How to choose a responsible dog breeder

In our blog post about what you should know before buying a dog, we said that it is very important to do your research and to find a responsible dog breeder. If you are not sure how to pick the right breeder, keep reading! We will share with you some tips & tricks to help you make the right decision.

Get references

Remember that breeders work for you, and just as you would when hiring anyone, you should ask for references. Ask the breeder for at least two references from clients in the past year so that you know they’re recent. Ask if they were happy with their experience, how problems were handled if any, and about the pros — and cons — of working with that particular breeder.

Check the breeder in person

The best way to get to know a breeder is to meet in person, which might be at their kennel or in their home.

Observe the dogs and the breeder: Are the premises clean? Odor-free? Does the breeder show a genuine passion for dogs? Are the dogs well-fed? How do the dogs interact with the breeder — and with strangers? Both dogs and puppies should not shy away from the breeder and should be outgoing with strangers.

Ask questions

One of the biggest benefits of working with a good breeder is that he or she can be counted on throughout your dog’s life. When you’re meeting with a breeder for the first time, come prepared with a list of questions about the breed and the puppy – you can never ask too many, and there are no dumb questions!

See how he/she reacts. Is he/she patient with your questions? Does he/she explain things clearly? Do you feel like you have a good rapport? Responsible breeders want to see their dogs in happy, loving forever homes and will be happy to share their knowledge.

See the pup’s parents

There’s no better way to see how your dog will grow up than by looking at his parents! It will give you a sense of your dog’s temperament, size, and appearance.

Get a full medical history

Reputable breeders will be happy to show proof of health screenings such as health certificates. They will also explain any health conditions that typically affect that particular breed so you know what to watch out for in the long term.

Source: American Kennel Club

Looking for a dog breeder, trainer or handler? Check out our platform GogoDogo for everything dog related.