They don’t “vet” you
Puppy mills prioritize profits, so they don’t care where their puppies go. However, a genuine, ethical dog breeder will always perform thorough checks.
your
credentials prior to permitting you to adopt a dog.
based on information from the Humane Society
. Questions will include:
- What made you consider getting a dog?
-
Why do you want
this
breed? - Which member of your family will oversee the dog’s care and training?
- Do you own any other pets? How will this dog integrate with your family?
A trustworthy dog breeder could even ask you to supply “references” to attest to your suitability as a dog owner.
What they only ask for is your payment.
A conscientious dog breeder understands that canine breeding combines both skill and scientific knowledge, and typically, the typical pet owner lacks the expertise needed to breed dogs independently, according to the Humane Society. Therefore, generally speaking, a reputable dog breeder will ask you to commit in writing to have your dog spayed or neutered. However, this rule may not apply if you’re buying a “show” dog intended for exhibition purposes.
They won’t reveal where they store their dogs.
You ought to have the chance to visit the breeder’s house or their facility.
recommends for the American Kennel Club (AKC).
And you should accept their offer instead of meeting at another place, regardless of how convenient it may seem for you. Feel free to critique the surroundings once you arrive. Treat it as a warning sign if the response to any of these questions isn’t affirmative:
- Are the premises clean?
- Are the areas odor-free?
- Are the other creatures at the location seem content and adequately nourished?
Their “site” comprises an industrial area.
Authorized breeders raise their dogs at home. If the location provided turns out to be a warehouse in an industrial area, “it’s not worth checking,” recommends
Off Leash K9 Training
, a dog training school located in Virginia. Can you guess
What is the most prevalent dog breed in your local state?
No dog-parent is available for you to meet
If the parents aren’t available, it’s a sure sign that something is “off,” according to Off Leash K9 Training. No parent-dog most likely means the pups have already been separated from the mother, and usually too early. This can interfere with your new puppy’s ability to thrive. Or it could mean that the mother is sick, malnourished, or ill-tempered. And it certainly points to a lack of a relationship between the breeder and the parent-dog (more on that below).
The litter is under six weeks old.
Inquire about the age of the puppy. Puppies should not be separated from their mothers before “at least six weeks,”
eight weeks is recommended
(And in certain situations, it’s mandated by state law.) If the puppy is younger than that age and the parent cannot be found, warning signs should appear. This typically isn’t a concern when adopting a rescue dog from a shelter, especially one run as a non-profit organization. Additionally,
Welcoming a rescued dog into your home comes with several unexpected advantages.
It appears that the breeder isn’t closely connected to the parent dog.
Certainly, raising dogs for sale is a profession, yet it’s one that demands considerable care and attention.
sincere affection and recognition of dogs
Therefore, you should view it as a warning sign if the breeder doesn’t seem to treat the parent dog like part of their own family. Would you feel comfortable with a babysitter who doesn’t handle their own children with care?
The breeder does not specialize in any specific breed.
Each type of dog comes with distinct traits and requirements, and certain breeds also have specific health issues. The Humane Society recommends selecting a reputable breeder capable of offering specialized guidance regarding your chosen breed’s particulars.
The breeder consistently maintains a supply of puppies.
Dogs are not puppets of puppy production lines, and anyone treating them this way cannot be considered a genuine breeder, according to Off-Leash K9 Training. They advise asking about the number of available puppies; typically, a standard litter consists of around five to eight pups (though there can be variations). If they have more than that, it could indicate involvement with a puppy mill.
The breeder urges you to finalize the transaction.
Whenever you’re considering being a potential buyer, an aggressive seller should be seen as a clear sign to head in the other direction. When purchasing something that will introduce a new addition to your family, the importance of this decision cannot be overstated. A trustworthy breeder will value your boundaries and considerations.
weight of your decision
.
The breeder isn’t able to furnish veterinary records.
A reputable breeder sustains connections with at least one nearby veterinarian. They ought to provide precise and dependable documentation regarding the health and vaccinations of their puppies.
points out the ASPCA
If a breeder does not have veterinary records available for your puppy, you should presume there
are
There may be no records available. Alternatively, this could indicate that there is some physical issue affecting your puppy.
The breeder requires you to use a particular veterinarian
Even if your breeder has vet records for your new pup, you should be suspicious if the breeder in any way
pushes you
To bring your new puppy to the same vet you’ve been using. A reputable breeder should not object to this arrangement. However, an unscrupulous breeder could potentially collaborate with an unethical vet to hide any health issues from your new puppy.
An absence of documentation
When you’ve decided to buy a puppy from a specific breed, ensure that your new pet genuinely belongs to that breed. Therefore, upon buying a pedigreed puppy, always make sure to obtain the proper paperwork detailing the dog’s lineage before leaving the seller’s location.
warns the AKC
Refusing or even hesitating to provide this documentation raises a warning sign. Similarly, promising to “send them” later is also suspicious.
There’s no post-purchase planning
A responsible breeder cares about ensuring their dogs end up in suitable homes and acknowledges the potential situation where you might find yourself unable to offer the ideal environment for your new puppy. Ethical breeders will at minimum guide you on how to proceed if things don’t work out, ideally providing clear guidelines in writing. Additionally, before leaving their premises, a trustworthy breeder usually follows up within the initial few weeks to check on how everything is going. Thinking of naming your newest family member? Begin with some suggestions here.
cute concepts tailored to your pup’s specific breed
.
