How to Find a Good Breeder

What IS An Ethical/Reputable Breeder?

Puppy Mills - Businesses who breed dogs many times during their lifespan, often in poor conditions, with little to no healthcare or affection.  These dogs are bred in large numbers and the business usually breeds many different breeds of dogs.  The only concern is profit.

Backyard Breeders - People who breed their dog without following through the proper steps to ensure their dog is a good candidate for breeding and will produce offspring that contribute to bettering the breed or making good pets.  Backyard breeders rarely do any health testing/genetic screening, won't take puppies back if needed, may breed their dogs excessively or just a single time and may stick to a single breed or a handful of breeds.  Often breed to "make back the money they spent on their dog", "earn a little side cash", or because they feel like their dog really needs to have at least one litter of puppies (or that they just really want to see how their dog is as a mom or dad).

Photo courtesy of Amanda Pratt with Scout's Legacy Golden Retrievers

Ethical Breeders - Individuals who breed with a specific purpose in mind (usually to better the breed or looking for specific temperaments to perform specific jobs).  These breeders health test, screen potential puppy buyers, typically work with 1 (maybe 2) breeds, raise the puppies in their homes, have extensive socialization programs and will always take back dogs from their breeding programs when needed.  They love each and every one of their dogs they produce and will advocate for them and act as a safety net for their entire life.

Ethical/Reputable Breeder Checklist

Note that individual breeders vary and this is a general checklist.  If the breeder you're looking into has more than a few exceptions from the following list however, we would recommend finding another breeder who will likely provide you with better puppies and more long term support.

We cannot stress enough that if you are going to purchase a puppy, it is WELL worth the up front cost to pay for a puppy from a good breeder with a good breeding and socialization program.  These puppies may sound expensive, but on average, they're cheaper than rescue, puppy mill and backyard bred puppies once you factor in the extra vet bills, training, potential damages and legal fees.  We have had many clients deal with these issues and inform us it would have been cheaper to pay for a well-bred puppy.

Photo courtesy of Amanda Pratt with Scout's Legacy Golden Retrievers

Photo courtesy of Amanda Pratt with Scout's Legacy Golden Retrievers

• Completes all recommended health testing recommended for their breed.  This can include but is not limited to things like PenHIP, OFA and Echocardiograms.  Bonus points if they do additional testing to go above and beyond breed specific recommended testing. 
• Waits until dogs in breeding program are physically mature enough to breed and gives females time to rest and recover between breeding.  Some breeders breed back-to-back (meaning two litters in a row) but will then give the female an extra long time to rest between the next litter.  They will also retire females earlier, usually around 5-6 years of age and after just a few litters.
  

• Will whelp and raise puppies in the breeder's home in a special space that is safe and has been specifically prepared for them.  Often sleeps next to mom and puppies for the first few weeks and constantly cleans and refreshes bedding while working on early training and socialization.
• Will have a socialization program for the puppies to introduce new sights, sounds, smells, textures, people, animals, movements, objects, etc in a positive manner.  Will also start the puppies on crate training, potty-training, car rides and first puppy shots (done at the vet).
  

• May or may not be willing to let you meet their dogs (thanks Covid) but will be happy to send you videos and answer any questions about their breeding dogs.  Note that many breeders won't have the breeding male on site due to artificial insemination often being the best way to get better genetic matches. 
• Will be happy to talk with you and answer all of your questions.
• Will have an extensive questionnaire for you to fill out to get to know you better and better match you with the right puppy.
• Will probably choose your puppy for you after getting to know your personal preferences and lifestyle.
• Will require a contract which will include the return of the puppy to the breeder if at any point you can no longer care for them.
  

Photo courtesy of Amanda Pratt with Scout's Legacy Golden Retrievers

• Will not charge more for coat color or "different" looking puppies.
• Will not let puppies leave until at least 8 weeks old.
• Will send puppies home with a puppy kit (usually includes things like food, paperwork, a toy, something that smells like mom and littermates, etc.)
• Adult dogs in the breeding program usually have titles or awards from obedience, breed shows, sports, Canine Good Citizen or other programs that show the dogs' good temperament, training and ability to excel as a representative of their breed.
• Will only have 1 (maaaaybe 2) litters at a time.  Many only have 1 litter available per year.
• Will have a wait list for puppies.  It's possible to have the odd few puppies become available if a larger than expected litter happens or if a breeding prospect falls through and becomes a pet prospect, but these breeders don't usually even plan litters until they have puppy homes lined up in advance.
  

Photo courtesy of Amanda Pratt with Scout's Legacy Golden Retrievers

• Will probably be part of a breed parent club/organization, have dogs registered through a breed registry (often AKC - the American Kennel Club) and have other recognitions of their commitment to good breeding practices (such as the AKC Breeder of Merit).
• Will have a network of other breeders and pet professionals to rely on for guidance, referrals and continuing education as needed.
• Will sell puppies directly to the new puppy owners.  Will never sell puppies to pet stores or similar businesses that sell puppies in a retail location for profit.
  

