How do you know if a breeder is a reputable one?

Question

I meant a breeder who sells puppies

Answer 1

The dogs on both sides must have their joints, organs (kidneys, liver, heart, etc.), eyes, ears, pretty much everything tested. And not just a regular health check from the vet. These tests are often expensive, so many backyard breeders won't bother.

Another thing to look for is if the dogs are being shown, and if they're excellent representatives of the breed. If the parents have been shown and have won several shows, that's a good sign. Another thing is if they've been temperament tested. For example, there's a test called the Canine Good Citizen test, which tests dogs to see how stable and even tempered they are. Many happy dogs that are really well cared for can't even pass it, so if the dogs have this certification, the breeder is off to a great start.

Another very important thing is if the dogs have titles in things like obedience, agility/sports, french ring, schutzhund, etc. These are things any reputable breeder will do to ensure that the dogs not only look great, but can do the job their breed was intended to do.

And lastly, if the breeder is fine with you going to see the parents and puppies on site, and if they are not letting the puppies go until at least 8 weeks of age (they need to be with the mom at least that long, not only to get fully weaned, but to learn dog social skills that people just can't teach them), and if they have way more people wanting puppies than they will possibly have, like perhaps a waiting list. If they're selling them in the paper, chances are they are a backyard breeder and they probably don't have anything you should interest yourself in. Sure, they'll be cheaper, but they won't be the quality, healthy, sound puppy you will want.

Answer 2

When looking for a breeder to buy puppies from, there are a few things you should consider:

The puppies must have AKC registration papers, not ILP AKC, which is for dogs that can't be proven as purebreed. The puppies should have no other reistrations, like National Pet Registry, etc. Some breeders will dual register their dogs in AKC and UKC but the puppies must have AKC papers, which is the standard registry for purebred dogs.

First, does the breeder show the dogs? Not only is it a sign of the breeder's commitment but an indicator of his/her ethics. Any reputable breeder will breed dogs that are show qaulity and have intensions of either showing them or selling them to someone who will campaign them. A breeder that breeds "pet quality" is only in it for the purpose of selling the dogs- in other words they are looking to make money, they aren't in it for the best interest of the breed or individual dog.

Secondly, does the breeder CERF and OFA test their dogs? An ethical breeder has all of their dogs tested so that they make sure they are not breeding dogs with bad eyes or bad hips, which could result in the puppies having these same problems.

The number of dogs a breeder has isn't an indicator of their reputablity, however the numbers of litters they have is. A ***** should have no more than one litter a year and no more than six litters in her lifetime. If the breeder is having more litters than this per *****, then they are obviosly not looking out for the dogs' welfare.

Are the puppies vaccinated and wormed(including all vaccinations and their boosters)? Do the dog and puppies at the breeder's kennel appear healthy? Are the puppies socialized to people and other dogs? Are the puppies leash trained? If you have to answer no to any of those questions, dont consider purchasing a puppy from that breeder.

Hope this helps

Answer 3

I went to the AKC website and looked for breeders for the particular dog that I was looking for. Then I called and spoke to the breeder. Asked questions that I felt were pertinent to the breed specific and then to general breeding philosophy. Checked on past champion bloodlines and then visited the kennel personally. Checked the facility overall and the condition of the dogs present. A reputable breeder won't sell the puppy before it is completely weaned. Has been checked out by a Vet and received beginning puppy vaccinations. Also a good breeder either microchips or tattoos the puppy for ID purposes.

Answer 4

They should only be breeding one or possibly two breeds. The facilities should be clean and show evidence of caring. The dogs and pups should be socialized by contact with humans from their earliest days. The AKC registration papers should be available at the time of purchase, don't accept any excuse on this point, from the whelping to the selling is at least 7 to 8 weeks which is plenty of time to get the customer registration slips. I personally don't like to see caged pups since I think it malforms the puppy paws. Pups should be bright eyed and curious and have their first shots and exam by the vet. Call the vet listed just to make sure. Don't buy the "poor lonely one off in the corner" its probably ill. If you can, go see a dog show and ask questions there. Your dog will be with you for many years, it makes sense to learn all you can before laying down the large price a well bred dog commands.

Answer 5

I'd suggest that you contact your local dog club. They generally know the breeders in the area. You could also ckeck with local vets, and groomers. If the breeder is not in your area you could ask your local dog club to check with breeders they know in the area. Another way is to check with the the Canadian Kennel Club - that's if you live in Canada. They have information on reputable breeders.

Answer 6

Ask for references, watch out for puppy mills, breeders than breed multipul breeds of dogs, you can usually tell by how their breeding stock is cared for and if the area where the puppies are is kept clean...also how long they have been in business.

Answer 7

Ask her whom (vet) cares for her puppies.
Then call him/her & ask questions. SHOTS, worming & etc.
A vet will not put hisself on the line.
Be sure if buying to get a WRITTEN/signed
Health guarantee from the breeder on this puppy..

Answer 8

Contact your local (county) kennel club. AKC has a list of every club.They'll know. Word gets around.

Answer 9

If he stays all night doesn't make excuses and lies in the wet patch you're off to a good start.

Answer 10

u should just get a dog from an adoption agency