1.   A reputable breeder can talk at length about a particular breed.  The breeder will know strengths and weaknesses of the breed and can explain common hereditary defects.

2.      A reputable breeder will only breed dogs that have been certified free of hereditary defects.  Such certification is in the form of eye tests, hip x-rays, blood diagnostics, etc, and all documentation will be shown to potential buyers.

3.      A reputable breeder will offer health guarantees on the puppies.  This gives the new owner the opportunity to have the pup checked by a vet.

4.      A reputable breeder will offer to take the dog back if owners ever have problems with the animal.

5.      A reputable breeder will heavily screen potential puppy buyers.  The breeder is very concerned about sending puppies home to owners who can provide the proper lifestyle and environment to the new puppy.  Reputable breeders will sometimes turn down owners who they find unsuitable.

6.      A reputable breeder breeds dogs who are over two years of age.

7.      A reputable breeder breeds only 1-2 litters per year.

8.      A reputable breeder deals primarily with one type of breed, not 7-8 (or more) different breeds.

9.      A reputable breeder will have an excellent reason for mating two dogs.  The reason will revolve around strengthening the characteristics of the breed (such as genetics, bloodlines or breed improvement).  Reasons such as “the father lived right next door,” “the mother was very sweet,” “we loved our dog so much we wanted her to have puppies,” or “we wanted the kids to see puppies being born” are NOT good reasons to breed a dog.

10.  A reputable breeder will allow owners to meet at least one, if not both, of the parents of the litter.  The parents of the litter should be gentle, affectionate and friendly. 

11.  A reputable breeder will raise the puppies in the home, not in the backyard, barn, under the porch or in a kennel away from human contact.

12.  A reputable breeder will begin socialization and human interaction with the puppies while they are still with the breeder.

13.  A reputable breeder will not punish, hit, slap or spank new puppies.

14.  A reputable breeder will provide the first set of shots and deworming to new puppies.

15.  A reputable breeder will NOT allow puppies to leave the litter, for any reason, until they are at least 8 weeks of age.

16.  A reputable breeder is active in the dog world.  The breeder will usually belong to the parent breed club or national breed organization for a particular breed and often competes in conformation, agility, obedience or other dog sports.

17.  A reputable breeder understands the different temperaments of the puppies in the litter and will help owners evaluate and choose the right puppy.

18.  A reputable breeder has extremely clean facilities and equipment.

19.  A reputable breeder will explain “AKC papers” are NOT assurance of quality.

20.  A reputable breeder will sell puppies with a mandatory spay/neuter contract or limited registration if the buyer is not going to show the dog.

21.  A reputable breeder will provide new owners with a 3-5 generation pedigree, a contract, copies of all health clearances, a guarantee, health records and material to help with feeding, training and housebreaking.

22.  A reputable breeder will sell puppies that seem healthy—with no discharge from eyes or nose, no loose stools, no foul smelling ears, soft, clean coats and plenty of energy.