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Finding a responsible dog breeder: What to look for and questions to ask

Doing your research and asking the right questions can help guide you to a breeder who’s the right fit.

By Good Dog Team

Finding a responsible dog breeder can be overwhelming, especially when you’re faced with so many options online and stories of scams. 

Evaluating a breeder isn't as simple as looking at their website or visiting their home. Knowing the right questions to ask and the signs to look for can help you make an informed decision. Whether you're searching on your own or want to learn how responsible breeding works, here's how you can screen a breeder yourself.

What makes a breeder responsible?

There isn't a one-size-fits-all definition of a responsible breeder; the difference lies in their intention and practices. A responsible breeder’s approach is transparent, educated, and deliberate about raising healthy, well-adjusted dogs and placing them in loving homes. Here are key traits to look for:

1. Health testing and preventive care

  • They plan each litter carefully, considering the parents' health, temperament.
  • They can provide relevant health documentation, like veterinary records.
  • They follow proper vaccination and deworming schedules for puppies.

2. Clean, safe, and enriching living conditions

  • Dogs live in clean, safe, well-maintained environments.
  • Puppies are socialized and exposed to people, noise, scents, and new environments.

3. Details about the breeding dogs

  • They are transparent about their breeding dogs and why they choose to breed them.
  • There’s information about the parent dogs' health history and temperament.
  • They can provide photos and videos of each parent dog.

4. Knowledge and transparency

  • Responsible breeders are comfortable answering questions about their program or practices.
  • They understand the breed's characteristics and temperament, and can guide you on what to expect.

5. Application and screening process

  • They want to ensure you're a good fit for one of their puppies.
  • They may ask you about your home, lifestyle, and experience with dogs.
  • They aim to make a good match between you and the puppy.

6. Lifetime support and return policy

  • Responsible breeders care deeply about where their puppies go and often stay in touch after pick-up day.
  • If you can't keep the dog for any reason, they'll take them back or help with rehoming.

7. Thoughtful breeding practices

  • They consider the parents' health and temperament when making breeding decisions.
  • They prioritize the wellbeing of breeding dogs and breed females at appropriate ages and intervals.
  • Quality and health matter more than the number of puppies produced.

Red flags to watch out for

  • Doesn’t provide information, photos, or videos of the parent dogs
  • Vague or inconsistent health information
  • Asks for payment through wire transfer or gift cards
  • Sends puppies home before an appropriate age

A note on in-person visits: It's a common misconception that responsible breeders should always allow in-person visits. Many responsible breeders limit visitors to protect young puppies from diseases like parvo and kennel cough, which can be easily transmitted on clothing and shoes. There are also legitimate safety and security concerns about allowing strangers into their homes.

The key is transparency, and they should be open to connecting virtually if in-person isn't an option due to distance or safety.

Checklist: Questions to ask a breeder

Doing your due diligence means asking the right questions. Responsible breeders expect questions and are happy to talk about their program to help you feel reassured in your decision. Here are the key things to ask about:

Health and breeding

  • What health tests have you done on the parents?
  • Can you share documentation of the results?
  • What are the most common health concerns in this breed?
  • How do you select which dogs to breed?
  • Can I see photos or videos of the parent dogs?

Puppy care and environment

  • Where are the puppies raised? 
  • How do you socialize your puppies?
  • What kind of stimulation and training do they receive before going home?

Adoption and screening

  • What is your application process like?
  • How do you determine if a person is a good fit?
  • When can I take my puppy home?

Ongoing support

  • Will you be available for questions after I bring my puppy home?
  • What happens if I can’t keep the dog, will you help with rehoming or take them back?

Logistics and transparency

  • Do you have a written contract or policies to share?
  • What is included with the puppy (vaccines, microchip, etc.)?
  • Can I visit or video chat to see the puppies and parents?

How Good Dog helps you find responsible breeders

Good Dog was created to help people find and connect with screened, ethical breeders who prioritize the health and well-being of their dogs.

  • Vetting process: All breeders undergo a detailed application review by Good Dog's screening team, with practices evaluated against our science-backed community standards before approval.
  • Health testing guidelines: Good Dog publishes breed-specific testing requirements that breeders report to meeting.
  • Direct communication: You can message breeders directly to ask questions, learn about their program, and get to know them.
  • Educational resources: Good Dog offers guides, tools, and support to help you choose the right breed and ask the right questions.
  • Buyer protection: Every transaction is backed by our payment policy, giving you protection against fraud and built-in support.

The right breeder will make you feel confident and supported throughout the process. They care deeply about where their puppies go and want to make sure you’re a good fit before you commit.

Whether you're searching locally or exploring online platforms like Good Dog, knowing what to look for is the first step toward finding the dog for you.