Introduction

If you’re thinking about getting a dog, it can be tempting to go the route of a pet store or backyard breeder. After all, they’re easy to find, and they have cute puppies for sale! But if you want to get a healthy and well-adjusted pooch who will grow up into an excellent companion animal, it’s worth doing some research before making that decision. Here are six things to look out for when trying to find a responsible dog breeder:

They have a good website

Another thing you can look for is a website that is well designed, with a lot of information about the breed. It’s always nice to have an idea of what your dog will look like and how big they’ll grow before you bring them home. If you can’t find the answers to your questions on their website, contact the breeder directly.

Their dogs live in their home

One of the best ways to tell if a dog breeder is legitimate is to see how the puppies are raised. A good dog breeder will keep their dogs in their home and treat them like family members. They will be socialized with people and other dogs from early on, so they can adjust easily when it’s time for them to go live with their new owners.

They screen buyers thoroughly

A good breeder will be happy to provide you with references. A good breeder will also make sure that you are a suitable home before they sell a puppy to you. They should take the time to get to know you and your family, and they should ask questions about your lifestyle and the lifestyle of your dog. They should also have a screening process in place for potential buyers, so if they find out that someone isn’t right for their puppies, they won’t sell them (or at least not without taking action first).

If possible, ask for references from other people who have bought from this breeder in the past. These aren’t just any old people—they should be similar types of dog owners as yourself! And although it may seem like an obvious question at this point: make sure those references are happy with how things turned out between them and the dog’s previous owner (i.e., no one got bitten!). If anything seems questionable during this conversation, trust your gut!

They have a contract

A written contract should be the first thing you review when looking at a breeder’s website. Good breeders will have a contract that includes:

• Price, terms of payment, health guarantee and return policy
• A clear description of the dog’s lineage and any health problems it might have
• A space for you to write down the puppy’s name

They are knowledgeable about the breed

• A good breeder will have thorough knowledge of their breed. They should be able to answer your questions about the breed’s characteristics and history, as well as its behavioral tendencies. This can be done by reading books or going to seminars, but is also a sign that they care enough about their dogs to want to know more about them.
• If you don’t know much about the breed of dog you want before you go looking for a good breeder, start researching it online or go online and find someone who breeds this kind of dog in your area. Ask them if they know any reputable breeders who specialize in this type of animal so that you can speak with them directly when visiting their home/kennel location(s).

Ask the people around them if they are reputable.

If you are considering a breeder, ask the people around them if they are reputable. Ask your friends and family. Ask other dog owners in your area.

Ask your veterinarian, as well. If it is not possible for you to visit the premises personally, then ask for referrals from your vet for other breeders who have bred dogs with similar characteristics to one that interests you.

Check with your local animal shelter and police department on any complaints or issues regarding this pet store or breeder in question.

You can find a good breeder if you do some research.

If you’re looking for a puppy, check with the breeder’s references. Ask if they are happy with the dog and if there is anything else that could have been done differently. If everyone is raving about them, then it’s a good sign!

Ask to see where the mother lives. A lot of breeders keep their female dogs in kennels outside or in garages without windows. If they live inside your heart has more room to beat faster because chances are these puppies weren’t born outdoors or in an isolated environment like a garage or kennel!

Find out how they screen buyers: Do they require contracts? Will they allow you to meet previous owners? What kind of screening process do they use when choosing families? You want a breeder who thinks through each step of selling their puppies, so ask questions!

Find out if your breeder knows anything about genetics and temperament issues related to their breed (i e., Dalmatians are prone to deafness). It should go without saying that any responsible breeder will be up-to-date on all aspects of canine health care and behavior traits before breeding dogs together for profit (or fun).

Conclusion

Puppies are a lot of work, but they can be an amazing addition to any family. We hope this blog post has helped you to find a good breeder for your next puppy. Remember, there is no such thing as the perfect dog breeder—but if you find one who takes their responsibility seriously and checks all these boxes, then you’ve got yourself a great fit!