Choosing a responsible and caring breeder is crucial when getting a new pet.
Here are some key factors to consider:
- Communication: A responsible breeder will be willing to spend time chatting with you, answering your questions, and asking you questions to ensure their puppies are going to good homes[1][2]
- Visitation: They should arrange for you to visit and meet the puppies, along with their mother and siblings, in the place where they were born and raised[1].
- Transparency: The breeder should provide genuine paperwork/certificates for puppy vaccinations, microchipping, worming, and any health test results. They should also be transparent about their breeding practices[1][2].
- Knowledge and Experience: Good breeders are knowledgeable about the breed they’re selling and have significant experience with it. They should be able to answer questions about the breed’s characteristics, common health conditions, and temperament[3][4].
- Health Tests: Ask if health tests have been performed on the parents. This ensures that they are healthy and free from disease, which can improve the chances of the puppies being healthy[8].
- Contract of Sale: There should be a contract of sale listing both the breeder’s responsibility and your responsibility to the puppy[2].
- No Rush: A responsible breeder won’t rush you into parting with cash in exchange for a puppy[1].
- Pedigree: If you’re buying a pedigree dog, the breeder should be able to provide a pedigree (family tree) and any health certificates for both the mother and father of the puppy[2].
- Return Policy: The breeder should be willing to take the puppy back if you are unable to care for it[7].
- Socialization: It’s important that puppies are properly socialized. Find out if the puppies have been around people and other dogs[8].
Remember, if something doesn’t seem right, it probably isn’t.
Always trust your instincts when dealing with breeders[1].
Citations:
[1] https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/dogs/puppy/breeder
[2] https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/getting-a-dog/buying-a-dog/questions-for-the-breeder/
[3] https://www.countryliving.com/uk/wildlife/dog-breeds/a39976465/irresponsible-dog-breeder-signs/
[4] https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeding/signs-of-a-responsible-breeder/
[5] https://www.snoozerpetproducts.co.uk/blogs/snoozer-dog-blog/the-15-most-important-questions-to-ask-your-puppy-breeder
[6] https://www.thewildest.com/dog-lifestyle/dog-breeder-red-flags
[7] https://www.petbacker.com/blog/how-to/15-signs-of-a-good-dog-breeder
[8] https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/puppy-information/questions-to-ask-your-potential-breeder/
[9] https://www.rd.com/list/signs-you-cant-trust-dog-breeder/
[10] https://www.dailypaws.com/living-with-pets/pet-compatibility/what-is-a-responsible-dog-breeder
[11] https://www.rspca.org.uk/documents/1494939/7712578/GPS_questions_for_breeder.pdf/7cda8fb7-4e48-0d1f-fe92-6775c603f8a1?t=1550832076062
[12] https://k9nation.dog/blog/red-flags-when-buying-a-puppy/
[13] https://www.thesprucepets.com/signs-of-a-bad-breeder-1117328
[14] https://www.petplace.com/article/dogs/pet-care/23-questions-you-should-ask-a-breeder
[15] https://www.reddit.com/r/puppy101/comments/15jg6ha/breeder_red_flags/
[16] https://essingtonroadanimalhospital.com/10-signs-of-a-good-breeder/
[17] https://www.saynotopuppydealers.co.uk/questions-you-should-ask-a-puppy-breeder/
[18] https://pamperedpawsbze.com/12-tips-on-red-flags-when-looking-at-dog-breeders/
[19] https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/getting-a-dog/are-you-ready/finding-a-good-breeder/
[20] https://www.petplan.com.au/blog/dogs/10-questions-breeders-should-be-asking-buyers/
[21] https://www.lugaruk9training.com/how-to-spot-a-backyard-breeder-11-red-flags-to-look-for/
[22] https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/dog-advice/getting-dog/choosing-dog/finding-a-breeder
[23] https://ourfamilydog.org.uk/questions-to-ask-when-buying-a-puppy
[24] https://justice-for-bullies.myshopify.com/pages/breeder-red-flags