how can you tell if a breeder from a website is a good responsible breeder?

Question

people always say don't get your dog from a newspaper advertisement or a pet store, but what about a breeder from a website?

Answer 1

There are many things a reputable breeder does or has. For instance, if you are interested in a pup they often have a loong questionaire, all their breeding dogs are certified free of hereditary diseases or defects. OFA certifies dogs for against hip and elbow displaysia, heart defects, Von Wilderbrands, eye defects etc. Puppies are sold on a limited registration with a spay/neuter contract. They come with a guarentee for hereditary problems and must be returned to the breeder at any age if no longer wanted. The parents are titled show dogs or at least one parent is and the other parents has titled parents. They do not advertise dogs of color that are disqualified by their breed standard, such as white Dobes, white German Shepherds. They do not mention the words Royal, teacup or Warlock since breeds have heights and sizes that are mentioned in the breed standard. Any oversize or undersize dogs are poorly bred and often the oversized ones have bad hips or elbows and the undersize have many health problems. They do not breed more than 2 breeds and only 1-2 litters a year. They show the dogs they have in the shows that their breed is eligible for. They allow you to contact their vet and other puppy buyers. They belong to dog clubs esp. their parent breed club.But anyone can write any blurb they want so one needs to verify all the stuff they mention.

Answer 2

a website can look impressive, but you will still need to do research.

If you see the person advertising mixed breeds, "teacups", or using a bogus registry, then dont bother researching any farther. If the person always seems to have puppies available, look elsewhere. Ask about the contracts and review them. There should be a 1-2 year health guarantee. Pet quality pups should be spayed/neutered or come with a s/n contract. Show potential dogs should come with a show contract. A reputable breeder will not sell a "breeder" dog with breeding rights unless there is some type of strict contract about showing.

Look for titles on the dog's names.. you can research to verify if that dog really did earn that title.. you can search the AKC site.. AKC also does record points and such if the dog has been shown.

Ask for OFA/Cerf ratings. Some breeders do list these ratings on the OFA and CERF sites, but not all do. If the breeder is unwilling or unable to provide these ratings, look elsewhere.

Look at the pictures of the dogs... reputable breeders ussually used stacked or show photos to display their dogs. Puppies that are old enough to stand will most likely be stacked too. Most backyard breeders and millers use candid or fun pics.

Be familiar with your breed of choice too.. you can look over the photos and see if the adult dogs appear to meet standard or not.

Look for message boards and groups who are interested in that breed. They can ussually tell you experiences they've had with a breeder, and what they feel about them.

Answer 3

A good breeder will have all of his dog tested for the health problems that breed is prone too.

It will also sell their puppies only after it has been vaccinated, usually between 8-10 weeks, it will also have it's registration papers (you can't buy a non-registered dog for less it's against the rules).

You will also be able to visit the home of the breeder, usually after the puppies get their first shots, and see the mom, and sometimes the dad. But don't drop unannounced, make an appointment and keep it.

Expect to be ask a lot of questions, good breeders think of the puppies they have as their babies and they want only the best for them.

Good breeders have puppies not to make money (they often loose money), but they want to better the breed they have. They often have only one litter a year and sometimes less.

Depending on the breed it is quite common to see dogs that have titles in different fields (obedience, tracking, search & rescue, etc).

Also their dogs are part of their family, and they are house dogs, not spending all of their life outside in kennels.

Answer 4

You will need to ask for references and check them out with past purchasers,also get a vets # and call and ask about the breeder.If she is a responsible breeder she should have all the above.If given any excuse,stay away from this breeder.

Answer 5

your correct don't buy form pet stores to many are inbreed puppies from puppy mills and end up with major health problems, newspapers are ok if you call and ask the breeder if they are registered with the American Kennel Club because if they are pedigree breeders they will be registered tell them you will call them back then go to the AKC web site and look up the breeders name if listed they are good it not don't call them back, or just go to the AKC web site they have a list of available pets from breeders you can contact.
That's where I found one of my puppies.

Answer 6

I don't think I'd trust any breeder unless I could personally go see them, their dogs and what sort of conditions the dogs live in. Over the net they can say anything, even get other's to "vouch" for them. Sorry, JMO

Answer 7

You should go to a reputable website that hosts mulitple breeders. something like Petfinders.com. THey try to moniter the people posting on the site.

Answer 8

Petstore, NO! Petstore means mill pup, as in from a puppy-mill. Find a breeder via the AKC website. Other websites are prolly BS just like petstores.

Answer 9

Prior making your decision, you should ALWAYS pay a personal visit to the breeders facility.
Period.

Answer 10

Trust No one unless you can actually meet your breeder in person.