Visiting Your Breeder

You know you want a purebred dog. And you want one from a breeder who is contributing to the future of the breed and doing all the right things – proving their dogs at the show ring, in health and temperament, preserving their breed for the future using genetic diversity, and one that provides a pleasant living environment and nourishing environment for their puppies and also for their adult dogs! When considering a visit to a breeder, it's essential to do your homework first—after all, we've all heard horror stories about puppies living in unsanitary conditions! So, what should you keep in mind when reaching out to a breeder about scheduling a visit? Here’s what you can expect during your meeting.

Different Types of Visitation

Not all breeders approach this the same way. Most breeders fall into one of these three categories.

No Visitation

Breeders come from diverse backgrounds, similar to the broader population. Some might be single or feel uneasy inviting strangers into their homes. (It’s understandable, as breeders are often unsettled by occasional reports of breeders being harmed in their own homes while hosting visitors; inviting people into their space certainly carries some risk.) It's not unusual for some reputable breeders to firmly refuse any visitors.

Understandably, this may not align with what you, as a potential puppy owner, would prefer; breeders like this can pose challenges for buyers trying to evaluate how adult dogs are treated, how puppies are nurtured, and the overall condition of the home. So, what actions can you take? The most effective ways to investigate the situation are to request references from individuals who have previously acquired puppies and to seek feedback from those who have visited the breeder's home. You can also ask for videos and pictures that showcase the environment where the puppies are being raised. Alternatively, you could arrange a video call to virtually meet the breeder, the puppies, and the parents. With today's technology, this should not pose a significant challenge for either party. Remember that staged, adorable photos with generic backgrounds will not accurately represent the living conditions and enrichment available to the puppies and their dog parents. Furthermore, breeders who restrict home visits will often permit you to meet their adult dogs in public settings, such as dog shows. This way, you can evaluate the dogs’ temperament and physical condition.

Some Limited Visitation

Breeders in this category typically permit visits at specific times, primarily for potential puppy owners who have already been pre-screened. Some of these breeders might allow pre-screened buyers to come at any time. However, more commonly, these breeders will invite their future puppy families to visit only at a particular stage in the litter's development. Allowing guests is beneficial for several reasons, such as socializing the puppies and providing an opportunity to discuss their temperaments and placement.

Visitation Under All Conditions

Breeders who permit visitors to drop by at any time are quite rare within the breeding community. For most breeders, their work is more a passionate hobby than a full-time business. If you come across a breeder who's open to welcoming guests whenever they please, it's essential to approach the situation with respect and mindfulness of their time and effort. Appreciate their willingness to share their experience, and be considerate in your interactions.

Asking to Visit

As a prospective puppy buyer, it’s entirely within your rights to request a visit with the breeder. However, there’s a more considerate way to approach this. Avoid reaching out with a cold email or phone call to a breeder who may not know anything about you. If you do choose this route, be prepared for the possibility that you may not receive a response. After all, a breeder’s home is where they live, and most are hesitant to welcome just anyone into their personal space. Typically, they will require you to fill out a questionnaire to understand your needs and what you're looking for in a furry friend before even considering a visit. Some may even conduct a background check, which is a reasonable request for their safety, rather than a reflection on you.

When requesting a home visit, remember that each breeder is an individual with their own life, and they can’t just drop everything to accommodate you. It’s also important to realize that very few breeders are home all the time; many have jobs, obligations, and personal lives beyond breeding. So when you ask to visit, do so with an understanding of these circumstances and be flexible about their availability.

What to expect when visiting

Know the Breed of Dog

When evaluating the breed you plan to visit, it's essential to consider whether it is recognized as a proficient watch or guard dog. Such breeds, having been selectively bred for protective instincts, typically exhibit behaviours that might not align with a friendly, welcoming demeanour. Instead of a joyous reception, you may encounter a dog that is vigilant about safeguarding its territory or one that vocalizes excessively to alert its proprietors to new arrivals. Reputable breeders of these breeds often provide cautionary advice—I've personally advised clients about the exuberant greeting barks characteristic of Samoyeds or the initial 2 minutes aloofness of strangers from my shibas. However, if such warnings are not communicated, prospective owners need to maintain this understanding as they interact with the breed.

