Choosing a Breeder: A Thoughtful Checklist for Future Puppy Owners

Bringing a puppy into your life is not a casual purchase—it is the beginning of a relationship that will likely last 10 to 15 years. This puppy will grow with your family, share your home, and depend on you for guidance, care, and stability. Because of that, choosing a breeder deserves time, reflection, and thoughtful questions.

This process is not like shopping at a big-box store, where price tags and convenience take priority. A responsibly bred puppy represents years of planning, education, ethical decision-making, and daily hands-on care long before you ever make first contact.

Asking questions is not rude. Being selective is not elitist. Taking your time is an act of responsibility.

Below is a checklist of important questions and considerations to help guide you as you evaluate breeders—not to intimidate, but to protect both you and the puppy you hope to welcome home.

How Did You Find This Breeder?

One of the first questions to ask yourself is how you discovered the breeder.

• Word of mouth—from trusted owners, veterinarians, trainers, or breed clubs—is often one of the strongest indicators of a reputable breeder.

• Be cautious of breeders found solely through roadside signs, impulse listings, or high-volume sales platforms with little transparency.

A good breeder rarely needs flashy advertising. Their reputation often speaks for them.

Health Testing: Ask for Proof, Not Promises

Do both the sire and dam have documented hip and elbow clearances from recognized organizations such as:

• OFA

• PennHIP

• SV

Statements like “my vet said the x-rays looked fine” are not equivalent to certified clearances. If you are unsure, ask to see the certificates or registration numbers. A responsible breeder will expect this question and welcome it.

Titles, Work, and Purpose

Do the parents have show titles or working titles?

Titles are not about ego—they are third-party evaluations that confirm structure, temperament, working ability, or breed type. Even for companion homes, these achievements help demonstrate that dogs are being bred with intention, not randomly.

References and Ongoing Responsibility

A reputable breeder should be willing to:

• Provide references, including a veterinarian reference

• Take the dog back at any point in its life if circumstances change

• Remain available to answer questions for the lifetime of the dog

Breeding does not end at pickup day. Ethical breeders stand behind every puppy they produce.

Contracts, Guarantees, and Transparency

Ask if there is a written contract that includes:

• A health guarantee (and what it covers)

• Length of coverage

• Terms for return or rehoming

• Registration status (limited vs. full)

• Spay/neuter requirements, if applicable

Everything should be clear, documented, and discussed openly—never rushed.

Breed Knowledge and Involvement

Is the breeder actively involved in:

• Breed-specific clubs?

• All-breed clubs?

• Competitive venues such as conformation, sport, or working trials?

Also ask how they are involved. Membership alone is not the same as active participation. A knowledgeable breeder should be able to discuss strengths, weaknesses, and trends within the breed honestly.

Meeting the Parents & Visiting the Kennel

Are the sire and dam available to meet?

• It is common for the sire to live elsewhere; if so, ask whether you can contact the sire’s owner.

• Be aware that strict visitation policies are often a good sign, not a red flag. Puppies and nursing mothers are vulnerable to disease, and responsible breeders prioritize biosecurity.

Avoid breeders with open-door, no-restriction visitation policies during early puppy development.

Puppy Raising & Early Development

Ask detailed questions about how puppies are raised:

• Where are they born and raised?

• Are they handled daily from birth?

• Is Early Neurological Stimulation performed between days 3–16?

• From 4 weeks onward, are puppies exposed to normal household life, sounds, surfaces, and people?

• How long do puppies stay with their littermates?

Puppies who remain with their litter longer learn valuable social skills that cannot be recreated later.

Records & Take-Home Support

A responsible breeder should provide:

• A 3–5 generation pedigree

• Health and weight records

• Copies of all health clearances

• Detailed care, feeding, and house-training instructions

• A signed contract and bill of sale

You should leave with knowledge—not confusion.

Temperament Matching Matters

Has the breeder evaluated each puppy’s temperament?

A breeder who allows buyers to pick solely based on appearance is not acting in the puppy’s best interest. Ethical breeders guide families toward puppies that best match their lifestyle, experience, and expectations.

Puppy Health & Behavior Observations

When interacting with the puppies, observe:

• Clear eyes and nose (no discharge)

• Clean ears (no foul odor)

• Normal stools

• Soft, full, clean coats

• Balanced energy—playful, curious, but able to settle when handled

Confirm puppies are:

• Up to date on deworming

• Appropriately vaccinated

• Examined by a veterinarian prior to going home

Trust Your Instincts

Finally, ask yourself:

• Do I feel comfortable with this breeder?

• Do I feel pressured or rushed?

• Do my questions feel welcomed or dismissed?

Trust your instincts. A good breeder wants informed, confident families—not rushed decisions.

In Closing

Asking thoughtful questions protects everyone involved—the puppy, the breeder, and you. Responsible breeders expect scrutiny because they have nothing to hide. Taking the time to choose carefully is one of the greatest gifts you can give your future dog.

This checklist is not about finding perfection.

It’s about finding integrity, intention, and care.

And that makes all the difference.