2023 Litter

What you should look for in a breeder

Breeding AKC registered pure bred dogs isn’t enough. There are “backyard breeders” not doing proper health testing, showing, training, etc. which in turn create litters with potential health issues that could be avoided. Why buy a puppy that could have health issues later in life? Please buy and shop responsibly, or adopt a dog in need. There are enough adoptable dogs and puppies that need a loving home — we don’t need more poorly bred dogs having litters adding to the adoption crisis.

We’re here to share our knowledge and help you make the best informed purchase possible. You’re getting your new best friend so here are a few questions to ask your breeder.

1. Is the breeder doing proper DNA testing (they should not breed a dog with genetic health conditions such as PRA, EIC, HPNK, etc.)

2. Are they doing OFA clearances on hips, elbows, eyes, and heart at 2 years of age? This helps to ensure your puppy will hopefully not develop hip/elbow dysplasia later in life or pass on genetic conditions.

3. Do they recommend not to spay until 2 years of age to ensure hormones help growth plates close properly?

4. Are they showing their dogs in some type of AKC sanctioned event? Conformation, hunt tests, agility, fun sports such as dock diving, etc? This shows the breeder is dedicated to the dog, not the check from breeding.

5. Does the dog have AKC titles? From Canine Good Citizen, to Trick Dog, to Championship Conformation titles – you want your breeder to be helping make the breed better. Look at the Sire/Dam’s registered name – how many generations back does the title go? They should be in every generation, not 3 generations ago.

6. What is the dog’s temperament? Does it destroy toys, does it eat the wall, do they have to be crated, do they counter surf, are they walked on a simple slip leash or a harness? This really goes to show the breeder’s training ability and level of knowledge with their specific breed. Temperament and health is what you’re buying.

7. Does the breeder breed standard AKC colors (black, yellow, chocolate) or are they breeding “designer dogs” such as silvers, charcoals, or doodles. Nothing against doodles, but ensure your breeder is doing proper health testing and x-rays.

If your potential breeder isn’t doing all these basic things, they’re most likely not putting the puppy’s best interest forward. You as a buyer need to know that down the line this could lead to health problems and vet bills that could have been avoided.

Just because your dog is registered does not make it well bred. You want your breeder dedicated to the breed and only whelping puppies that meet this minimum criteria for well bred dogs.