Choosing The breeder right for you

Now that the covid puppy spree has subsided, there are an over abundance of puppies available. The price gouging has subsided for the most part. Depending on the breed, expect to pay $1500-$3500 for a high quality puppy. Shop around. Just because a puppy is high priced, doesn’t make them better. I once asked a breeder why they charge so much. Their response was “our clientele have money and can afford it”!!!! Stay away from breeders who don’t publish their prices or buries them so deep, you can’t find it. You should know, prior to getting on a wait list or putting down a deposit, what the price of a puppy will be.

Not all breeders are the same. Stay away from puppy brokers such as Greenfield Pets, Lancaster Puppies, Puppy Find, etc. You are not dealing directly with a reputable breeder. These are typically from low quality “breeders” and are often unhealthy animals. Likewise, steer clear of pet stores. Puppies are over priced and typically masking illnesses. Amish/Mennonite breeders should be avoided as well. Their puppies are typically not seen by a licensed vet, harbor parasites and are often kept in barns, kennels or outside. It is important that breeding dogs are well socialized, live in homes with families, are up to date on vaccines, and are genetically tested for potential diseases, and hip, heart and eye tested per OFA/pennhip breed standards. Even with all of the testing, things can still happen, but laying the proper breeding foundation is key.

Make sure you choose a breeder who communicates with you in a timely manner. If you have to chase them down to get a response, no matter how small of a question, walk away. Prompt responses are key to open communication. If the only way you can communicate is through social media, again, walk away. You should be able to speak on the phone with the actual breeder. Choose a breeder who shares videos and pictures often. You should be able to see pictures and videos of puppies in their environment at least once a week, if not more. Puppies should be raised in the breeder’s home, where they can get used to a home environment and also monitored and interacted with throughout the day. Puppies should be introduced to the outside at between 4 to 6 weeks of age. They should be exposed to nighttime trips outside as well. This can be traumatic to a puppy with no exposure. Introduction to crate training is a big plus. Many times, the first time a puppy is in a crate alone is their first night with their new family. Leaving their litter mates and being alone with strange people, strange surroundings and crated alone, is a lot for a little puppy.

Every puppy should be seen and evaluated by a licensed veterinarian. Veterinarians will check puppies over thoroughly, from nose to tail. They will be checked for parasites as well as possible hernias, heart murmurs, teeth issues, eyes, etc. They will also be given their first round of core vaccines. Make sure the breeder provides you with a veterinary report documentation.

Before giving final payment to a breeder, get a copy of their health guarantee. Any breeder who ties their warranty to you feeding your puppy a specific food or supplements, should be skipped. Breeders make a great deal of money on these types of things. You should be able to choose what you want to feed your puppy, etc. In addition, you should work with your vet with regard to vaccines and the care of your puppy. A licensed vet will direct you on the proper protocols. All puppies need their core vaccines and boosters at 1 year of age to be protected at minimum. All puppies should have their first vaccine at least one week prior to leaving a breeder. Breeders should not impose unrealistic, mandated spay and neuter requirements. The average ages for spay and neuters are from 6-12 months of age. If a breeder requires you to wait longer, rethink your breeder. The decision when to spay or neuter your dog should be between you and your veterinarian.