So, you’re considering adding a new family member into the mix. Congratulations!

Puppies are exciting, but they’re also a big responsibility. After you’ve thought about all the different scenarios, and have decided that you’ll be a dedicated owner, you’ll need to decide where to get your dog.

If you’re going the route of a breeder, we aren’t here to shame you! We just want to make sure that you go with a responsible breeder! There are lots of reasons why this is important, and we’ll go over everything you need to know before you choose the pup of your dreams from a responsible breeder.

Before we dive in, we want to make sure you’ve thought about everything a dog requires!

So, the first thing we’ll do is give you a list of important questions you should have answers to before you’ve decided on purchasing a puppy. It’s important that you think about these answers, as they can really impact whether you consider yourself ready to be a pet parent or not!

Key questions to ask you and your family:

Are you able to take care of your new furry friend for their entire life? Most dogs live anywhere from 8 to 15 years, and that’s a long time! Don’t add to the currently overwhelming shelter situation by getting a dog, only to realize you can’t handle it after a few years or even months.

Is the breed you’re looking for suitable for your lifestyle? Every breed has specific needs, and also comes with unique health concerns. Some dogs need “jobs” since they’re considered working breeds. Others are more than happy to be lazier and family-focused pets.

Will you be able to afford monthly expenses like food, toys, grooming and/or dog walks? Make sure you factor in the size of your dog when you budget for monthly expenses. A larger dog needs more food for instance and a shorter hair dog may not cost as much for grooming.

What type of food will you feed your dog? There are so many options on the market! You should make sure you do your research so you’re comfortable with the ingredients you’re feeding your dog, and it fits with your budget.

If you’re trying to decide still, we have compared different types of food: raw food vs. kibble vs. cooked food and dehydrated vs. freeze-dried vs. raw

Have you considered additional expenses like vet bills or insurance? Vet bills are often high when dogs are puppies. You should also decide whether you want insurance to cover unexpected illnesses or accidents—other people opt to make a new bank account and save money themselves.

What will you do if someone in your household is allergic? Hopefully this doesn’t happen. A great way to test this is to spend a lot of time around dogs beforehand. Make sure you test whether you have allergies or not with the specific breed you want since people react differently to different breeds.

Have you thought about basic obedience training and the cost? Basic training is essential for ensuring your dog has less problems as they get older. Trained dogs are easier to bring places and training allows you to create stronger bond with your four-legged companion

Who will be the main caregiver? If you’re a parent getting your kids a dog, remember that dogs need a lot of care—especially puppies. Even if your child (or partner) agrees to split responsibilities, make sure you know how much time you should put aside to care for your dog. They will need your time for training, walks, and mental stimulation activities!

Now that we’ve covered some of the important questions surrounding dog ownership, let’s explore what makes a breeder “responsible”.

Responsible breeders go above and beyond to ensure that their dogs are healthy and well-cared for. This means that a breeder has looked at the parents of your pups and has decided (with the help of other professionals as well) that they are healthy and of good temperament to be bred.

How do they make sure they’re likely to be healthy? Responsible breeders prioritize genetic testing to ensure that their dogs don't carry any hereditary diseases or conditions that could be passed on to their offspring.

After puppies are born, they take the time to properly socialize and train the new puppies, ensuring that they're well-behaved and ready to join their new families. Because even if their parents are good natured, it still takes nurturing to ensure they are successful in life.

In addition, responsible breeders are committed to finding the right homes for their puppies. They take the time to interview potential owners and ensure that their puppies are going to loving and responsible homes. Oftentimes, breeders will do temperament testing at a certain age so that they understand the needs of their puppies. They then match puppies based on temperament with the most suitable home.

For instance, a more active or rambunctious pup will be placed with a family who loves the outdoors. If a puppy is more relaxed or shy, it may not do as well in a home with multiple very dominant dogs. Responsible breeders consider all of this when placing their pups into their forever families!

Another important factor of a responsible breeder is that they also provide ongoing support and advice to new owners to ensure that their puppies are well-cared for and happy. A very respectable breeder does this over the entire lifetime of the dog. So, if you ever run into unexpected circumstances, they are there to offer support and sometimes will help in the re-homing process if absolutely necessary.

Now that you know what you should look for in a responsible breeder, how do you go about choosing one to buy your puppy from?

It can be a daunting task!

Not to worry, though. Here are some tips to help you!

Start by researching breeders in your area and reading online reviews from previous customers. Reach out to some current owners if possible! Many pet parents are happy to connect and share their experiences.

Also, look for breeders who prioritize genetic testing and are committed to finding the right homes for their puppies. It’s okay to ask questions—in fact you should!

One of the most vital things is to visit the breeder in person to see their facilities and meet their dogs. A responsible breeder will be happy to show you around and answer any questions you may have. Look for clean facilities and well-cared-for dogs who are friendly and social.

If you can’t visit (maybe you’re looking at breeders across the country), then it is more important to try and connect with other owners to see what their experience was!

While buying a puppy from a responsible breeder can be a great experience, there are also many benefits to adoption. Adopting a dog from a shelter or rescue organization can be a rewarding experience, and you'll be giving a deserving dog a second chance at a happy life.

Adopting a dog is also typically less expensive than buying from a breeder, and many rescue organizations provide their dogs with necessary vaccinations, spaying/neutering, and other medical care.

Whichever way you go, remember to check whether your potential new family member will fit with your lifestyle. In some cases adopted dogs can have behavioural issues if they come from less than favourable situations. Check with the rescue about whether they have dog or human reactivity, guarding tendencies, and are good with children!

When getting a new puppy from a breeder, it's important to choose a responsible breeder who prioritizes the health and well-being of their dogs. Take the time to do all your research about your breeder and the prep required to welcome your pup into your home.

And, while buying from a responsible breeder can be a great experience, don't overlook the benefits of adoption and giving a deserving dog a second chance at a happy life.

Enjoy the puppy years! They grow up so fast.