Why Is It Important To Find A Responsible Breeder?
The future of responsible dog ownership relies on who we are trusting to raise our beloved companion dogs. Responsible, knowledgeable breeders are the key to healthy and mentally sound and stable dogs, who are raised in a loving environment, taught life skills from an early age, and only sent to homes who will agree to love and care for the dog for it's entire life. If these were the only breeders supported, whose concern is not for money, but for the dog species as a whole, there would be a significant decrease in the number of abused, unstable, and sick dogs in the world today.
Irresponsible breeders are not necessarily bad people, but rather, lacking the skills, time, and knowledge required to properly raise a litter of puppies. These dogs are not sold on spay/neuter contracts, meaning there is a huge risk for accidental litters or even more poorly bred dogs brought into the world. The dogs won't be health tested or bred for correct structure, meaning their lives will very likely be cut short due to hereditary diseases that could have been prevented, if their breeder had cared to do some research before breeding their dog, or better yet, spaying/neutering their dog and leaving it to the professionals who are committed for life.
Responsible breeders are ALWAYS there for each and every puppy they produce. This means that our dogs and puppies will NEVER end up in a shelter, negligent home, puppy mill, etc. Many breeders even run rescues specific to the breed they adore so much and are constantly educating the public about the breed, their requirements, and responsible dog ownership as a whole.
I simply cannot stress the importance of doing your research when looking for a puppy. It may seem like a simple process; find a cute puppy, shell out some cash, end of story. Rarely is that ever the case.
I can promise you that you will never regret supporting a responsible breeder. We are here for you and your dog for life. We are the only way to preserve and maintain well-bred dogs of our beloved breeds. We are the solution to promoting responsible pet ownership and protecting our breeds. We are your best chance of purchasing a healthy, stable dog who has been raised with love from the minute they were born, and who will have the best chance of living a long, healthy, and happy life.
Still tempted to buy that "double doodle" puppy for $2500? Or a $300 chihuahua puppy from your neighbour's third "whoops" litter this year? Please continue through this page.
Irresponsible breeders are not necessarily bad people, but rather, lacking the skills, time, and knowledge required to properly raise a litter of puppies. These dogs are not sold on spay/neuter contracts, meaning there is a huge risk for accidental litters or even more poorly bred dogs brought into the world. The dogs won't be health tested or bred for correct structure, meaning their lives will very likely be cut short due to hereditary diseases that could have been prevented, if their breeder had cared to do some research before breeding their dog, or better yet, spaying/neutering their dog and leaving it to the professionals who are committed for life.
Responsible breeders are ALWAYS there for each and every puppy they produce. This means that our dogs and puppies will NEVER end up in a shelter, negligent home, puppy mill, etc. Many breeders even run rescues specific to the breed they adore so much and are constantly educating the public about the breed, their requirements, and responsible dog ownership as a whole.
I simply cannot stress the importance of doing your research when looking for a puppy. It may seem like a simple process; find a cute puppy, shell out some cash, end of story. Rarely is that ever the case.
I can promise you that you will never regret supporting a responsible breeder. We are here for you and your dog for life. We are the only way to preserve and maintain well-bred dogs of our beloved breeds. We are the solution to promoting responsible pet ownership and protecting our breeds. We are your best chance of purchasing a healthy, stable dog who has been raised with love from the minute they were born, and who will have the best chance of living a long, healthy, and happy life.
Still tempted to buy that "double doodle" puppy for $2500? Or a $300 chihuahua puppy from your neighbour's third "whoops" litter this year? Please continue through this page.
How to Find a Breeder
First off, let's begin with my definitions for the following:
Reputable Breeder: this means the breeder has a good reputation. A good reputation is earned and we work hard to get them. It typically means the breeder is responsible... but not always. I have seen countless people gain good reputations even when their breeding practices are poor; such as not health testing, cross breeding (and claiming as purebred or 100% hypoallergenic when it is not the case), etc. When doing your research on a breeder, don't be afraid to ask for references from past buyers or from their vet. Look up their kennel name. Ask around. You can never be too careful---a truly reputable breeder will have nothing to hide.
