How to Choose the Right Breeder – Red Flags & Green Flags

Bringing a new puppy into your life is an exciting and life-changing decision. But finding the right breeder is just as important as choosing the right breed. A responsible breeder lays the foundation for a healthy, well-adjusted puppy, while a bad breeder can set you up for heartbreak, unexpected health issues, and costly vet bills.

So how do you tell the difference? Let’s break down the red flags (warning signs to avoid) and green flags (signs of a responsible breeder) when looking for your new furry family member.

🚩 Red Flags: What to Avoid

🚩 No Health Testing

If a breeder doesn’t provide proof of health testing for their breeding dogs, walk away.
"Vet checked" is not the same as genetic health testing. Responsible breeders test for breed-specific conditions.

🚩 No Transparency About Their Program

A good breeder should be happy to discuss their breeding practices, health testing, and dogs’ pedigrees.
If they avoid answering questions or get defensive, it’s a major red flag.

🚩 Puppies Always Available

High-quality breeders do not have constant litters or “puppies ready now” year-round.
If a breeder always has puppies available without a waitlist, they may be prioritizing quantity over quality.
Some responsible breeders may have multiple litters at once due to heat cycles syncing, but they ensure each litter gets the time, attention, and care they need.

🚩 No Contract or Health Guarantee

A responsible breeder always provides a contract protecting both the puppy and the buyer.
Without a written agreement, you have no assurance regarding health guarantees or breeder support.

🚩 No Interest in Where Their Puppies Go

If a breeder doesn’t ask questions about your home, lifestyle, or experience, they aren’t invested in where their puppies end up.
A responsible breeder cares deeply about matching the right puppy to the right home.

🚩 Won’t Take a Puppy Back

Ethical breeders take responsibility for every puppy they produce for its entire lifetime.
If a breeder refuses to take back a dog if the buyer can’t keep it, that’s a huge red flag.

✅ Green Flags: What to Look For

✅ Health Testing & Transparency

A great breeder shares health testing results for their dogs, typically through OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) or Embark.
They should be open about their breeding decisions and willing to discuss any potential risks.

✅ Socialization & Early Development

Look for breeders who use Puppy Culture, Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS), and Early Scent Introduction (ESI) to raise well-adjusted puppies.
Puppies should be exposed to different environments, sounds, and people from an early age.

✅ Matching Puppies to the Right Homes

A good breeder doesn’t just let buyers pick a puppy based on looks—they evaluate temperament and personality to ensure a good fit.
They should ask you questions and be invested in your success as a puppy owner.

✅ Lifetime Breeder Support

Ethical breeders offer ongoing support, answering questions and providing guidance long after the puppy goes home.
They love updates and stay connected with their puppy families.

✅ A Strong Contract & Health Guarantee

A reputable breeder provides a clear contract outlining expectations, health guarantees, and return policies.
This protects both you and the puppy.

📝 Final Thoughts: Ask Questions & Trust Your Gut

Choosing the right breeder is just as important as picking the right puppy. If something feels off, don’t ignore it. A responsible breeder will welcome your questions, be transparent about their program, and support you for the life of your dog.

At Thistle Hill, we take great pride in the transparency and care we provide to our puppies and families. Many of our puppy owners came to us after a bad experience elsewhere, and their feedback on our program has been humbling and affirming. If you’re searching for a responsible Siberian Husky breeder, take your time, ask the right questions, and choose a breeder who truly stands behind their dogs.