We’ll start with basic things to check before selecting a breeder:
1) The breeder must do all health tests; these start at DNA tests and hip & elbow scoring, and there are sometimes breed-specific tests that need to be done too (gun dog breeds have yearly eye examinations). The breeder should provide proof of all this on request. There is no excuse for not having these done. The grandparents will preferably have been health tested too.
2) The breeder must be prepared to take the puppy back in the unlikely event you cannot keep him or her.
3) The breeder must NOT appear to be running what is known as a puppy farm (several litters at once, breeds for ‘rare colours’, mother not available to see, wants to meet in quiet places at unusual times) and must ONLY be breeding to contribute to the breed & continue an excellent lineage. Sadly, breeding from your bitch because you love her simply isn’t enough. Breeding for colour isn’t acceptable either.
4) The breeder should ask you questions about your suitability. Somebody breeding working dogs should be uncomfortable selling the puppies to anyone who isn’t experienced & suitable in terms of fulfilment.
5) Both parents should have an excellent temperament as well as health tests. Please note that it is common to not see the father because decent breeders often travel miles for stud services; the breeder should be happy to answer any questions you have.
6) The puppies must be microchipped and not sold before 8 weeks old as per the law.
7) The breeder should have begun training & socialization, and should welcome you to
see the puppies, their mother & their living conditions before collection. Walk away if anything seems dodgy.
You should avoid unscrupulous individuals on selling sites. Don’t fall for marketing phrases and exotic emojis.
We want to research a breeder and ask questions BEFORE choosing a pup; that way, we avoid unpleasant situations such as:
- The breeder not supplying transfer information for a microchip because they simply haven’t had the puppies chipped.
- The breeder taking a deposit from you then disappearing.
- The breeder charging obscene amounts of money for no good reason (‘champion bloodlines’ on its own on the advert is not enough!)
- The breeder lying about the health of a puppy.
- The breeder not supporting you in the unlikely event of a stressful physical or behavioral situation.
It’s easy to feel you are ‘rescuing’ a puppy by removing it from an unscrupulous breeder with poor living conditions, but if you have paid for the puppy, you are still contributing to backyard breeding. Be strong – walk away. The right puppy is worth waiting for.
