How to Find a Good Dog Breeder

Finding a good breeder is important because good breeders will take a lot of time and effort to make sure that they raise happy, healthy puppies. There's more to finding a good breeder than someone who has puppies with papers. Here is what to look for.

Things You'll Need

  • Paper and pen
  • Computer
  • Patience
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Instructions

    • 1

      A good breeder will breed dogs that are friendly and allow you to handle their puppies. You should be able to pick up and play with the puppies. If the mother shows any signs of aggression I would not get a puppy from that litter.

    • 2

      A good breeder will have the dogs and puppies in the house. Dogs are extremely social animals and need to be socialized with people from a very early age.

    • 3

      The dogs' environment should be very clean and well kept. Be wary of any breeder who has their dogs and puppies in unsanitary conditions.

    • 4

      A good breeder breeds dogs to enhance the breed. This takes some time and effort. It also takes a good understanding of the breed. A good breeder will breed one, maybe two breeds at most. Ten different breeds means big time "backyard breeder."

    • 5

      A good breeder will have information on the parents and grandparents. They should be able to tell you about any genetic faults that are common with the breed.

    • 6

      Orthopedic problems are common with a lot of dogs, especially the larger breeds. The parents and grandparents should be OFA certified. The OFA is the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. The certification will let you know if there are any problems.

    • 7

      A good breeder will feed the parents and the puppies a good quality dog food.

    • 8

      A good breeder will also provide you with a contract and a guarantee of the dog's health. Follow the steps outlined in this article and you'll have a much better chance of finding a good breeder.