
- They do not perform health tests (such as hip evaluations) on the parents of their dogs.
You should also be very wary of buying a puppy from sites such as Craigslist or Facebook, where scammers are common. Always be cautious if a seller asks you for a deposit via a wire transfer or gift cards. That is a good tip-off that you’re dealing with a scam artist just trying to steal your hard-earned money.
Now that you know how to choose a good breeder, you can start your search for your next puppy with confidence. Looking for a high-quality Doodle puppy? Then make sure to check out Recherche Kennels for its available puppies. All of the Doodles come with a four-year health guarantee and go through an extensive training and socialization program. For more information about us, click here.
