Puppy Prep 2- Choosing a responsible breeder

While it might be tempting to opt for the quickest or cheapest route, doing so can come with devastating consequences. Poor breeding practices can lead to serious health and behavioral issues, not to mention hefty vet and trainer bills. In contrast, responsible breeders invest time, money, and love into producing well-socialized, healthy puppies—giving them the best start in life.

Here’s what to look for—and what to avoid—when choosing a responsible breeder.

Why Choosing a Responsible Breeder Matters

Buying a puppy from a responsible breeder isn't just about supporting ethical practices—it's also a wise investment in your dog’s future health and temperament. Many genetic conditions, such as hip dysplasia, heart disease, or behavioral issues like anxiety, are passed down through poor breeding. Vet and trainer fees for these problems can quickly add up, far exceeding the upfront cost of purchasing from a reputable breeder.

Responsible breeders don't just breed for looks—they breed for health, temperament, and longevity. They know their dogs' lineages inside and out and work hard to ensure that each puppy has the best chance at a healthy, happy life.

What Responsible Breeders Do

1. Health Testing
   A reputable breeder will health test both the mother (dam) and father (sire) for hereditary conditions relevant to their breed. This may include:

   DNA testing

   Hip and elbow scoring

   Eye exams

   Heart evaluations

   They should be happy to provide certificates and explain what the results mean.

2. Plan Litters Thoughtfully
   Good breeders don’t constantly have puppies available. In fact, many will have waiting lists, and often the puppies are spoken for before they’re even born. They breed because they love and understand the breed—not to meet market demand.

3. Raise Puppies in the Home
   Puppies should be raised in a home environment, not in outdoor kennels or sheds. This early socialization is critical for their development. You should meet the mother dog where the puppies have been raised—this gives you insight into how the puppies are being cared for. The breeder should also be able to explain what early socialisation they’ve given the puppies- e.g. exposing them to a hoover, TV, hair dryer etc or taking them on a car ride to a busy place to watch the world go by.

4. Provide Paperwork
   A responsible breeder will give you access to a full folder of documents, including:

   • Pedigree (family tree)

   • Health testing certificates

   • Microchip records

   • Worming and vaccination records

   • Proof of the breeder’s licence

Red Flags to Watch Out For

• You’re not allowed to meet the mother, or the breeder offers to deliver the puppy to you without a visit.

• The mother looks stressed, thin, or scared, which could indicate abuse—or a fearful temperament passed on to the puppies.

• The puppies or mother appear unhealthy or under-socialized.

• The breeder can’t or won’t provide paperwork.

• There are multiple breeds being sold at once, or puppies are constantly available (a sign of a puppy farm).

While it can be incredibly tempting to "rescue" a puppy from poor conditions, giving money to unethical breeders only enables them to continue mistreating animals and produce more miserable puppies. If you suspect neglect or abuse, the best thing you can do is report them to local authorities or the RSPCA. Supporting ethical breeders is one way we can help stop the cycle.

Current Puppy Market Trends

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, there’s been a noticeable drop in demand for puppies, as many people have returned to work and realized the long-term commitment involved in dog ownership. This means you might find it easier now to get a puppy from a reputable breeder—without a long wait.

However, it also means bad breeders may be cutting corners or offloading puppies quickly, so it’s more important than ever to do your due diligence.

In Summary

Choosing the right breeder takes patience, but it pays off in the long run. By supporting responsible breeding, you’re giving your puppy the best start in life—and taking a stand against the exploitation of animals.

Checklist for Choosing a Responsible Breeder:

• Meet the mother (and see photos of the father, or meet him too)

• Visit where the puppies are raised

• See paperwork: pedigree, health tests, microchip info, worming/vaccine records, breeder licence

• Ensure puppies look healthy and happy

• Avoid anyone unwilling to show the mother or provide documents

Your future best friend deserves the best beginning. Take your time, do your research, and don’t be afraid to walk away if something feels off.

Have questions about specific breeds or how to find an ethical breeder in your area? Feel free to reach out—I’m happy to help!