Finding a Reputable Breeder
This is the most important part of your puppy search, after all you are looking for a breeder you can trust to make breeding decisions, provide the best start for your puppy and provide you with a lifetime of support and advice.
The most important step is to Visit any breeder you are considering purchasing a puppy or adult dog from. Don't have the time or can't afford to fly and meet the breeder? Buy Locally within a weekends drive. Websites and phone conversations can be deceiving.
Inspect : Ask about the property, see if there are any out buildings which might house dogs. Disreputable breeders have been known to keep a few well groomed dogs in the house and have many in poor condition in other buildings and pens. Some breeders may not allow you to visit young puppies, there is a real concern that visitors my unknowingly carry and transmit a disease such as parvo or distemper.
Ask Questions: Do the dogs have fresh food and water and adequate shelter? Is the area clean? Are the dogs clean and groomed? Do they have enough room to exercise? Are there so many dogs you don't think they can be cared for physically and emotionally? Does the breeder have a job that requires so much time they can't devote enough time to caring for their own dogs and puppies? Are the dogs housed in kennels or in the home? Kenneled dogs usually mean the breeder does not have time and space to incorporate the dogs into their family.
Ask to see the mother and father (it is not unusual for the father to be absent) and as many relatives as possible. One family I spoke to had visited a breeder who had all the right answers over the phone. When she asked to see the father the breeder went outside with a broom. This was to protect herself, the breeders children let it slip that the dog would bite and was wild. This family made the decision not to buy a puppy that day.
When I choose the sire of my current litter I not only looked at him but 5 of his puppies.They were from 3 previous litters with different mothers. I wanted to know what kind of temperament he produced not just what he looked like.
Don't be afraid to ask questions, if a breeder is offended than in my opinion you need a different breeder. This should be a time of discovery and learning. You should be able to ask questions and be prepared to answer them too, as any reputable breeder will be checking to see if you are the right home for one of their puppies.
Purchasing a puppy from a bad breeder just allows them to stay in business and produce more puppies. It may be difficult to walk away from a bad situation.....you feel like you are rescuing a puppy.....better to walk away and help to eliminate bad breeders. Bad breeders will go out of business as soon as they can't make a profit. You can help save many future generations from suffering.
A Reputable Breeder feels a lifetime of responsibility to every puppy they breed, and insist on getting the puppy back if your circumstances change and you are no longer able to keep it.
1. They will have put a great deal of time, money and research into producing their puppies.
2. They will have health tested their parents prior to breeding. Standard poodles should not be bred before the age of two as test results on younger dogs are not always reliable.
3. They will not have more litters than they can adequately care for and socialize at one time. They should be able to identify each puppy and tell you about its personality. 1. A crate or x-pen for housebreaking and a safe place to put the puppy. Somewhere they can sleep or be kept safely for a few moments. You can't watch a puppy 24 hours a day, we all need time to shower, go to the store, work, etc. An unsupervised puppy is an invitation for mischief.
2. Bedding. Towels work well at first and can be easily washed as they are soiled. 3. Food and water bowls. Fresh water should be provided at all times. Your breeder will either provide you with food or let you know what the puppy's diet is so you can purchase food ahead of time. 4. A collar, leash, and I.D. tag. Dogs should never be left to run outside a fenced area. 5. Toys and a brush for grooming. 6. Make an appointment with your veterinarian for a well puppy visit. 7. Sign up for a puppy or basic obedience class with a quality training facility. A great place to socialize your new friend and learn basic manners. 8. Patience, Time and Patience!
Paragon Poodles and Puppies, Madison, Alabama
4. They will have enough time and energy to spend with each of their animals every day.
5. Sells puppies on a spay/neuter contract. Is concerned about pet over population, and the breed.
6. Offers a health warranty.
7. Is willing to spend time with you and answers your questions about the breed, individual dogs, and their purpose in breeding their current litter.
8. Wants you to keep in touch after the sale of a puppy. This helps them to make future breeding decisions if they follow the health and temperament of your puppy.
9. Is interested in you and your family, the puppy's new home and environment, and matching a puppy to your family's needs.
10. Has specific requirements that prospective owners must meet....plan on being interviewed.
A Hobby Breeder is an excellent place to find a happy, healthy puppy or older dog. They are devoted to their breed and motivated by a desire to produce a generation better than the one before. They are concerned with the outcome of every breeding and spend alot of time and money researching the issues that involve their breed before ever producing a puppy. Hobby breeders usually only have one litter at a time so they can be given there full attention.
A Backyard Breeder is someone who puts two dogs together without regard to their family health history or the outcome of the breeding. They usually have little understanding of their breed standard, its health issues, or temperament issues. While they may have only one litter at a time, they have spent little time concerned with the outcome of that breeding. They are usually motivated by money or for the fun of it.
Puppy Mills are motivated by money. Their bottom line is profit. They have little or no concern for the parents. They force their females to have multiple litters to the detriment of their health. They may breed unhealthy dogs as they have little care for the resulting puppies that suffer a lifetime of poor health. Breeding puppies is expensive, in order to make a profit a breeder must have multiple litters from the same mother, and have multiple dogs available to breed. They may have just one breed of dogs or many breeds.
A Disreputable Breeder is anyone who does not take care of their animals! They may be a classic puppy mill or a show breeder who has produced champions. Please ask questions, if you don't like the answers find someone else.
It is Homecoming Day! Sometimes you will go and pick up your puppy from the breeder. On occasion your puppy will be shipped to you or delivered by the breeder. Any way your puppy arrives is an exciting day, you will be greeting your puppy!
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Click here to email Paragon Poodles or call 256-694-4547
