Finding a Responsible Breeder

When you decide the time is right for a puppy, spend at least as much time looking for one as you would when shopping for any other long term commitment.  The effort you put into finding a responsible breeder will reward you many times over.

For one thing, that relationship will give continued access to a knowledgeable resource – your breeder. This sort of relationship does not come from pet stores, casual breeders and rescue organizations. You will need to determine if a particular breeder is right for you, one that you can trust and work with.

So just how does a potential new puppy owner go about looking for a responsible breeder anyway? Well, ask lots of questions, do your own homework regarding the breed and the breeder and make sure to take your time!! A dog is a long term commitment, hopefully 10-12 years or more. Take your time sourcing out your new pup and don’t buy on impulse. By becoming an informed buyer you set yourself up for a successful puppy/owner/breeder relationship!

Here are just a few characteristics of a responsible breeder:

  1. The breeder will personally screen and select puppy homes. They will mentor and always advise new puppy owners and will sell only to the homes they approve. They value their reputation within the breed community.
  2. They breed dogs because they love their breed and want to contribute to its betterment. They evaluate the health of the dam and sire before breeding. This includes all pertinent health tests available including hip and elbow x-rays clearances. They should be reported and visibly available to the public on the OFA website.
  3. The breeder should be involved in show and performance events to help ensure that their dogs display the desired physical and behavioral traits desired for the breed. A responsible breeder wants what is best for their breed and they will be associated with organizations that promote, protect and improve their chosen breed. Organizations such as breed specific clubs, all-breed kennel clubs in their area and the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC). They will be listed on that breed clubs national page as a breeder after adhering to that breeds guidelines. You can find the Canadian Barbet Breeder’s list here: List of Breeders
  4. A responsible breeder raises their litters with extensive planning, exceptional care and quality socialization. Prior to the pup leaving, they ensure the pup has been veterinarian checked, dewormed, and the pups temperament and structure have been evaluated.  
  5. A responsible breeder is always willing to take back a dog of their breeding at any time in the dog’s life regardless of the reason. They keep puppies they cannot place.  They consider themselves to be responsible for that puppy’s entire life, so they follow-up frequently to see what’s going on.
  6. They invite you to meet their dams and any offspring they have so you can see how and where pups are being raised.
  7. You may have to wait, responsible breeders do not always have puppies available. A couple of litters per year is typical, and many responsible breeders only have a litter every few years.
  8. A responsible breeder will require a signed contract. This contract is for the benefit of the buyer, the seller and the puppy! The contract clearly states the expectations of each party so that there are no undisclosed assumptions by either the buyer or the seller.
  9. Responsible breeders are going to ask you lots of questions! They will ask about your lifestyle, other pets both past and present and will ask about your intentions with the new pup. They personally screen and select homes, will mentor and advise new owners and only sell to homes they have approved.