Anyone know what to look for when going to a breeder?

Question

My sister is looking to get a puppy from a breeder. What should one look for or ask for to validate the breeder as a good one? Thanks!

Answer 1

For good reputable breeders please go to AKC.org

Answer 2

I've got a few sites that are PERFECT for your sister.

http://www.phouka.com/puppy/bdr_irres.ht...

http://www.phouka.com/puppy/bdr_question...

http://www.phouka.com/puppy/bdr_owner.ht...

http://members.tripod.com/antique_fcr/go...

Answer 3

1) Do NOT buy from the classifieds.

2)If the breeder has multiple breeds of dogs ask why. If they say anything that puts the words 'dogs' and 'economy' or anything similar together, walk away FAST.

3)Ask them why they bred the female, you shouldn't hear the following:

"We really like her and we want to have one of her puppies" (unless they can give examples of her structure that pertains to her breed that they like)

"We hope to get our money back out of her" or

"We wanted her to be complete before we spayed her"

4)The parents should be registered with the AKC (and not some other unheard of registration organization) and papers should be available for you to look at.

5)ALWAYS make sure you visit their homes and ask to see where the dogs are kept and what condition they are kept in, if they are raised in a barn with stacks of cages on the walls or kennel runs DO NOT BUY.

6)Do not buy from anyone who is going to put puppies 'on sale' or have '2 for 1' specials.

7) The parents should be tested and cleared for known disease in their breed, at the very least OFA (hip dysplasia), and CERF (PRA-eyes)

I know there are alot more things but at this hour i just can't seem to find them.

If you find yourself in a puppymill situations, DO NOT buy from them even if you feel sorry for the dogs. I know it is hard, but you are only helping fill their pockets and encourage their business. If you really want to help, alert the local humane society and they will do their best to monitor them.

You're best chance to find a good breeder is:

1) Do your homework and do extensive research on the breed you are considering.

2) go to www.akc.org and look up the parent club to that breed. They list known breeders across the U.S.

Best of luck

M

Answer 4

The most important thing to find out is if the sire & dam (mom & dad) of the puppy are related. Inbreeding is bad & the puppy will most likely have health issues.

Answer 5

I know all th eanswers will be mad at ya..this site hates breeders with a PASSION.

Rescue one. What ever breed your looking for the rescues of that breed have all ages !

I wish you luck.

Answer 6

First let me say I am a breeder and DARN PROUD OF IT!

Second, AKC is not the BEST place to find a good breeder.  Over the past 10 years literally thousands of breeders have chosen to drop AKC because of their politically based for-profit regulations.  They have lost their previous status of being a "pure" registry.  You will find many fine examples of any given breed in the hands of breeders who are NOT registered with AKC.  And don't be too impressed with a dog that is "championed", or has "champion" bloodlines.  It is not too difficult to finish a dog if you have the time and money to travel.

That being said,  I agree with most of the information that "TollerDK" has given.  I would not hesitate to contact breeders through classified ads..where else is a person going to advertise their pups?  

I would ask the breeder what if any special requirements or care will the pup need when you get it home?  

Does the breeder offer continued after-purchase support any time of day or night in the event you have questions or concerns?  

Will they take the pup back in the future if there is any reason you can no longer keep it?  

What are the standards for the breed and why is the pup you are interested in just considered "pet quality"?  (if the breeder know the standard they should be able to point out the faults of the puppy)

What are the good and bad traits of the breed that would make it suitable or unsuitable for your situation or family?

And be sure to get a written contract spelling out your responsibilities as well as the breeder's, including the health guarantee.

Well that is about all I can think of to add right now.

Good luck in your search and hope you find a happy, healthy pup!

Answer 7

I would want to know how many times the dog has been breed.  How many dogs do they place a year.  You don't want a dog from a puppy mill.  Why doesn't she look into adapting a dog first?

Answer 8

A responsible breeder will only be breeding one or two breeds. They are also doing genetic testing OFA,CERF,pennhip,ect.. Most will show their dogs to CH before breeding them. As far as a health guarantee I like it to be 3 years on genetic problems. Most issues don't show up til age 2. A responsible breeder will require you return a puppy/dog to them if unable to care for them. He/she will be responsible for every life they bring into this world. Also a good breeder will ask you several questions to make sure you'd provide a suitable home. Some will even visit your home. A responsible breeder will show you their dogs & will share their knowledge with you.  

Answer 9

There are a few things to be aware of.

See how the breeder treats you. A good one should ask you questions about your lifestyle, and expect to be asked questions in return. A good one will not try and force a dog on you - they will really care where their dogs end up.

Ask about health checks, and what guarantees they give you. Ask how many dogs they have, and how often they breed them. If they breed their dog more than once a year, they are most likely not reputable. If they don't do any health checks, don't buy from them.

Ask them information on the breed. A good breeder will know a lot, and be perfectly happy to share that knowledge with you - in fact, many love talking about their breed of choice!

If you visit, ask to see the parents (it's not uncommon for them not to have the sire, but you can ask to see a picture of him) - the breeder should be okay with you meeting the dam, at least. Some even insist on it. If you can see lots of puppies but no parents - you're probably dealing with a puppy mill. Run.

Ask how many breeds they have. If it's more than about two or three, then watch out - they could be a puppy mill. Most breeders specialise in one, maybe two, breeds.

See how they treat their dogs. Do they seem fond of them, and enjoy the dogs being around? If so, they care about them. If not, then they don't.

Word of mouth is also good. If you know any people in the dog-circuit, ask around to see what they think of the breeder.

Basically, you have to feel comfortable with the breeder, and they with you.

Good luck!

Answer 10

first of all dont go to a breeder, 25% of all shelter animals are full stock....check the shelter save money & a life

if you have to go to a breeder which im TOTALLY AGAINST. Look for vet check ups, health guarantee's. Ask to see her  housing quarters, see the parents, and such...please go to the shelter tho

Answer 11

The best way to locate a responsible breeder is to contact the breed organizations or kennel clubs in your area.  checking with veterinarians, groomers, obedience training schools, or pet supply outlets to find a breeder. You may even have luck locating one through ads in breed-specific publications.

Answer 12

well it all depends on well your sister. I guess you want to make sure that you ask the breeder if the pups are akc (american kennel club) certified. Also if the pups have had their shots and have been de-wormed although you will have to de-worm them again when you take the pup home. Also its important to find out what kind of a health guarantee the breeder provides. Whether its a note from the vet that the pup is fully healthy or like 2 years money back all breeders do that differently. When you go to a breeder you also have to look around and see what kind of conditions the puppies were born in (like how the breeder treated them, where they slept, where the parents of the pups were, etc) Oh and make sure you shop around. Dont just find one breeder atleast go to two or three and if your sis sees a pup she likes dont get that one right away just ask the breeder to hold it for a couple of hours until you visit the other kennels and if you dont see anything better then come back and get it. I hope this helps