We have started the search for a new puppy and plan on vetting any breeder thoroughly. Problem I am having is no matter how I search I cannot seem to find any info. Meeting them and visiting their facility is the highest priority but that is difficult right now. I've tried using the AKC website but don't have much faith as it seems as long as you send them the money they will list a breeder as credible. If their website/Facebook page doesn't show the minimum info like health certs, references available, etc. I move on. I did all this with our other Springer breeder and despite all looking great we got two dogs with issues. And I don't consider myself stupid or naive. Thoughts on the easiest way to check them out? Please, no comments about adopting rescues instead. Thanks.

I don't know how much you can turn up in an internet search. I did a quick searchand the information was pretty overwhelming. Is there a springer owners' forum where you can pick up recommendations?Northgate Springers has a seal as an AKC breeder of merit. I don't know how reliable that designation is though. They're located in northern VA.

Is the swipe at AKC backed up by anything except “it seems?”

I would suggest starting with the National Breed Club of whatever breed you are looking at rather than the AKC.

We chose a breeder based on her website, Facebook page and a phone conversation. She didn't have a company or a large breeding operation. Her priorities were clearly her family and her dogs. The puppies were born and kept in her home. They were well socialized by her family. She had a ranch up in the mountains. Also the price, She could have gotten a lot higher price than she was asking, so she obviously wasn't in it just for the money. The dogs were from a line of active hunting dogs, not just kept for breeding. We just had a good feeling about her, and we love our golden beyond words. Maybe the story of our experience will help you.

If I were looking for a springer I would be looking for breeders who breed for hunting (even if I were not going to hunt with the dog). Someone who is going to invest the time to train a gun dog will want to be as sure as possible they get a pup that will have a long healthy life (bred for work and health). To find one of these breeders I would start with the parent breed club or a hunting/field trial association.Here is a good question for breeders:“How many pups are you keeping from this litter?”If the answer is none you have a better sense of why they produce this litter.

Vetting Breeders | Good Sam Community

BCSnob
Explorer
Nov 01, 2020
If I were looking for a springer I would be looking for breeders who breed for hunting (even if I were not going to hunt with the dog). Someone who is going to invest the time to train a gun dog will want to be as sure as possible they get a pup that will have a long healthy life (bred for work and health). To find one of these breeders I would start with the parent breed club or a hunting/field trial association.

Here is a good question for breeders:
“How many pups are you keeping from this litter?”

If the answer is none you have a better sense of why they produce this litter.
Son_of_Norway
Explorer
Nov 01, 2020
We chose a breeder based on her website, Facebook page and a phone conversation. She didn't have a company or a large breeding operation. Her priorities were clearly her family and her dogs. The puppies were born and kept in her home. They were well socialized by her family. She had a ranch up in the mountains. Also the price, She could have gotten a lot higher price than she was asking, so she obviously wasn't in it just for the money. The dogs were from a line of active hunting dogs, not just kept for breeding. We just had a good feeling about her, and we love our golden beyond words. Maybe the story of our experience will help you.
Ed_Gee
Explorer II
Nov 01, 2020
I would suggest starting with the National Breed Club of whatever breed you are looking at rather than the AKC.
Lwiddis
Explorer II
Nov 01, 2020
Is the swipe at AKC backed up by anything except “it seems?”
magnusfide
Explorer II
Nov 01, 2020
I don't know how much you can turn up in an internet search. I did a quick searchand the information was pretty overwhelming. Is there a springer owners' forum where you can pick up recommendations?

Northgate Springers has a seal as an AKC breeder of merit. I don't know how reliable that designation is though. They're located in northern VA.

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