Ethical Breeder: this is pretty self-explanatory; to me, it means they treat their dogs, puppies, and buyers fairly and with high standards. This should mean health testing their dogs, properly housing and exercising them, keeping them at healthy weights, groomed, trained, etc.
Registered Breeder: this merely means that the breeder is registered with some dog registry, whether they are legit (AKC, Canadian Kennel Club, UKC, etc.) or scam registries (Continental Kennel Club, etc.). Most kennel clubs are simply record keepers and do not enforce certain practices or ethics. While being registered would be one of the first steps to becoming a good breeder, this does not automatically make someone responsible in their practices.
Responsible Breeder: this is a combination of all of the above! This breeder will have a good reputation, have high standards about their dogs' care, be registered with a legitimate kennel club, health test, and ideally prove their dogs in some sort of sport. Their dogs will be well kept, they will offer support for their buyers and educate them about the breed before selling them a puppy, thoroughly screen their buyers, and more. THIS is what you want to find.
I alternate between the titles 'reputable,' 'ethical,' etc. Just because a breeder calls themselves one or the other does not mean they are automatically good or bad; they are just words! These are simply my definitions. If you are hesitant about a certain breeder, need a second opinion, or are looking for a responsible breeder, give me a shout and I will offer a second opinion, or point you in the right direction.
Where To Find Well-Bred Puppy:
Dog Shows: One of the best places to start out with is going to a dog show. There, you will be able to meet various different breeds and get a feel for what you like.
Word of Mouth: Know someone who owns the breed you are looking for? Ask where they got the dog. Be sure you do your own research on the breeder as well---remember, reputable does not always mean responsible.
Internet Search: Yes, you read that right! Many breeders have websites, Facebook pages, etc. Keep in mind that a search such as "teacup chihuahuas for sale" will bring up less responsible breeders than, say, "CKC registered chihuahua breeders." Look for a breeder who lists the health testing on their website. Any good breeder will be proud to show you what their dogs have completed. They should have pictures of their dogs---well groomed and at healthy weights, etc. Do they have information about their breed on the website? Pros and cons of the breed? Training advice?
Be aware of marketing terms. This includes anything from "teddy bear goldendoodles" (two big red flags) to "miniature pomeranians." Using incorrect or fancy terms to describe a dog only misleads buyers. Since there is such a demand for 'hypoallergenic' breeds, many irresponsible breeders are using the terms 'nonshedding' to describe cross breeds who will in fact shed a lot. This may include a 'cockapoo,' 'labradoodle,' 'chorkie,' etc. Do some research on correct breed terminology. There is no such thing as a Miniature Husky or Miniature Golden Retriever. These are either crossbreeds bred for money, breeders lying to make a dollar, or dogs with severely stunted growth or 'dwarfism.' Want a healthy dog with a stable temperament, coming from a responsible source who will always be there for you and your dog? Seek out a good breeder.
Word of Mouth: Know someone who owns the breed you are looking for? Ask where they got the dog. Be sure you do your own research on the breeder as well---remember, reputable does not always mean responsible.
Internet Search: Yes, you read that right! Many breeders have websites, Facebook pages, etc. Keep in mind that a search such as "teacup chihuahuas for sale" will bring up less responsible breeders than, say, "CKC registered chihuahua breeders." Look for a breeder who lists the health testing on their website. Any good breeder will be proud to show you what their dogs have completed. They should have pictures of their dogs---well groomed and at healthy weights, etc. Do they have information about their breed on the website? Pros and cons of the breed? Training advice?
