How to Find a Responsible Dog Breeder: A Guide for First-Time Puppy Owners

Tammy Douglas
Jun 6
3 min read

Bringing home a new puppy is exciting—but before the cuddles and playtime begin, your journey starts with one of the most important decisions you’ll make: choosing a responsible dog breeder.

If you're a first-time dog owner, the process can feel overwhelming. With so many ads online and breeders to choose from, how do you know who to trust?

In this guide, we'll walk you through what to look for in a responsible breeder so you can bring home a happy, healthy puppy—and avoid heartache down the road.

🏡 1. Puppies Should Be Raised Inside the Home

Mini Labradoodle puppies for sale — New born puppies

One of the first things to ask a breeder is where the puppies are raised. Reputable breeders raise their puppies inside their home, not in garages, barns, or outdoor kennels.

Why this matters:

Puppies learn to handle household sounds like TVs, vacuum cleaners, and doorbells.
They are better socialized with people and daily life.
Early exposure helps with smoother transitions to their forever homes.

👉 Ask to see photos or videos of the puppies' living space. A responsible breeder will be proud to share their setup.

✅ 2. Health Testing Should Go Beyond DNA

While many breeders advertise DNA testing, that’s just the beginning. A good dog breeder performs full health screenings on the adult dogs before breeding.

Look for:

OFA or PennHIP testing for hips and joints.
Heart and eye exams done by certified veterinary specialists.
Breed-specific health tests recommended by national breed clubs.

These tests help reduce the risk of inherited diseases and ensure you’re getting a healthy puppy.

📌 Tip: Ask to see the official health test results for both parents—not just a verbal promise or a DNA report.

🧠 3. A Responsible Breeder Cares Where Their Puppies Go

Don’t be surprised if a breeder asks you lots of questions! That’s a good sign.

Responsible breeders:

Want to know your lifestyle, experience, and goals for your dog.
Provide support and education for first-time owners.
Will take back any puppy they’ve bred at any time, no questions asked.

If a breeder seems more interested in getting paid than getting to know you, that’s a red flag.

📄 4. You Should Receive a Written Contract and Health Guarantee

Every puppy sale should include a clear contract that protects both you and the puppy. It should include:

A health guarantee
Return/rehome policies
Vaccination and microchip information
Any spay/neuter agreements

A contract shows the breeder takes their responsibility seriously and is committed to each dog’s long-term well-being.

❗ 5. Watch Out for These Red Flags

Unfortunately, not everyone who breeds dogs is doing it responsibly. Here are warning signs to avoid:

🚫 Puppies always available or ready to go right now

🚫 No questions asked—just send payment

🚫 No health testing documentation

🚫 Won’t let you see where puppies are raised

🚫 Selling multiple breeds or constantly advertising new litters

If something feels off, trust your instincts and walk away.

❤️ The Bottom Line: Good Breeders Set You Up for Success

Finding a reputable dog breeder takes time, patience, and research—but it’s worth it. A responsible breeder sets the foundation for a puppy’s physical and emotional health, and they become a trusted partner for your dog’s lifetime.

As a first-time dog owner, you deserve honest guidance and a healthy, well-adjusted puppy. By asking the right questions and choosing wisely, you’ll start your dog ownership journey on the right paw.