Picking a puppy should always begin with finding the right breeder for you.

There’s a simple saying we strongly believe in:
“Find a good breeder, and you will find great dogs.”

So what makes a good breeder? In our opinion, many things. But there are a few fundamentals that should always sit at the top of the list.

The first is credibility. Has the breeder been around for some time? Do they have a solid reputation? Can you find genuine client testimonials, a website and social media that clearly reflects who they are, how they work, and what they value? A credible breeder leaves a trail you can follow and nothing about them should feel hidden or vague.

Next comes values. Do their ethics, priorities, and approach to dogs align with yours? This matters more than many people realise, because those values influence every decision a breeder makes.

After that comes the focus on health and temperament. These must always take priority. Ask how the breeder selects breeding dogs, what health considerations are in place, and how temperament is assessed and developed. Then look at what happens once the puppies are born. What is their plan for those crucial formative weeks? Do they have a structured, thoughtful socialisation programme designed to prepare puppies for real life and make the transition to their forever homes as smooth and stress-free as possible?

Support is another key area to examine. Does the breeder genuinely understand dogs, or does “lifetime support” simply exist as a line in an advert? Real support means real-world knowledge, honest advice, and being there when questions or challenges arise, not just ticking a box to create a comforting narrative.

Depth of knowledge matters too. Does their understanding extend across the wider picture of dog ownership, training, behaviour, nutrition, health, and development? Don’t be afraid to ask probing questions. Put them to the test. Do they sound knowledgeable? Do their answers make sense? Do they inspire confidence rather than confusion?

A good breeder should offer meaningful, practical support throughout your dog’s life, not just when the puppy is small and cute. As Lisa often says, “If we’re breathing, we’ll support you.”

These principles guide everything we do and are reflected in every puppy we breed and every family we work with.

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