🎙️ Responsible Breeder Checklist for Discerning Puppy Buyers
Scroll to the bottom of this article to find the checklist.
Introduction
If you're considering bringing a new puppy into your life, it's crucial to do your own due diligence.
This article will provide you with a comprehensive checklist to ensure you're working with a responsible breeder, based on insights from industry experts featured on TellTail's “Breeder Tails” podcast.
💡 A responsible dog breeder is an individual or organization that prioritizes the health, well-being, and overall welfare of the dogs they breed over the profit from the sales of puppies.
Have a desire to learn
The journey to responsible puppy ownership begins with an innate desire to learn.
This is not just a one-time commitment but an ongoing process that extends from understanding the breed to knowing the specifics of your puppy's needs.
Ji Khalsa, a Certified Breeder and founder of Cosmopolitan Companion Dogs, emphasizes the importance of a buyer's willingness to learn.
"[A buyer’s] desire to learn is really important to the success of the puppy.”
When you decide to get a puppy, you're not just bringing home a pet; you're entering into a partnership with your breeder. Ji Khalsa, who is also a dog trainer and a scientist, says,
"I feel like I do have expertise here and I want buyers that want that and are willing to work with me."
Being open to your breeder's expertise means trusting their years of experience in dog breeding, training, and healthcare.
It's about acknowledging that the breeder knows their dogs and how best to care for them, especially in those crucial early stages of a puppy's life.
Avoid puppy mills and pet stores
The allure of a cute puppy in a pet store window can be tempting, but the implications of purchasing from such sources are far-reaching and often detrimental.
💡 A puppy mill is a commercial breeding facility that prioritizes profit over the well-being of the dogs, often resulting in poor living conditions, inadequate medical care, and lack of socialization for the animals.
When you purchase a puppy from a pet store or a puppy mill, you're inadvertently supporting a cycle of unethical breeding practices. Ji explains.
"Every time somebody rescues a puppy mill or pet store or a pet broker puppy, all they're doing is funding the industry to pump out more."
These establishments often prioritize profit over the well-being of the animals, leading to poor living conditions, inadequate healthcare, and a lack of proper socialization for the puppies.
Avoiding pet stores and puppy mills is a crucial step in responsible pet ownership. Not only does it help break the cycle of unethical breeding, but it also ensures that you're bringing home a healthy, well-adjusted puppy from a source that offers transparency, accountability, and ongoing support.
💡 Responsible breeders do not sell their puppies in pet stores. Pet stores almost always obtain all of their puppies from puppy mills.
Research and ask for proof
Before even looking for a breeder, it's crucial to research the specific breed you're interested in.
Different breeds have different needs, potential health issues, and temperaments. Ji touches on this topic.
“Be sure that you're getting a breed that fits your lifestyle and doesn't just satisfy an image that you want."
This research will not only help you find a breeder who meets these specific needs but also prepare you for the long-term commitment of caring for your new pet.
While researching, be cautious of breeders who make grandiose claims without evidence, lack any form of reviews or testimonials, or are unwilling to provide additional information when asked.
Ji also recommends looking for breeders who provide video evidence of their practices.
"I put videos up that show what my finished puppies look like. So I'm not just telling people what I do, I'm showing them as the puppies develop.”
Videos and social media updates can give you a behind-the-scenes look at the breeder's operations, from the living conditions of the dogs to their socialization practices. This level of transparency is a good sign that you're dealing with a responsible breeder.
Health testing transparency
💡 Health testing in dog breeding refers to the systematic screening and evaluation of adult dogs for specific genetic, hereditary, and physical conditions to ensure they are healthy and fit for breeding.
Health testing is not a one-size-fits-all process; it varies depending on the breed. A responsible breeder will screen for these conditions to ensure that they are not passed on to future generations. Ji weighs in.
"Know what diseases and conditions and problems are in the breed that you're looking for and make sure that they're properly screened for."
Ji also points out that it's not enough for a breeder to say they conduct health tests; they should also be willing to share the results.
"Saying that you test isn't enough, you want to see the results.”
When you're in the process of selecting a breeder, don't hesitate to ask questions about health testing. Inquire about the specific tests conducted, why they are essential for that breed, and what the results mean.
While genetic and orthopedic testing for adult breeding dogs is crucial, it's not the only aspect of a puppy's health. Ask about vaccinations, parasite prevention, and the diet the breeder uses. These factors can also significantly impact a puppy's overall health and well-being. A transparent breeder will be willing to discuss these aspects in detail.
Communication expectations
The relationship between a breeder and a potential puppy buyer is a two-way street, requiring open and effective communication from both parties.
Ji Khalsa highlights the importance of "buyer etiquette" and the expectations breeders have when it comes to communication.
"It's really good buyer etiquette to go to the website and read the website and learn about what the breeder is doing.”
But what should you, as a buyer, expect in terms of communication from a responsible breeder?
While there's no one-size-fits-all answer, Ji encourages open communication.
"I tell my puppy families to call me as much as you want; that's part of what you're paying for.”
