Whether you want a new puppy or kitten, finding the appropriate breeder is critical. A reputable breeder will be interested in their puppies’ health and well-being.
They can explain the breed’s strengths, weaknesses, and genetic tendencies. Most good breeders only raise a small number of litters each year.
Responsible Breeders
Choosing the most trusted breeders is essential before asking where to find puppies for sale near me. Responsible breeders proudly show you their kennels and discuss their breeding process. They can answer questions about line-breeding, inbreeding, and out-crossing. They will also be happy to explain their vaccination schedule, microchipping, and worming policies and provide you with genuine documentation/certificates.
Good breeders, just like Fox Creek Farm Goldendoodles, will encourage you to visit several times before deciding and be comfortable with letting you interact with the puppies. They can offer advice on introducing the puppy to children and other animals and will be able to match you with a pup that fits your lifestyle and personality.
Reputable breeders screen potential new owners and will ask many questions about your lifestyle, home environment, and family expectations. They will never sell a dog to someone who can’t meet the dog’s physical and emotional needs, and they will always be ready to take a full-grown pet back if necessary. In contrast, backyard and puppy mill breeders produce dogs for profit without regard for health, genetic problems, or temperament. These irresponsible breeders flood the market with puppies and reduce the number of homes available for dogs from reputable establishments, shelters, and rescue groups.
Health Guarantees
Reputable breeders will ask you many seemingly invasive questions about your lifestyle, whether you have kids at home and what you’ll be doing with the puppy (and how much time you’ll spend away from the house). This is not to judge you; it’s to ensure that the puppies they bring into the world go into homes where they’ll be happy and cared for for their entire lives.
They’ll also provide health guarantees that cover the puppies against deadly diseases such as Parvo Virus, Distemper, and Corona Virus. However, no matter how careful a breeder is or how many health tests they carry out on their puppies and parents, some inherited genetic diseases are impossible to eliminate.
The most important thing a responsible breeder can offer is a lifetime of preventive veterinary care and advice. This includes information on various health and behavioral issues such as fear, aggression, thyroid problems, allergies, seizures caused by vaccinations, and more. They should also be able to provide pedigrees and health testing for the puppies’ parents.
Reputable Breeders
When reputable breeders sell puppies, they know their puppies inside and out. They will work with you to locate the right puppy for your home, family, and lifestyle. This is far different than buying a pup from the classified section of a newspaper or a Facebook buy/sell group.
Reputable breeders do not breed for money but for the betterment of the dogs they produce. They strive to deliver consistently stable, level-headed dogs that can easily navigate the world without being overstimulated or overwhelmed.
Ideally, a reputable breeder will only produce one litter at a time. This allows the breeder to manage the litter and the health of the puppies.
Reputable breeders will only place puppies into homes once they are twelve weeks old, ensuring they are well-adjusted and ready for their new life. Reputable breeders also take the time to socialize their puppies. This allows them to match each puppy with the right home, helping reduce the number of unwanted animals in shelters and rescue groups.
Health Tested Puppies
Responsible breeders take health testing seriously, both in the parents and puppies. They know that early detection of hereditary diseases can help reduce them and often work to improve the health of their pups through selective breeding practices.
They also understand the importance of puppy socialization, ensuring that their puppies are exposed to kids and other animals from day one. They may even use a program such as early canine neurostimulation to produce calmer dogs that can better cope with stress.
If you meet a breeder who seems rushed and wants to hand over a puppy without asking questions or assessing whether the puppy will be a good match for your family, this is a red flag, and you should walk away. These are known as “puppy mills” and are illegal, so please don’t support this activity by buying from them. Instead, find a reputable breeder who will happily answer all your questions and provide a lifetime of support for your new pet.
Lifetime Support
Reputable breeders care about their dogs even after they have been sold or adopted. They are available to offer advice on grooming, training, and nutrition for the dog’s entire lifetime. They may also provide a return policy in case you cannot keep the puppy for unforeseen reasons, such as health issues or changes to your lifestyle.
Pet stores and Internet sellers sell many puppies born in puppy mills-large, unregulated breeding facilities infamous for their cruel treatment of animals. Puppy mills produce dogs to make a profit rather than meet a demand for a specific breed or color of the dog.
The best way to avoid supporting bad breeding practices is to purchase your puppy from a reputable breeder who is transparent about her sales and marketing strategies. She will encourage you to visit her home, show you where the litter lives and introduce you to the sire and dam. She will ask questions about your lifestyle and family to ensure the puppy will be placed in a forever home.
