Things to Consider When Choosing the Right Dog Breeder

Dogs are the most popular home pet, and more and more people are looking to add dogs to their families. When looking for a new dog, it is important to know where you are getting your dog from because breeders have a strong impact on the dog and will also impact the dog you choose. 

Things to Consider When Choosing the Right Dog Breeder 
[image: pexels by christian domingues]

If you choose an unreliable breeder, you might end up buying a dog from a backyard breeder, which is a name given to breeders who lack experience and knowledge. Backyard breeders often don’t know how to create a caring environment for the dog, resulting in dogs with health and other issues. 

So, if you’re looking to buy a dog from a breeder, keep reading to learn the things you should consider.

Consider the Breed

The first thing you need to consider when choosing the right dog breeder is the actual breed of the dog that you want to buy. This is probably the biggest factor because you need to use a breeder that specializes in the breed that you are looking to buy. 

For example, if you are looking for a Goldendoodle, you should work with a breeder specializing in golden doodles, like ABCs Puppy Zs. This will guarantee that the breeder is knowledgeable and skilled in taking care of that specific breed of dog. 

When you meet the breeder, you should ask them a list of questions, and they should be able to answer all the questions you have. The breeder should be knowledgeable about the dog’s potential size, exercise requirements, temperament, inherited health issues, and any special needs. The most devoted and reputable breeders will only deal with one to two types of dogs, which means they should have extensive knowledge.  

Ask a Vet 

Another way to ensure you find the right dog is to ask a veterinarian. Vets see a lot of dogs, so they will have good references. The breeder should also have a good relationship with a reputable and respected veterinarian, who should regularly examine the dogs and provide the necessary immunizations and parasite control that meets the required health standard. That said, the breeder needs to be able to provide a complete and up-to-date medical record for each pup. 

Ask for a Full Medical History 

As we’ve previously mentioned, a reputable and reliable breeder will have a good relationship with a vet and have all the dogs’ medical records up to date. When talking to a breeder, insist on seeing the dog’s medical history and records so that you can know if the dog has had all the necessary immunizations and parasite control. The dog needs to meet the required health standard, so this step cannot be ignored. The breeder should also inform you of any health conditions that typically affect the breed you are dealing with. 

Ask for References 

Lastly, you need to work with a breeder who has a history of satisfied customers. You need to insist that the breeder provide several references from families who have purchased dogs from the breeder. 

The best breeders provide puppies to good homes and have good reputations amongst happy customers, so you should insist on a list of references and make it a point to contact each reference to inquire about their experience and dog. 

When speaking to each reference, you should prepare specific questions, such as the dog’s temperament or any health issues they might have experienced. Also, ask if any unexpected problems appeared. 

Bringing a new dog home is an exciting time for the family, and when making this massive decision, it is important to get a dog from a reputable source. If you get a dog from a breeder, you need to ensure that it is not a backyard breeder and that you will get a healthy pup. 

There are many dodgy breeders, so to ensure that you get what you want, work with a breeder who specializes in a particular breed, ask a vet for guidance when it comes to breeders, insist on seeing all medical records when interacting with a breeder, and always ask for references.