Buying from a Breeder 101

There are some circumstances where buying a puppy is more convenient and personal. Many like the idea of being able to train, bond, and mold a puppy themselves. This does hold truth and validation; however, it is of the utmost importance that you do your due diligence and buy responsibly.

Irresponsible breeders, careless companies, and people lacking the proper knowledge surrounding breeders contribute to the homeless dog population, as well as animal hoarding, animal abuse, and breed negligence. Here are some key tips, tools, and recommendations when you are considering purchasing a dog/puppy:

  1. Research, Research, Research!
  2. Your first step is carefully researching the breed you are interested in purchasing. This includes behavioral traits, energy level, intelligence, stubbornness, territorial personality traits, prey drive, and temperament.
  3. Pure bred dogs are bred for specific reasons and jobs! It is important to know those specific jobs, as well as their history and how you can implement those tasks into your daily routine. If you are not capable of keeping up with a pure-bred dog’s specific needs on a daily basis, you will most likely see behavioral outbursts due to misplaced energy and excitement.
  4. The level and kind of intelligence differs with each breed, meaning not every breed can be trained the same way.
  5. Some dogs are highly territorial and/or protective. Does this fit your lifestyle? Will this breed get along with other pets in the home? Does this breed seem appropriate if you have or plan on having a family?

  • Genetic Traits
  • Some breeds have a predisposition to health issues. For example, German Shepard’s with hip and digestive issues, Dobermans and Mastiffs with DCM (dilated cardiomyopathy), Golden Retrievers with cancer.
  • You can ask for either genetic testing and/or ask about parental health history. Along with asking for parental health history, you can always ask for the health of previously bred puppies (if there are previous litters).
  • Always ask the breeder what they are feeding the puppy
  • A breeder should not transfer ownership of a puppy until at least eight weeks of age.
  • Always ask the breeder where they have been raising their puppies—outside run? House? Garage?
  • A responsible breeder should have all health information readily available and want to maintain the integrity of the breed. If responsible, the breeder will not be breeding unhealthy dogs and only breeding if they have healthy parents. Therefore, the breeder should be able to easily answer any and all health, genetic, and behavioral related questions, as well as provide proof.  
  • A responsible breeder’s agenda and motive should never be about making money, but rather to maintain the integrity of the breed. The breeder’s top priority should revolve around keeping the breed’s purpose relevant and helping to breed out poor traits. For example, removing aggression and maintain a good and positive reputation.
  • What and Who to Avoid

CRAIGSLIST

  • Craigslist is consumed with backyard breeders, “accidental” litters, hoarders and more.
  • You are not “saving” a dog from a situation if you are paying for it. Giving them money motivates them to breed more, and this most likely means they are not taking the necessary steps when it comes to breeding. Please remember that health and/or well-being of the mother is likely to not be considered from these “breeders.”
  • Not all female dogs want puppies! It is not always easy to get a mom to take to her puppies. This could lead to malnourished puppies.
  • If you suspect neglect, harm, or hoarding please reach out to law enforcement or a local rescue to save these puppies and dogs.

THE AMISH/PET STORES

  • This is the new puppy mill.
  • It is not within the realm of their culture or religion to view pets or animals as part of the family; animals on their property are used for work and money.
  • An indicator is the “breeder” having multiple breeds and litters available at any given time on their website.
  • A true breeder will not breed too often and will definitely not have more than one breed at a time.
  • These puppies will most likely not be pure-bred, healthy, and/or well kept.
  • Purchasing a puppy from this environment is not saving the dog, rather it is supporting a harmful and negligent business.

Social media is a great platform to use regarding buying a puppy. Many dogs have their own Instagram account or Facebook page that you can research. Reaching out to these social media accounts and asking the breeders/owners the right questions is the easiest and best way to start! Dog owners love talking about their dogs and situation, and they tend to be receptive and grateful! By educating yourself and buying from a responsible breeder, you will help ensure that your new puppy is a perfect match for you!