Dog Breeder Checklist

When it comes to buying a puppy, you want to make sure you take great care to purchase one from a reputable breeder. Poor breeding results in a host of problems for a puppy as it grows, including aggression, difficulty managing and training, and illness.

When looking for a dog breeder, it's smart to have a checklist of questions to ask and things to look for when going to see the puppy. The following checklist will help you to find a good breeder:

· Are the dogs outside in kennels or in the house? Beware of a breeder who keeps all the dogs in kennels. Parents of puppies who are in the home as part of the family are typically healthier and better socialized.

· Does the area the dogs spend their time look clean and well-kept? If the dogs are kept outside in kennels, the area should be clean and smell good.

· Does the breeder only breed one or two types of dogs? Breeders who have kennels full of a variety of breeds could be a puppy mill or simply breeding for quantity of dogs to sell.

· Is the breeder knowledgeable about the breed? He or she should be able to answer any questions you have about the breed in general as well as the care of the dogs.

· Can the breeder provide references? The breeder should be prepared and willing to provide a list of families or individuals who have purchased puppies from them in the past.

· Does the breeder have a waiting list? Breeders who have waiting lists are often indicative of a good breed with a good reputation. In addition, breeders who always have puppies are probably breeding them as a source of income, and not paying attention to quality.

· Does the breeder screen prospective buyers? A good breeder is selective about who their puppies are going to. They might ask you about your lifestyle (work all day or are you at home?), if you have experience with dogs, if you will sign a spay/neuter contract, and so forth.

· Can the breeder provide records of immunizations and vet visits for the puppy as well as the parents?

· Does the breeder have the parents on-site? The breeder should at least have the mother on-site and allow you to see and interact with her. The parents of the dog will give you a good indication of the puppies as well. The puppy's parents should be socialized and excited to see people.

· Will the breeder provide a written contract? This contract should have a health guarantee that will either refund your money or replace your dog should it ever develop the diseases it has been screened for.

· Is the breeder available after you take the puppy home? Breeders should be willing to help you with the transition of your new member of the family home.

· Is the price fair? Beware of people who are offering to sell you a puppy for a bargain. It's true you get what you pay for. At the same time, don't pay too much for a dog. Do your research and find out what a reasonable rate is for the breed you are looking for.

Finding a dog is an exciting time, but it's important to find the right breeder, too. The above checklist will help.

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