Finding the right breeder & asking the right questions

The very first thing I would like to point out is that there are never any 100% guarantees. Even if a puppy is from a long line of immaculately healthy dogs or cats, yours could still develop issues later.

When you are looking for a purebred puppy/kitten, you need to find a reputable breeder. Making this effort should save you from dealing with expensive health problems caused by poor breeding, and troublesome behaviour problems caused by lack of socialization. It will take time to find a good breeder, and more time until they have the correct puppy or kitten for you, as they often have a waiting list for their puppies or kittens.

You can start your search for your breeder on Google, by looking up the Canadian Kennel Club! Then you can email or call the breeders to determine who has babies for sale currently. When calling these breeders ask a lot of questions! A good breeder will never mind and will appreciate that you care enough to know everything you can about your future pet. Expect to have questions asked back to you in return as a reputable breeder cares about their dogs and cats, and will want their animals to go to the best homes possible.

Questions for the breeder

Remember to ask them to tell you all about the breed they raise, the good and the bad; the strengths and weaknesses in these dogs and cats.

  1. Ask to see Health certifications (the parents should have them)
  2. Ask about contracts that spell out what happens if the puppy/kitten you buy ends up with health problems.
  3. The breeder should be willing to provide you with references and telephone numbers of other people who have purchased puppies and kittens from them.
  4. Do they have a mandatory spay/neuter contract?( A breeder who cares enough to insist on these is likely to be a responsible breeder.)
  5. Will the breeder take the dog/cat back at any time if something happens and you cannot keep it?
  6. Are the parents available for you to meet? If the father is not, are there any videos or pictures in which you can see him?
  7. Are the puppies raised in the home and not in a kennel, barn or in the back yard?
  8. Can the breeder provide you with a 3 to 5-generation pedigree? A contract to sign? Copies of all clearances, guarantees, and health records?
  9. Do they require a 48 hour veterinary exam? A breeder that insists on this is making sure you are aware the puppy/kitten is healthy at the time you take them home and is more than happy to take back the puppy if any concerns arise.
  10. Do you feel comfortable with this person? Remember to trust your gut, if you do not feel like this is the right breeder for you then keep looking. You will find your perfect and match!

Remember the point to all these questions is to try and save yourself and your future pet some heartache, by taking precautions you are cutting out obvious illnesses and disorders. Sometimes you do just fall in love, but remember in both cases that pet insurance is NEVER a bad idea when it comes to a new pet and it is best to apply while you still have a clean slate.