Sanitation

Keeping puppies healthy is a top priority for any breeder. They put in a lot of effort to socialize, train, and prepare these puppies for their new families, often following carefully crafted socialization and training programs.

However, as a visitor, you pose a potential health risk to these puppies. Any surface you’ve walked on or anything you’ve touched could introduce illness to them. The biggest concern is parvovirus, which can wipe out entire litters and cause devastating emotional and financial stress for the breeder. Just imagine a whole litter of puppies on IVs in an emergency vet hospital! This could jeopardize not only that particular litter but also the breeder’s future generations.

To safeguard their puppies, many breeders will ask you to take certain precautions. This often involves a few things. First, they might ask you to sanitize your shoes (I personally use a disinfectant-soaked doormat by the entrance) before entering their home, or they may ask you to remove your shoes altogether. Additionally, washing your hands or using sanitizers before touching any dogs or puppies is essential. Don’t take offence at these requests—they're practical measures that have nothing to do with your character.

On a personal note, I might even cancel an in-person visit entirely if there’s an outbreak in the area. I’d rather be extra cautious than risk losing an entire litter and jeopardizing years of my breeding program, as well as the well-being of future puppies and older dogs. If this means potentially losing a buyer because of what some might see as an overzealous precaution, then so be it.

Timing

Remember, you are not the only person wanting to visit the puppies, so please be respectful of the breeder's and other buyers' time. Some breeders schedule visits for all potential puppy buyers over a weekend (this is my approach!). They block out time for everyone because managing cleaning, raising, and living with puppies can be overwhelming. Make sure to ask in advance how much time you have for your visit!

The breeder has rearranged their schedule and may be taking time away from their family to accommodate your visit. Be grateful for that, especially if your visit is on a holiday or weekend. Life happens; people can get sick, get stuck in traffic, or face family emergencies. Appreciate the effort someone puts into inviting you into their home. Arriving on time and cancelling promptly if you can’t make it shows respect.

Put yourself in the breeder’s shoes: if you were expecting guests, you would clean and tidy your home, especially since they are not family or friends, but strangers. For breeders, this often means bathing the puppies before your visit because they are learning their potty routine and could make a mess quickly. And let's face it: no one likes to be ghosted, either.

Also, keep in mind that ethical breeders form small communities for most breeds and communicate with one another. If you don't show up without notice, people might remember your name negatively.

A few more points for you to consider:

Often, families looking to adopt a puppy expect to see both the mother and the father. It's important to understand that seasoned breeders frequently do not keep the male dog on the property most of the time. This is because, to create high-quality breeding intended to advance the breed, breeders frequently need to travel to another facility or have semen sent to them to find the perfect match for their specific female. It is pretty uncommon for the ideal male to already be part of the breeding program, except for occasional use of one's own males or within an extensive or older breeding program. For example, the sier lives at a guardian home or is co-owned with another breeder. It is entirely unfeasible to acquire two puppies for breeding and guarantee that they will grow up to be the perfect pair.

It's essential to keep in mind that many breeders are not fond of buyers who visit multiple breeders in a single day. If, for instance, the previous litter you checked out had parvovirus, it could pose a risk. So, if you plan to visit several breeders on the same day, make sure to inform each one. Be prepared, though, as many may ask you to reschedule for another day.

Conclusion

It is entirely justifiable and wise to seek assurance that your chosen breeder is genuinely dedicated to the well-being of their dogs and puppies. A conscientious breeder prioritizes not only the health and happiness of their animals but also strives to produce puppies that enhance and sustain the integrity of their specific breed. By making informed choices, responsible buyers play a crucial role in encouraging breeders to improve their practices and standards continually. Thank you for your passion and commitment to the breed you cherish, and for taking the time to educate yourself on this vital journey.