The Questions Every Puppy Parent Should Ask Before Choosing a Breeder
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Finding a good breeder shouldn’t feel like detective work, but here we are.
The dog world is full of brilliant breeders, average breeders, breeders who mean well but cut corners… and the occasional “we promise that’s a real Kennel Club certificate” situation.
Most first-time owners have no idea what to ask.
Most breeders assume you already know.
And that’s where mistakes happen.
This free guide gives you the exact questions responsible breeders expect you to ask, the red flags they want you to spot, and the confidence you need to walk away when something feels off.
Pickles’ Aside: If a breeder won’t answer your questions, that’s your sign to run. Fast.
Why This Guide Matters
Behind every well-raised puppy is a breeder who did things right:
health testing, home-raising, proper socialisation, clean environments, ethical practices and careful matching.
Behind every overwhelmed, reactive or unhealthy puppy… is someone who didn’t.
Choosing a breeder is the most important decision you make in your dog’s entire life.
More important than training.
More important than food.
More important than choosing the breed itself.
A good breeder sets your puppy up for success.
A bad breeder sets you up for heartbreak.
This guide helps you tell the difference.
What’s Inside the Best in Breeder Guide
You’ll get a clear, easy-to-follow checklist covering:
Health Testing: What matters, what doesn’t, and how to verify it
Not all tests are equal. This guide breaks down the essentials so you don’t rely on vague claims or outdated certificates.
Questions to Ask (With Answer Keys)
Not just what to ask, but the answers you should expect from a genuinely responsible breeder.
Red Flags You Should Never Ignore
From suspicious paperwork to “we don’t allow visits” to puppies leaving too young.
The Difference Between Home-Raised and Kennel-Raised Litters
And why it dramatically affects temperament.
How to Spot Ethical vs. “Friendly but Uninformed” Breeders
Because not every red flag is malicious, some are just inexperienced.
How to Read Between the Lines
The subtle clues in photos, messages and adverts that reveal everything.
Socialisation Done Properly
What breeders should be doing before the puppy ever reaches your home.
Contracts, guarantees and lifetime support
What reputable breeders provide as standard.
Pickles’ Aside: If the contract looks shorter than your Tesco receipt, that’s suspicious.
Who This Guide Is For
- First-time puppy parents
- Experienced owners wanting to avoid a repeat mistake
- Anyone comparing breeders
- Families deciding between multiple litters
- People considering crossbreeds or pedigrees
- Anyone who wants a healthy, well-adjusted dog
You don’t need to know dogs.
You just need the right questions.
What Makes This Guide Different?
Most “breeder checklists” are vague, outdated or written by breeders themselves.
This guide is written from the puppy’s perspective — what actually matters for health, development, and temperament.
It’s simple.
It’s honest.
It’s unbiased.
And it will save you time, money and heartbreak.
Pickles’ Aside: I approve this message. Many puppies do not get the start they deserve.
Get Your Free Best in Breeder Guide
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Just the information you need to choose a breeder with confidence.
Pickles’ Aside: Humans love downloads. Dogs love good starts in life. This one gets you both.