Having a dog brings much joy and friendship to your life. 68% of Americans agree!

When you begin your journey to look for a new furry friend, where do you start? There are plenty of breeders and shelters to choose from, but how do you know if they’re trustworthy? With the reality of puppy mills, how do you tell the difference between a breeder who cares and one who is simply in it for profit?

If you’re ready to tackle the responsibility of a pet, start on the right foot! This article will explore how to find a reputable dog breeder so you can feel confident in your pet.

What Are Puppy Mills?

Puppy mills are drastically different from buying a puppy from a reputable breeder. In puppy mills, the mother and father dogs are confined to cages, and their only purpose is to breed and produce puppies. Once they can no longer reproduce, most dogs are put to death.

The puppies live in deplorable conditions. Puppies receive no veterinary care, which leads to sick puppies and parents. Ten thousand puppy mills are currently functioning in the United States.

Why Purchase From A Breeder

While it’s essential to adopt a puppy from shelters and give them a forever home, some people choose to turn to dog breeders.

Dog breeders are an excellent resource. They know much about the breed and their bloodline. If you ever need any advice or support for raising your pup, inquiring about your breeder is an option.

Reputable breeders will care for the dog and provide them with livable, humane conditions until they find a home.

How to Find A Reputable Dog Breeder

Finding a reputable dog breeder should not be hard, and buying a dog should be an enjoyable experience! Here are ten tips to make sure your breeder cares about you and the puppies.

1. Meeting in Person

If you find an excellent breeder in Ontario breeder that has puppies for sale, make sure they’re willing to meet in person. Refusing to meet in person should raise a red flag!

Face-to-face interaction will allow you to examine the conditions of the property and how the puppies live. Most responsible breeders keep their puppies inside their homes.

2. Question, Question, Question

Make it a point to ask your breeder loads of questions! For one, asking questions helps establish a relationship with your breeder, and it shows that you’ve thoroughly thought about having a puppy/dog in your life.

Pay close attention to how the breeder reacts to your questions? Are they patient and answer your questions well, welcoming any concerns? Or are they defensive, offputting, and inpatient?

Their reaction clues you in on what type of breeder they are.

While you need to question the breeder, also allow the breeder to interview you! Good breeders care about where their puppies are headed, how they will fit into the family, and the living conditions they will experience.

3. Clean Environment

A clean environment is a healthy environment. When you visit the puppies, they should be clean, well-fed, and have a designated spot for using the bathroom. They may have toys or other things to keep them entertained.

4. Medical Records and Paperwork

A good breeder will supply you with all the puppy’s medical paperwork, recent vaccinations (if any), and possibly a family tree. If the dogs have any health conditions, the breeder should provide documentation of this. They can also answer any questions you have regarding the future health of the dogs and diseases to which the dogs might be prone.

5. Puppies Are Not Allowed to Leave Right Away

Before eight weeks old, the best place for puppies to be is with their mother and siblings. During this time, they develop essential social skills with their littermates that allows them to become mature dogs, especially when it comes to being with other canines.

6. Meet the Parents

Want to see what your dog will eventually look like? Ask to meet the parents. Any breeder will gladly show off their parents.

This is a prime opportunity to see how the breeder treats the parents.

7. They Will Take the Dog if You Cannot

Sadly, not all puppies work out for every family. If something happens and you’re no longer able to care for the pup, the breeder should take the dog. A reputable breeder cares a great deal about where their puppies end up and will do anything they can to ensure they find another perfect home.

8. The Look of Puppies

Puppies who are adequately cared for by a breeder will appear calm and comfortable around humans because they have learned to trust them. Any signs of scared puppies are a cause for alarm.

The puppies should also be clean, energetic, and comfortable around humans.

9. Awards and Recognitions

You have a better chance of having a healthy, well-rounded puppy if you purchase them from a breeder with an AKC Breeders of Merit or a champion bloodline. The merit ensures that these breeders raise puppies that are healthy, happy, and socialized.

10. They Genuinely Love The Breed

A reputable breeder will have a genuine fondness for the breed. You’ll be able to tell by how they answer your questions and the knowledge they have.

Better Breeder, Better Puppy

When you’re buying a dog, it’s important to know how to find a reputable breeder. They can make or break your experience with your puppy, and that experience can last a lifetime.

Are you searching for the latest news? Then browse the rest of our website to learn more!

Information contained on this page is provided by an independent third-party content provider. Frankly and this Site make no warranties or representations in connection therewith. If you are affiliated with this page and would like it removed please contact pressreleases@franklymedia.com