Finding a Reputable Breeder who is honest and ethical is not an easy task to accomplish.  I decided to include this page for new puppy parents because I was a puppy parent before I became a breeder….I went through the daunting task of finding a puppy.  In my quest I found a lot of “bad breeders” / “puppy mills” but also found a few breeders who I felt were reputable and really comfortable with purchasing a puppy from.  It is very sad to see and know how so many of our four legged friends live; just for myself or one of you to have a new puppy.  Not that you or I do not deserve a new puppy but we must ask ourselves under what conditions…..what are our standards…..is it price, health, quality, care, ethics and morals of the breeder and in the way they care for their moms, dads, and puppies, etc.?   Don't be afraid to ask a breeder how their moms, dads, and puppies are cared for and how they live; what tests they run before breeding and on their puppies to ensure health and quality.

The internet has opened a whole new world for breeders and puppy parents alike.   It can be very overwhelming with all of the information and the many different breeders out there....good and bad.  A puppy purchase deserves a lot of your time to research the breed of your choice and breeders; to ensure you are getting what you are paying for from a Reputable Breeder.  

If you are searching for a new puppy to add to your family please be very cautious and picky about whom you choose to purchase from.  I am NOT writing this so you will purchase a puppy from me; but because I know what it is like to be in your shoes and on that quest for a new puppy.  I have been in several undesirable situations with breeders who were not honest about size and / or health of the puppy.  I have learned to do lots of research and ask lots of questions.

 A Reputable Breeder will willing provide the good and the bad information about the puppy.  But not all breeders are reputable so you must know the faults of the breed you are looking for and ask all of the questions and concerns you may have about the puppy, before sending money.  Please take your time and do your research before sending ANY money to a breeder. NOTE: once you send money to most breeders- you will not receive any of it back if you change your mind for any reason. Make sure you understand the terms and conditions of their contract and health guarantee before you send your deposit. If you are not sure what something means; please ask so the terms are clear to you.  A Reputable Breeder will welcome your questions and be willing to answer them.

If the breeder acts like they are in a hurry for your money be cautious. Buying a puppy should not be an impulse purchase. You and the breeder should make sure this is the right time and puppy for you by having you fill out an adoption form.  If the breeder does not require speaking to you on the phone before purchasing a puppy....WALK AWAY- they only care about receiving your money and not about where or how the puppy will spend its life.

  A Reputable Breeder will be there even after the purchase and puppy has left their home.  If something unforeseen happens to the puppy a Reputable Breeder will be there for you at any time in the puppy's life- good and bad times.  They love to hear from you and see updated pictures.  After all this is one of the babies they brought into the world. 

A Reputable Breeder will welcome you into their home.  They may be cautious about the time you visit because of having new puppies at that time. Many will ask you to take off your shoes, put on scrubs, wash your hands, etc. this is to protect the puppies.  It is better to be over protective than to be sorry later on.

A Reputable Breeder will accept their dogs back at any time if the owner is not able to care for the dog any longer.  Irresponsible breeders not caring for the puppies they bring into the world is one of the reasons why Humane Societies and Shelters are flooded with unwanted pets every year.  If you are unable to care for your dog at ANY time the breeder should want to be notified first and be able to have an input about where and what is going to happen to the dog.

A Reputable Breeder looks out for the best interest of all of their puppies.

Please ask the breeder about all of the expenses, time, love, and care that is put into raising your puppy.   Breeders who only think about how many puppies they can produce to sell to as many people as possible do not provide the hands on time and love each one of the puppies needs and deserves and in my opinion is not reputable. Many times more corners are cut that may jeopardize the puppy's life and the expense is then passed on to you, the puppy parent, in unnecessary veterinary bills. 

  Please understand when you purchase a puppy from a "bad breeder",  "puppy mill", or pet store you are helping them to stay in business; unfortunately it's a huge cost to that breeders dog's life that is paying the toll.  They will continue to breed the same dogs over and over and over again and not under the best conditions to produce more of what someone will buy.

How would you feel if you had to live in a cage for the majority of your life with barely any love and attention. You are provided with food and water and your cage is cleaned once a day...maybe.  Your ONLY purpose in life is to produce babies one after the other after the other......back to back to back....and possibly tossed from home to home to be bred again and again just to produce more puppies.  

This is the life of a female or male dog that lives with a "bad breeder" and / or "puppy mill" who may or may not sell to a pet store. 

Please be considerate of our four legged friends, do your research, and purchase from a Reputable Breeder.

Thank you,

Kim Schwindt

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