— And Why a Bit of the Spanish Inquisition is a Very Good Sign

If you’re looking for a puppy for sale, you may quickly realise there are dozens of listings and websites promising cute, cuddly companions ready to come home with you. But how do you know which ones are genuine? And more importantly, how to choose a good dog breeder?

In a world full of puppy scams and unethical breeders, it’s vital to know what to expect from someone doing it properly before buying a puppy. A good breeder won’t just hand over a puppy — they’ll take their time, ask questions, and make sure their puppies are heading to safe, loving homes. Below is a guide to help you understand what sets a responsible breeder apart — and why being grilled a bit is actually a very good sign.

Expect the Spanish Inquisition from your dog breeder

A good breeder will want to know everything. Your working hours, can you afford a puppy (insurance, diet, grooming etc), your living arrangements, whether you’ve had dogs before, and even the height of your garden fencing. Don’t take it personally — this is their way of making sure you’re a suitable home.

If you come across puppies available and the breeder is happy to sell with barely a question asked, that’s a major red flag. A responsible breeder treats every puppy like their own and wants to ensure they’re going to the right home — not just any home.

Video Evidence: See Puppies Pre-Recorded and Live

When viewing a puppy for sale, you should absolutely expect to see video evidence of where the puppy is being raised. A good breeder will happily provide clips showing the puppies interacting with their mum, playing, and exploring their environment.

Better still, many breeders now offer live video calls, so you can see the puppies in real time and confirm they’re actually at the breeder’s location — not being moved around or filmed off-site. If a breeder avoids video calls or delays showing you where the puppies are kept, it’s time to ask questions.

WhatsApp and Facebook Groups – Not Just for Holiday Snaps

Some responsible breeders create private groups (often on WhatsApp or Facebook) for buyers. It’s a brilliant way to stay updated with photos and videos, ask questions, and share tips with other puppy owners from the same litter.

It also shows a breeder has nothing to hide. They’re confident in their practices and happy to keep an open line of communication — a reassuring sign when you’re looking at puppies for sale online.

Socialisation and Habituation: More Than Just Buzzwords

A good breeder doesn’t just keep puppies clean and fed — they actively socialise and habituate them to real-life situations. This is a huge part of how to choose a good breeder.

Look for evidence of:

   •   Puppies exposed to common household noises (hoover, doorbell, TV)

   •   Interaction with different people and environments, being handled and groomed

   •   Toys, textures, and challenges to stimulate confidence

   •   Gentle crate and toilet training beginnings

A well-socialised puppy is far more likely to grow into a healthy, calm, confident adult dog.

Health Checks and Veterinary Paperwork

Any puppy for sale should come with clear vet documentation. Before leaving for their new homes, puppies should be:

   •   Microchipped (required by law before 8 weeks of age in the UK)

   •   Health checked by a qualified vet

   •   Wormed regularly (and possibly vaccinated, depending on age)

Ensure that the vet records list the same address as the breeder’s. If not, ask why. Puppies shouldn’t be ferried off-site for basic checks — that’s often a sign of something not quite right. Although some responsible dog breeders do take the litter to the vets with the mum to prepare then for vehicle travel.

Also, ask for health test results for the parents, including:

   •   Hip/elbow scores

   •   Eye tests

   •   DNA testing relevant to the breed or cross breeds

Other Signs of a Reputable Breeder

As you research how to choose an ethical dog breeder, keep an eye out for these extra green flags:

   •   They don’t always have puppies available — they may have a waiting list

   •   They provide a puppy pack with food, toys, scent blanket, and care info

   •   They offer a contract, often with a lifetime rehoming clause

   •   They match puppies to homes, not just let buyers pick based on looks

   •   They’re members of breed clubs or follow Kennel Club guidance

   •   They never let puppies go before 8 weeks of age

In Summary: If It Feels Too Easy to Buy a Puppy, It Probably Isn’t Right

While there may be many puppies available online, finding the right one takes care, patience, and a bit of detective work. A good breeder doesn’t just want to sell you a dog — they want to ensure the best possible match between puppy and home.

So if the breeder asks whether your garden gate locks properly, or quizzes you on your working hours, smile and answer honestly. You’re dealing with someone who genuinely cares.

And when your new puppy finally comes home, you’ll have the peace of mind that they’ve had the best possible start in life — which is exactly what every dog deserves.

And if you want extra help navigating this complex area (there is so much more that I can't cover in this Blog), why not sign up to our FREE Pre Puppy package to discover all of our tips and guidance, including 1:1 support. Just click HERE and select your FREE access to Pre Puppy Guidance membership.