Who doesn't love a cute little puppy? Everyone wants one, but how do you get one without contributing to puppy mills? Here's a list to help in your search for a new furry family member.
How large is their operation?
This includes how many dogs they own, how often they breed each female, and how many total litters they have each year. Anything over 2 litters per year per female is generally considered too much.Do they provide proper vet care for their pups before they send them to their new homes?
First round of puppy shots, dewormings, microchips, etc.Are their breeding dogs health tested through OFA or Pennhip?
This will help you to determine if the dam and sire are healthy enough to breed, and whether they're at risk for passing genetic issues on to the puppies.Do they allow potential buyers into their home to visit the puppies?
This only happens after the pups are 5 weeks old, but after that, if your potential breeder won't let you come see the pups and parents, they might be trying to hide something.What are the conditions like where the puppies and dam are being kept?
Is it clean, and devoid of all safety hazards?What are they feeding the pups and parents?
Here, you're looking for a high quality kibble or a balanced raw diet.Do they have a return policy?
Any good breeder will require that if you ever cannot care for your puppy the buyer is to return the pup to the breeder to find a new home.Will they provide you with contact information for past buyers?
You will want to contact past buyers to get an idea of what other people have experienced with this breeder.Are their dogs registered? Will the puppies be?
When your puppy is registered, you'll have information on their pedigree and the health of their lines.What is their reputation among other breeders?
If other breeders do not have a high opinion of the person you're speaking with, that may not be the person to buy from.