What to Look for When Buying a Puppy from a Breeder

Getting a new puppy should be a fun, exciting, and well-planned event in your family’s life. For this purpose, it may be worth considering buying a puppy from an accountable breeder.  Accountable breeders are worth their weight in gold for new puppy owners. Fortunately, these breeders plan their breeding’s carefully, raise their puppies thoughtfully, and support their puppy families for the dog’s lifetime.

As a new puppy owner, knowing what to expect and getting a puppy that’s the best fit for your family may be no easy task.

For example, a preservation breeder can help guarantee the dog’s home for life. If the unexpected occurs, they may even be a resource to help reduce an owner surrender to a rescue or shelter.

If you’re considering bringing home a new pet, read on to learn more about what to expect when buying a puppy from a breeder and tips to help you and your family.

Tips to consider when buying a puppy from a breeder

Litter planning

Accountable breeders plan ahead for their litters. In some cases, several generations ahead are under consideration when making specific breeding decisions.

Males (sires) and females (dams)  are carefully selected to complement structure, temperament, health, and other breed-specific goals.

In general, when breeding they should be at least two years of age to guarantee the physical and mental maturity of the female.

Also, health tests are performed and testing results are finalized. A breeding pet’s show, performance, and other titles are also completed or underway.

In many cases, these breeders will have a waiting list of future homes equal to the average number of puppies before they even start the breeding process.

• Take time to research the breed of your choice, review websites, and social media.
• If possible, meet the breed and breeders at an event to see the dogs in action.
• Make sure to consider that the breed’s temperament, size, coat management, and exercise needs are a good fit for your family.

Thoughtful rearing

Breeders who are devoted to their breed and their puppies spend no less than eight weeks spending every possible waking hour tending to the needs of the puppies and the female.

Prior to breeding, breeders select a female with a steady and stable temperament, so that it passes directly to the puppies in their rearing.

In addition, a quality diet, timely worming, vaccination, socialization, regular handling, and insurance coverage are important factors for your breeder to consider when placing a dog in your home

Arguably the most impactful time of a dog’s entire life is the first eight weeks. In fact, many breeders practice Early Neurological Stimulation and active socialization for puppies. This technique can help expose puppies to smells, sounds, textures, temperatures, people, and animals.

Research indicates puppy brains are most adaptable and able to adjust to these introductions in their first four months of life. This learned behavior can stay with the dog through its entire lifetime.

• Ask the breeders you visit about their puppy socialization routines.

24/7 Tech support

Responsible breeders believe that the puppies they bring into this world are their responsibility for life. They will take your call, answer emails and messages, and are open to communication.

Sometimes they may get distracted from the puppy or young dog they’re raising, but they are always happy to help. Often, if they don’t know the answer to a question, they’ll find out and share it with you. Dr. Google and social media keyboard warriors are superfluous when you work with a dedicated, experienced breeder.

Most importantly, this breeder guarantees their puppies a home for life. If your life changes, they will always be there for their puppies and buyers. These breeders take the puppy back, no question asked.

Always stay in touch with your breeder. For example, pictures, stories, and sharing your joy is what most breeders live for.

To learn more about Pure Dog Talk, read Pure Dog Talk Podcast: A Q&A with Host Laura Reeves