So you've decided to get a puppy. Congratulations! You're about to have the best time of your life. While choosing a pup might sound as simple as the popular children's song, "How Much Is That Doggie in The Window?", finding the right dog for your family requires a bit more effort.

We love hearing stories about doggie adoptions from local shelters, but a rescue dog may not be the right fit for your family. Purebred dogs offer puppy seekers the opportunity to match their family's needs with the traits and temperament of a dog that would best suit their lifestyle. If you've decided to buy a dog from a breeder, it's important to choose one you can trust and, most importantly, a breeder who has their dogs' best interests at heart.

Here are five tips for finding — and working with — a responsible breeder:

Tip #1: Meet the Parents

There’s no better way to see how your pup will grow up than by meeting their parents! Ideally, both mom and dad live with the breeder, but it’s not uncommon for pappa pup to not be around. However, you can still ask your breeder questions about him and get a good sense of what your dog’s temperament, size, and appearance could be. While meeting mom and dad, take a look around. Do they appear to be in a safe and clean living space? Is there fresh water, beds, and toys available?  How do the dogs interact with the breeder and strangers? 

Tip #2: Ask Questions!

Responsible breeders want to see their dogs in loving forever homes and will be happy to share their knowledge. When meeting your breeder for the first time, come prepared! You can never ask too many, and there are absolutely no dumb questions! A good breeder will be patient with answering your questions and will explain things clearly. They will also appreciate and be encouraged by your due diligence.

Tip #3: Health Testing & Screening

Reputable breeders should be able to provide you with a clean bill of health for your new furry family member. Look up what health testing is recommended for the breed of puppy you are getting and ask for documented evidence of their vet visits. Don’t forget to ask about vaccination records too. Your breeder should be well-versed and able to explain any health conditions that typically affect your pup’s particular breed, so you know what to watch for in the long term.

Tip #4: Remember - Breeders Choose You, Too!

Good breeders will want to find the right family for every puppy and will often want to meet your entire family before helping you pick a furry friend. They will also likely have more customers than puppies since most good breeders only have one litter at a time. Don’t expect to meet a breeder and bring home a puppy the same day, but if a breeder does think you’re a good match, you will likely be asked to pay a deposit and get on a waiting list. Because good puppies require a lot of care, they are extremely expensive. So, do not expect to pay a few hundred dollars for your puppy. It will likely be in the thousands. But it’s worth it!

Tip# 5: Ask for References

Your breeder should be able to provide you with several references from other families who have purchased pups. It’s important to know your breeder will only sell their puppies to people they have approved and believe would be good pet owners. A responsible breeder will never sell their dogs through a pet store or in any way that prevents them from meeting their puppies’ potential pet parents. Another good test for a reputable breeder is their willingness to take a puppy back if need be. Of course, you never want to resort to this option, but a good breeder recognizes that things happen and circumstances change. The only thing that doesn’t change is their desire to find a loving forever home for the puppy. 

Whether you’re ready to bring a new puppy home, just starting to do research, or waiting patiently for your breeder to take you off their waitlist, Frenchie Bulldog is here to help keep your (future) fur babies safe, warm, and fashionable with the latest and greatest gear! Just think how impressed your breeder will be when you show up with a super cute Frenchie collar, harness, and leash! Shop all our styles today!