Bringing a puppy into your life is an exciting journey, but it's important to ensure you're making choices that set both you and your puppy up for success. While many people turn to sites like Pets4Homes or Forever Puppy, to find breeders, I recommend starting with platforms like Kennel Club or Champdogs. However, it is important to understand that just because a breeder is listed with the more reputable sites (KC and Champdogs) it doesn’t automatically guarantee the welfare of their dogs. You must still do your own due diligence to ensure you're supporting ethical breeding practices!
1. Where to Begin: Finding a Breeder
The Kennel Club (KC) and Champdogs are useful platforms to start your search for a breeder, as they offer a list of breeders who are registered and have met certain standards. However, registration alone doesn't guarantee a breeder’s commitment to the wellbeing of their dogs. A reputable breeder will go above and beyond the minimum requirements. Always research potential breeders thoroughly, look for reviews or testimonials from previous buyers, and consider visiting the breeder's home to observe how they care for their dogs.
2. Health Testing: What You Need to Know
Reputable breeders should conduct health tests on both the dam (mother) and sire (father) of the puppies. These tests are breed-specific, based on known genetic predispositions. For example, hip dysplasia in larger breeds like Labradors or intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) in Dachshunds and eye problems in breeds like Border Collies. The Kennel Club provides recommendations on the health tests that should be performed, but ethical breeders often go beyond these suggestions, testing for additional genetic disorders to ensure the healthiest possible offspring.
While health testing doesn’t completely eliminate the risk of your puppy developing skeletal or genetic problems, it significantly reduces it. Make sure you see the health certificates for both parents before committing to a puppy. Don’t take the breeder’s word for it—insist on documentation.
3. Seeing the Dam and the Puppies
One of the golden rules when choosing a breeder is to always see the dam (mother) with her puppies. Good breeders raise their puppies in a home environment, where the puppies are exposed to normal household sounds and experiences from an early age. This can play a crucial role in the puppies' socialisation and ability to adjust to their new lives with you.
A key point to remember is that puppies are not born as blank slates. If the dam is stressed during pregnancy or her diet is inadequate, this can have lasting effects on the puppies’ emotional and physical development. A poor diet during pregnancy can result in nutrient deficiencies that affect the growth and development of the puppies' brains, organs, and skeletal systems. Adequate nutrition ensures that the puppies are born healthy, with strong immune systems and proper neurological development.
Studies show that stress in utero can increase cortisol levels in developing pups, which can lead to behavioural issues later in life, such as anxiety, reactivity, or fear-based responses. Inadequate nutrition can exacerbate these issues by weakening the puppies' overall resilience and cognitive function.
Observing the dam’s behaviour also gives valuable insight into what kind of temperament the puppies might inherit. If she seems overly stressed or anxious, that may be a red flag, as it could suggest prenatal stress that may influence the puppies’ future well-being.
4. The Importance of Breeder Screening and Interviews
A reputable breeder will be just as selective about you as you are about them. Good breeders want to ensure their puppies go to homes where they will thrive, and they will often send you a questionnaire or conduct an interview to understand your lifestyle, living arrangements, and experience with dogs. This isn't invasive—it's a sign that they care deeply about their puppies’ futures.
Puppies that end up in incorrect homes can experience stress from being rehomed, which can negatively impact their wellbeing.
A breeder who is willing to take the time to match the right puppy to the right home is a breeder you want to work with. They will ask you about your work schedule, living environment, activity levels, and experience with dogs to ensure that you can meet the needs of their breed.
5. Questions to ask your breeder
When you make contact with a breeder, it’s important to ask the right questions to ensure you're making an informed decision. A reputable breeder will be happy to answer your questions openly and thoroughly.
I've compiled a list of the ones I recommend asking:
Why did you decide to breed these two dogs?This helps you understand the breeder’s reasoning behind the pairing. Look for answers that highlight how they considered both the health and temperament of the parents to produce a strong, healthy litter.
What health tests have been performed on the dam and sire?Ask for details about the specific tests and request to see certificates. Responsible breeders will have tested for breed-specific conditions and gone beyond the minimum recommendations.
