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You know you’ve found a good dog breeder if:
- They specialize in breeding only one or two breeds of dogs. Ask them questions about the breed: the temperament, health issues, how big the dog will be, etc.
- They interview you extensively to be sure their puppies are going to the best homes
- They offer a return guarantee should you have health or behavior issues
- They keep the dogs inside the home, and not outside in cages or runs
- They can provide you with the pup’s health and veterinary records provided from a veterinarian
- They provide references for others who have adopted puppies from them
- They may not always have a litter of puppies available and will take your information to contact you when one is expected
- They will require you to sign a contract stating that you will return the dog if you are unable to keep him or her at any time during the dog’s life
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In addition to the list of things to look for in a good breeder, here are things to avoid:
- There is a sign at the facility listing multiple breeds available
- They advertise in the classifieds of the newspaper
- They will not show you where the dogs live
- When you do an Internet search on the name of the facility or owner, you find recorded infractions against them
- They try to impress you with AKC or ACA papers for the dog
- The dog’s health records are hand-written
- When you meet the puppies, they seem anti-social or fearful
- There are obvious health problems with the puppies: look for runny noses, weepy eyes, a cough, bowlegs (yes, from not being able to fully stand up in the cage)
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