Be aware of marketing terms. This includes anything from "teddy bear goldendoodles" (two big red flags) to "miniature pomeranians." Using incorrect or fancy terms to describe a dog only misleads buyers. Since there is such a demand for 'hypoallergenic' breeds, many irresponsible breeders are using the terms 'nonshedding' to describe cross breeds who will in fact shed a lot. This may include a 'cockapoo,' 'labradoodle,' 'chorkie,' etc. Do some research on correct breed terminology. There is no such thing as a Miniature Husky or Miniature Golden Retriever. These are either crossbreeds bred for money, breeders lying to make a dollar, or dogs with severely stunted growth or 'dwarfism.' Want a healthy dog with a stable temperament, coming from a responsible source who will always be there for you and your dog? Seek out a good breeder.
What Makes a Good Breeder?
Health testing: There is no excuse for a breeder not to health test their dogs. This includes both genetic screening and hip/knee/eye evaluations. Ideally, genetic diversity tests will also be done (this is fairly new technology). Toy Poodles need to be health tested for a minimum or PRA and have their knees evaluated and eyes OFA certified. Knee issues are extremely common among Toy breeds and responsible breeders will do everything they can to combat these issues (similar to how larger breeds prone to hip issues).
It's as simple as this: if the breeder cares about the dogs and the puppies they produce, they will health test! If they are more concerned about the money, they won't. Which breeder do you want to support?
Socialization: A good breeder wants to give their puppies the absolute best chance possible in life, and give them all the tools they need to become confident, well-adjusted dogs. Here at Temple City Poodles, we use Puppy Culture protocols as we believe PC is as close as we'll ever get to a perfect program for raising puppies. When looking for a puppy, ask the breeder what they do to socialize the pups. Are they left in a pen for 8 weeks and rarely interacted with? HUGE red flag! Have they met dozens of different people (male, female, tall, chubby, deep voices, beards, sun glasses, wearing hats, etc.), other dogs, etc.? Have they had any exposure to leash or clicker training? If the breeder does this before sending their puppies home, it will save you HOURS of work and unnecessary grief.
Health guarantees: The average warranty will last approximately 1-3 years, depending on the breed and how fast or slow they mature. These warranties typically covers life-threatening/life-altering genetic issues (it will not cover the buyer's carelessness or something like a minor underbite). Every breeder is different and I can't really say what kind of guarantee to look for, other than make sure you have one in case of emergency!
Non-breeding contracts: Our jobs as breeders is to protect and maintain our wonderful breed. This means only granting breeding rights to those who will use the same ethics as us: breed for sound structure, health test the dogs, extensively socialize the puppies, etc. Most puppies are not cut out to be breeding prospects, and most people are not cut out for what it takes to properly raise a litter of puppies. If a breeder is willing to sell full rights to you, no questions asked, that's another huge red flag! That would tell me they don't care about their dogs or bloodline at all. There are enough dogs in shelters with behaviour and health issues. Responsible breeders are the solution. Irresponsible backyard breeders and puppy mills are the problem. Supporting them will only creating bigger problems.
***Another note on spaying and neutering: I am seeing more and more breeders altering their puppies before they go to their new homes. This is not ethical nor is it responsible! Your puppy NEEDS those hormones to grow and develop properly. Unless necessary for a medical emergency, I never recommend spaying/neutering a dog until 6 months old at the bare minimum. 8-14 months is preferred in small breeds (after 18 months in large breeds) to ensure they grow properly before taking those essential hormones away.
The list goes on! I will add more as I see fit.
Please. Do your research. Ask questions. Do some more research. Trust your gut feeling. The future of dog ownership relies on what kind of people we are trusting to raise our beloved companions.
It's as simple as this: if the breeder cares about the dogs and the puppies they produce, they will health test! If they are more concerned about the money, they won't. Which breeder do you want to support?
Socialization: A good breeder wants to give their puppies the absolute best chance possible in life, and give them all the tools they need to become confident, well-adjusted dogs. Here at Temple City Poodles, we use Puppy Culture protocols as we believe PC is as close as we'll ever get to a perfect program for raising puppies. When looking for a puppy, ask the breeder what they do to socialize the pups. Are they left in a pen for 8 weeks and rarely interacted with? HUGE red flag! Have they met dozens of different people (male, female, tall, chubby, deep voices, beards, sun glasses, wearing hats, etc.), other dogs, etc.? Have they had any exposure to leash or clicker training? If the breeder does this before sending their puppies home, it will save you HOURS of work and unnecessary grief.