Can I meet the dam and see where the puppies are raised?Seeing the dam in her environment gives insight into the conditions the puppies are being raised in. It’s also important to check if the dam looks like she has been whelping puppies.
What socialisation have the puppies been exposed to and what are you planning on doing for the first 8weeks?Early socialisation is crucial for a well-adjusted puppy. Ask how the puppies have been introduced to household noises, different people, and other animals.
What is the dam’s temperament like?A good breeder will be able to tell you about the dam’s behaviour, and this can give you an idea of the temperament the puppies might inherit.
What do you feed the dam and the puppies? Nutrition is important during pregnancy and while the puppies are growing. Knowing what the breeder feeds them can give you an idea of how well they care for their dogs. Fresh is best!
Do you have a contract, and what does it cover?Ensure you ask about any clauses in the contract, such as non-breeding agreements or the breeder’s policy on taking the puppy back if needed.
Will you provide ongoing support after I take the puppy home?Many responsible breeders will offer advice and support after you’ve taken your puppy home. Ask if they’re willing to stay in touch and help if any challenges arise.
How long have you been breeding dogs, and what experience do you have with this breed?This can help you gauge the breeder’s expertise and dedication to the breed.
Are there any health issues or concerns in the puppies' bloodlines?A transparent breeder should discuss any potential health issues seen in the bloodline, even if they've been screened for, so you're aware of possible future challenges.
5. Contracts: Why They Matter
When purchasing a puppy, expect to sign a contract. This isn’t just a formality; it’s an agreement designed to protect both you and the puppy. Often, the contract will include a clause that stipulates if, for any reason, you cannot keep the puppy, the breeder will take the puppy back. This helps prevent the puppy from ending up in a shelter or being sold on irresponsibly.
Contracts also frequently include health guarantees or expectations regarding the puppy’s care, ensuring the breeder remains committed to the dog’s long-term wellbeing.
One important clause you’ll often find in the contract is a non-breeding agreement. This means you will not be allowed to breed from your dog unless otherwise agreed with the breeder. This protects the bloodline, ensuring that only dogs with the appropriate health, temperament, and breeding qualifications are used for reproduction. It also helps prevent irresponsible breeding practices, which could contribute to genetic health problems or behavioural issues in future generations.
6. Ongoing Support and Keeping in Touch
Breeders will typically want to maintain contact with you after you bring the puppy home. This is another sign of a good breeder—they care about the lifelong welfare of the dogs they produce. They may ask for updates on the puppy’s progress, and some will offer support and advice as your puppy grows. This continued relationship ensures that you have guidance should any challenges arise and helps breeders ensure their puppies are thriving.
7. Waiting Lists: A Sign of Quality
Good breeders often have waiting lists, which can be a positive sign. If a breeder always has puppies available, this could be a red flag that they are breeding for quantity, not quality. Ethical breeders usually only have a few litters a year, ensuring that they can provide adequate care, socialisation, and attention to each puppy.
8. Red Flags to Watch For
While there are many signs of a good breeder, there are also some clear red flags you should be aware of:
Puppies being offered at very young ages (under eight weeks), which is too early for proper socialisation and development.
Refusal to let you see the dam or the puppies in their home environment. Some breeders may suggest meeting you somewhere outside their home, such as in a car park or a neutral location. This is a significant red flag, as it can indicate they are trying to hide poor living conditions or the true state of the puppies and the dam.
Does the dam look like she’s been whelping puppies? If she doesn’t appear to be nursing or doesn’t look like she has recently given birth, this could be a sign that the breeder is showing you a different dog, which is a major concern.
Breeders who won’t provide health testing documentation or offer vague answers about the health of the dam and sire.
High pressure to buy quickly, reluctance to answer your questions, or offering a puppy without asking about your lifestyle and experience with dogs.
By taking the time to choose a breeder who prioritises their dogs’ health, temperament, and welfare, you’re giving your puppy the best possible start in life. While finding the right breeder may take time, it’s worth the investment. After all, your puppy will be part of your family for many years to come, and a good start is essential for a happy, healthy life!
Comments