What makes a good breeder?

Not everyone knows what to ask the breeder or that they should even ask anything. I am passionate about purchasing a purebred dog from a reputable breeder. No, that doesn’t mean I don’t agree with adopting. If you want to adopt you can use the next blog post to help you choose a dog that fits into your home and lifestyle. I haven’t forgotten about you!

I’m assuming that you have already read the previous post (https://idealcompaniondogtraining.com/2020/03/12/pick-breed-that-fits-lifestyle/) and you know which breed you want or have it narrowed down to a couple. If you haven’t, go back and read that post first.

I recommend checking out Orthopedic Foundations for Animals (https://www.ofa.org/browse-by-breed) or AKC Health Testing Requirements (https://www.akc.org/breeder-programs/akc-bred-with-heart-program/requirements/health-testing-requirements/) to see what tests they recommend for the breeds that you are interested in. At a minimum, the breeder you purchase from should be able to provide results and/or certificates for those tests. Don’t just take their word for it. OFA lists results on their website that is available for the public. You’ll need the dogs Registered Name or Number. If they don’t have those minimum tests completed then don’t waste your time or money buying from them. You want to have the best chance of getting a healthy puppy. Stack the deck in your favor.

Every breed has different issues that they are prone to. For a lot of those issues there is a test that can determine if the parents are clear, a carrier, or at risk before they are bred to avoid the issue completely or make sure the puppies are only a carrier and not at risk. An example is Juvenile Laryngeal Paralysis & Polyneuropathy (JLPP) in Rottweilers or Black Russian Terriers. This is a recessive, hereditary disease that starts around 3-4 months and leads to death within a few months of the start of symptoms. A simple DNA test on both the parents can prevent a lot of suffering. Below is a great visual that shows what the parents can produce.

Other things aren’t quite as simple. Hip and Elbow Dysplasia are now thought to be genetic and/or environmental. So parents with great hips or elbows can have puppies that develop Dysplasia. The material of the whelping area is important for puppies. Definitely ask about the whelping box and area. It should be carpet, mats or other material that offers good traction. News paper in a kiddie pool is a huge NO. I’m not a fan of kiddie pools in general, but if they are used, ensure it has proper material inside. Also, ask about the area that they are kept for most of the day as it may be different. The less access to slick surfaces the better.

Conformation or sport titles. If you are interested in getting into the dog sport world these things will matter. If you are thinking about it then you should ask what titles the parents have received. The type of sports they do and what level they have accomplished. If you aren’t interested in trying any sports then titles will just prove that the dog is capable of learning and working well with an owner/handler, which speaks a little about the dogs temperament.

Temperament is also important. What are the temperaments of the parents? Can you meet them personally or set up a time to video chat to see them? You should look for parents that have the personality that you want in a puppy. So if you want happy go lucky pup then parents matching that will give you the best chance. Avoid fearful or overly aggressive dogs in any breed. There are temperament tests that can be done on the parents. It would be an easy way to know their personality without meeting them in person.

Does the breeder do any type of early stimulation programs like Puppy Culture? This is a process of introducing mild stress in a controlled environment to very young puppies. The goal is for the puppies to tolerate stress better. This isn’t really a necessity, but it will greatly help your puppy as they grow because it has lasting effects. It definitely will not hurt to make this a requirement when looking at breeders.

Socialization! This isn’t all on the new puppy buyer. While the breeder has the litter they should be socializing them. It’s a little more difficult with an entire litter, but there are a lot of things that they can do at home to benefit the puppies. Introducing them to different surfaces, challenges, obstacles, noises, etc.

Most people don’t think about contracts when looking for breeders, but it an important thing to think about. Having a contract is obviously good. They can protect the breeder and the new puppy owner. There are some extreme contracts out there, though. A few things that you may want to check the contract for is if they want you to use or not use certain training methods or tools, feed certain foods, and neuter/spay at a certain age. Just another thing to think about. Don’t sign anything that you’re not comfortable with.

An important thing to think of is that just because they register their dogs with AKC, UKC, etc. DOESN’T mean they are good or own and produce quality dogs. There are far more low quality breeders than there are high quality. You will probably go through a lot of breeders before finding one that fits into your needs. Don’t let that discourage you. Think about the long, healthy life you will have with a puppy when you ensure that you get them from an amazing breeder.

At a minimum you should require all recommended tests for that breed and ensure the parents have good temperaments. The other things will help give your puppy the best chances at being healthy and well balanced before you even get it.

Do your best and don’t forget that you can ask for help.