Avoid heartbreak, scams, and unethical practices by knowing the red and green flags of a dog breeder

Why You Must Look Beyond Cute Photos

Just because a breeder has a fancy website and adorable puppy pictures doesn’t mean they are an ethical breeder. Those photos can be old photos and don’t represent accurately the dogs they have. They can be photos taken from social media from another breeder.

As a small-scale ethical Shih Tzu breeder, pet end-of-life doula and trauma-informed grief guide, I’ve seen what happens when families unknowingly purchase from unethical sources, lifelong health problems, temperament issues, and devastating grief that could have been avoided.

Keep in mind that unethical people who breed do call ethical breeders posing as a potential customer to ask all kinds of questions. The real objective is they investigate ethical breeders with the intent to imitate them simply to know what to say to potential adopters. Con artists learn how to present well online but if you ask to see the puppies parents and their environment, non-ethical breeders avoid that. Watch them come up with really great excuses and explanations. Some roleplay out of survival. They are copycats. Copying what respected breeders say and taking other peoples material to alter it a bit, to then use that curated social media posts, emotional language, or high-quality photos. But ethics is more than aesthetics. Responsible breeding happens behind the scenes, in how parents are cared for, how puppies are raised, and how decisions are made with all dogs wellness in mind.

Learning the red flags and green flags can save you from costly mistakes and ensure you're welcoming a puppy into your home with trust, transparency, and peace of mind.

Dog Breeder Red Flags to Watch For

If you notice any of these signs, pause and reconsider.

• Always Has Puppies Available: No waitlist? Multiple litters year-round? That’s a red flag. Responsible breeders plan carefully and don’t produce for demand.

• Won’t Allow Home Visits or Video Tours: A breeder who hides their space may have something to hide.

• No Vet References or Health Testing: If they can’t show vaccination records, genetic tests, or vet care documents, walk away.

• Avoids Questions or Gets Defensive: An ethical breeder welcomes informed buyers. If they seem irritated or vague, that’s not a good sign.

• Uses Terms Like “Teacup,” “Rare Colors,” or “Designer Breeds”: These terms are often used to justify inflated pricing or irresponsible breeding.

• Won’t Show the Puppy’s Mom: You should always meet (in person or virtually) at least the dam (mother).

• Dirty, Overcrowded, or Isolated Conditions: Puppies should be raised in a clean, enriched home, not cages, barns, or trailers.

• Sells Through Third Parties Planes or Ships Sight Unseen: Ethical breeders want to meet their puppy families, not just ship dogs out like packages.

• No Spay/Neuter Agreement or Return Policy: Responsible breeders take accountability for every life they bring into the world.

• Focuses on Money, Not Fit: If it feels like a transaction instead of a relationship, that’s a red flag.
  
  
  

Green Flags of a Quality Puppy Breeder

Look for these signs to know you're in the right hands:

• Waitlist & Limited Litters: Ethical breeders produce only a few litters per year. Quality over quantity.

• Screens Prospective Families: You may be asked to fill out an application, do a phone interview, or even a home visit.

• Provides a Detailed Contract: This should include health guarantees, spay/neuter clauses, and a take-back policy for life.

• Knows the Breed Inside and Out: They can speak clearly about the breed’s health, temperament, grooming, and lifestyle needs.

• Raises Puppies in a Home, Not a Kennel: Puppies are socialized, cuddled, exposed to sounds, textures, and gentle handling daily.

• Transparent About Testing & Lineage: You’ll be shown parent pedigrees, health clearances, and the breeder will explain genetic risks.

• Stays Connected for Life: I personally keep in touch with every puppy family. Your breeder should offer ongoing support, not just a sale.

• Breeds with Purpose: Whether for therapy, companionship, or show, the goal is never just profit, but contribution to the breed's wellbeing.
  
  
  

How to Ask Questions With Confidence

When approaching a breeder, come prepared. Ask with care and clarity. A responsible breeder will welcome these questions:

• “Can I meet the puppy’s mom (and see where the puppies are raised)?”

• “What health testing have you done, and may I see the documentation?”

• “How do you socialize your puppies? Are they raised in a home environment?”

• “Can I speak with past puppy families to learn about their experience?”

• “What is your return policy if something unexpected happens?”

• “Do you do temperament testing? How do you match puppies to families?”

These questions aren’t intrusive, they’re protective. They show that you’re committed to a healthy lifelong bond, not an impulsive purchase.

Trust Your Instincts and Do Your Homework

“If something feels off, it probably is.”

Choosing where your puppy comes from is as important as choosing the puppy itself. You’re not just buying a pet, you’re inviting a life into your home. That decision deserves time, discernment, and heart-centered wisdom.



Written by Sabrina Steczko
Dog Wellness Advocate | Ethical Shih Tzu Breeder | Pet End-of-Life Doula | Trauma-Informed Grief Guide | Somatic Wellness Specialist