Identify a Responsible Breeder

How to know if your pup is from a responsible breeder?

1. The breeder should be accessible throughout the puppy’s 15 years of life, by phone or email.
2. You are welcomed to the breeding ground before purchasing the pup. The breeding ground may be the breeder’s home, or a land out of the city. Note: Most breeders only entertain serious buyers, as they are busy people, and do not equate themselves to pet shops or shelters. So understand if he will only make an appointment with you when you are very close to making a decision.
3. When you meet the breeder his first instinct is to show you the male, female dogs and where the litter is kept. He will bring you to the dogs, and not the other way around… since he has nothing to hide. If he doesn’t do that say something like “I don’t mind going with you to get the dogs” then, judge his body language and decide if you should be suspicious or not. Maybe it’s feeding time, or they’re doing some construction, or the litter is in his bedroom etc.
4. Don’t start telling the breeder about you, he should be curious and concern of where his pups are going to end up. His big question in his mind should be “are my pups going to be safe with these people?” … And so expect to be questioned by the breeder. If they don’t seem bothered, then something’s wrong.
   

Expected questions

Examples of questions the breeder is expected to ask you may vary, some will ask more, some will ask less. These questions will give the breeder an idea of the kind of owner you are going to be. They also give you an idea if this breeder is breeding because he loves the dogs, or breeding for money.

1. Where do you stay? What kind of house?
2. Who’s going to be part of the pup’s family?
3. What’s your working schedule like?
4. Who is home all the time? Who goes to school? Who works?
5. Where will the dog sleep?
6. Other animals in the house?
7. Had a dog before?
8. What’s your occupation?
9. Who is going to be the direct owner of the dog, the alpha dog, the one fully responsible?
10. They may want your address and contact details and ask if they could visit the dog occasionally.
    

A good breeder may later, confiscate the dog if they discover that the new owners are ill treating the dog. Responsible breeders feel that the puppy is still part of their family even after they have sold the pup to you. They may still address the pup as “my boy/girl”. That tells you that they do not treat the pup as a man made ‘thing’ like a car or house.


Examples of questions you should be asking the breeder.

These questions will lead to an easier relationship between you and your puppy. They will also help you assess the breeder. You only want to support good, responsible and passionate breeders. The breeder will also expect you to ask these questions:

1. What food and play schedule, is the pup and mom following currently?
2. Can you contact the breeder anytime for help? If your puppy/dog develops some personality or health problems at age 5, for example, can you call the breeder and find out if your dog’s parents had the same problem? If so, how did the breeder handle the situation? Good breeders should be generous with suggestions, or recommend you to someone who can help you. He should never avoid you.
3. Who is the current vet? Address and contact numbers should be given to you. You should keep the original vaccination card.
4. Any documentation or certificates of the puppy’s family tree? Can you have a photocopy of them so that you can trace your pup’s history?
5. Can you take the pup at 4 months? This is the safest age, where the puppy would have learnt basic (human & doggy) social skills.
6. If long coated dogs, who is their regular groomer? Get the address and contacts.
   

Information of the puppy's vet and groomer will be very helpful for you to learn more about the puppy and the breeder. These 2 professionals, would have knowledge of your pup's history. They would know the character, quirks, or behavior of the pup's parents. Playfullness, coat condition, medical condition, minor skin irritations etc... Just chat with them, and get frequent consultations...