Essquire

Choosing a registered breeder

Good questions protect dogs and families

A thoughtful breeder should welcome informed questions. Take time to understand how dogs live, why a litter was planned and what support continues after a puppy goes home.

01

Ask about registration and purpose

Confirm that the breeder is registered with the relevant governing body and ask why the pairing was chosen. Responsible breeding has a purpose beyond producing puppies for sale.

02

Discuss health openly

Ask which health tests are relevant to the breed, what has been completed and how results and family history influenced the pairing. Be cautious of absolute health guarantees.

03

Understand how puppies are raised

Ask where puppies live, how they are handled and enriched, and how temperament is assessed. Puppies should be raised with attention to their developmental and welfare needs.

04

Look for lifelong responsibility

A responsible breeder remains available, provides clear records and has a plan for any dog that can no longer remain with its family.