What makes a breeder reputable?

A reputable and responsible breeder ensures they do everything for their parent dogs- from providing high quality diets, quality socialisation, fully health testing and then planning for litters. 

• Breeders will choose the best possible puppies that have potential to be parent dogs-not every dog is suitable for breeding
• They will socialise the parent dogs from day 1 and throughout their life. Not only to encourage the dog to reach its potential but also because the dogs experiences will affect their future puppies
• Their dogs are family before being seen as breeding dogs
• Breeders will only breed from healthy dogs and those of a sound mind- anxious dogs will create anxious puppies
• They will fully health test their dogs specific to their breed- and keeping up to date for any new, recommended tests specific to the breed (or breeds if crossbreeds)
• They will ask potential owners questions or provide a questionnaire to get a good idea if you are a good fit, that this breed is for you and to get a “profile” so they can match a puppy to suit the owners lifestyle and family
• Will be honest about the breed, providing pros and cons. They will take into account health as well as behaviour. Breeders will also explain the breeds needs- working dogs need a “job”, those who like to dig need that outlet, scent dogs need to have scentwork in their training programme
• They will have a strong socialisation programme- providing proof via videos is excellent. Ask about their setup, what puppies have been exposed to- people, sounds, car travel, what floors have they been raised on- for hip, muscle development, preparation for vets, grooming, puppy culture, 
• Will provide a good, honest insight into the puppies temperaments and be honest about what the puppy needs further training in
• Will ensure they match the puppy to their forever family
• Provide a contract that protects everyone involved- must include that they will take that puppy back if the owner can no longer care for them
• Lifetime of support- advice or even just to chat
• Breeder wants to not only keep in touch but also to meet up (this is very important for me)
• Researched their stud dog- why did they choose their stud? If only for colour-not ideal. Temperament is extremely important. We need puppies to have the best chances of succeeding in life so choosing the right breeding pair is essential
• Ask what food they feed their dogs and puppies. Good quality food is essential in providing a great start
• Vet check- this is extremely important as the vet can do a thorough health check as well as doing the first vaccination. Does the breeder get the vet to sign a health check contract?
• Wormed regularly, if not have they done a worm float test
• Willing to keep the puppy longer if it benefits the puppy
• Puppy packs are extensive- to benefit the puppy and to help the owner as much as possible, provide scented items, paperwork including contract, free weeks insurance
• Puppies are raised inside the home- much more important for family pets. Some working dogs are raised inside kennels
• Breeders are honest and transparent. They should be willing to show you where all the dogs live, where the puppies live, the food they are on, provide evidence of health tests
• Have strict breeding rights on puppies- not all dogs are suitable for breeding and they need to be protected as much as possible
• Breeders have plans in place if they become seriously ill (or die) to protect their dogs and any puppies
• Happy to answer questions from potential owners
• Has the breeder done any courses to benefit their dogs and breeding programme? 
• Ask about their breeding licence status. The majority of breeders in England are required by law to have a licence to breed dogs. Wales and Scotland have different requirements. The star rating doesn’t mean too much in a way due to how the regulations are worded. Sadly commercial breeding kennels with 40+ breeding dogs have higher star ratings as they have a number of staff, kennels are just the right size according to the regulations, but where is the family environment and socialisation? I am aware of breeders with a 5 star rating yet they do not have any socialisation in place for puppies, their mother dogs are fearful of everyone and I have seen the puppies really struggle with everything around them.

Some warning signs/red flags:

• Breeders who do not show the mum with the pups… why?
• You only see 1 photo or the stud or the mum.. Sadly there are cases of renting a pregnant dog and breeders use 1 good photo
• Breeders who refuse to show health test results.. What are they hiding?
• Breeders who clam up when being asked questions
• No contract offered
• No advice given and no puppy pack
• Happy to let the owner choose a puppy.. Sadly this can lead to a puppy later being rehomed because the needs of that particular puppy cannot be met
• The breeder handing the puppy over at the door without letting the owner in
• Puppies being raised elsewhere… the house looks perfect and the breeder has to go somewhere to get the puppy you enquired about
• The breeder hasn't done any socialisation
• No health tests. A vet check is not sufficient
• Habe the parents been Embark tested? I have seen and heard a lot of stories of people buying "Pomskies" to later Embark them and find that they are not. They have other breeds and may not even have Husky or Pomeranian in their genetics. 
• If the breeder refuses to send videos and more photos
• Puppies fed on the cheapest dog food or the breeder doesn't actually answer what brand the food is
• is the price too good to be true? 
• The parent dogs (maybe puppies too) are scared of the owner. Cowering down, flattening ears, refuse to make eye contact with the breeder…

There are huge differences with puppies born into socialisation programmes and those born in a barn and raised there for the first few months of life. Not only is socialisation affected but also health. There are so many issues that can arise from puppies born into poor living conditions and having non health tested parents. 

My Breeder Promise

I like to provide as much information on my website and add to it often. I want people to get a good insight into my life with my Pomskies as well as the breeding programme. I am more than happy for potential puppy owners to meet myself and our dogs prior to even getting on the waiting list. I take new photos often so people can see we socialise them, that the dogs are well groomed and look healthy. 

I will be taking a lot of photos and videos of every puppy developing, learning and how they are part of a high standard socialisation programme. Not only do I take great pride in what I do but I hope new puppy owners feel reassured.

Claire 🐾