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Bringing home a new puppy can be one of the most exciting things in the world! Puppies are adorable, energetic, happy creatures, and we have every responsibility as their owners to keep them happy and healthy. In this blog, you'll learn about how to find the healthiest pups in California- and how to maintain their wellbeing after you've taken them home.
A good breeder is essential to assuring the health and safety of your future best friend. When you are taking home a new puppy, you want to make sure that they're coming from a safe environment.
To assure that you find a responsible breeder, make sure to do your research before making any big commitments. Ask your veterinarian about which breeders they support or look on American Kennel Club's breeder referral page. A breeder's reputation gives you a peek into their quality, so be sure to look into local reviews as well.
To a beginner puppy owner, it can be hard to tell if a breeder is just good at advertising or passionate about dogs. You can tell if you have found a good breeder from these signs:
A large factor into finding a great breeder is asking them as many questions as you can! If you've found a responsible breeder, they should have an answer to every question you present them. By asking these questions, you can find out the important factors in your puppy's life:
After you've decided which breeder you will choose from, you must decide which adorable puppy you'll be taking home! Dogs deliver an average of 5-6 puppies in a litter, and choosing the healthiest, best fit one can sometimes be a tough decision.
Luckily, there are several ways you can tell which puppy in the litter is the best fit for you! You can...
Ask the breeder about the individual habits and health of each puppy. The breeder has been watching these puppies for all their lives, so they can certainly tell you if any specific puppy has a weak stomach or is the runt of the litter.
Look over each puppy's appearance. You can tell a lot about a dog's healthy simply by examining each puppy's coat, eyes, and noses. Healthy puppies should have bright, clear eyes; they should be energetic, curious, and playful; they shouldn't have any discharge in the eyes or nose; and last but not least, a healthy puppy should have a smooth, shiny coat.
Watch the litter mates play and move! The way a puppy moves interacts with the environment is a great way to look into their physical health and temperament. By watching the puppies interact with each other and play, you can see if any pup has a strange gait or limp. You can also see which puppies are more excitable and which puppies are more relaxed according to their play style!
After you've taken home your bundle of cuteness, it's time for you to plan out how you take care of your pup. There are a lot of factors that go into play when you're responsible for the health of your puppy.
The most important things to remember when taking care of your dog are a high quality diet, consistent exercise, and frequent supervision.
A quality diet is SO important for your dog. Like humans, dogs are what they eat- and if they eat processed foods every day they won't turn out to be a healthy dog in the long run. By feeding your dog a diet that reaches optimal nutrition, your dog will live a long, happy life!
The best food you can be feeding your dog is a raw diet. Through a raw diet, your dog will be able to intake all the necessary nutrients to reach their peak health. There are many reasons as to why you should start your puppy on a raw diet- listed below are just a few resources to learning why!
Read More:
Why Nothing Beats A Complete And Balanced Dog Food
10 Tips For Feeding Puppies Raw Meat
Top 25 Raw Feeding Questions Answered
The BARF Model, A Raw Dog Food Diet
Consistent exercise is extremely valuable for your puppy's health. Since puppies are bundles of energy, they need an outlet to release their almost endless energy. By taking your pup on walks or playing tug-of-war with them, you will give them what they need in order to release their energy!
Finally, the best way to assure your dog stays healthy is by giving them constant supervision. Puppies have a record for getting into things they're not supposed to, and you can make sure that their knack for getting into trouble doesn't turn into a hazard for them.
If you've decided it's time to get a puppy, look no further! We've collected all of our favorite local breeders in California and listed them all in this guide!
Location: San Diego, California
Certifications: AKC Breeder of Merit, member of French Bulldog Club of America
Will they take your pup if you can no longer keep them? Yes; in fact, the owner legally requires that the pup must be returned to them.
Allusion French Bulldogs is owned by a computer programmer and database developer, so each puppy's pedigree and health are closely analyzed. They breed show dogs and companion dogs, and Allusion's owner has a great passion for showing dogs!
Almost Famous Frenchies
Location: Sacramento, California
Certifications:AKC Breeder of Merit
Will they take your pup if you can no longer keep them? Yes, but purchase price will not be refunded.
3 Oaks English Golden Retrievers
Location: Agoura Hills, California
Certifications: None; non-professional breeder
Will they take your pup if you can no longer keep them? Unknown
3 Oaks Golden Retrievers is a family-operated breeder in California. They breed English Creme Goldens, which are known to have better overall health than their American counterparts. Puppies at 3 Oaks are perfect family dogs that love kids, being raised in a family with 5 of them!
Location: Riverside, California
Certifications:AKC Breeder of Merit
Will they take your pup if you can no longer keep them? Unknown
Belvedere Golden Retrievers is a small breeder located in Southern California. The team loves golden retrievers and want to let other families experience the special love that only a golden retriever can give!
Location: Norco, California
Certifications:AKC Breeder of Merit; Member of National Shiba Club of America
Will they take your pup if you can no longer keep them? Yes; 100% refund provided 30 days after purchase.
Jogoso Shibas is a small AKC breeder of Merit. They closely monitor each of their Shibas and assure that the chance of an onset of common diseases is low. Jogoso Shibas takes great pride in their Shibas, and quite a few of them have won awards at dog shows!
Location: Santa Rosa, California
Certifications: AKC Breeder of Merit
Will they take your pup if you can no longer keep them? Unknown
Shibas of Copperdots is a AKC breeder of Merit. Each puppy is raised in a house and properly socialized every day from a young age. These breeders are available as a support system after taking home your Shiba, and are dedicated to making each Shiba happy and healthy!
