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Finding an Accountable Breeder

Adding a new puppy to your family can be very exciting but deciding on what breed best suits you and your family is only part of the process. Just as much time should be spent on selecting your breeder.
 

Choosing Your Breeder

A breeder is not just the person who will bring your puppy into this world, providing first-rate care for the first several months of your puppy’s life. They are also someone who will be part of your puppy-raising support team for many years to come. 
 
It is important to do your homework before making a commitment to a breeder. Here are some tips for finding a responsible breeder:
 
  • Meet the Breeder. This can be done through phone calls, video calls, and meet and greets. Ask to visit the breeder’s home or kennel and observe the premises and puppies to ensure they are being raised in a clean and loving environment.
    Observe the puppy’s behaviour, temperament, and how they react to the breeder and meeting strangers.
  • Ask about Medical History. It is important to know of any underlying health conditions that may affect this specific breed. Ask if the breeder is willing to provide proof of health screening.
  • Meet the Puppies’ Parents. This will give you the best idea of the puppy’s temperament and appearance when fully grown. If you can’t visit them, ask if the parents and/or puppies born in Canada?
  • If your breeder used a dam or sire from outside of Canada, or if the puppies are being imported to Canada prior to sale, ask the breeder for more information why. Find out more about dog importation, import requirements and CFIA’s regulatory role below.


Make an Informed Choice

To start your search for a breeder, contact the National Breed Club for your selected breed for breeder referrals in your area, breed-specific social media groups, or the CKC Puppy List which lists CKC Member Breeders by breed and province. As part of your search for an accountable breeder please review our Disciplined Persons List. The Disciplined Persons List is a list of persons that have had their privileges with the CKC revoked, including the right to utilize the registration services of the Club. 
 
The process of choosing an accountable breeder who will be a good fit for you and your family can seem challenging. We’ve compiled a list of key tips to help you find the right breeder.
 

Research if the breeder is active in their canine communities

​Most accountable breeders are entrenched in activities revolving around their dogs and their breeds, demonstrating how passionate they are.

The breeder should be committed to educating and supporting their puppy families

Breeders have extensive knowledge about their breeds and their wisdom can be extremely helpful to their puppy families.

Ask the breeder if they perform health and genetic testing on their breeding dogs

One of a breeder’s primary goals should be to breed healthy, balanced and sound puppies. One of the ways to achieve this is through health and genetic testing.

Ask the breeder if your puppy will be checked by a veterinarian and microchipped before they are sent home

At a minimum, your puppy should come home with their first set of vaccinations, vet records and a unique identifier such as a microchip.

Schedule a visit with the breeder and puppies before you purchase your puppy

An accountable breeder welcomes prospective puppy owners to visit them and their kennels, and will want to get to know you, your family, and your lifestyle.

Understanding Dog Importation

Many accountable breeders use sires and dams from outside of Canada to help strengthen and improve the genetic diversity in their breed. Find out if your breeder used a dam or sire from outside of Canada, or if the puppies are being imported to Canada. Also, learn more about Canada’s dog import regulations and CFIA’s role in regulating imports and more.

Understand the breeder’s application and selling process

When discussing purchasing a puppy from an accountable breeder you should expect a thorough evaluation process.

Be Prepared to Wait

Most accountable breeders have waiting lists so you may be required to wait several months or a year or more to bring home a puppy.

Double Check Your Sources

Adding a new member to your family can be an exciting and patience-trying experience, but don’t let your anticipation of your new arrival let you forget that not all individuals selling dogs or puppies are accountable, reputable breeders.

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