Oh Kelly it will be so easy to tell a reputable breeder from a back yard breeder. Some of the things you should check are
1. Does the breeder have certifications for the parents hips, heart and elbow. If not walk away.
2. Does the breeder take time to answer all your questions? Are they knowledgeable answers?
3. How long as the breeder been breeding? Can you get info on any other puppies she has sold just to see them?
4. Does she show her dog? Remember just because she does not show does not mean she is not a reputable breeder.
5. Does the breeder ask a LOT of questions about you? Most reputable breeders are very picky as to whom they sell their pup.
6. Find you local newf club, go to a meeting and you will learn so much and meet many GOOD breeders. If not they can surely direct you in the right way.
7. Most reputable breeders will have a waiting lists to get a puppy. But sometimes things happen where they will have one immediately.
8. Do they only breed Newf? If they breed more than one breed they are most likely a puppy mill.
9. Do they only have 2 dogs a male and female newf? Beware, most backyard breeders will have a pair of breeding newfs because it is cheaper than paying stud fees. But again that is not always the case.
10. How clean is the premisis? Can you see that the dogs are really loved and live in the house or are they just dogs outside in an old barn or something. (If they are in a NICE kennel that would not bother me at all.)
For the most part. Use your common sense and let don't let your heart guide you. Those cute puppies can cause you to forget so much.
Hope this helps
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Jeannie and the rescues
Sara, Samantha and Panda
www.newfland.com