A responsible breeder will be willing to communicate with you about your new puppy for the entire life of that puppy. You will not receive this level of support from a puppy mill or pet store.
While open communication is essential, it's also crucial to establish boundaries. Some breeders may have specific times when they are available to answer questions or may prefer certain methods of communication.
Buyers should respect the breeder's time by asking well-researched questions. Being respectful of these boundaries can go a long way in maintaining a positive relationship with your breeder.
Puppy prices and avoiding scams
When you're purchasing a puppy from a responsible breeder, you're not just paying for the dog. You're also paying for the breeder's expertise, the health screenings, the initial vaccinations, and often lifetime support and advice.
Before questioning a breeder's prices, it's essential to understand what you're actually paying for.
While the upfront cost may seem high, consider the long-term value you're getting. A puppy from a responsible breeder is more likely to be healthy, well-socialized, and come with the support you may need as a new pet owner.
Danielle points out that an educated buyer is often willing to pay a premium for these benefits.
"I think there will always be that base of people who are looking for a legitimate product and are willing to do their research."
The internet has made it easier than ever to fall victim to scams, especially when it comes to purchasing pets. Always look for verified reviews, ask for references, and be wary of prices that seem too good to be true.
Danielle Thoma, a Certified Breeder, touches on this sensitive topic.
"There's a reason my price is what it is. I'm seeing people who are willing to pay a little bit more because they have been scammed or almost scammed."
To help buyers avoid scams, look for certifications or badges that indicate the breeder has been vetted by a reputable organization.
For example, the TellTail Certified Breeder badge ensures that you're dealing with a legitimate breeding program. Scanning the QR code on the badge allows you to verify the breeder's identity and credentials, providing an extra layer of security.
Lifetime breeder support
💡 Lifetime breeder support refers to the ongoing guidance, advice, and assistance provided by a dog breeder to puppy buyers, covering various aspects such as health, behavior, and general well-being, from the time of purchase through the entire lifespan of the pet.
Lifetime support from a breeder can take many forms, from answering questions about your dog's health and behavior to providing resources for training and socialization.
When you bring a new puppy into your life, it's not just a transaction; it's the beginning of a long-term relationship.
This relationship often extends to the breeder, who can provide invaluable support throughout your pet's life.
Cecilia, a dog owner turned breeder, emphasizes this point.
"I need to know that [my puppies are] in a good home. And I've said this before, if you don't want your dog anymore, call me."
Lifetime support isn't just about practical advice; it's also about emotional support.
Bringing a new pet into your home can be both exciting and challenging, and a responsible breeder will be there to share in your joys and help you navigate any difficulties.
Cecilia talks about the satisfaction of receiving updates and pictures from new pet owners.
"It's so rewarding to get updates and pictures, any kind of update, but especially pictures and video."
Having the support of an experienced breeder can make a significant difference in your pet ownership journey.
Whether you're dealing with a minor behavioral issue or facing a more serious health concern, knowing you have someone to turn to can be incredibly reassuring. Cecilia emphasizes this.
"I feel like it's a line of communication that needs to stay open for your peace of mind, but also you give your new puppy owner the peace of mind that they have someone to talk to."
Lifetime support from a breeder is an often overlooked but incredibly valuable aspect of responsible pet ownership. Cecilia says it best.
"You're paying for that relationship."
By choosing a breeder who offers this level of support, you're not just investing in a pet; you're investing in a partnership that will last a lifetime.
Conclusion
Finding a responsible breeder involves more than just choosing a cute puppy. It's about building a relationship with someone who will provide you with a healthy, well-adjusted pet and offer you the support you need to ensure a successful transition for your new family member. Liza sums it up.
"Puppy buyers, be the niche. Be the buyer that breeders love to work with."
The Responsible Breeder Checklist
General Criteria
Certified by a reputable organization (e.g., TellTail)
Positive reviews and testimonials from previous buyers
Transparent about breeding practices and willing to answer questions
Education
Values buyers who show a willingness to learn
Offers educational resources and support for new pet owners
Open to answering questions and providing guidance
Responsible
Does not sell puppies through pet stores or online platforms without verification
Clearly distances themselves from puppy mills and unethical breeding practices
Educates buyers about the risks of purchasing from pet stores or puppy mills
Transparent
Provides verifiable references or reviews from previous buyers
Open to buyers conducting their own research and asking questions
Transparent about their breeding program and practices
Health Testing
Conducts comprehensive health testing on adult dogs prior to breeding
Transparent about health testing results and willing to share them
Screens for breed-specific health issues and conditions
Communication
Clearly outlines communication methods (e.g., email, phone, video calls)
Responsive to inquiries and open to ongoing communication
Provides guidelines or recommendations for buyer etiquette in communication
Pricing
Transparent about pricing and what is included in the cost
Provides a secure and transparent payment process
Educates buyers about the risks of scams and how to avoid them
Lifetime Support
Offers ongoing support and advice for the lifetime of the pet
Open to receiving updates and questions from buyers post-purchase
Provides a point of contact for any future concerns or issues
