How to recognise a good breeder
You choose a puppy with your heart, but you'd better choose the breeder with your head. Whether a puppy grows up healthy and well socialised depends largely on its first weeks, and you have no say in those. So look closely at the breeder. Do they ask about you and your home? Can you meet the mother? Are the papers ready without you having to ask?
In short: a good breeder health-tests the parents and shows you the results, lets you meet the puppy with its mother at home, and is open about everything. Walk away from rush, cash-only deals and puppies handed over in a car park.
Health testing
A responsible breeder tests the parent dogs before breeding, for example hips and elbows, eyes and relevant DNA tests. Which tests matter depends on the breed; the breed club can tell you. Ask to see the actual results, not just a promise that the dogs are "healthy".
Open and transparent
A good breeder answers your questions plainly, gives you a written sales contract, and tells you what the puppy comes with: vaccination record, pet passport, feeding advice. They'll often keep in touch for years and take the dog back if things don't work out. They also ask you plenty of questions.
Meet the puppy and its mother
Visit where the puppies are raised. You should see the mother with her litter, in a clean home where the puppies are used to everyday sounds and people. If the mother is "just out" or the breeder wants to meet you somewhere else, be careful.
Avoiding puppy mills
Warning signs: many breeds available at once, puppies always in stock, pressure to decide today, cash only, puppies that look too young, missing or vague papers, and a seller who asks you nothing. A good breeder usually has a waiting list and breeds one or two breeds.
Questions to ask the breeder
- How old are the parents and which health tests have they had?
- Can I see the test results?
- How are the puppies socialised?
- What does the puppy come with (papers, contract, food)?
- What happens if I can no longer keep the dog?
Is buying a puppy abroad safe?
It can be, if you follow the same checks: visit, meet the mother, see the papers and test results. Rules for travelling with a puppy differ by country, so check them with the official authorities before you commit.
How long is a typical waiting list?
It varies by breed and breeder. A waiting list is a good sign: it means the breeder plans litters instead of always having puppies available.
Take your time
A good breeder isn't found in an afternoon. PuppyAlert can email you when a breeder of your breed has news.