Choosing a breed that is right for your family can be time consuming. However, when you consider the fact that this dog may be with you for 15 to 20 years, it makes you realize this is time well spent.

     Once you have chosen the appropriate breed you now have the task of selecting a breeder to purchase your puppy from. Some people may think all breeders (and dogs) are made equal but this is not the case. Every breeder will tell you he or she is reputable but just like any “buyers beware” situation it is up to you to make sure the wool or “fur” is not being pulled over your eyes.

     Ensuring the puppies are born from healthy parents, and screened for genetic diseases is a must but also keep in mind that the environment into which a puppy is born and raised will also determine the behavior patterns of an adult dog. Social rearing of puppies is the most effective means of ensuring predictable behavior as adults. This means you must ensure each of the puppies is treated well from birth and the necessary steps are taken by the breeder to ensure they are imprinted with good behavioral traits.

     Also keep in mind, there is a law in Canada called the Animal Pedigree Act, which stipulates that for an animal to be purebred in Canada they must be registered with the appropriate association usually the Canadian Kennel Club, or American Kennel Club. This means an animal is not purebred unless it is born of two parents who are registered with the Canadian Kennel Club and the breeder has registered the litter as well. At bare minimum the breeder will be registered with the Canadian Kennel Club, and don’t take their word for it, demand proof. It is illegal to charge more for registration papers, be wary of someone who sells on a “with or without papers” basis. Keep in mind, puppy mill puppies can be registered with the Canadian Kennel Club as they are strictly a registry and do not police breeders. You must still do your home work to make sure the breeder is reputable.  To get you started I will list some tips to look for in your breeder. If they do not meet these requirements take your money elsewhere.

A reputable breeder (at minimum):

• Will be registered with the Canadian Kennel Club, as will the puppies.
• Be registered with their breed’s national club, and be in good standing. This is essential as the clubs have their own “Code of Ethics” that the members must adhere to. If a question is raised about one of their members the club will investigate and if found to be true will revoke that breeder’s membership.
• Does not supply puppies or adult dogs to pet stores, commercial dealers, for raffles, giveaway prizes, or other such projects.
• Keeps the dogs in the home as part of the family and not outside in kennel runs or “out buildings”. This is crucial for proper rearing. Puppies must be exposed to many different environments in their first few weeks of life, preferably places they might encounter during their life (not just one room).
• Only breeds one (or max two, RARELY) types of dogs and is knowledgeable about “breed standards”.
• Has a strong relationship with a local veterinarian and is willing to show you veterinary records for the dam (mother), all puppies, and allow veterinary staff to release confidential information such as how they treat all of their animals.
• Will have certificates, and show you, for all tests done on both parents to make sure they are free of genetic diseases that breed is prone to (tests required can be found with the national bred club). *Note the date of the certificates as some tests are required to be done within a certain amount of time before the dog is bred. A reputable breeder will go over all potential inherent problems in the breed, and explain to you what those concerns are.
• Provides you with a written contract and health guarantee. Make sure you read the fine print! Most good breeders will refund your money for the purchase of the dog WITHOUT making you return the dog to them.
• Require that you sign a contract stating you will return the dog to the breeder (or a home the breeder approves of) should you be unable to keep the dog at ANY point in the dog’s life.
• Do not have litters available year round. Good breeders will have waiting lists to keep track of interested people for when they next breed their dog.  It is common for breeders to only have a litter every few years as it is a huge undertaking and to make sure their dams have a good quality of life.
• Provides references of families who have purchased puppies and also keeps in close contact with those families to provide guidance, experience, advice and service should it be solicited.
• Will require that you visit the kennel, meet with them (breeder), as well as, all the puppies and the mother, no reputable breeder will have the puppies onsite without the mother being there. If the father is on site you should also meet with him.
• Will issue a bill of sale including the words “purebred” or “registered”. It is illegal to sell unregistered dogs as purebred but you need to make sure you have proof and then the breeder is held accountable by federal law.
• Is in it for the bettering of the breed and NEVER to make money.  Most breeders will tell you there is very little to no profit when you consider the time required, costs in breeding, and cost in caring for the dam (mother) before, during and after her pregnancy as well as the cost of the puppies until they leave for their homes.
• Will not let you pick the puppy you would like to take but instead pick the dog that would best suit your family, as they know what you are looking for in a dog and know the puppies personalities and can better select the dog you want.
• Will have the dogs permanently and uniquely identified prior to leaving the breeder’s premises in order for it to be registered with the Canadian Kennel Club. This is the law. There are two acceptable forms of identification: A Canadian Standard microchip transponder or a tattoo. Breeder must either scan the dog themselves and show you that the microchip matches the papers you receive or provide a veterinary certificate stating the designated microchip is in that dog. *Note, if you purchase a puppy from the USA make sure the chip used by the American breeder can be read in Canada.
• Will not sell their puppies on a first come, first serve basis. They will also require a lot of information from their prospective owners to make sure they will be a good home for their dogs. Be prepared to answer many questions. Remember good breeders love their dogs as if they were their children and must make sure each one goes to an excellent home.
• Will actively compete with their dogs in either conformation trials (which judges how closely dogs match their “breed standards”), obedience trials (which judge how well dogs perform specific sets of tasks on command), or tracking and agility trials.
• Will not breed dogs under 2 years of age, or more than 7 years of age (ideally 6 years), will not breed dogs on back to back heats, or those who are not physically and mentally sound, or those who have not been thoroughly tested and certified to be free of genetic diseases.
• Will demand new puppy owners sign a spay/neuter contract unless you will be actively involved in showing him or her (applies to show quality dogs only).
• Feeds high quality “premium” brand food.
• Has puppies/dogs who appear happy and healthy, are excited to meet new people, and don’t shy away from visitors. Observe how the breeder interacts with all of his or her dogs. Does he or she appear to genuinely care about them? Do the puppies shy away from the breeder?
• Will not allow you to take the puppy home before it is 7½ to 8 weeks old.
• Will show you where the puppies spend most of their time- the area should be clean, safe and well maintained.

Canadian Kennel Club - Specifically: Code of Ethics & Golden Rules of finding a reputable breeder, Breeder Code of Practice.

American Kennel Club – If you are thinking of purchasing a dog from the United States of America.

The Humane Society of the United States.

BCSPCA

**If you know what breed of dog you are looking for use a search engine to find their national breed club of Canada. Use that website to find health tests breeders must perform, their “Code of Ethics” and breeders across Canada.**