Thinking about a puppy? One option is to seek out a responsible breeder. Responsible breeders are dedicated to furthering a breed and focus on producing the healthiest, most temperamentally stable puppies. Responsible breeders differ from backyard breeders, which breed dogs without health testing or a focus on temperament. And they also differ from puppy mill breeders, large-scale commercial operations that produce as many puppies as possible. You can find information about responsible breeders from national breed clubs. For example, the American Kennel Club maintains a listing of the different clubs and how to contact them. Here’s a list of our 10 breeder red flags to look out for.
Red Flag #1: They don’t have proof of health tests.
Comprehensive health testing of all dogs is crucial to responsible breeding. One of the biggest red flags is no proof of health tests. Essentially, health tests screen for common genetic conditions for a specific breed, for example the orthopedic condition hip dysplasia. One benefit of getting a puppy from a responsible breeder is the greater likelihood of having a healthy puppy, and the key to that is behavioral testing. Your breeder should be happy to explain the different health tests they do.
Red Flag #2: You can’t see where the puppies are.
A responsible breeder will also have no problem showing you where the puppies are growing up. Alternatively, not being able to see where the puppies live is a common red flags because it could be due to poor living conditions. It’s possible that the puppies may live in a dirty and unhygienic environment. Breeders should proudly send photos (or FaceTimes) of where their puppies are being raised and what environmental enrichment they receive.
Breeder Red Flag #3: You can’t meet the parents
Breeders should also allow prospective buyers to meet the mother of puppies (and sometimes the father, too). Meeting a puppy’s parents provides a sense of the temperament of what kind of dog their puppy could grow up to be. Not being able to meet at least the mother is a potential red flag. Perhaps there is something the breeder doesn’t want you to know their dog’s health or behavior.
Red Flag #4: There’s no contract.
A responsible breeder will always include a contract. The contract protects the puppy by spelling out the responsibilities of the breeder and the pet parent. It also documents the health testing done, spells out your rights to the puppy, and the responsibilities for the puppy.
Red Flag #5: Puppies are always available.
When getting a puppy from a responsible breeder, likely, you won’t be able to bring a puppy home right away. Responsible breeders aren’t constantly breeding puppies, so they don’t always have them available. If someone always has puppies on hand, it’s a sign of a puppy mill or breeding too many puppies without focusing on the health of the dogs.
Red Flag #6: The breeder produces multiple breeds.
Be very wary of any dog breeder who has multiple dog breeds. Breeding multiple breeds of dogs is another sign that the breeder is an irresponsible backyard breeder or might even be running a puppy mill. Breeding healthy quality dogs requires commitment and passion. While some breeders can breed multiple breeds responsibly, it isn’t common and is a red flag that should inspire you to ask more questions and research their dogs and breeding program.
Red Flag #7: The breeder doesn’t interview you
If you reach out to a breeder and they immediately tell you how much puppies cost and offer you a puppy, this is a major red flag. Responsible breeders are selective about where their puppies go and will also interview prospective puppy buyers to ensure they will provide a good home for your puppy.
Red Flag #8: Breeder sends puppies home young.
The early weeks puppies spend with their mother and littermates are vital for your future puppy’s development. A major red flag is a breeder who sends their puppies home at very early ages. Puppies should never go home before eight weeks. In many instances, puppies should stay with their mother and littermates until they are 10-12 weeks of age. Early puppyhood is a critical developmental period, and separating puppies too early can lead to behavioral issues in the future.
Red Flag #9: Their dogs aren’t titled
Dog shows aren’t beauty pageants. Instead they measure how closely a dog compares with the breed standard and what that breed was originally developed to do. Breeders should actively show and put titles on their dogs, including confirmation (what most people think of when they hear “dog show” and performance sports like agility, obedience, field trials, and other events. Responsible breeders should regularly show their dogs and be putting titles on them. Seeing dogs who are earning titles is a way of assessing the dogs they are breeding are meeting the breed standard.
Red Flag #10 The breeder doesn’t guarantee their dogs
Responsible breeders are committed to bettering their breed by producing the healthiest puppies possible. They stand behind their dogs. If you can’t care for your dog for any reason in the future, your breeder should stipulate in the contract that the puppy will always have a home with them. Responsibly bred puppies should never be at risk of being in a shelter.
