You’ve found the perfect breed to share your life. Now, where can you find that wonderful puppy? A breeder can be a great source, as long as you know what to look for.
Types of breeders
You want to find a breeder who does this work because they love dogs, want to improve the breed, and enjoy matching pets with loving families—but not every breeder fits this bill.
- Commercial breeders run large-scale operations, breeding many dogs at once. Dogs from this source often don’t get the early socialization they need and may have behavioral and medical problems. Some of these breeders sell to pet stores. Others sell directly to pet owners.
- Backyard breeders typically charge the same price as reputable breeders, but they often lack experience and aren’t familiar with breed standards. It’s dangerous to buy from these breeders—the puppy you select might have serious hereditary problems because of poor breeding practices.
- Reputable breeders usually belong to local and national breed clubs because they’re dedicated to improving the breed they love. Their dogs are bred for good health and temperament, and they will provide you with references so you can talk to other people who have purchased dogs from them.
Finding a breeder
Start by requesting a list of breeders from the American Kennel Club. While this isn’t a guarantee that the breeder is a knowledgeable source, it gives you a list of breeders to visit and evaluate. You also can meet breeders at dog shows or ask your veterinarian for names of reputable breeders in your area.
Visit several breeders who specialize in your breed. You will screen them, but be aware that they will screen you too. A good breeder wants to help you make the right decision when you pick a pet and wants to be sure you will provide a good home for one of his or her dogs.
Ask for a tour of the facilities, and make sure the kennel is clean and not overcrowded. Don’t hesitate to ask questions about the history and nature of the breed—good and bad.
A good breeder will keep careful records about your pet’s parentage and will introduce you to your puppy’s mother. The father is often brought in just for breeding, so he may not be around. But the breeder should tell you about his temperament and health and show you pictures of your pup’s dad.
Make sure that other dogs on the premises seem healthy and friendly, not shy, nervous, or aggressive. And ask the breeder if the puppies are well socialized. You want a puppy who’s been handled by a variety of people from the time he was born. (And the older he gets, the longer the handling sessions should be.) It’s a good sign if the puppies have been raised underfoot!
Do your homework
Read up on the breed you love, and if it’s prone to any hereditary diseases, ask if the breeder screens for those conditions. Also ask if a veterinarian has examined the puppies for birth defects and other health problems. If not, you’ll need to take the puppy to your veterinarian for this purpose.
Ask for references—call them—and insist on a guarantee. A reputable breeder will give you another puppy or a refund if certain health or temperament problems are diagnosed within a specific time frame.
Getting your puppy
Many breeders don’t breed their dogs until they’ve lined up good homes for the puppies, so it might take a little while to get your purebred. It’s also expensive to purchase a purebred dog, so expect to pay hundreds of dollars—or more.
Breeders sometimes offer pet-quality puppies, or dogs who have flaws that keep them from being bred or participating in dog shows. These dogs still make good pets and you can usually buy them for a bit less than the going rate.
