5 Signs to Look for When Finding a Good Breeder

So, you’ve decided you want to add a puppy to your family. That’s the easy part! Now comes the hard part: finding the right puppy from a reputable breeder. That can be a difficult task sometimes. But there are some things to look for when finding a good breeder that should give you confidence that they are reputable. Here are some of the most important signs based on our experience.

1. USDA and State Licensing

The first and most important thing you can do to distinguish reputable breeders is verify that they are licensed by both the United States Department of Agriculture and the state in which the breeder is located. The Federal government and the states maintain strict requirements for the treatment of animals that breeders must satisfy in order to receive licensing.

Learn More About USDA Standards

Learn More About Missouri State Standards

2. Facilities

Reputable breeders will allow interested parties to come meet their dogs and puppies in person and at the location of their breeding program. On the other hand, less reputable actors often wish to meet you off of their premises in order to hide their dubious practices from you. When you go to visit a puppy, make observations about the property. Is it clean? Does it smell good? Are the puppies able to socialize with each other AND human caretakers? The puppies should respond positively to human touch. Ask about the food the dogs are given. Is it of good quality and appropriate for the ages and breeds of the dogs? Bad answers on any of these points strongly indicate that the operation you are dealing with is not a reputable breeder.

3. Website, Online Presence, and Communication

Often there are clues about whether or not you’re dealing with a quality breeder before you even go to the trouble of trying to visit. Most bad actors will have scant information about their business online. It is common for fly-by-night operations to have only a Facebook page. Good breeders generally have decent and maintained websites offering an address, phone number, evidence of licensing, and plenty of quality pictures. Additionally, a good breeder is running a business. As such, you should expect timely responses to phone calls or emails. A lack of professionalism could mean you're not talking to a quality breeder.

4. Vaccinations & Veterinary Care

Ask about shot records. Bad breeders do not invest in proper healthcare for their dogs and puppies. They should be up-to-date for their age. Most breeders have a specific veterinary clinic that they partner with to care for their dogs. Ask for their vet’s name and give them a call. If the breeder is running a reputable business, the veterinarian should be happy to give a glowing review.

5. AKC Registration

The last sign we will cover is AKC registration. Good breeders will register their puppies with the American Kennel Club. Maintaining proper registration for adult dogs and puppies is essential to tracking lineages and ensuring proper breeding practices. If you're talking to an operation that does not register its puppies, that’s a big red flag.

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