How to Find a Good Breeder:
Finding a good breeder isn’t easy. It will likely take research, time, and communication.
1. One Litter at a Time
Raising a litter of puppies takes an insane amount of work.
Breeders who have more than one (or two) litter of puppies “on the ground” at once might not be giving the puppies the attention they need in this critically formative time.
While one litter at a time is ideal, In some cases, female dogs may sync when in season, leaving breeders no choice but to manage two litters, and that’s absolutely fine and normal.
However, if breeders have multiple litters ( 3,4, or more) going on at once, you may want to take a pause.
2. Puppy Parents On-Site
Ideally, you’ll really want your pup’s parents to be on site.
It’s not uncommon for the male dog to not be around, but be sure to ask about him. The breeder should be more than willing to let you meet the parents if at all possible.
The parents are the best reflections available of what the puppies will be like as adults if no older siblings are around.
3. Puppies Are Raised Inside
Unless you’re planning on having your dog live outside as a working dog, avoid breeders who raise their puppies in kennel or outdoor environments.
Puppies raised inside are more likely to be exposed to kids, other animals, and normal home activities. As we’ve already discussed in detail, early puppy socialization is really valuable, and if your pup is spending most of their time isolated outside, they won’t be making the most use of those key early months.
4. Breeders Pick the Families
You wanted to find the right breeder and by extension the right puppy. The breeder wanted to find the right home for every puppy. The breeder knew each individual pup and help you pick out your forever companion.
When you’re working with a breeder who insists on meeting all the family member before helping you pick a pup, you know you’re working with a breeder who cares and wants their dogs in only the best homes.
5. Parents Over 2 Years Old
Veterinarians don’t recommend breeding dogs until a bit later in life in order to keep the mother healthy, so look for doggy parents who are at least two years old.
It’s also not possible to get realistic health or temperament assessments of the parents until the parents are done growing and maturing.
If you want a happy, healthy adult dog, you need to be sure that her parents are happy and healthy adult dogs. That means waiting until the parents are two years old prior to having puppies.
Waiting until two isn’t always a hard and fast rule though - but they have bred a female younger then 2 yrs of age ask why?
6. Puppies Unavailable Until 8 Weeks
Studies show that puppies removed from their parents and litter-mates too young are more likely to exhibit problem behaviors like fear or aggression towards other dogs.
Responsible breeders know this and won’t separate puppies from parents until the appropriate time.
6-week old puppies soon become 8-week old puppies, and it’s just not worth the potential long-term behavior issues to risk it.
7. Health Testing and Screening
English Springer Spaniels should have an OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) hip, elbow, and eye scores.
Really good breeders will have a scan of these scores for each dog on their website. This testing is expensive, but good breeders will do it.
Don’t forget to ask about vaccination records for the puppies! The breeder should absolutely be able to show you documented evidence of vet visits and provide a clean bill of health.
8. Waiting Lists, High prices, & Deposits
It sounds weird, I know. Breeders that don’t have puppies available right now is a good thing.
Since a good breeder only has one litter at a time, they also will likely have more customers than they have puppies.
Because of all of the testing listed above, good puppies are extremely expensive to produce. Do not expect to pay hundreds of dollars for your puppy – think in the thousands. It’s worth it!
9. They’re Not Afraid of Questions
A good breeder should not be afraid to answer any and all of your questions.
Ask breeders how long they’ve been in the business, how often do they feed, clean, and play with the dogs, and if they can provide references from past adopters.
Good breeders won’t have an issue with questions – in fact, they’ll likely be encouraged by your due diligence.
10. They Deal Only in 1 or 2 Breeds
Most authentic breeders specialize in one, maybe two breeds. If your breeder offers dogs of many various breeds and mixed, turn tail and run.
11. Willing to Take Puppy Back (If Need Be)
Good breeders recognize that things happen.
A military family unexpectedly goes overseas. A family member falls ill and the family cannot responsibly keep the dog due to financial and time constraints. The dog is not the right fit for the family.
Of course you never want to resort this option, and hopefully you’ll never need to return your puppy. However, a good breeder will be willing to take the puppy back – look for that promise as yet another litmus test of quality.
12. Eager to Provide Breed Guidance
A knowledgeable breeder will be happy to sit down with you and discuss what you can expect in the breed, including any issues that might crop up later in life (purebred dogs, even well bred ones, have be susceptible to certain diseases or health problems).
13. Proven Lineage For Your Goals
If you want a truffle hunting dog, find a breeder who has a line of proven sniffing dogs. If you want a family pet, do not go for that same breeder!
I see this problem all the time in English Springer Spaniels. You are looking at a field spaniel as a family pet and you wonder why it isn't working out. The energy level, focus, and drive for a field spaniel for work is too much for most families to handle. You’ll want a breeder that specializes in producing family or working dogs.
Be realistic with yourself and your breeder about what you’re looking for and what you can provide for your puppy. They in turn should be honest about whether or not their dogs are a good fit for your needs.