Alphamale Bulldogs
Location: San Clemente, California
Certifications: AKC Breeder of Merit
Will they take your pup if you can no longer keep them? Unknown
Alphamale Bulldogs is a breeder that aims to provide each client with an AKC registered English Bulldog. They offer a stud service, where you can breed your dog with one of the big, healthy bulldogs there.
Location: San Marcos, California
Certifications: Have certified veterinarians for each pup.
Will they take your pup if you can no longer keep them? Yes.
The puppies at One of a Kind Bulldogs are one of a kind! Both French Bulldogs and Olde English Bulldogs are offered from this breeder, and each puppy is bred according to temperament and health. This breeder even offers discounts to veterans, public service workers, and repeat customers!
Location: Bay Area, California
Certifications: Breeder for 16 years
Will they take your pup if you can no longer keep them? Unknown
The Bay Area Bulldogs are a breeder full of dog lovers! They treat each puppy as if it's their own, and raise the pups with their upmost care. The bulldogs are raised around children and have great health. Stud services are also available!
All American Labradors
Location: Madera, California
Certifications:AKC Breeder of Merit
Will they take your pup if you can no longer keep them? Yes
All American Labradors is a breeder which strives to have puppies that improve the lives of the pups and the owners! They also breed for all 3 AKC standard colors- black, yellow, and chocolate.
Location: Victor Valley, California
Certifications: AKC Breeder of Merit
Will they take your pup if you can no longer keep them? Yes; but seller reserves the right to refuse taking the puppy back.
Kingdom Acres Labradors is a dog-loving family breeder. The puppies are given lots of fun during their stay at the breeder, having all day to play outside and sleeping in the house at night. Each puppy is raised inside a home and are never raised outside or in kennels.
Location: Ramona, California
Certifications: AKC Breeder of Merit
Will they take your pup if you can no longer keep them? Yes, but only within 14 days of purchase.
Nuforest Daschunds has been breeding Daschunds since 1974. They are passionate about the study and showing of dogs, attending lessons, lectures, and shows to learn more about their favorite breed of pups! The owners of Nuforest Dashunds are extremely passionate and educated, and will surely be able to answer any questions you may have about the breed.
Location: Moreno Valley, California
Certifications:Each pup is AKC Registered.
Will they take your pup if you can no longer keep them? Yes.
De Lorenzo Daschunds is a small, family owned Daschund breeder located in Southern California. The breeders are De Lorenzo love Daschunds and care lots about their happiness. Each puppy is socialized and raised to be happy and healthy.
Masse's Pudgy Pugs
Location: Mira Ioma, California
Certifications: Each pup is AKC Registered.
Will they take your pup if you can no longer keep them? Yes
Masse's Pudgy Pugs takes great pride in their breeding. They breed their dogs reputably in their home, and each dog has been tested and certified through UC Davis. Masse's Pudgy Pugs works to increase the breed standard and the betterment of all pugs.
Location: High Desert, California
Certifications: Each puppy is AKC registered.
Will they take your pup if you can no longer keep them? Yes; if puppy shows health problems within 7 days of purchase.
A Bit Pugish is a small family kennel. The pugs are a special part of the family and are given lots of love and care. They hope to one day start a pug rescue, but in the meantime are raising their pugs with passion and bringing them to the best suited families.
Suzabel's Yorkies
Location: Yucaipa, California
Certifications: Member of AKC's Bred with Heart program.
Will they take your pup if you can no longer keep them? Unknown
Suzabel's Yorkies is a breeder that intends to preserve the integrity of all Yorkies. They place their pups with the most caring owners they can find, passionate to spread love and fun with these adorable dogs!
Location: Fairfield, California
Certifications:Each puppy is purebred certified.
Will they take your pup if you can no longer keep them? Yes
Tiny Yorkies Kisses is a very well-educated Yorkie breeder. They make sure that every puppy is raised in a happy, healthy environment. After taking your puppy home, you can always check back on their website for amazing puppy-raising resources!
Location: Chino, California
Certifications: N/A
Will they take your pup if you can no longer keep them? Yes
So Cal Corgis is a breeder immensely passionate about what they do! They test each Corgi parent for their genetic pedigrees and breed them accordingly. The dogs are located on a little ranch, living with other animals they enjoy herding!
Location: Riverside, California
Certifications: N/A
Will they take your pup if you can no longer keep them? Yes; health guarantee offered.
Noble Hearts Corgis is a Corgi breeder that has their breeding puppies homed in places with children, other pets, and horses, ensuring that each puppy is given the attention and socialization needed for Corgi pups.
Location: Whitter, California
Certifications: N/A
Will they take your pup if you can no longer keep them? Unknown
Audree and Michael's Puppies is a breeder that focuses primarily on puppy temperament and behavior as they grow. They breed both Siberian Huskies and Rottweilers, and they give love to their puppies the way they would to their family.
Location: San Fransisco, California
Certifications: Not AKC certified
Will they take your pup if you can no longer keep them? Unknown
Nordic Mini Husky is a breeder that breeds miniature huskies and Alaskan Klee Kais. All dogs are given love and care, and they are never caged or live in kennels. The puppies are given lots of space to play, and sleep in the beds at night!
Location: Anderson, California
Certifications: All puppies are AKC registered.
Will they take your pup if you can no longer keep them? Yes.
Dakonic German Shepherds is a small kennel that produces working line German Shepherds. They breed their dogs to have the strength and ability to compete in sports, as well as be a loyal member of the family.
Reds Above the Rest German Shepherds
Location: Riverside County, California
Certifications: Each puppy is AKC registered.
Will they take your pup if you can no longer keep them? Unknown
Reds Above the Rest German Shepherds is a breeder located on a ranch. The German Shepherds at Reds Above the Rest are bred to be intelligent, beautiful dogs, suitable for shows and jobs. The puppies are also raised in a home-like environment so they can be prepared to enter their forever home!