So, you’re buying a puppy! This is an exciting time to families and dogs alike. Finding the right type of dog for your family is important, finding the right breeder is doubly important. Making sure you find a reputable breeder can ensure that you get a healthy dog that is up to the breed standard.

There are a few things you can look out for when buying a dog. Looking for signs when discussing the dog you want with a breeder can save you a lot of time and money.

· He won't let you see his breeding facility.

· He won't let you see the puppy's parents (the father may not always be on site, this is normal).

· He cannot produce registration papers for the parents.

· He does not have the registration papers for the current litter of puppies.

· He has no pedigrees on either of the parents.

· None of his puppies come with guarantees.

· None of his dogs have been checked for genetic diseases.

· None of his dogs have been certified.

· He does not want to know if anything has happened to your dog (that came from him).

· He breeds a lot of unrecognized breeds - Cock-a-poos, Spoodles, Labradoodles and the like.

· No veterinary health checks of the puppies from birth.

· No mandatory spaying/neutering of pet quality animals.

· No mandatory vaccinations (at least basic ones), no de-worming.

· Breeding solely for "pet quality" means breeding for money - not for the betterment of anything.

· His dogs appear to be in ill health.

· He always has puppies for sale, sometimes two or three litters at a time.

· Does not have veterinary records for at least the mother on hand.

· His dogs have no titles, either showing, working, or sports, whatever the animals are being bred for.

· He won't give references from owners of pups from previous litters.

· He doesn't ask any questions about the environment you offer the pup, just wants to see the check (and prefers cash). The puppies are ready to go before they should be (under eight weeks of age).

· Advertises "rare" colors, sizes, etc (such as "rare" white Dobermans, or Great Danes, "king-sized" German Shepherds, etc.)

· Advertises or sells their pups for greatly reduced prices.

· Sells to pet stores, puppy brokers, wholesalers, etc.

· Breeds before the age of two.

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