Choosing a responsible dog breeder: a buyer's checklist

The breeder you choose shapes your dog's health and temperament for its entire life. A responsible breeder is breeding for the dogs; a puppy mill is breeding for volume. Here is how to tell them apart before your heart overrides your head.

Green flags — what good breeders do

• Health-test the parents and show you the certificates (hips, elbows, eyes, breed-specific DNA panels).
• Let you visit and meet the dam with the litter, in a clean home environment.
• Ask you questions. A breeder who interviews you cares where their puppies go.
• Provide a contract with health guarantees and a clause to take the dog back if you ever can't keep it.
• Register the litter with a recognised kennel club and hand over the paperwork.
• Keep puppies until 8 weeks minimum, with first vaccinations and worming done.

Red flags — walk away if you see these

• Multiple breeds and "always available" litters.
• Won't let you see where the puppies are raised, or offers to "meet halfway".
• No health testing — or vague hand-waving about it.
• Can't or won't show registration papers.
• Pressuring you to pay a deposit today.

Questions worth asking

1. Can I see the health test results for both parents?
2. Why did you choose this particular pairing?
3. How have the puppies been socialised so far?
4. What support do you offer after I take the puppy home?
5. Will you take the dog back if my circumstances change?

A good breeder will welcome every one of these.

Reading the paperwork

When you do get the documents, knowing how to read a pedigree certificate helps you confirm the litter is what was promised. Then line up your puppy's first-year vaccination schedule so you are ready on day one.

Take your time. A responsible breeder would rather you wait for the right puppy than rush the wrong one.