How do I know if a breeder is reputable?

Daisy: How do you know if a breeder is reputable?
I am going to get a puppy sometime this year (I am considering a French Bulldog) and I do not know how to tell if a breeder is reputable. I know that you shouldn't go to a pet store and to watch out for puppymills, but what else should I look for? Thank you.

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Answers and Views:

Answer by St0rm11
parents on site,,,if they have papaers,,and how much theyre selling it for
search online 4 bulldog prices and see an ave then see the breeders price

rottwielers were 500 w/ papers
we got another one not sure how much but she turned out not to be full

Answer by Chelsea

1) Make sure they do health testing (thyroid, hips, eyes, heart, etc.).
2) The dogs bred should be finished (meaning have been shown, through a reputable agency, if you're in the USA, that's AKC, and gotten their championship), or worked, if they're a working breed.
3) Meet the mother. Make sure she has a great temperment and is very healthy.
4) A reputable breeder won't sell you a pup on the spot. They usually have possible homes lined up for pups who aren't even a sparkle in their mother's eye yet.

Bottom line, even if YOU only want a pet, the breeder should be looking for show quality or working dogs. Every litter, even from the best show dogs, will have pet quality pups. There are enough pets in rescues and shelters that breeding ONLY for pets is just not acceptable.

And on that note, consider rescue instead of buying. Millions of dogs are put down every month because there just aren't enough homes for all of them. It's just NOT true that every shelter dog has temperment issues, and AT LEAST 30% of homeless dogs are purebred. All I'm asking is that you just consider rescuing. If you decide it's not right for you, please PLEASE go the extra mile to find a GREAT breeder that doesn't contribute to the many millions of homeless dogs.

Answer by mooshie

Talk to local rescue groups that deal with whatever breed you're looking at. Get their opinion on the particular breeder. Google the breeder to see if you can find any complaints or praise. If you actually go to the breeder's place, pay attention to how many dogs they have (too many is bad), what condition the dogs are in (underfed, dirty, scared, frantic–all bad), etc. Ask the breeder for referrals (other people who've bought puppies from them). Find out if the breeder offers a money-back guarantee (in writing) if you find there's something wrong with the dog when you take it to your OWN vet. Check with the better business bureau. Talk to somebody at the AKC if you're thinking of buying a purebred dog. Pay attention to how closely the breeder checks YOU out. A good breeder will want to know what the family situation is (small kids, etc.), whether you have a fenced yard, whether you seem like a responsible person, what other pets you have, etc. A person who sells to just anybody is not a great breeder, so be happy if they seem nosy and intrusive–that's a good sign.

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