Finding a Good Dog Breeder
- Start by asking your local veterinarian
- Contact breeders to ask questions
- Talk to the actual breeder if possible
Start by asking your local veterinarian. Vets know reputable breeders in your area. They want to avoid people buying from puppy mills. The AKC also provides reputable breeders. Contact breeders to ask questions. Reputable breeders happily answer questions. They focus on breeding healthy dogs with good temperaments.
Evaluating a Breeder
- Meet breeders in person at their facility
- Observing red flags when finding a breeder
- Researching to find the right dog breed for you
What should I look for in a breeder? Meet breeders in person at their facility. Ask to see parent dogs and puppy areas. Reputable breeders welcome visits. They keep dogs and facilities clean and healthy. Good breeders have puppies vet checked and health tested. They want to better dog breeds over time.
Watch for red flags when finding a breeder. Bad breeders quickly ship puppies just for money. They skip health checks and tests. Some won’t let you visit or meet parent dogs. Be wary of big pay now buttons on websites. Talk to the actual breeder if possible.