How to Find an Ethical/Reputable Breeder

Photo courtesy of Amanda Pratt with Scout's Legacy Golden Retrievers

Unfortunately, at this time there is no directory that is 100% guaranteed to give you only good breeders.  There are some that are better than others, but every directory has it's own set of issues, one way or another.  Some aren't fair to puppy buyers, some aren't fair to breeders and some don't care if breeders misrepresent their breeding programs.

It's best to use the above list as a guide and look for breeders through Google searches, breed-specific Facebook pages (ask members for referrals - that's how we found one of our favorite breeders), contact a local trainer to ask for referrals, go to local dog shows to meet different breeds and breeders (there are "Meet the Breed" events), or ask friends and family for referrals. 

Once you have a potential breeder's info, get as much information about them online or from your source as possible.  How much of it matches up with your list?  If they fit most of the list, the next step is to contact them!  Many breeders are somewhat busy and don't always respond right away.  Give them a couple of business days and try again.  If that doesn't work, switch to another method of communication.  Maybe they're more responsive via Facebook messenger than email.  For the record, I've NEVER had a pet professional get back to me when I've tried to contact them via an email form on their website.  I wouldn't start there.

Once you get in contact with the breeder, they should be as interested in you as you are in them.  If you get a weird vibe or bad gut feelings, take those into consideration.  If they seem like they don't have time for you (without an explanation - I once contacted a breeder when she had just whelped a litter - I completely understood when she told me she needed some time before she could talk), they may not be a good fit for you.  Your breeder will be an ongoing support in you and your puppy's life.  They are trusting you to take care of a puppy they love and they want you to succeed.

Photo courtesy of Amanda Pratt with Scout's Legacy Golden Retrievers

Conclusion

It takes a little time and effort, but learning what to look for to find a good breeder can be so rewarding if you can manage to take home an amazing puppy from their incredible breeding program.  These dogs are usually a joy to live and work with.  A good breeder and breeding program can make all the difference.

If you have any questions or if this seems overwhelming, please contact us and we'd be happy to help you get started with finding some options.

Photo courtesy of Amanda Pratt with Scout's Legacy Golden Retrievers

Additional Resources

Signs of a Responsible Breeder

Guide to Responsible Dog Breeding

Facebook Post
Copied from another breeder:

POTENTIAL OWNER: How much is the puppy?
BREEDER: $3,500
POTENTIAL OWNER: What?? It's way too expensive!!
BREEDER: What do you think would be a good price?
POTENTIAL OWNER: No more than $500. You breeders are so over priced.
BREEDER: I am sorry you see it this way, why don't you try it yourself?
POTENTIAL OWNER: But I've never done it!
BREEDER: For FREE I can teach you how to do it, and in addition you will have the knowledge to do it again.
POTENTIAL OWNER: Perfect, thank you!
BREEDER: To start you will need a female(average cost $3000 and up). Also a male(average cost $3000 and up) or semen (average $1000 and up). You will need to show them to their championship to show they meet the breed standard(Minimal $2000 with travel & fees). You will need to do genetic & health testing on them, averages about $750 per dog. Raise and provide daily care, feeding & grooming for 2 years. (So minimal $150 per month)
POTENTIAL OWNER: But I don't have that much money...
BREEDER: For $500 you can raise a liter and then keep one of the puppies. Obviously, you will pay the cost of whelping & care.
POTENTIAL OWNER: I can do that.
BREEDER: OK so I have a female due to whelp in 2 weeks. You will need to be available 24/7 around the clock for at least 8 weeks to help with delivery and care.
POTENTIAL OWNER: Eight weeks?? it's way too much time for me! I have to work.
BREEDER: You will also need the reproductive vet to do xrays($200-$500), possibly progesterone testing($75-$250) & C-section($1000-$5000) and initial vet care on pups until old enough to be placed.
Have on hand a scale, thermometer, latex gloves, sanitizer, absorbent tissues, scissors, hemostats, heating pad, whelping box, blankets, cleaning supplies, appropriate food with supplements for mothers, formula, medications & hand feeding supplies in case of emergency....
POTENTIAL OWNER: But I don't have all these things!
BREEDER: For $1000 you can buy them.
POTENTIAL OWNER: Ummm .... You know, I think it might be better if I just buy a puppy.
BREEDER: Wise decision.
For us breeders there are no vacations or holidays, while you go to visit with family & friends we are home at our dogs side caring for them. It is a no breaks commitment.
THIS IS THE REALITY
When you choose a professional you don't only pay for the puppy but also:
Tools, knowledge, experience, love, time, sacrifices, etc.