Tips for Picking the Best Dog Breeder

If you have decided to purchase a dog, one of the first and most important things you will need to do is pick a dog breeder.

Picking the best dog breeder is crucial to making sure you have a healthy, well-socialized puppy that will be a good pet to you and your family. But if you are unsure of where to look for the best breeder, or what to look for to determine whether the breeder is reputable or not, the following are a few tips for picking the best dog breeder:

Decide what type of dog you want.

This doesn't necessarily mean breed, because you most likely already know that, but what you tend to use your dog for. Do you want to show him? Do you plan on breeding him in the future? Or do you just want a well-bred, healthy dog to be a part of your family? This could have bearing on the breeder you choose. Even if you don't plan on showing your dog, you should still choose the best breeder to ensure you have a healthy puppy.

Ask around.

Getting recommendations is a great way to find the best dog breeder. Reputable dog breeders and groomers will have established relationships with vets in the area, so call around to vets and groomers in your state (or however far you're willing to travel) and ask for recommendations of a good dog breeder in your area. There are also clubs specific to each breed, and those are good resources as well. Friends or family members who have the same breed of dog that you want are also a good resource for finding the best dog breeder.

Avoid "backyard breeders."

Dog breeders who are not experienced, or who only breed dogs as side income, should generally be avoided. That's not to say they don't have what could be a great pet, but often, these breeders don't screen the parents for health and aren't as knowledgeable as some. Steer clear of breeders who have kennels full of dogs, who always have puppies available, or who know little about the breed, as this often indicates a breeder who is breeding for quantity rather than quality of puppies.

Be prepared with questions.

When you visit the breeder, be prepared to ask lots of questions about health screening, shots, temperament, and health guarantees. The best breeders will guarantee the health of their puppies for life against genetic defects. You should also be prepared to see the parents, or at least the mother, of the puppies.

Call references.

The breeders should provide you with references, whether they be vets or satisfied customers. Call them and ask them questions about their dog, the breeder, and whether they have had any problems.

Be patient

Above all, it's important to be patient. Your dog will be part of your family for years, so it's important to wait for the right one--from the right breeder--to come along. This could mean being put on a waiting list for months or even a year or two. While it may be tempting to go to a pet store or a breeder you found in the classifieds and get a puppy based on how cute it is, it's best to thoroughly research breeders, then be prepared to wait for one once you've found the best dog breeder for you.

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