I am a reputable breeder. At least I assume so, because I have a good reputation. But what if I don't have any pups or time/travel demand that you get a pup elsewhere? What to do? How to find another "reputable" breeder? Before you even pick up your phone, find out which organization they hold their pedigrees with, do a little poking around and find their reputation status.
I'm the last one to hold any creedence in "papers" on a dog, however if your prospect breeder needs accountability outside of themselves. As you see from Magnus' picture, it may look like a duck, it quacks like a duck....but its NOT a duck. Make sure you're getting a duck by first looking up the pedigree YOURSELF. Don't rely on a photocopy of a photocopy. If the ped's aren't accessible to you - move on. Besides, it's fun to see where your pup came from! NOTE: If the organization that holds the pedigrees needs to be vetted as well. Make sure they are not a scam like registering your "Emotional Support Dog" companies that mirror the true organizations but have no credentials themselves.
After you've nailed down an avenue to research the heritage, spoken to a prospective breeder, make sure to ask for first hand references. If this is a novice breeder, a quick chat with their regular vet should give you a feel for their character. Otherwise getting in touch with a past puppy buyer, and meeting up with relatives of your prospect breeder's lines is always suggested. If the prospect breeder cannot or will not provide references, move on.
There are verifying agencies such Orthopedic Foundation of America (OFA), GOOD DOG breeder registry, that can testify to the amount of health testing a breeder does. Many breeders are active in their breed clubs or dog sports. Attending a trail or test could tell you alot about the breeder's fan-base.
Your local humane society, rescue organizations and Dept of Agriculture will have record of any negative actions of that breeder. Don't forget about Google. A little good ole fashioned nosiness might behoove you at this point.
If that breeder uses social media - you can probably get a good history there. I suppose you could go so far as a background check. But honestly if there are that many red flags you feel you need to do that? Perhaps its time to move on.
I'm currently in the business of finding reputable clients. I have been known to call a vet and ask some "off the record" questions. I've used all these methods and more to vet prospective puppy buyers. So don't feel bad about poking around a little. THIS dog pictured here could have fallen into the wrong hands, and been passed off as a Pyrenees or even CMD with not much question. However, his loving parents have seen him through his NOT-A-Duck adult life with all the love I knew they would.
Be careful out there folks
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