If you’re embarking on inviting a puppy to join your family, you’ve probably already done at least some of your homework. You’ve likely chosen the right breed, thought about names, and you might even have started stocking up on toys, bedding, and food. You’re nearly there, but you still have some work to do. You will need to research reputable dog breeders!
Choosing to purchase a puppy that has been bred responsibly will ensure your new puppy is as happy and healthy as possible right from the get-go.
While adoption can do wonders for a lonely dog who needs a home, adoption isn’t feasible for everyone. People may choose to buy from a reputable dog breeder for various reasons.
If you are looking for a particular dog breed, consider buying from a breeder. Although specific breeds can be found in shelters, a breeder is the way to go if you want to be super sure of the legitimacy of your pup’s breed.
Unfortunately, some shelter dogs have had a rough start in life due to mistreatment or neglect. And it’s hard to be certain that a shelter dog won’t have additional needs or behavioral problems. While an experienced dog owner with no little ones at home might be super keen to take on the challenge of a shelter pup, this might not be the best option for first-time owners or those with young kids.
All puppies need good training, and while you can also train an older dog, it comes with challenges. You are more likely to have to cope with any number of behavioral issues that will need regular and consistent training.
Your breeder should give you information on your dog’s family and genetics. Allowing you to be fully aware of any health problems that might crop up.
You might be wondering where to find reputable dog breeders. You can find reputable breeders through pedigree registration sites, word-of-mouth, or online groups for particular breeds. If you find a breeder online, you will need to see reviews, and you can also ask for references from owners of puppies from previous litters. Remember that Puppy Hero has a list of all the breeders listed by breed and state.
There are some responsibilities you’ll need to take on yourself to find a reputable puppy breeder. The best way to find a puppy breeder who you can be sure is taking proper care of their dogs is to do your research.
When you find a breeder and would like to find out more, you should have lots of questions for them, and they should be more than happy to answer them. In particular, you’ll want to ask about whether your new addition will be vaccinated, dewormed, and microchipped, as well as any other questions you might want answered about their general health.
You’ll also want to meet the pups and their mom before committing to anything so that you can ensure the breeder is taking care of them properly. You’ll be looking for clean bedding, a comfortable pen, and access to fresh water. If a breeder makes excuses as to why you can’t visit, this is a major red flag!
Last but not least, it’s worth checking that they have solid references, vet records, dog breeder certification, and registration with a certified kennel club such as the AKC. Association with a kennel club is a way a breeder can register their pups with an official organization that helps to ensure members are ethical breeding.
Just as there are green flags that let you know you’re picking a good dog breeder, the opposite is also true. There are a few red flags that you should be wary of if you come across them in a breeder:
From getting scammed out of your hard-earned cash to giving money to a puppy mill operator putting your faith in the wrong breeder can have some nasty consequences.
Though you may be tempted to take a pup from a puppy mill owner or a bad breeder’s hands to give one of them a good home, in doing so, you’re contributing to their continued ill-treatment of dogs.
If you’re suspicious of a breeder, it’s best to go with your gut and cease all contact. If you’re particularly worried about the welfare of the dogs under their care, you can file a complaint with the kennel club associated with the breeder, get in touch with animal welfare charities such as the ASPCA, or even speak to your local law enforcement agency.
When you are trying to choose a puppy, you will want to find reputable dog breeders, who have healthy, happy puppies. Trying to find reputable dog breeders online can feel like a bit of a jungle but there are some simple ways to make sure you find a dog from a good breeder.
You can ask for certification and health records including relevant tests and vaccinations. You should be able to meet the puppies in their homes and with their mom. You should also speak to owners of puppies from their previous litters and look at testimonies online. If you are sensible and carefully research breeders you should be able to find a great puppy to join your home!