RPBA Best Dog Breeders

1. The breeder should allow you to visit and take a tour of their premises and the breeding animals’ accommodations. The dogs’ living quarters and exercise areas should be clean and well-maintained.

2. There should only be one (or at most two) different breeds being produced by the breeder, as the best dog breeders will want to develop depth in their breeding program. Multiple breeds with only a few dogs means they may be trying to churn out puppies with little regard for the quality of the breeding partners or the offspring.

3. Breeders should have good knowledge of their chosen dog breed, and will be able to speak at length about the specific needs and traits of that breed.

4. They may put you on a waiting list for their next litter, which may take over a year to be produced. This can show that they give their breeding dogs sufficient time in between each litter to avoid over-breeding.

5. Good breeders will only release their pups to new owners when the dogs are ready. Traditionally this has been at 8 weeks old for most dogs, but there are some situations where 9 to 10 weeks old or 11 to 12 weeks old is better for the dog.

6. The best breeders will provide a written contract with a health guarantee, as well as a cooling off period after the sale of the puppy. They should also allow time for a pre-purchase examination by a veterinarian of your choice. If medical problems are diagnosed, the breeder should be willing to take the pup back and provide a full refund or replace the puppy.

7. They should obviously spend one-on-one time with their pups, giving them toys, exercise, and lots of mental stimulation.