How To Tell A "Good" Dog Breeder .....

'Good' Dog Breeders

Many people feel that breeding dogs when there are so many already alive that need homes, and are put to death because newly bred puppies are bought instead, cannot be right.

However, it is a fact that some breeders are far more honest and ethical in their practices than others. In Missouri, sadly we are the Puppy Mill Capital of the United States.

What You Should Expect From A 'Good' Breeder

If you cannot save the life of an innocent abandoned dog from a pound, shelter or rescue, and instead buy a puppy, it is in your best interests to avoid bad breeders.

The information below is to assist you in choosing the right dog breeder if you cannot save a rescue dog:

• A reputable breeder will always have a full waiting list of homes for all their puppies BEFORE the puppies are even conceived

• They never have to advertise puppies, as they would never be irresponsible enough to breed them without already having a waiting list homes for them.

• They will not breed the mother dog very often often as they would not want her health to suffer.

• They ALWAYS do the vital genetic health checks on the breeding parent dogs and examine their family health histories, to check they will not be passing down defective genetic conditions. You must ask to see proof of these tests. If the breeder has carried out all checks, as they should, they will be pleased to show you the proof and will not give excuses about why they cannot show them.

• They carry out health checks specific to the breed and you should also ask for proof of this. Independently research what checks they should be doing for the breed you are purchasing, don't take their word for it.

• They get all the puppies fully health checked micro-chipped and vaccinated - you must get proof of this. 

• They would never wean them from their mothers too early. Anything before 8 weeks is far too early and is likely to cause behavioural problems in the offspring.

• They will ask lots of questions and visit the homes the puppies are going to to check they are good homes. They will offer lots of support and continue to check up on the dogs progress, being willing to take the dog back at any time in it's life, if need be.

• They do not breed dog breeds that there is already an overpopulation of in shelters and rescues

• They are a member of the Kennel Club Assured Breeder Scheme. Don't take their word for it - check.

• They often provide the first years pet insurance free

• Make sure you see the mother with the puppies up close and check she is healthy and alert. Also demand to see where all the breeding dogs are kept to make sure they are not a PUPPY MILL.

• Because of the cost of responsible breeding, they breed more for the love of the breed and trying to breed problems out of it, rather than for money. It is bad breeders who make money through wreckless breeding and cutting corners, then leave the new owners and innocent puppies with the resulting problems