Breeder Warning Signs

If you see any of the following when going to pick out your puppy, you should take your money and run!

• You don’t see the puppy’s parents (the father may not always on site, this is normal).

• You are not able to see the breeding facility.

• The parents do not have registration papers.

• No registration papers for the current litter of puppies.

• No puppies come with guarantees.

• None of the dogs have been checked for genetic diseases.

• No veterinary health checks of the puppies from birth.

• No mandatory spaying/neutering of pet quality animals.

• No mandatory vaccinations (at least basic ones).

• Does not breed to better the overall conformation or working style of the breed.

• Does not know the history of the chosen breed.

• The dogs appear to be in ill-health.

• Two or three litters might be for sale at the same time.

• Does not have veterinary records for at least the mother on hand.

• The dogs do not have any titles, either showing, working, or sports, whatever the animals are being bred for.

• No references are given from owners of pups from previous litters.

• No questions are asked about the environment you offer the pup, and prefers cash payment.

• Dogs are bred before the age of two.

These should all be warning signs, as bright as digital signage in a shopping center.  In my ebook “Things You Must Know Before and After Getting Your Dog”, I discuss how to tell a good breeder from a bad one, and many other important topics related to dog ownership.  For more information, please click here.

Thanks for reading!  As always your participation in comments and discussions are encouraged and greatly appreciated!!