· By Minou Tpain
Author: Denise Partlow
Instagram: @modernk9 Carolinas
There is a major difference between a backyard breeder and a responsible one. It can be hard to tell at first so here are some things to consider when selecting a breeder:
-Find a breeder that has an established reputation, one that is in good standing with their clients as well as producing high-quality dogs. The breeder should be interested in you and not just your money. They should take a real interest in getting to know you so they know exactly which puppy would be a good fit for you.
-Ask the breeder about their experience with the breed, get an idea of how long they’ve been breeding & how many litters they average a year. The breeder should have a good understanding of the potential health issues of that particular breed and be able to explain what they’ve done to prevent such problems in their own litters.
-Visit the breeder’s facility and ask to view the following:
*the adult dogs-pay attention to their temperament and appearance-do they seem well socialized & healthy?
*the puppies-it’s possible you won’t be able to touch the puppies. Pay attention to the conditions in which they live in though. A filthy kennel will only result in unhealthy dogs. Ask how they are being raised and what socialization they are receiving. (socialization is more than just interacting with dogs and people). You can also ask about vaccinations and the food they eat.
-A reputable breeder will typically place puppies in their new homes between 8-10 weeks of age-not earlier.
-Ask which breed specific club they belong to to see if they truly hold a high interest in the betterment of breed.
-They should have some form of contract that explains all responsibilities. In addition they may hold interviews and have a detailed application process.
-And last but not least – they should allow you to return the puppy for almost any reason.
If I missed anything, please feel free to add it in the comments!
