Reputable Breeders: 7 Characteristics You Should Definitely Look Out For!
Choosing the right dog breeder is just as important as choosing the breed itself. A good breeder can make the difference between a healthy, happy dog life and one plagued by health problems. But how do you recognize a reputable breeder? In this guide, you'll learn what to look for in order to make the best decision for you and your new four-legged friend.
Why Choosing the Right Breeder Is So Important
The breeder has a significant influence on your dog's future health and behavior. If you choose a dubious breeder, there's a risk that your dog will suffer from behavioral problems or become ill later on. These problems often result in high costs for the veterinarian and possibly also for the dog training school. Careful selection of a breeder should therefore be a high priority.
Characteristics of a Reputable Breeder
1. Personal Meeting at the Breeder's Home
A good breeder will invite you to their home to show you their breeding environment. They have nothing to hide and are proud of the conditions in which their dogs are raised. You should take the opportunity to see where the puppies live and how they are raised. Make sure the environment is clean and the dogs are well cared for.
2. Selecting Puppy Buyers
Responsible breeders are interested in placing their puppies in good hands. They will therefore examine you closely and ask questions about your living conditions. A reputable breeder will require at least one personal meeting before agreeing to a purchase. Be prepared for possible rejection if the breeder has concerns.
3. The mother dog is present
When visiting the breeder, the puppies' mother should be present. This gives you the opportunity to observe her behavior. A friendly and outgoing mother dog is a good sign. The breeder should also be able to provide health records for both the mother and the father.
4. Limited number of breeds
A reputable breeder usually specializes in one or a maximum of two breeds. This shows that they have a thorough understanding of the specific needs and characteristics of these breeds. Breeders who offer many different breeds run the risk of neglecting individual care and attention.
5. Waiting time
It's a good sign if you have to wait for your puppy. Good breeders plan their litters carefully and give their bitches sufficient rest between litters. Ask the breeder for a breeding license if they have more than three fertile bitches.
6. Health Examinations of the Parents
The parents should be examined for breed-specific health problems. A responsible breeder avoids breeding with animals that have hereditary diseases. Ask to see the relevant certificates to be sure.
7. Handing Over the Puppies
The puppies should be microchipped, dewormed, and vaccinated upon delivery. You should receive the pedigree and the blue EU pet passport. If available, additional veterinary examination results should also be included.
Everyday Experiences
Case 1: A young family from Cologne and their Labrador
A family from Cologne decided to buy a Labrador puppy. After visiting a supposed breeder who was presenting puppies in a separate showroom, they noticed that the mother dog was not there. They decided not to take a puppy and later found a responsible breeder who invited them to their home. There, they saw the mother dog and received comprehensive information about raising the puppies. This diligence paid off, and the Labrador developed into a healthy, friendly family dog.
Case 2: A couple from Hamburg and the unexpected costs
A couple from Hamburg spontaneously bought a puppy from a breeder because they felt sorry for the animals. Soon after the purchase, health problems arose, resulting in high veterinary costs. The couple regretted their decision, as by purchasing the dog, they had supported the breeder in continuing to breed puppies under poor conditions. This experience taught them that a well-considered purchase is better than feeling sorry for an individual animal.
Case 3: A Single Woman from Berlin and Her Positive Experience
A woman from Berlin spent a long time looking for the right breeder for a pug. She found a breeder who bred only one breed and placed great emphasis on the animals' health. The woman was comprehensively informed about breed-specific health problems and had the opportunity to see the mother and puppies in a clean environment. The patience and diligence paid off, and she received a healthy, well-socialized Pug.
Practical Tools and Resources
📋 Checklist: Characteristics of a Reputable Breeder (to print/save)
- Personal Meeting at the Breeder's Home
- Selection of Puppy Buyers
- Mother Dog on-site
- Limited Number of Breeds
- Waiting Time for a Puppy
- Health Examinations of the Parents
- Complete Paperwork at the Time of Delivery
📝 Questions for the Breeder
- How Often Do the Parents Have Litters?
- Can you show me the parents' health records?
- How do you promote the socialization of the puppies?
- What breeds do you breed and why?
- What feeding recommendations do you give for the first few months?
Conclusion
Choosing the right breeder is crucial for your dog's future well-being. Take the time to carefully research breeders and make the right decision. A healthy, happy dog will bring you many years of joy. If a breeder doesn't meet all of the criteria listed here, think carefully before deciding to purchase. Your new best friend will thank you!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I distinguish a reputable dog breeder from a dubious one?
A reputable breeder is characterized by transparency, a personal meeting, the presence of the mother dog, thorough health examinations of the parents, and a limited number of litters. Dubious breeders, on the other hand, are often non-transparent and prioritize profit over the welfare of the animals.
What questions should I ask a potential dog breeder?
Ask about the health examinations of the parents (HD, ED, eye examination, etc.), the dogs' living conditions, the number of litters per year, and the placement of the puppies. Also find out about the dogs' breeding licenses and pedigrees.
How much does a puppy cost from a reputable breeder?
Costs vary depending on the breed and breeder. A puppy from a reputable breeder is usually more expensive than from a dubious one, as the raising, health checks, and breeding itself are costly. A price that's too low should raise your eyebrows.
Do I have to sign a purchase contract with a reputable dog breeder?
Yes, a written purchase contract is standard with a reputable breeder. This regulates important points such as the purchase price, the health guarantee, and the return policy. Read the contract carefully before signing it.
What documents should I receive from a reputable dog breeder?
You should receive a vaccination certificate, an EU pet passport (for EU dogs), a pedigree (for purebred dogs), and a purchase contract. The breeder should also be able to provide you with health certificates for the parents.
Should I buy a puppy from a breeder with multiple breeds?
No, a reputable breeder usually focuses on one or a maximum of two breeds. This indicates in-depth knowledge and experience with the specific needs and characteristics of these breeds. A wide range of different breeds can indicate dubious practices.
How long do I have to wait for a puppy from a reputable breeder?
A waiting period is a positive sign, as reputable breeders plan their litters carefully and allow their bitches sufficient time to recover between litters. Too-quick availability can be a warning sign.
What role does the mother dog play in choosing a puppy?
The mother dog should be present during a visit to the breeder. You should have the opportunity to observe her behavior and health. A healthy, balanced mother dog is a good sign for the puppies.