The Right Fit: Choosing the Breeder of Your Future Puppy

A good fit between an owner and puppy is important to us, and I've written about our matching on our website and in our blog post about Temperament Testing. Another important fit is that between breeder and puppy buyer/owner. As breeders, we aren't the right fit for everyone and in fact no breeder is the right fit for every family. A good fit is more likely to result in positive experiences for not only the humans involved, but especially for the puppy. Determining if the fit is right between breeder and prospective owner is the responsibility of both parties and should be based on goals, values, and expectations. This has been a significant focus of our approach and success over the years and we believe it should be equally important to families who are looking for the breeder of their next puppy or dog because after all, this should be a relationship that lasts for at least the life of the dog.

It Starts with a Screening Process

A prospective puppy owner generally starts their search for a reputable breeder by looking at breed and kennel clubs' breeder lists, Google searches, and visiting breeders' websites and social media accounts. They narrow down their list and make initial inquiries to a few breeders and that's when the breeders' screening processes kick in. A well thought out screening process benefits both parties as it gives them the ability to grow their understanding about important elements that will shape their experience if they move forward. These elements include:

• Expectations

• Responsible dog ownership

• Personality fit

• Cost

• Experience and reputation

Are you going to learn all of this with a quick phone call or direct message exchange on a social media account? Not likely. We've been told by other breeders and a few visitors to our website that our screening process is just way too much. Indeed, we do invest a significant amount of time and effort in getting to know prospective owners and giving them the chance to get to know us prior to adding them to our wait list. Our screening process is designed to give both parties ample opportunity to decide whether to move forward based on impressions of fit. The full process includes four to five touchpoints (sometimes more) in various forms from initial enquiry through to joining our wait list. Through the process, information is exchanged in increasing detail at each step to give both parties the opportunity to make an informed decision on fit. We invest hours of our time answering questions via email, Zoom meetings and in some cases, follow up by phone. The prospective owner also invests their time by participating in our process, an indicator they value the right fit between themselves and the breeder of their future dog as much as we do.

Let's break down the elements listed above to explore them further.

Expectations: Transparency is Key

A prospective owner should expect that a breeder will be transparent and thoughtfully answer their questions. A reputable breeder will provide details about their breed(s) on temperament, health, activity level, grooming requirements and more to help the prospective owner understand if the breed is the right fit for their family and lifestyle. While there will be a level of expectation that they have done some research to understand the breed they are interested in, good breeders are committed to supporting people in learning more about the breed and more specifically, what life with one of their dogs might look like. A prospective owner should consider what they're looking for in a breeder and ask specific questions to determine if the breeder will fulfill that role. A breeder should be able to answer those questions with detailed, thoughtful responses. A responsible breeder will also sell their puppies with contracts that detail further expectations including any warranties, policies, ownership and more.

“The relationship between breeder and owner is built on trust, mutual respect, and importantly, a shared commitment to the well-being of the dog. ”

On the other hand, prospective owners should be honest and transparent about their living situation, experience with dogs, and expectations. They will be asked to complete and submit an application or questionnaire, and the breeder will expect that the answers are honest and as detailed as possible. In their discussions with the breeder, a prospective owner should be open to the breeder's questions, some of which may seem somewhat personal, and understand that the breeders' motive for asking is to not only assess a good fit, but also share information that may support the prospective owner's journey. Sharing details about goals for your puppy and future adult dog and how your dog will fit in with your family are important. Transparency and thoughtful, detailed discussion will result in a much more positive outcome for both.

Responsible Dog Ownership

At the core of the breeder-owner relationship is the commitment to the well-being of the dog. A responsible breeder cares deeply about their puppies' health, temperaments, and overall happiness. They prioritize evidence-based, tried and effective puppy raising protocols that foster confidence-building, optimism, stability, and health. They put a great deal of themselves into every litter they raise, so it's no surprise that they want loving and committed families to take their puppies home and continue what they started. This requires shared values around animal welfare and responsible dog ownership. Talking about responsible dog ownership during the screening process will ensure the parties are aligned.

Personality Fit

Some people are like oil and water, it's just human nature. While breeders and their puppy/dog owners don't have to be best friends, there should be a level of compatibility for the fit to be a good one. Reputable breeders commit to supporting their puppy owners for the life of their dogs and commit to taking a dog back at any point in the dog's life. If the owner doesn't like the breeder for whatever reason, the owner is going to be less comfortable and less likely to reach out to the breeder for help. A thorough screening process helps assess whether it's an "oil and water" situation or not.

Money-Is the Price a Fit?

Price is another subject that may affect fit. It may be tempting to gravitate to the lowest price point but be cautious of breeders who offer puppies at unusually low prices and don’t be uncomfortable asking a breeder why they have landed on a particular price point for their puppies.  Responsible breeding involves health testing, veterinary care, day-to-day care of breeding dogs, whelping and raising puppies, training, equipment and more and this all comes at significant cost. Responsible breeders establish their prices in line with these expenses and despite some prospective owners thinking these prices are exorbitant, the cost of owning and breeding sound, balanced and healthy dogs is expensive. Low pricing may indicate a breeder is skipping some or all these important steps and the outcome of purchasing this lower costing puppy could result in health and other issues requiring thousands more spent on veterinary and other care than the price of the responsible breeder's puppy in the first place.

Reputation and Experience

Experienced breeders have spent many years honing their craft. They are knowledgeable about their breed's health risks, common behavioral issues, and how to foster confidence, stability and normal development in their puppies. A breeder who has a strong reputation in the dog community, is involved and takes their roll as a mentor to newcomers seriously indicates they care about their breed(s) and the community they are part of. A prospective owner should feel comfortable asking for references and asking pointed questions about the breeder's experience and their involvement in the dog community. Working with a breeder who is reputable, ethical and genuinely interested in the future of their dogs will go a long way to achieving good outcomes.

Final Thoughts

The relationship between breeder and owner is built on trust, mutual respect, and importantly, a shared commitment to the well-being of the dog. By thoroughly researching breeders, asking the right questions, being honest about your own needs, and open to a breeder’s screening process, you can find the right fit that benefits both prospective owner and their future dog. Hopefully this blog helps those who are embarking on their journey of finding a reputable breeder who is a good fit for them, and eventually welcoming a responsibly bred and raised puppy or dog.