Finding the Right Breeder.

Finding a responsible breeder you trust is the most important step to finding your new best friend after you’ve determined that you and your family are prepared for a Pomsky and that it is the right breed for your family. Breeders are invaluable resources: Not only are they a bridge between you and your perfect dog, you can rely on them throughout your dog’s lifetime. Think of a breeder as your own private guide to all things dogs, from choosing the right dog to caring for it forever.

As with any major decision, it is important to do your homework before making a commitment to a breeder. Here are some tips for finding — and working with — a responsible breeder:

• Get at least two references. Remember that breeders work for you, and just as you would when hiring anyone, you should ask for references. Ask the breeder for at least two references from clients in the past year so that you know they’re recent. Ask if they were happy with their experience, how problems were handled, if any, and about the pros — and cons — of working with that particular breeder. You can also find out if a breeder is in good standing with the APKC® by contacting us via our email, Facebook page, or phone number.

• Don’t rely on the phone and internet. Go in person. The best way to get to know a breeder is to meet in person, which might be at their kennel, in their home, or at a local meeting spot.

• There are many Breeders that do not allow visitors to their breeding facilities and kennels for the safety and health of their dogs. This does not mean they are a ‘bad breeder’. Learn more in our knowledge base article Why Can't I Visit.

  Observe the dogs and the breeder: Are the premises clean? Does the breeder show a genuine passion for dogs? Are the dogs well fed? How do the dogs interact with the breeder — and with strangers? Both dogs and puppies should not shy away from the breeder and should be outgoing with strangers.

• Ask questions. One of the biggest benefits of working with a good breeder is that he or she can be counted on throughout your dog’s life. When you’re meeting with a breeder for the first time, come prepared with a list of questions about the breed and the puppy – you can never ask too many, and there are no dumb questions! See how he/she reacts. Is he/she patient with your questions? Does he/she explain things clearly? Do you feel like you have a good rapport? Responsible breeders want to see their dogs in happy, loving forever homes and will be happy to share their knowledge.

• See the pup’s parents. There’s no better way to see how your dog will grow up than by looking at his parents! It will give you a sense of your dog’s temperament, size, and appearance.

• Get a full medical history. Reputable breeders will be happy to show proof of health screenings such as OFA and CERF certificates and can provide DNA test results showing the health and genetics of their dogs and puppies. They will also explain any health conditions that typically affect that particular breed so you know what to watch out for in the long term.

• Be patient. Don’t expect to meet a breeder and bring home a puppy the same day: Usually the breeder will keep the puppy at the kennel for the first two months of its life, so it can mature and socialize with its mother and litter mates. This transition is important, and it’ll give you time to puppy-proof your house and to get the necessary supplies before welcoming him home.