How to Pick an Ethical Dog Breeder

Getting a new puppy can be an exciting time. Unfortunately, it can also be filled with unwanted opinions and “advice” from friends and family. Many people follow “adopt, don’t shop” and will try to talk you out of purchasing a puppy from a breeder. In reality, if you want a purebred puppy from a dog breeder, that is okay. However, it is important to make sure you’re buying from an ethical breeder. Too many people make the mistake of buying from puppy mills or backyard breeders. This is why animal shelters are overrun and at capacity. Today I’m sharing my tips for how to pick an ethical dog breeder.

1. You’ll Sign A Contract

If your dog breeder does not require you to sign a contract, that is a sign they’re unethical. You should be asked to sign a contract stating the price of the puppy, what you will do in the case you no longer want the puppy, and that you understand the health and behavior risks that may come with your puppy. The contract should be in the best interest of not only your breeder, but yourself and your puppy as well. 

2. The Breeder Should Insist The Puppy Be Returned To Them

An ethical dog breeder will insist that if you no longer want your puppy, you will return him or her to the breeder. An ethical breeder will not allow for their puppies to end up in multiple homes or in a shelter. The contract you sign should state that you agree to return the puppy to the breeder should you no longer want them for any reason.

3. You Should Meet The Parents

When you’re looking to pick an ethical dog breeder, ensure you are able to meet the puppy parents before signing a contract or putting down a deposit. A good dog breeder will be more than willing to introduce you to the parents and brief you on any health and temperament concerns you should be made aware of. The pedigree, vaccination records, and any major health concerns should be given to you up front and honestly. 

Ask questions such as how many litters the parents have had. If they aren’t willing to answer your questions they’re not an ethical dog breeder.

4. You Won’t Be Allowed To Pick Them Up Before 8 Weeks Old

Puppies need to be with their mom until minimally 8 weeks old. If your breeder allows you to pick up your pup before this 8 week mark, they’re likely a puppy mill or backyard breeder.

An ethical dog breeder will want the best for mom and her puppies and won’t let you pick them up too early. 

5. Consider The Price

A well-bred, purebred dog is probably not going to cost you less than $1000. If the breeder offers you a puppy for a couple hundred dollars, those dogs are likely not well bred and probably come with a variety of health issues. In other words, if you think you’re getting a puppy for cheap, it’s for a reason.

An ethical dog breeder is not going to barter with you on the price of their puppies. They’re going to want their dogs to go to good homes, and aren’t going to agree on a lower price just to sell a puppy. 

6. Ask How The Puppies Were Raised

Did they receive vaccines and dewormer? Have they been indoors or were they kept outside? Were they socialized? You’ll want to ask as many questions as possible to pick an ethical dog breeder. If you feel that the breeder won’t give you a straight answer, or is dodging your questions, they’re probably not an ethical breeder. 

7. You’ll Get To Meet The Puppies

An ethical dog breeder will allow you to meet the puppies (and parents) before putting down a deposit or signing a contract. If a breeder asks you for a deposit before allowing you to meet and pick your puppy, they are not an ethical dog breeder.

8. You Won’t Be Able To Buy Online

This tip for how to pick an ethical dog breeder goes with the last one. A good breeder won’t sell their puppies online without meeting you and having you meet them. Any breeder that is willing to sell their puppies to someone who they’ve never met is selling dogs for money. This is a huge sign that they are a puppy mill or backyard breeder. 

9. The Breeder Will Ask You Questions

Dog breeders want their puppies going to good homes that are equipped to properly raise their puppies. If a breeder doesn’t ask questions about why you want that breed or how you plan to raise them, then they are likely willing to sell their puppies to anyone. Breeders that don’t care where their puppies go, are breeding dogs for money and not for the well being of the dogs.

10. Get References

The best way to pick an ethical dog breeder is to ask for references! Look up your breeders name and find reviews. Ask people who have bought puppies from them about their experience. You can even ask the dog breeder themselves for references. If they hesitate to give you a reference they’re most likely hiding something they shouldn’t be.