Looking for a breeder that you can trust to provide you with the best puppy possible can sometimes seem like a lot of work. And it is, and should be! But just with finding the right breeder, the breeder should be also putting work into finding the right homes for their puppies. A breeder should also be doing some work to be sure the homes their puppies will be going to are not only the best home for the puppy but they are providing the best puppy for that home. 

It is important to learn about the homing processes that a breeder completes when they receive a request for information. Does the breeder ask any questions of you? Asking about your intentions with the puppy (sport, companion, show, etc.) will give the breeder a good idea if you are well suited to the breed of puppy. They may also ask many other detailed questions of you. Do be frightened, be glad they are researching you too! This helps to ensure you get the puppy that is suited to your life, long term.   

Some questions a breeder might ask include:

Don't be alarmed if the breeder also asks you for a personal reference as well as a veterinary reference. These questions are common and should be answered truthfully!  A breeder should also be a little picky about you. Remember they are entrusting you with one of their puppies. Good breeders place a great amount of time, effort, and money into producing the best possible puppies and should not be just handing them out like a key-chain. 

When you have selected your puppy breeder, do not be surprised if you have to go onto a wait list to obtain a puppy. If the wait list is very long you can always ask the breeder to provide you a recommendation to another breeder. Some world class breeders may have 2+ year wait lists.  Although a wait list like this is very uncommon, it a hint to show the quality of puppies they produce.

We have all seen the picture-perfect television show or movie where the happy family or person visits the many cute puppies and someone points to the cutest little one and says something to the effect of "that's him/her, that's our new best friend." And a tear falls from the cheek and they all live happily ever after. But when you have settled on a quality breeder, do not be alarmed if your breeder selects a puppy for you. A good breeder will often ensure the correct temperament and qualities go to each home they have carefully selected to receive one of their puppies. Although you hope to spend the next 10-15+ years with this beautiful dog, your breeder should be helping to make sure that is possible by selecting the correct puppy to meet your lifestyle and activities. After-all they want that particular puppy to be as happy in the new home as you are to have them. A good breeder spends a great amount of time with the puppies for eight full weeks before they go to their new homes therefore is most likely to know what the puppy will turn out like as an adult dog.  Remember, they are only a puppy for a very short while and you will spend the majority of your time with a dog over the years. 

In today's society we are an in-demand and speedy culture. This has been a major contributing factor in the increase in puppy mills and back yard breeders alike. There are often no wait lists, no selection processes and no hassle. If you want a puppy, you could have one as fast as you can snap your fingers. And with this fast-paced on-demand need from buyers, the quality and health of puppies dramatically decreases (see our September and October issues for more information on health guarantees, contracts and health testing). Many good breeders will also want to often stay in touch with you throughout the dogs life to be sure that the fit you have continues to be good and support you throughout your dogs life. Now, its important to remember that we are very happy with our puppies and dogs and their accomplishments and an occasional important update (for example a title, graduation from puppy class picture or even a birthday picture) is wonderful to show off to your breeder; sending constant updates such as each time the puppy potties outside or a weekly 'birthday' photo may be a little much. 

So be happy if your breeder wants to select you as much as you want to select them, it may be yet another indication of a good breeding program.