Most Advice on Choosing a Breeder Is Outdated and Misleading. In a previous post, I mentioned that much of the information available about finding a good breeder is outdated and sometimes misleading. Some of you reached out, curious about why I think that. Let’s break down some of the main reasons.
1. Ask Trusted People for Recommendations** This common advice suggests asking a person you know who bought a dog from a breeder and is happy with their dog. While this seems reasonable, it’s incomplete. Most owners will recommend their breeder because they love their dog and naturally think their breeder is the best. But let’s dig deeper: How old is your friend’s dog? Does it have any health issues? A young dog might seem healthy, but hereditary diseases can appear later. Many owners think that certain health problems are just “normal” for a breed and don’t mention them. It’s important to ask the right questions, beyond just “Are you happy with your dog?”
2. A Good Breeder Will Allow You to Visit and Tour All Areas** Who says a good breeder must open their doors to everyone? This is another piece of misleading information. First of all, responsible breeders won’t allow visitors near the puppies until they’ve had at least two vaccinations, to avoid risking their health with something like parvovirus. Plus, we don’t live in the 90s anymore when the world felt a little safer. Do you let random strangers into your home, where your family lives? Probably not, and neither should breeders. Let’s be real—French Bulldogs, for example, are expensive. Imagine a breeder inviting someone in, only for that person to pull out a knife and demand all the puppies. It sounds extreme, but it happens. People can easily see the puppies through photos, videos, and video calls. If the breeder feels comfortable and the potential buyer has paid a deposit, they might arrange a visit or meet elsewhere.
3. Spend Time Chatting on the Phone** While it’s true that a good breeder will spend time chatting with you, this advice needs guidelines. Just because a breeder is willing to talk doesn’t mean they have time to answer the same questions over and over. They’re not interested in your bad experiences with other breeders or your opinions on different dog food brands. They’re there to talk about their own breeding practices and the puppies they’re offering. It’s crucial to have a meaningful conversation, but remember to be respectful of the breeder’s time and boundaries.
These are just a few reasons why I believe current information on finding a breeder is often misleading or incomplete. The world has changed, and so should our approach to finding a responsible breeder. Do thorough research, ask the right questions, and always prioritize the health and well-being of the puppies.
Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments. Let’s keep this conversation going!
Leave a Reply