How to choose a good dog breeder

If you’ve decided that it’s the right time to get a puppy, you’ll need to start looking at where to find one.  

While there are plenty of puppies looking for good homes in animal shelters and rescue groups, some people might be looking for a specific breed due to allergies, size of their home/yard or a preference to a specific breed, in which case you will need to find a dog breeder.

Anyone can become a dog breeder, so it’s important that you choose a dog breeder that:

-      Breeds healthy puppies with no genetic diseases.

-      Keeps their puppies and breeding dogs in a clean and comfortable environment that adheres to the standards set out by your state’s legislation.

-      Treats their dogs well.

-      Doesn’t overbreed their female dogs.

Here’s how to make sure you choose a good dog breeder.

Ask to meet the parents

Puppies can inherit genetic and behavioural traits from their parents, so it’s important you meet the parents of your future puppy before you make a decision. 

This will give you a chance to see how the parents interact with you and their offspring and gives you an idea of what the puppies will look like when they grow up. Ask lots of questions about your future puppy’s parents.

It’s not uncommon for the father to be absent, as some breeders will keep parents separate, but the mother should be kept with the puppies until the puppies are at least 8 weeks old. 

Visit the environment

Always make sure you can visit the place where the puppies are living to make sure you are buying from a responsible breeder. This way, you can see if your future puppy is growing up in a happy and healthy environment, and you are not buying from a puppy farm. 

Most responsible breeders will be happy to invite you to their home, but if a breeder refuses to let you or makes excuses, it is a red flag. If you are buying a puppy from a location far away, ask them to film the puppies at their property, or see if there is someone you know who can view the home for you.

Get veterinary documents

When you collect your puppy at around 8 weeks old, they should have:

• received their first vaccination and veterinary check up (with the breeders vet),

• have a microchip,

• had their first parasite prevention treatment. 

The breeder should have these documented and provide this information to you so you can take them to your own vet. You might also ask to see the consultation notes to ensure the puppy you are purchasing is healthy.

Your puppy should come with an identification number. From 1 July 2019, anyone who either breeds animals for sale or passes on ownership of a dog or cat either by selling or free exchange needs to register with the pet exchange and acquire a source number. Your breeder should also provide you with a change of ownership form so all microchip details are transferred into your name, in case your puppy ever goes missing. 

Ask for pedigree papers

If you want a purebred dog from a registered breeder, you can expect to pay a bit more if these puppies have pedigree papers. A pedigree is essentially a birth certificate for your dog showing the 3-generation family tree and also proves that your dog is in fact a purebred. They might also have accreditation showing that they are a part of a breed association.

Australian National Kennel Council Certified pedigrees are recognised pedigrees with the state government and local councils for the purpose of cheaper registration and desexing exemptions. We always recommend desexing your pets.

Important things to consider before buying from a breeder

Some breeders will sell puppies with ‘breeders terms’. This can include:

-      A condition that you MUST desex your dog and not use it for breeding.

-      A condition that they are allowed to show the dog when grown.

-      A condition that they are allowed to breed from the dog when grown.

-      A condition that you must return the dog to them if you have to give it up.

It is up to you to decide if you are willing to agree to these conditions upon buying a puppy. 

Also, breeders should have a ‘cooling-off period’ which allows you to bring the puppy back and receive a refund if there is an issue with the puppy. This is why we recommend bringing your puppy to see a vet as soon as you bring them home so we can make sure they are a healthy and happy animal.

Read more about your rights when buying a puppy.

If you have any questions about buying a puppy, or how to find a responsible breeder or animal shelter, please contact us. Our friendly vets and vet nurses can help you make the right decision.