Health guarantees: The average warranty will last approximately 1-3 years, depending on the breed and how fast or slow they mature. These warranties typically covers life-threatening/life-altering genetic issues (it will not cover the buyer's carelessness or something like a minor underbite). Every breeder is different and I can't really say what kind of guarantee to look for, other than make sure you have one in case of emergency!
Non-breeding contracts: Our jobs as breeders is to protect and maintain our wonderful breed. This means only granting breeding rights to those who will use the same ethics as us: breed for sound structure, health test the dogs, extensively socialize the puppies, etc. Most puppies are not cut out to be breeding prospects, and most people are not cut out for what it takes to properly raise a litter of puppies. If a breeder is willing to sell full rights to you, no questions asked, that's another huge red flag! That would tell me they don't care about their dogs or bloodline at all. There are enough dogs in shelters with behaviour and health issues. Responsible breeders are the solution. Irresponsible backyard breeders and puppy mills are the problem. Supporting them will only creating bigger problems.
***Another note on spaying and neutering: I am seeing more and more breeders altering their puppies before they go to their new homes. This is not ethical nor is it responsible! Your puppy NEEDS those hormones to grow and develop properly. Unless necessary for a medical emergency, I never recommend spaying/neutering a dog until 6 months old at the bare minimum. 8-14 months is preferred in small breeds (after 18 months in large breeds) to ensure they grow properly before taking those essential hormones away.
The list goes on! I will add more as I see fit.
Please. Do your research. Ask questions. Do some more research. Trust your gut feeling. The future of dog ownership relies on what kind of people we are trusting to raise our beloved companions.
Red Flags - Signs of Irresponsible Breeders and Puppy Mills
Multiple dogs and/or puppies on their website - I'm not talking about 7-10 dogs in their home, including their retired dogs, rescues, and show dogs. That is a fairly average number. I am talking about dozens and dozens and dozens of dogs listed on their website. It is near impossible to properly care that many animals---especially intact dogs, pregnant females, newborn litters, and rambunctious puppies. Each breeder has a limit on the number of dogs they are able to take care of, so I wouldn't say there is a set number. Trust your gut feeling on this one. Ask the breeder if they show, train, or title their dogs in anything. Ask for pictures and videos of the puppies and dogs during everyday life. Are their feet stained? Nails overgrown? How do the floors look? Do the dogs have excessive tear staining? Are they nervous? Overweight? Does the breeder spend time training each one individually? Do they know each dog's personality? Etc. It is hard for me to believe a breeder can responsibly care for 20+ dogs without cutting corners on care and such.
Always has puppies for sale - As said above, more dogs = less time each one gets, less time the breeder has for each individual owner, less time they have to get to know the individual pups, etc.
No health testing - There is no excuse not to health test! If a breeder tries to brush it off and tell you it isn't necessary, or the vet check was good enough, or they 'know' their dogs and have never had any issues before, run! There is absolutely no way for anyone to assess the genetic health of a dog without health testing for breed-specific diseases. Most diseases are recessive and won't show up in the parents, anyways, but WILL affect the puppies. Others won't show up until the dog is retired and past breeding age, so the breeder never knows unless they continue testing. This also applies to orthopedic and eye disorders, which can only be accurately evaluated by a specialist.
Multiple different breeds or 'designer mixes' available - Responsible breeders will only focus on 1-2 (sometimes 3, or a different variety of the same breed, such as all three sizes of the Poodle). If they are breeding numerous different breeds, that tells me they aren't concerned about improving anything---all they are concerned about is supplying the demand. A good breeder strives to be as knowledgeable as possible, and will have many years of experience studying and learning more about their breed. If they are breeding anything and everything with reproductive organs, they won't be able to tell you much about the specific breed and how to groom them, what their temperaments are like, average life span, etc.
