People often overlook the importance of choosing the right breeder, only realising its significance after bringing home a puppy that may have a genetic predisposition to behavioural issues, health problems or poorly socialised at the breeder. You never think that’ll be your dog.
When choosing a dog breeder, it's crucial to recognise potential red flags. Here are some key signs to watch out for:
Numerous Litters at Once
Breeders with many litters simultaneously are often engaging in unethical practices, known as backyard breeding. This approach prioritises quantity over quality and the well-being of the dogs, leading to health and behavioral issues in the puppies.
Lack of Questions About You
Reputable breeders will want to ensure their puppies go to good homes. If a breeder isn't asking you many questions, it's a red flag. They should be as interested in you as you are in them, to ensure you're a suitable owner for their puppies.
Irregular or No Updates
Good breeders understand the significance of their role and will keep you informed with regular updates about the puppy's growth and health. A breeder who fails to communicate properly may not be respectful of their responsibilities.
No Health Testing
Health testing is crucial to prevent hereditary issues. A responsible breeder will perform and provide documentation for necessary health tests, which can include:
Prior to Breeding
Tests for breeding pairs & puppies:
Both parents should have had all relevant tests that are appropriate for the breed.
Hip scoring - The lower the score the better. The minimum score for each hip is 0 (0 would be the best score) and the maximum is 53, giving a range for the total score of 0 to 106.
Elbow grading
Eye testing
Hearing tests
Thyroid tests
Heart testing
DNA testing
Temperament Tests
These are performed to identify a dog’s personality (shyness, outgoingness, aggressive tendencies). They are not standardized and they vary depending on the purpose of the test. Breeders of certain breeds may do Schutzhund training or therapy dog testing to evaluate for career potential.
Temperament tests serve as a guide for the type of lifestyle, family and environment a dog or cat is more likely to flourish in. Ideally a dog that loves to run would not be offered to a person who self-identifies as a “couch potato”. A highly vocal dog (one that barks a lot) may not be ideal for a family that lives in an apartment building, and a clingy, non-independent dog may not do well as a single pet in a family that spends long days away from the home.
Breeding Young Dogs
Dogs should not be bred until they are mature enough to reveal their full genetic and behavioural potential. Breeding young dogs can result in passing on untested and undesirable traits.
Behavioural Issues in Parents
Behavioural traits are hereditary. Avoid puppies from parents with issues such as aggression, excessive barking, or resource guarding. A breeder should ensure their breeding dogs have stable and desirable temperaments.
Difficulty Seeing the Parents
You should be able to see the puppies' parents, especially the mother, to evaluate their health and temperament. Any reluctance or excuses from the breeder are concerning.
Difficulty Seeing the Puppy
While it's common to restrict visits before 5 weeks of age, you should be encouraged to meet the puppies afterwards. This shows the breeder’s transparency and concern for the puppy’s future home.
What are the breeder's credentials?
Just as you would check the credentials of a trainer or veterinarian, you should do the same for a breeder. Ensure the breeder can provide their qualifications and experience. Additionally, confirm that the breeder can competently answer basic questions about genetics, socialization, and behavior.
Questions to Ask Your Breeder
To ensure you're dealing with a reputable breeder, ask the following questions:
About the Mother (Bitch)
How old is she?
What is her temperament like?
Does she have any behavioural issues?
What challenges have you faced in her personality and training?
Has she had puppies before? And if so, was she a good mum?
Diet
What food are the puppies currently on?
Socialisation/ Training
What socialisation experiences have the puppies had?
Will you provide a socialisation checklist?
General
Will you take the puppy back if unforeseen circumstances arise?
At what age can we take the puppy home? (It’s recommended to bring a puppy home at 8 weeks, except for some breeds like Chihuahuas.)
Are all the puppies leaving together? It’s important that puppies aren’t left alone for extended periods after their littermates have gone.
Additional Questions
What vaccinations and deworming treatments have the puppies received?
Can you provide references from past puppy buyers?
What kind of support do you offer after we bring the puppy home?
Are there any health guarantees or contracts?
What was the aim in the pairings chosen? If there isn’t that much of a strong reasoning, then it is most likely driven by profit. A good answer would consist of either for working/ sporting characteristics and health or temperament and health for pet.
Have you made this pairing before?
By asking these questions and being aware of these red flags, you can make an informed decision and ensure you are adopting a healthy, well-adjusted puppy from a responsible breeder.
The website below is a guide on ethical breeding:
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