Finding trusted dog breeders in Australia can feel like a daunting task, we hear so much about puppy farms, bad breeding practices and scammers that we often do not know where to start. In this article, we will break it down for you so you can make the best choice in breeders.
We will guide you through the process of finding and working with reputable dog breeders in Australia (and New Zealand), highlighting what to look for, red flags to avoid (and green flags too!), and why Dogz Online is your best resource to find and connect with a trusted Dog Breeder in Australia.
How to Find and Work with Dog Breeders
Probably the most common way to start researching dog breeders is online but with so many websites out there, where should you start? Places such as Gumtree, Facebook Marketplace and Trading Post might seem logical but these sites can be rife with puppy farmers, irresponsible sources, and scammers.
How to Find and Work with Dog Breeders
Probably the most common way to start researching dog breeders is online but with so many websites out there, where should you start? Places such as Gumtree, Facebook Marketplace and Trading Post might seem logical but these sites can be rife with puppy farmers, irresponsible sources, and scammers.
Online Resources
Dogz Online is Australia’s largest online community of Dogs Australia and Dogs New Zealand registered breeders, by using Dogz Online as your starting point, you can begin searching through verified, and registered dog breeders of all purebred dog types. You can also view all registered dog breeders that have puppies for sale, or older dogs for sale at any given time.
Doing a Google search of "dog breeders near me", "small dog breeders", "Australian Dog Breeders", and going off the search results there, isn't the best way to kick off the puppy search process, as many other sites, platforms, or even Facebook pages can be easily set-up, under false aliases, and may leave you susceptible to falling victim to scams or sourcing your dog from an irresponsible source.
Dog Shows and Events
Dog Shows and events such as agricultural shows, dog club shows and agility shows are also an excellent way to see the dogs in action and chat to breeders in person. This can bring you invaluable insights into the breed that you may not have considered before.
Contacting and Communicating with Breeders
Once in contact with a breeder of a dog breed that you like, the vetting process begins and you can expect that the breeder will ask you a few questions about you, your family life and the home that you live in. More often, you’ll be required to send a puppy application, a form that comprehensively collates information about you for them to decide if your home is a good fit for one of their puppies or adult dogs
What Questions to Expect?
Many breeder’s will ask a series of questions through a puppy application, to help them understand a bit more about you, and if you’d be a good fit for one of their dogs.
We go into a lot more detail in 11 questions to expect when applying for a puppy, but here is also a quick snapshot of a few:
- How many people live in your home?
- What type of home do you live in?
- Do you have children?
- Do you have other pets, or previous experience with pets?
- How much time do you spend at work out of the home?
- How much spare time do you have to devote to training and exercise?
- Tell me what you know about this dog breed?
You can also submit puppy applications directly to breeders through Dogz Online.
What Questions Should You ask?
Questions go both ways and it’s important to know what to ask your breeder as well. Here are some questions we think can get you started:
- Where are the puppies being housed (inside/outside)?
- How old are they?
- What vaccinations and medical checks will they have?
- How are the puppies socialised?
- What different environments are they exposed to (noises, children, being in a car etc)?
- What should they be fed?
- What records do you have of any parent health tests?
- What are the parent’s temperaments like?
- Do you offer pedigree papers?
Setting up Visits
After you have been approved for a puppy or mature dog, if possible, you should arrange a visit in person to meet the dog. Alternatively, if the breeder is not near you, a video or Facetime call would be appropriate so that you can see the dog and also assess its surroundings for cleanliness and the overall care provided by the breeder.
A Red Flag is when a breeder is reluctant to meet in person or video call it could mean that they are either:
- Not who they say they are
- Potential scammers
- Their place of residence is not being kept in a state that would be considered appropriate for animals
Most breeders would be open to virtual meetings via video call to show you around, answer all your questions, and introduce you to your pup. Don’t be shy—ask lots of questions! Breeders love talking about their dogs.
What to Look For in a Dog Breeder
There are a few things to look for in a dog breeder and these are some of the main things can help guide you to find the best one for you.
Reputation and Reviews
Check the breeder’s reputation by reading reviews and testimonials from previous buyers. Look for breeders with positive feedback and a history of satisfied customers.
Are they a registered breeder?
Are they registered with Dogs Australia or a different type of membership. Dogs Australia is the only internationally recognised pedigree dog body membership and, although there may be others advertising different membership to “pedigree clubs”, they are not the same and should be thoroughly investigated. Dogz Online verifies that a breeder is a registered breeder with a recognised body.
Are they open and communicative about their Breeding Practices?
Ensure the breeder follows ethical breeding practices. They should prioritise the health and well-being of their dogs, avoid overbreeding, and provide proper socialisation for the puppies.
Pedigree Papers
Pedigree papers play a crucial role in determining a dog’s breed, health history, and overall quality. For breeders, it’s a way to make well-researched and well-informed matings for new litters and puppies. For pet owners, pedigree papers ensure the dog’s heritage, provides health assurances, and that your dog is coming from a reputable Dogs Australia or Dogs New Zealand Breeder.
Red Flags and Green Flags of Dog Breeders
Red Flags
- Lack of Transparency: Be cautious of breeders who are not open about their practices or refuse to answer your questions, especially around pedigree papers and health checks.
- Poor Living Conditions: breeders with dirty or overcrowded facilities, too many dogs or distressed dogs. If you do visit a breeder that concerns you, contacting your local RSPCA or police might be appropriate.
- Overbreeding: Steer clear of breeders who have multiple litters available at all times, as this may indicate overbreeding.
Green Flags
- Clean and Healthy Environment: Look for breeders who maintain clean and well-kept facilities with happy, active dogs.with plenty of space for them to lay and interact with each other.
- Open Communication: Choose breeders who are willing to communicate openly and provide detailed information about their dogs.
- Genuine Care for the Dogs: A good breeder shows genuine care and affection for their dogs, ensuring they are well-socialised and healthy.
Why Dogz Online is the Best for Finding Responsible, Trusted Dog Breeders
Dogz Online offers you support, assurance, and peace of mind when working with dog breeders in Australia and New Zealand.
Easily Research over 240+ breeds
Dogz Online offers extensive listings of registered Dogs Australia breeders across Australia, making it easy to find breeders near you. With customisable search features based on size of dog, coat type and other characteristics, Dogz Online helps you decide which breed of dog and breeder are right for you.
Comprehensive Breeder Listings
Our team verifies breeder information with Dogs Australia to ensure you are dealing with reputable and responsible breeders. With a legacy of over 20 years in the Dogs Australia dog breeding community, you can be assured that we have the experience and relationships to help you find your perfect dog. We also offer Dogz Pay, our secure payment platform that protects your money from scammers and ensures it goes straight to your breeder.
Dogz Pay
Dogz Pay is the secure and safe payment system built into Dogz Online. It protects your money and ensures peace of mind that you are supporting a registered Dogs Australia breeder. Also includes a free puppy pack delivered to your door, with a tonne of complimentary offers and products from our trusted partners.
Finding a trusted dog breeder in Australia requires careful research and consideration. By following the tips outlined in this blog, you can ensure you choose a responsible breeder who prioritises the health and well-being of their dogs. Remember to use Dogz Online as your go-to resource for finding reputable and registered breeders.