Won't let you meet the puppy or it's parents in person - You should always be given the option of meeting the puppies and their parents (at least their mother, if the sire does not live there) before money exchanges hands. If you have provided references (sometimes even a background check) and developed a good relationship, the breeder should have no problem allowing you to come see the pups and where they are raised in person. It is a relationship based on trust, and trust goes both ways. You choose to support a particular breeder once you feel they are trustworthy and honest. The breeder should feel the same towards you. If the breeder doesn't trust you, why would they be selling you a puppy?
Always has puppies for sale - As said above, more dogs = less time each one gets, less time the breeder has for each individual owner, less time they have to get to know the individual pups, etc.
No health testing - There is no excuse not to health test! If a breeder tries to brush it off and tell you it isn't necessary, or the vet check was good enough, or they 'know' their dogs and have never had any issues before, run! There is absolutely no way for anyone to assess the genetic health of a dog without health testing for breed-specific diseases. Most diseases are recessive and won't show up in the parents, anyways, but WILL affect the puppies. Others won't show up until the dog is retired and past breeding age, so the breeder never knows unless they continue testing. This also applies to orthopedic and eye disorders, which can only be accurately evaluated by a specialist.
Multiple different breeds or 'designer mixes' available - Responsible breeders will only focus on 1-2 (sometimes 3, or a different variety of the same breed, such as all three sizes of the Poodle). If they are breeding numerous different breeds, that tells me they aren't concerned about improving anything---all they are concerned about is supplying the demand. A good breeder strives to be as knowledgeable as possible, and will have many years of experience studying and learning more about their breed. If they are breeding anything and everything with reproductive organs, they won't be able to tell you much about the specific breed and how to groom them, what their temperaments are like, average life span, etc.
Won't let you meet the puppy or it's parents in person - You should always be given the option of meeting the puppies and their parents (at least their mother, if the sire does not live there) before money exchanges hands. If you have provided references (sometimes even a background check) and developed a good relationship, the breeder should have no problem allowing you to come see the pups and where they are raised in person. It is a relationship based on trust, and trust goes both ways. You choose to support a particular breeder once you feel they are trustworthy and honest. The breeder should feel the same towards you. If the breeder doesn't trust you, why would they be selling you a puppy?
Responsible Alternatives:
A young rambunctious puppy is not meant for all families, nor is $2000 up front realistic for everyone. And some people would simply prefer to buy a dog in need from a shelter. All of those things are perfectly okay! We have had both rescue dogs and responsibly bred dogs, and we need people on both ends---supporting the breeders who raise well-bred dogs, and those who clean up, rehabilitate, and love the poor souls created by irresponsible breeders and puppy mills. All dogs need loving homes.
If you are willing to take the risk of unknown genetics, heritage, breed traits, temperament, and health, please seek out a reputable rescue and carefully choose a dog that will suit your lifestyle. There, you will be be supporting a reputable cause, saving a dog from a shelter, and providing funds and space for them to care for another dog in need. It ends up being a win-win situation for everyone involved when we stop putting money in the pockets of puppy millers, and start by educating the public and supporting responsible, ethical, and reputable causes.
If you are willing to take the risk of unknown genetics, heritage, breed traits, temperament, and health, please seek out a reputable rescue and carefully choose a dog that will suit your lifestyle. There, you will be be supporting a reputable cause, saving a dog from a shelter, and providing funds and space for them to care for another dog in need. It ends up being a win-win situation for everyone involved when we stop putting money in the pockets of puppy millers, and start by educating the public and supporting responsible, ethical, and reputable causes.
Looking for a Poodle-type dog in need? Feel free to contact us. We are always keeping a lookout for our breed (and similar low shedding dogs) to keep them out of shelters.
Canadian Poodles In Need
Canadian Poodles In Need