How to Select a Puppy From a Reputable Quality Breeder

Purchasing a puppy from a good quality, reputable breeder is an excellent way to increase the odds of bringing home a happy, healthy, socialized puppy. It's as important to choose the right breeder as it is to choose the right dog. Reputable breeders put the welfare of their dogs first. With a little bit of research, you won't have any trouble finding the right breeder who has the perfect puppy for you and your family.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Ask veterinarians, groomers, boarding kennels, the local kennel club, and other pet owners who the reputable breeders are in your area.

2. Do the interview in person on the premises, rather than on the phone because you'll be able to meet the breeder and observe all the dogs and puppies. The premises should be clean and smell good.
   
   These are some of the questions you'll want to ask the breeder:
   
   When was the mother last bred? How many litters has the mother had total? Specific characteristics of the breed. Any genetic problems in the bloodlines?

3. Find breeders who have the puppies parents (at least the mother) on the premises, because if you can get to know the parents of your future puppy, that will provide you with a good idea on what to expect. If the parents are well fed, well sheltered, in a clean environment, and they are happy friendly dogs that don't back away, growl, or jump in your face, you're on the right track.

4. Your contact with the breeder will likely last for at least the first year because quality breeders continue providing you with information, support, and advice about many different aspects of your new puppy and his or her development. It's for just this reason that finding a good quality breeder, with a solid reputation, is very important to finding the puppy that will be right for you.

5. Get references. A happy customer would be more than willing to leave his or her name to share the positive experience the breeder has provided.

Tips & Warnings

• The puppies should look healthy, be sociable and outgoing, with no runny eyes or noses.
• The puppies' environment should be clean with plenty of room for exercise.
• Ask the breeder to explain the quality and cost differences between show and pet-quality puppies. Quality breeders will insist that you spay or neuter "non-show" puppies.
• The puppies will not have been separated from their mother and littermates at less than 7 weeks of age. Many breeders consider 7-8 weeks ideal, some later.
• If you look at puppies over 12 weeks of age, be certain they have had enough individual attention and separation from one another, and they are more bonded to people than to other dogs.
• All puppies will have had at least one DHLP and Parvo vaccination and a worm test or a worming.
• The breeder will insist that you prepare an appropriate place at home for your puppy before you take your puppy home. They will give you thorough personal instructions on puppy feeding and care, a record of vaccinations and worming, and encourage you to phone if you have concerns or questions after taking your puppy home.
• A quality breeder will be there to help and advise you throughout the life of the puppy, and will ask you to bring the puppy (or dog) back to them at any age, if for any reason you can't keep him - even if the dog is very old.
• A good breeder makes sure all puppies go to carefully screened homes. If there is no home out there, the puppy is kept until one is found. No puppy ever goes to a pet store or animal shelter. Responsible breeders do not add to the thousands of unwanted pets that are in shelters.
• Be wary of breeders who behave more like puppy-making machines (Back Yard Breeders or Puppy Mills) who simply want to sell the puppies as quickly as they can. Breeders whose primary concern is money and not the care of the puppies, will definitely not care enough to provide you with the support and advice that you will need.
• Ask for complete medical records, a contract, a guarantee of good health, an application to register your puppy, and a pedigree.
• The breeder should be willing to provide you with all of the time that you require in order to make your decision. It is important that you feel very comfortable speaking with the breeder, and asking questions whenever they should arise. You will require the support of your breeder once you get your new puppy, so you need to make certain that your breeder is happy to accommodate you.

[catpower]

on 11/11/2009 5-7 MILLION LOVING COMPANION ANIMALS ARE KILLED IN U.S. "SHELTERS" EVERY YEAR:
-- est. 25% OF ANIMALS IN SHELTERS ARE PUREBRED.
-- GO TO WWW.PETFINDER.COM TO FIND ANIMALS OF EVERY BREED LOOKING FOR HOMES.
-- Please - NEVER breed or buy a pet when thousands of friendly, loving felines, canines, & small animals' lives hang in the balance at your local shelter. You can make a difference: Spay/neuter your pets!
-- "Just one litter" is too many.
-- NEVER buy from a pet store, breeder or online!

[jillbeth]

on 11/6/2009 Excellent article, thanks!

[dorigillman]

on 6/7/2009 good tips and i agree with the above comments

[sunshine11219]

on 1/8/2009 great puppy advice

[SharonJeanne]

on 1/8/2009 Great advice and very well written article!