Glossary

Dog breeder

A person who plans and raises litters of puppies; a responsible breeder health tests the parents, follows a breed standard and stays involved with each puppy.

Also called: responsible breeder, reputable breeder, hobby breeder, preservation breeder, ethical breeder, breeder contract

A breeder plans matings and raises the resulting puppies. Responsible breeders usually belong to a breed club, health test both parents and share the results, and match each litter to its breed's breed standard and a clear goal such as health, temperament or work. They let you meet the mother, keep puppies until at least eight weeks, and screen buyers with questions.

A written contract is common. It spells out the health guarantee, any spay or neuter terms, and often says the breeder will take the dog back at any time in its life.

Be wary of sellers who always have puppies, sell more than one breed, will not show where the dogs live or let you buy without questions. Those signs point to a backyard breeder or a puppy mill. Ask to see health testing records for the parents.

Last reviewed November 8, 2026

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Related terms

Backyard breeder A person who breeds dogs casually, usually without health testing, breed knowledge or a plan for the puppies; not a puppy mill, but often a poor source. Puppy mill A large-scale breeding operation that puts profit above the welfare of its dogs, producing puppies sold through pet stores, brokers or websites. Health testing The screening of breeding dogs for inherited conditions, such as hip, elbow, heart, eye and DNA tests, whose results are shared with buyers. Pedigree A written family tree of a dog showing its ancestors over several generations, usually with registered names, titles and sometimes health results.