How to Find a Reputable Dog Breeder: Your Down-to-Earth Guide to a Happy Pup

How to Find a Reputable Dog Breeder: Your Down-to-Earth Guide to a Happy Pup

Hi, dog enthusiast! Are you searching for an excellent breeder for a reliable pet? I’m Joshua Van, the founder of Diggity Dog. I’ve assisted many customers with pet care services by helping them find healthy pets that immediately start living with them like they are a part of the family. But before you can bring home your new pup and introduce it to all the love you have to give, you must search for the right breeder. Now, you might be thinking that online you can find a search that says “puppies near me” and have many results. But what will help you find a reputable dog breeder out of so many? Well, in this article, I will show you the truth about how to find a reliable breeder and how to avoid dodgy ones. I will also provide you with the questions to ask a breeder, and by the end of this article, you will be able to bring home a new pup that will not leave you regretting it.
Bringing a new dog into your family is a decision that should be planned for and never made on impulse. Bringing a dog home from an excellent breeder is like having a customized set of puppy-parent matched to each other. When looking for an excellent breeder, you want to find someone who genuinely loves dogs as much as you do. I am going to help you do just that.

Key Takeaways

• Ask a reliable source like the American Kennel Club (AKC) to get a list of breeders who care about doing the right thing.
• Visit the breeder’s facility in person or at least on video, and make sure the dogs are living well and meet their puppy’s parents.
• Choose breeders who run their pups for genetic diseases, so you know your healthy pet is always healthy.
• Avoid breeders who are too pushy about selling you a puppy or won’t show you health clearances for the puppies.
• Be patient and take your time. Excellent breeders might have long waiting lists, but it is worth it to get a well-raised and healthy pup.

Why Is a Great Breeder So Important?

I know what you might be thinking right now: It seems easy to type in “puppies near me” on Google and drive down to the nearest breeding place that has a cute fluff ball at a good price. However, if you do not think, you might end up in a situation that you will never recover from. Purchasing a pup from a puppy mill or backyard breeder who has no standards for pet care, like vet visits or even regular playtime, can result in a very sick dog. I have heard many unfortunate tales from Diggity Dog customers who were tricked into buying sick dogs, and trust me, it is a guaranteed way to gain visits to your vet.

A reputable dog breeder, however, is not just selling dogs. They take the time to ensure that every dog they breed is healthy and happy and even takes the extra steps to improve the breed. More pet owners are looking at the betterment of animals in 2025, so The ASPCA has started lobbying to introduce new laws to the government to protect the animals more, which is excellent for dog lovers. If you find a great breeder, then you are guaranteed to have years of fun with your healthy pet. Am I right?

Finding a Great Dog Breeder Step-by-Step

OK, let’s roll up our sleeves and get going. Finding a reputable breeder does require some work, but in the end, it is always worth it. I have compiled a list of my favorite strategies for finding a reputable breeder after years of talking to dog owners and breeders and training dogs myself.

Step 1: Research the Breed Thoroughly

Before you begin looking for breeders, you must decide on the breed you would like to purchase. There are many different dog breeds to choose from, with each one varying in energy level, health issues, and overall personality. If you want to buy a Labrador, for example, and you know that they are a very energetic dog, then you should find a breeder who specializes in working dogs and are well versed in their exercise needs to keep your pet healthy. This pre-planning will help you look for breeders who can meet all of your future puppy’s needs.

Step 2: Only Trust Trusted Places

Only use trusted places to find your pup. You can use breed clubs or breed registries to help you find a good breeder. For example, you can use the AKC Marketplace to look for a breeder who breeds AKC-registered dogs and meets their high standards. You can also look for breeders with certifications such as Breeder of Merit and Bred with H.E.A.R.T., which means that the breeder is truly committed to excellent health testing and training programs. You can also ask your veterinarian for referrals for a great breeder or ask at your local dog park for any recommendations you can use.

Step 3: Check a Breeder’s Reputation

You have done your research, and you have five breeders you would like to contact. It is now time to do a little homework and see if they are reputable. Check to see if they are members of their respective breed clubs, which have set strict rules and ethical standards for the breeder to follow. Ask to see proof of health clearances for all of the puppies they have for sale, such as OFA for hips and elbows or DNA tests for breed-specific genetic health problems. A great breeder will have extensive medical records for every puppy’s parent. If they are offering designer “show” sizes or colors that do not seem natural for that specific breed, then they could be skirting health testing.

Step 4: Visitation Is Essential

You must visit a breeder in person to make sure they are clean, have happy dogs, and that the mother of the pup you would like to purchase is calm and friendly. During your visit, either in person or on video, the puppies should be lively and not shy. They should also be raised inside with people. The puppies should have plenty of access to toys and chews, and all of their vaccinations should be up to date. If a breeder says that you cannot visit their home, it is a significant red flag as they could have something to hide from you.

Step 5: Get It in Writing

You have completed all of the steps above, and you have found the perfect pup. The last step is to make sure that you get everything in writing, such as health guarantees, return policies, and pedigree documentation. A great breeder will also always be available to you to answer any questions you have throughout the life of your new puppy, whether it be at 2 am when it has decided to chew your favorite shoe or at 2 pm about potty training.

Some Red Flags to Avoid

I have heard many stories from Diggity Dog customers over the years. One of the worst red flags that you should avoid is breeders who do not allow you to visit their breeding places to see where your puppy has been raised or meet the puppy’s parents. This is a significant red flag because it could mean that the breeder is not being transparent. Other telltale signs that the breeder is not good include them having a large number of litters every year, having no health records or certificates, or being very pushy for you to pay for your pup. Puppies who are younger than 8 weeks old is another great red flag. At this age, puppies are too young to be away from their mothers. If it does not feel right in your gut, then there is most likely a reason for it.

Questions to Ask a Breeder

Ask questions, even the difficult ones! How long have they been breeding that specific breed? What genetic health tests do they perform on the parent’s generation? Why is this puppy a good fit for your home? A reputable breeder will answer your questions, and they might even ask questions to make sure you are the right fit for their pup!

What to Do After You Choose Your Puppy?

Congratulations, you have just found the perfect match for your home! It is now time to bring your new friend home and visit your vet for a quick check-up and to make sure that you have the right food and other supplies for them. If you want to be an excellent parent to your puppy, start training as early as possible to maintain your puppy as a healthy pet. Your breeder should be your first call if anything should go wrong.

FAQs on Finding a Reputable Dog Breeder

How’s a reputable breeder different from a puppy mill?

A reputable breeder prioritizes quality, health, and ethics, raising only a few litters and being fully transparent. Puppy mills focus on profit, often neglect care and produce unhealthy pups.

How much should I expect to pay for a pup from a good breeder?

It varies by breed but budget for $1,000 to $3,000 or more. Extremely low prices often mean corners were cut in pet care.

Can I find a good breeder online?

Yes, but only on reputable sites like AKC Marketplace and be sure to visit in person. Avoid random ads.

What if I change my mind after getting the pup?

Top breeders have return policies in their contracts, no problem. All about the pup’s happiness.

Are mixed-breed breeders legit too?

Absolutely, if they adhere to the same health and ethical standards as purebred breeders. Just do your research.

References

• American Kennel Club (AKC): Signs of a Responsible Breeder.
• AKC: 9 Tips for Finding a Responsible Breeder.
• ASPCA: Responsible Breeders Guide.
• PetMD: Finding an Ethical Breeder.
• Various Reddit Discussions on Breeder Red Flags (2025).