When it comes to adding a new puppy to your family, choosing the right breeder is paramount. An ethical breeder ensures the well-being of their puppies for life and helps you bring home a healthy and happy puppy. Here are some tips to help you find an ethical breeder for your well-bred companion.

Breed Clubs and Associations

Begin your search by looking for breeders who are members of reputable breed clubs or associations. The best way to do that is by starting at the associated Breed Club of America. These organizations often have strict codes of ethics that members must follow, ensuring responsible breeding practices.

Seek Referrals

Ask for recommendations from trusted sources. Visiting local dog shows is a great resource to meet the breed and their owners while also giving you the opportunity to meet various breeders. Owners of well-bred dogs often love talking about their breeds and teaching others about them too.

Health Testing

One of the hallmarks of an ethical breeder is their commitment to health testing. They perform rigorous tests on their breeding dogs to screen for genetic disorders common to the breed. Always ask for documentation of these tests to ensure transparency. These health tests should be done by a recognized organization such as the most commonly used OFA (Orthopedic Foundation of Animals). A veterinary exam and an embark test alone are not acceptable forms of health testing. The breed club will also have a list of health tests recommended for their breed. For example, the German Shepherd Dog should have their Hips, Elbows, Heart, and Eyes tested at minimum. Check to make sure that both parents of the litter have had these tests done.

Responsible Breeding Practices

Ethical breeders prioritize health, temperament, and conformation to breed standards. They breed for the overall well-being of the animals, not just for appearance or profit. A breeder should be breeding for the betterment of the breed! Breeders that breed for specific colors, especially off standard colors, are not to be considered ethical breeders. Additionally, ethical breeders do not breed dogs under the age of 2 years. At 2 years, most dogs are fully mature both mentally and physically and the breeder is able to do the proper health testing while also assessing temperament to ensure that they find the best pairing to breed. Reputable breeders typically have a limited number of litters per year. This ensures that each animal receives proper care and attention, and the breeding animals are not overworked.

Socialization

Proper socialization is crucial for puppies. They should have regular interactions with people and other animals to develop well-adjusted temperaments. We recommend that you look for breeders that do some type of ENS (Early Neural Stimulation) like Puppy Culture or Avidog. These practices have been known to help build a healthier and more balanced temperament in their puppies.

Breeder Knowledge and Support

An ethical breeder is knowledgeable about the breed’s characteristics, potential health issues, and specific care requirements. They should be able to answer your questions confidently and thoroughly. A good breeder provides ongoing support and advice to new pet owners. They should be willing to take back the animal if necessary, showing a commitment to their animals’ lifelong welfare. This is one reason that dogs that are ethically bred rarely if ever, end up in shelters or rescues.

Contracts, Guarantees, and Proper Documentation

There should be a clear contract outlining the responsibilities of both the breeder and the buyer. This often includes certain health guarantees and terms of care. The contract will also often require that if at any point you can no longer keep your dog, the dog is required to return to them so that they can find them a suitable home. An ethical breeder provides proper documentation, such as pedigree papers, health records, and proof of vaccinations. This ensures that your new pup comes with a clean bill of health and a verified lineage.

Essential Questions to Ask

- Health Screenings: What health screenings have been done on the parents? You can also look these up on the OFA site if they have been done.

- Breeding Goals: What are your goals in breeding this particular breed? What made you choose this pairing?

- Puppy Care: How do you care for and socialize your puppies? Will the puppies come home with a foundation in crate training and potty training?

- Support: What support do you offer to new puppy owners? Do you give support for the life of the puppy?

Watch Out for Red Flags

- Multiple Breeds: Breeding several different breeds may indicate a focus on profit rather than the well-being of the puppies. Additionally, if a breeder is mixing breeds, they are not ethical breeders.

- No Health Testing: Avoid breeders who do not perform health tests on their breeding dogs. See above for acceptable health tests and how to check results. 

- Poor Conditions: Dirty or overcrowded living conditions are a major red flag. Not all breeders will allow people to come to their house which is understandable to an extent, but I suggest still make it a point to ask to visit the puppies before taking your pup home.

- Lack of Interaction: If the breeder doesn’t ask you questions to ensure you’re a suitable owner, they may not be ethical. Most ethical breeders will also choose your puppy for you. They are the ones who are with the puppies every day and know them and their personalities best. Trust your breeder to pick the best puppy for you and your lifestyle.

These guidelines will be very beneficial to you in your search for your new puppy, meaning you can ensure that you are supporting ethical breeding practices and bringing home a healthy, well-adjusted puppy. Remember, a responsible breeder is not just selling a pet; they are sharing a piece of their life’s work and passion with you. Choose wisely, and you’ll be rewarded with a loving companion for years to come.

**We are offering 50% off of our Puppy Kindergarten Program to anyone who contacts us BEFORE getting a puppy! Contact us for more details.