Many factors set breeders apart. As with all things, some breeders will be highly committed, caring and responsible people, unfortunately, with others this may not be the case.

Here is a list of criteria, which may indicate a breeder is not as reputable as they could be. Less than reputable breeders will not necessarily conform to this list in its entirety; if you have any reason to be concerned, you should carefully consider whether you are happy to buy a puppy from them.

	Has puppies constantly available, breeds a large number of litters each year - these are often large-scale commercial enterprises
	Constantly advertise litters for sale (especially if they offer several other popular breeds) - these are often commercial breeders or dealers.
	Have websites where the main content (information) is advertising puppies for sale.
	Has pups sired by the same stud dog (usually the most local or their own dog) for litter after litter. No one stud dog suits all bitches, breeders who follow a pattern of using the same stud repeatedly are only interested in the dogs ability to father pups as opposed to improving the breed.
	Undertakes no health screening or only basic screening of breeding partners. Responsible and conscientious breeders will only breed from fully health screened parents.
	Has no interest in the breed (i.e. showing, working, obedience, agility, gundog training etc). An interest in the breed demonstrates that the breeder's dogs are important to him for a variety of reasons and not just as a way to earn a living.
	Sells to buyers they have not met personally and screened for suitability. A good breeder is always interested in the home circumstances of anyone who is purchasing one of their puppies.
	Offers to meet potential buyers in locations such as motorway service stations or offer to deliver the puppy to an owner’s home. Puppy farmers and less reputable breeders often use these tactics to prevent buyers from seeing the conditions in which the mother lives and the living environment of the puppies.
	Charges buyers extra if they want a puppy with Kennel Club registration. KC Registration currently costs £12 per puppy and is not an expense that is so high that a breeder cannot afford to register their litter/puppies.
	Does not allow you to meet the pup’s mother. Many breeders will make completely plausible reasons why the mother is not available. They range from “the mother is ill & at the vets”, the “mother is out for a walk”, “I’m rearing this litter for my friend as she’s very ill & the pups mother is at home with her”. Don’t accept any excuse! If the pups are of an age where they need a mother, i.e. pups that are less than 8 – 10 weeks old, the mother should be with them period! The person selling the pups knows you are visiting, therefore they should not be “taking the mother for a walk” or "looking after another breeders puppies without the mother" to coincide with your visit!
	Allows pups to leave for their new homes when the pups are younger than 7/8 weeks old. ALL pups should stay with their mothers until at least 7.5 weeks of age (sometime longer for small breed puppies).
	Asks purchasers little or no questions about themselves, their lifestyle and doesn't attempt to determine if puppy ownership is the right thing for them.
	Engages in a "hard sell" approach. Convinces buyers that they must buy now or miss out. Hype up the quality of their dogs/puppies in order to persuade buyers that by not buying one of their pups the buyer would be making a mistake!
	Advertises puppies in local free-ad papers/publications like 'Exchange and Mart' or 'Loot' or on their equivalent websites. Puppy farmers/dealers/backyard and commercial breeders frequently advertise in such papers whereas reputable breeders rely more on word of mouth and recommendations from other breeders or Breed Clubs.
	Claims the breed and/or their own dogs have no hereditary problems - every breed (including cross-breeds/mongrels) generally has at least two or more hereditary problems - responsible breeders will fully test their dogs as part of the process of ensuring their puppies are free from known hereditary diseases.
	Offers no free pet insurance with the puppy or charges extra for insurance. Does not provide a puppy pack with food and care information. Does not offer any "after-sales" support/advice or show any commitment to the future welfare of the puppies they have bred.
	Caution should be exercised if a breeder registers their pups with the DLRC or PPRC as opposed to The Kennel Club or sells puppies without KC Registration unless this is clearly explained to the buyer at the time of sale.

It is a big decision to add a dog/puppy into your life. This decision should not be taken lightly because once you make that commitment you should make it for the life of the puppy/dog.

The best place to buy a puppy is directly from a reputable and caring breeder. Reputable and caring breeders are committed to their dogs and their puppies’ health and welfare. They are also committed to the owners of their puppies and will provide life long support where needed.

Pet shops are generally supplied by puppy farmers (either here in the UK or transported from Southern Ireland), licensed breeders or occasionally less discerning "backyard" breeders. Conscientious and discerning would-be puppy buyers should only purchase puppies/dogs from reputable breeders who have the health and welfare of the breed (and their own dogs) as their first priority and demonstrate a commitment to the breed rather than a commitment to making money. You should not buy a puppy from someone who does not own the mother and whose puppies are not reared in the home or in a suitable, clean, stimulating and caring kennel environment.

Remember ...

Good breeders will offer you and your puppy/dog lifetime support. When you set out to purchase a puppy you may feel that support, help and advice are not necessary (or perhaps you may feel that you don't need breeders "interference"!) and therefore, these areas will not be a priority when searching for a puppy. However, please don't under estimate the value of choosing a breeder who will support you. It won't be until you have a dilemma that you will realise that lifelong support and commitment from your puppy's breeder can be invaluable!