How To Choose A Dog Breeder

Young dog - golden Retriever runing by the grass

Once you have decided which type of dog is right for you and your household, it is time to find the right dog breeder. Avoid the pitfalls of breeders that are only out to make a profit, by learning to identify what makes a dog breeder reputable.

Why you need a reputable breeder

Finding a reputable breeder is extremely important. Often, poorly-bred dogs can experience health problems throughout their lifetimes. These are usually genetic diseases that arise from poor breeding practices, like inbreeding. In addition to health problems, these dogs can also have temperament issues that can result in a dangerous or ill-behaved dog. This is often the result of improper socialization at a young age and can take years of training to correct.

Finding the right dog breeder is important, so you can avoid the problems and costs associated with a dog that has a genetic disease or poor temperament.

How to identify a good breeder

There are a few basic requirements that your potential dog breeder should meet. The first step is to meet with the breeder and check out his or her kennel facilities. Just talking with the breeder should allow you to get a feel for his or her motivations and attitudes towards breeding dogs. Any kennel facility should appear sanitary and not overpopulated. Make sure the breeder is only focusing on one breed of dog. A sure sign of a 'backyard' breeder is that he or she is breeding many different dog breeds. It is important that both parents of a litter are located on-site. Spend time with the parents and the puppies to gauge the temperaments of all the dogs. Make sure the breeder provides you with a signed health guarantee for the puppy. In addition, if you are not going to actively show or compete with the puppy, a spay and neuter contract is also needed. One of the best ways to know for sure that a breeder is reputable is to get a referral from a local kennel, another breeder or another owner of one of the breeder's dogs. This a great way to know other people's experiences with that particular breeder.

Finding the right dog is sometimes hard, but a little work and research can pay off greatly. By choosing a reputable breeder, you are decreasing the chance of buying a puppy with health or temperament problems. Any good breeder is sure to work hard to match your household with the perfect puppy.

There are a few basic requirements that your potential dog breeder should meet