How to Find the Best Dog Breeders
Congratulations! You’ve done your research and are ready to open your home and heart to an adorable, sweet, loving puppy. Adding a new dog to your family is an exciting and life-changing process, and you want to find a puppy who fits best with your children and your lifestyle.
To achieve this goal, you’ll need to locate a dog breeder to help you choose the right furkid. However, you don’t want to choose just any breeder. While some breeders are professional and experienced, others are in it for a quick payout. Unsuspecting pup parents may quickly find themselves out thousands of dollars, but with a puppy with serious genetic conditions due to poor breeding practices. But where can you find a breeder who is legitimate and reputable? Here’s how to find the best dog breeders so that you can bring home a happy, healthy puppy.
What is a responsible dog breeder?
A responsible dog breeder is an individual who has an avid interest and education in a particular dog breed and who takes careful steps to breed those dogs. Legitimate dog breeders select dogs to mate through careful analysis to produce a breed with certain characteristics and qualities. They also strive to produce puppies who have excellent bloodlines and health histories.
Responsible breeders study their dog breed pedigrees for years, becoming knowledgeable in both the breed and in the line they breed. This kind of breeder will only raise one litter at a time, have the parents on-premise and available for viewing, and raise the puppies inside, not in an outdoor or kennel environment. An experienced breeder willingly provides a puppy’s health records and genetic testing results and will work with a potential pup parent, so they get the right dog for their lifestyle.
The right breeder will never pressure you to buy a puppy. They should have you sign a purchase contract which includes a health guarantee and a promise to take the puppy back if things don’t work out in your household. Ultimately, a responsible breeder wants the best for their puppies, and they will go the extra mile to make sure you and the puppy are a good match.
How to find the best dog breeders
1. Get a breeder referral through reputable sources.
Contact a reputable puppy breeder provider, such as Preferable Pups, that has the reputation and experience to put you in contact with the most experienced and trustworthy dog breeders in the country. Intermediaries like Preferable Pups work with an advanced breeder network, allowing for a larger pool of breeders and puppies for potential pup parents. Other places to check for legitimate breeders include the Continental Kennel Club and the American Kennel Club.
2. Find a breeder through word of mouth or testimonials.
Talk with friends and family who have purchased a puppy from a breeder. Ask them about their experience with the breeder and if they would recommend the breeder and the process. The drawback to this approach is that your contacts may have done business with a poor breeder but didn’t realize it.
3. Contact local dog breed clubs.
Check out any dog clubs in your area, as they are often good sources for breeder recommendations and contacts. You may also find dog clubs on social media sites, such as Facebook or Instagram, whom you can reach out to for assistance.
4. Ask a dog trainer or veterinarian for recommendations.
Your local veterinarian or dog trainers may also be reliable people from whom to find breeder referrals. Veterinarians see many dogs at their practices and can provide a good word, or otherwise, about their purebred dog clients. Dog professionals (like trainers, groomers, or boarding facility owners) might provide further insight into the breeders they have dealt with and the dogs they’ve seen who was bred by that breeder.
Bringing a puppy into your life is a serious undertaking that you should approach with careful planning and consideration. After all, this puppy will grow up and become a part of your family for at least a decade. If you’re looking for a purebred or designer breed dog, you’ll want to take the time to find the right provider and breeder to help you find your forever puppy. Need more information about how to find the best dog breeders? Contact us at Preferable Pups, and we’ll put you in contact with top-tier dog breeders whose puppies are healthy and vetted. Our PawFax package means you’ve assured a healthy, happy puppy from an experienced and caring breeder. Find your forever puppy today!
