Bringing home a puppy is a long-term commitment. The first and most important step is finding a responsible, ethical breeder who prioritizes the health, temperament, and lifelong wellbeing of their dogs, not just producing puppies.

Choose the Right Breed for Your Lifestyle

Before contacting breeders, the most important step is choosing a breed that truly fits your day-to-day life. Every breed was developed with a purpose, and those instincts still influence energy level, grooming needs, trainability, and behaviour in the home.

Consider:

• Activity level: Some breeds require hours of daily physical and mental exercise, while others are content with moderate walks and quiet companionship. An energy mismatch is one of the most common reasons dogs are rehomed.
• Grooming requirements: Coat care can range from occasional brushing to professional grooming every few weeks. Be realistic about the time and cost you can commit to long term.
• Training and temperament: Certain breeds are highly driven, sensitive, vocal, or independent. Think about your experience level, household routine, children, other pets, and living space.

Most importantly, avoid choosing a breed based only on appearance or trends. A beautiful dog that doesn’t suit your lifestyle can lead to frustration for both you and the dog.

Take time to research breed clubs, speak with knowledgeable breeders, and meet adult dogs whenever possible. Finding the right breed first makes the rest of your puppy search far more successful. Attending local shows is a great way to meet a variety of breeds, and talk with their owners about the unique qualities each breed has to offer.

Start With Accountability and Transparency

Responsible breeding is built on accountability, documentation, and openness, not just good intentions.

In New Brunswick, breeders who sell animals are required to hold a Pet Establishment Licence, which sets minimum standards for care, housing, and record-keeping. A licence does not guarantee a high-quality breeder, yet the absence of one where it is legally required should be treated as a serious concern.

You may also see breeders describe themselves as members of the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC). CKC membership means an individual has agreed to follow the organization’s code of ethics and accountability framework, which can be a positive sign of engagement with responsible breeding practices. However, it is equally important to understand that the CKC does not licence, inspect, register, or approve breeders, and membership is not required in order for a breeder to register purebred dogs or litters in Canada. The CKC registers dogs and pedigrees, not breeders themselves, so registration should never be viewed as an endorsement of overall breeder quality.

Many responsible breeders are also involved in breed-specific clubs or local kennel clubs, like this one. These clubs typically maintain their own codes of ethics, promote education, and encourage participation in training, sport, or conformation events. Active involvement in the dog community is often a positive indicator of transparency, mentorship, and ongoing learning, though, like licensing or registration, it should be considered one piece of the overall picture, not a guarantee on its own.

Provincial licensing, CKC registration, club membership, and community involvement each provide useful layers of accountability, but none replace careful research, thoughtful questions, and personal judgment when choosing the breeder who is right for you.

CKC Registration and What It Really Means

For purebred dogs in Canada, registration with the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) is an important part of transparency and legal compliance, but it is often misunderstood.

Under the federal Animal Pedigree Act, any dog being represented or sold as purebred must be eligible for and provided with official registration from a recognized registry such as the CKC, at no additional cost. This means a breeder cannot legally market a puppy as purebred while refusing to supply registration papers or complete the ownership transfer. Statements like “purebred but not registered,” or “papers cost extra” should be treated with caution and investigated carefully.

CKC registration confirms that a puppy’s pedigree and lineage are documented within Canada’s official purebred registry and that proper breeding and record-keeping requirements have been followed. It also confirms that each puppy is permanently identified, through microchip or tattoo. This documentation protects both the buyer and the long-term integrity of the breed.

At the same time, it is important to keep registration in perspective. Because the CKC registers dogs and litters rather than evaluating overall breeder quality, registration alone does not guarantee ethical practices, good temperament, or responsible decision-making. Instead, it should be viewed as one essential piece of accountability that must be considered alongside health testing, breeder support, living conditions, and honest communication.

Expect Lifelong Support From the Breeder

Ethical breeders do more than sell puppies, they remain a resource for the dog’s entire life.

You should expect:

• Guidance on training, nutrition, and behaviour
• A contract requiring the dog be returned to the breeder if you can’t keep it
• Ongoing willingness to answer questions and provide support

A responsible breeder cares deeply about where their puppies end up.

Health Testing Is Essential

Every breed has known inherited health risks. Responsible breeders complete appropriate health testing on their breeding dogs before producing a litter, but buyers should also take an active role in understanding what testing is expected.

Start by researching your chosen breed through:

• The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) website
• The national or regional breed club for that breed

These sources outline:

• Common inherited conditions seen in the breed
• Which health tests are recommended or required for responsible breeding
• How official results are recorded and shared

Once you know what testing should be done, you can confidently ask a breeder:

• Which specific health tests were completed on the parents?
• Can you provide registered names or links so the results can be verified?

Many breeders publish results in the public OFA database, allowing you to independently confirm clearances by searching the dog’s registered name at ofa.org. Verifiable, breed-appropriate testing is a hallmark of ethical breeding and goes far beyond routine veterinary exams or general “health checks.”

Doing this research before contacting breeders helps you ask informed questions, recognize responsible practices, and make decisions based on evidence rather than reassurance alone.

Even “Good” Breeders May Not Be the Right Fit

A breeder can check every important box yet still not be the best match for your family. Responsible breeding is not only about meeting standards; it is also about shared expectations, clear communication, and a genuine partnership between breeder and buyer.

Each breeder has their own goals for temperament, structure, activity level, and the types of homes they prioritize for their puppies. Some may focus on performance or working ability, while others emphasize companionship or show potential. None of these approaches are inherently wrong, but they may or may not align with your lifestyle, experience, or hopes for life with your dog.

Pay attention to how the breeder communicates and whether you feel comfortable asking questions. A thoughtful placement process, where the breeder asks detailed questions about your routine, experience, and plans for the dog, is usually a positive sign. At the same time, you should feel respected, informed, and never pressured into making a quick decision.

Whenever possible, take time to connect with the breeder, whether through thoughtful conversation, a virtual visit, or an in-person meeting when appropriate, and look for opportunities to learn about the adult dogs behind the litter. It is also important to know that not all responsible breeders invite the public into their homes, and this alone should not be seen as a red flag. Many limit home access for privacy, safety, and biosecurity reasons to protect their dogs and puppies. Transparency, clear communication, and a willingness to answer questions are far more meaningful indicators of a responsible breeder than physical access to their home.

Trust your instincts. Choosing a breeder is more than completing a checklist; it marks the beginning of a long-term relationship and the first step in shaping your dog’s future.