Meliora Drents

Having been both a first-time buyer and now a first-time breeder gathering potential families for our first planned litter, I’ve been reflecting a lot on the process of talking to a breeder. Assuming you are looking for a reputable breeder, here’s a brief guide of what has worked best for me – however, your mileage may vary!

Step 1: Researching Breeds and Talking to Breeders

When you’re exploring different dog breeds, don’t hesitate to reach out to breeders just to learn more. Most reputable breeders are happy to share their knowledge and insights about the breed they’re passionate about. Try connecting with multiple breeders if you can; each may offer unique perspectives and tips. This is a great way to gain a balanced understanding of the breed’s typical behavior, care requirements, and what to expect in terms of health and temperament. And especially, speaking to a breeder who doesn’t have any puppies to “sell” you may be one of the best ways to get an honest appraisal of the breed’s strengths and weaknesses!

This research phase also helps you learn what’s normal and what might be concerning. Sometimes, conversations with breeders will lead you to other reputable sources or breeders who aren’t easily found online. Here are a few things to consider when you’re doing this initial research:

• Health: Look up the breed’s health standards, such as those recommended by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) or the breed’s parent club. These organizations list the tests that are typically recommended for each breed, along with common health issues and how often they might appear.
• Temperament: If you’re after a specific type of personality, seek a breeder whose dogs consistently exhibit those traits. Don’t expect an outlier; the breeder’s dogs should be good examples of the temperament you’re hoping for.
• Activities: If you’re interested in particular activities, like agility or hunting, find a breeder whose dogs or previous puppies are known to excel in those areas.
• Commitment to Their Dogs: Look for breeders who stay in contact with their puppies’ families over the dog’s entire lifetime. Good breeders will insist on this, even taking back puppies if necessary to ensure they’re well cared for and never end up in a shelter. Even if you never need that support, it shows the breeder’s dedication to each dog they bring into the world.

Step 2: Making Initial Contact

Once you’ve identified some breeders you’re interested in, it’s time to reach out. Even if the breeder has a formal puppy application, sending an introductory email can help you stand out. Here’s how to make a great first impression:

• Introduce Yourself: Share a little about who you are, what you’re looking for, and why their breed (and their program specifically) stood out to you. Be genuine! It’s okay to provide information that might be “redundant” in the puppy application.
• Ask for a Conversation: Add a “call to action” to your email, like asking a specific question or requesting a phone call to learn more. It’s much easier for breeders to respond if they have something concrete to respond to.
• Be Honest: Represent yourself truthfully and don’t shy away from asking questions. A reputable breeder will appreciate your curiosity, and it’s better to find out early if it isn’t the right match.
• Stay Courteous: In all your interactions with a breeder, come from a place of genuine curiosity and respect. Breeders are people too, and many have had experiences with difficult buyers in the past. Be considerate and kind in your communication. If they don’t respond with the same courtesy, it may be a sign that it’s not the right fit.

Step 3: Building a Relationship

After you’ve made initial contact, stay engaged. Showing ongoing interest can make a big difference, especially with rarer breeds where breeders are often looking for dedicated, active families.

• Follow Their Social Media: Following and interacting with breeders on social media keeps you visible and shows your commitment. Like, comment, or share posts when appropriate—it’s a simple way to stay connected.
• Reply to Updates: Some breeders send periodic updates to keep their waitlist informed. Replying, even with a quick “thanks for the update,” reassures them that you’re still interested and engaged. If they don’t, it’s equally valuable to send a quick message every so often to check in.
• Meet in Person, if Possible: If the breeder you’re working with is local, or perhaps traveling closer to your area for an event, try to meet them and their dog(s) in person! Note that many breeders won’t be keen on meeting at their homes, especially for your first in-person interaction. Offer to meet at a show or trial or local park. If it’s at an event their dog is entered in, be prepared to be patient – dog events rarely run on time, but they are a great opportunity to see the dog(s) at “work” and perhaps meet other dogs of the breed as well.
• Stay Transparent: If your plans change, or you decide to look elsewhere, let the breeder know. This transparency is valuable because most breeders manage a small, carefully selected waitlist. If you have life changes, be upfront about those as well. Many breeders are willing to work with you if circumstances shift, so honesty is always appreciated.

Finding the right breed and breeder takes time, but putting in the effort now can lead to a wonderful, lifelong relationship with the right dog for you. Breeders can help you make an informed decision, and the best ones care deeply about the well-being of their dogs, even after they leave for their forever homes. If all goes well, you’ll be entering a 10-15 year relationship with the breeder – you may not need to be “best friends”, but it can be invaluable to have a knowledgeable source of whom to ask questions, and god forbid, a safe place for your dog to land should they ever need it. It pays dividends to start your relationship off on the right foot.