Finding a good breeder isn’t easy. It will likely take research, time, and communication.
1. One Litter at a Time
Raising a litter of puppies takes an insane amount of work.
Breeders who have more than one (or two) litter of puppies “on the ground” at once might not be giving the puppies the attention they need in this critically formative time.
While one litter at a time is ideal, In some cases, female dogs may sync when in season, leaving breeders no choice but to manage two litters, and that’s absolutely fine and normal.
However, if breeders have multiple litters ( 3,4, or more) going on at once, you may want to take a pause.
2. Puppy Parents On-Site
Ideally, you’ll really want your pup’s parents to be on site.
It’s not uncommon for the male dog to not be around, but be sure to ask about him. The breeder should be more than willing to let you meet the parents if at all possible.
The parents are the best reflections available of what the puppies will be like as adults if no older siblings are around.
3. Puppies Are Raised Inside
Unless you’re planning on having your dog live outside as a working dog, avoid breeders who raise their puppies in kennel or outdoor environments.
Puppies raised inside are more likely to be exposed to kids, other animals, and normal home activities. As we’ve already discussed in detail, early puppy socialization is really valuable, and if your pup is spending most of their time isolated outside, they won’t be making the most use of those key early months.
4. Breeders Pick the Families
You wanted to find the right breeder and by extension the right puppy. The breeder wanted to find the right home for every puppy. The breeder knew each individual pup and help you pick out your forever companion.
When you’re working with a breeder who insists on meeting all the family member before helping you pick a pup, you know you’re working with a breeder who cares and wants their dogs in only the best homes.
5. Parents Over 2 Years Old
Veterinarians don’t recommend breeding dogs until a bit later in life in order to keep the mother healthy, so look for doggy parents who are at least two years old.
It’s also not possible to get realistic health or temperament assessments of the parents until the parents are done growing and maturing.
If you want a happy, healthy adult dog, you need to be sure that her parents are happy and healthy adult dogs. That means waiting until the parents are two years old prior to having puppies.
Waiting until two isn’t always a hard and fast rule though - but they have bred a female younger then 2 yrs of age ask why?
6. Puppies Unavailable Until 8 Weeks
Studies show that puppies removed from their parents and litter-mates too young are more likely to exhibit problem behaviors like fear or aggression towards other dogs.
Responsible breeders know this and won’t separate puppies from parents until the appropriate time.
6-week old puppies soon become 8-week old puppies, and it’s just not worth the potential long-term behavior issues to risk it.
7. Health Testing and Screening
English Springer Spaniels should have an OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) hip, elbow, and eye scores.
Really good breeders will have a scan of these scores for each dog on their website. This testing is expensive, but good breeders will do it.
Don’t forget to ask about vaccination records for the puppies! The breeder should absolutely be able to show you documented evidence of vet visits and provide a clean bill of health.
8. Waiting Lists, High prices, & Deposits
It sounds weird, I know. Breeders that don’t have puppies available right now is a good thing.
Since a good breeder only has one litter at a time, they also will likely have more customers than they have puppies.
Because of all of the testing listed above, good puppies are extremely expensive to produce. Do not expect to pay hundreds of dollars for your puppy – think in the thousands. It’s worth it!
9. They’re Not Afraid of Questions
A good breeder should not be afraid to answer any and all of your questions.
Ask breeders how long they’ve been in the business, how often do they feed, clean, and play with the dogs, and if they can provide references from past adopters.
Good breeders won’t have an issue with questions – in fact, they’ll likely be encouraged by your due diligence.
10. They Deal Only in 1 or 2 Breeds
Most authentic breeders specialize in one, maybe two breeds. If your breeder offers dogs of many various breeds and mixed, turn tail and run.
11. Willing to Take Puppy Back (If Need Be)
Good breeders recognize that things happen.
A military family unexpectedly goes overseas. A family member falls ill and the family cannot responsibly keep the dog due to financial and time constraints. The dog is not the right fit for the family.
Of course you never want to resort this option, and hopefully you’ll never need to return your puppy. However, a good breeder will be willing to take the puppy back – look for that promise as yet another litmus test of quality.
12. Eager to Provide Breed Guidance
A knowledgeable breeder will be happy to sit down with you and discuss what you can expect in the breed, including any issues that might crop up later in life (purebred dogs, even well bred ones, have be susceptible to certain diseases or health problems).
13. Proven Lineage For Your Goals
If you want a truffle hunting dog, find a breeder who has a line of proven sniffing dogs. If you want a family pet, do not go for that same breeder!
I see this problem all the time in English Springer Spaniels. You are looking at a field spaniel as a family pet and you wonder why it isn't working out. The energy level, focus, and drive for a field spaniel for work is too much for most families to handle. You’ll want a breeder that specializes in producing family or working dogs.
Be realistic with yourself and your breeder about what you’re looking for and what you can provide for your puppy. They in turn should be honest about whether or not their dogs are a good fit for your needs.