How to Find and Choose a Pit Bull Breeder

Get all the information you need to find the right pit bull puppy.

How to Find and Choose a Pit Bull Breeder

Finding and selecting a breeder for pit bulls is a serious decision that should not be made hastily. It is important to research your options, evaluate each individual breeder, and make sure you are comfortable with the information you have gathered before committing to a specific breeder.

Choosing the right breeder is essential to getting the right pup and can ensure that you get a healthy, well-socialized and happy dog. This guide will help you find and choose a pit bull breeder, as well as provide tips on what to look for when selecting one.

This article is a partnership with We Love Doodles.

1. Make a Local Search Query in Your Region

There are good dog breeders everywhere. Whether you live on the West Coast of the United States or in the Northeast, it is easy to find a well-maintained, skilled pit bull breeder for your needs. You just have to search for them.

For instance, there are some of the best pit bull breeders in California, and only the locals know about them. So the best action for contacting a good pit bull breeder in California would be to reach out to the locals, get information about the top five breeders, and check on them yourself. This will not only give you peace of mind in finding the best breeder but also give you the best judgment to select a well-maintained breeding environment for your pet.

No matter where you reside, if you are looking for a solution on how to find and choose the best pit bull breeder, the first step is to make a search query in your local region.

2. Use Reputable Breed Registries

When searching for a reliable pit bull breeder, using registries is the best place to start. These registries have been created so that only quality dogs are bred and the breed meets the highest standards.

The registries will provide information about the breeders and their past litters, as well as the health and temperament of their dogs. It is critical to research to confirm that the breeder is credible and has a strong track record. Check for reviews, health and temperament reports, and other information about the breeders. Also, meet the breeders and see their facilities.

And always ask to see the puppy in person and look for any signs of poor health or temperament.

3. Ask A Vet

Veterinarians putting cone collar on pit bull and bandaging leg

To make sure you select a responsible breeder, it is best to consult a veterinarian. Vets are knowledgeable about the breed and can provide valuable information about any ethical concerns related to the breeder.

They can advise you on questions to ask a breeder, including their policies on health testing, vaccination requirements, and genetic screening. A vet can help you have a positive experience with your chosen breeder and support you throughout the process.

4. Search Online

The internet is full of resources and information on breeders, and it's a great way to narrow down your search. You can find reviews, compare prices, and get in touch with breeders all over the world.

However, be sure to spend some time reading reviews and comparing costs while looking for anything online. There are a lot of scams out there, so you want to be sure you're getting what you pay for.

Ask questions in the forums or read blog posts to gain insight into the available breeders. A trustworthy breeder won't have anything to conceal. Therefore, they should be happy to respond to your inquiries.

Ask for referrals from neighborhood pet shops and shelters as well.

5. Look at the Papers

Many breeders still use newspapers for advertising their puppies and contact information. When you are looking for a reputable pit bull breeder, you may keep an eye out on your local papers as well. Local papers usually include information regarding a pit bull breeder's years of experience, breeding practices and health guarantee policies.

By looking in the papers, you can find the breeder who is closest to you, which can save you time and money for traveling expenses. You may also get insights into a few customer reviews, which play a key role for any new pet owner in making an informed decision.

You can also look at classifieds in the paper to find private breeders who may not be as widely known as commercial breeders.

6. Visit Dog Shows

Pit bull running and jumping through an obstacle course

When you're considering adding a pit bull to your family, it is best to attend some dog shows. Breeders who show their dogs are passionate about the breed and are committed to improving the bloodline.

Observe how breeders connect with their dogs when you meet them at dog shows. Do they seem loving and attentive, or are they harsh and dismissive? You want to make sure that any breeder you consider is someone who will treat their dogs well. After all, these dogs will be the parents of your future pet.

Remember, taking the time to find a reputable pit bull breeder will pay off in the long run. A good breeder will assist you in finding a healthy, happy puppy that will be a treasured member of your family for many years.

7. Look at the Breeder's Personality

Happy pit bull with his friend, a young woman

Breeding any type of dog is a complex business, and it is vital that the breeder you select meets certain criteria to get a healthy and well-bred pup. You should take many factors into account to make the best choice. Start with a breeder's personality. For a reputable pit bull breeder, you want someone who loves animals and is passionate about their breed.

A good breeder should be knowledgeable about the characteristics of the breed. They should have a positive attitude and be open to discussing health concerns, as well as providing information on training, nutrition, and responsible ownership. They should provide a welcoming environment for potential buyers and be willing to answer any questions you may have in detail.

A good breeder should also be transparent with their policies and provide references so you can verify the information they provide. You want to choose someone who is honest, respectful, and passionate about pit bulls — because that's how they will ensure they are producing quality puppies.

8. Check the Breeder’s Credentials

Pit bull dog playing and having fun in the park

It is important to make sure the breeder you are considering has the proper credentials. You can find out if they are registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC) and what pedigree they offer.

It is also a good idea to check with your local veterinarian to see if they have any recommendations for reputable breeders in your area. This can be especially helpful as many vets will know breeders who have a good reputation and may even be able to provide references for you.

Be sure to ask about any complaints or issues that may have arisen in the past with this breeder, as well as details on their health testing and puppy socialization practices.

9. Meet the Breeder in Person

In addition, it is always a good idea to visit the breeder in person before making a commitment. This gives you an opportunity to meet the puppies and their parents and get an understanding of their living environment. Make sure that all the animals appear healthy and well cared for, as well as friendly toward strangers.

Ask questions about their breeding practices, like the different training processes, including obedience or crate training, health testing, and policies regarding returning puppies if something goes wrong after purchase.

10. Ask for References from Other Dog Owners

Two beautiful pit bulls with their owner petting them

Word of mouth is always the best way to find a good breeder. Ask a person you know who owns a pit bull where they obtained the dog and whether they were satisfied with the experience. A competent breeder will have contented clients who are eager to leave favorable feedback.

Searching internet chat rooms and forums devoted to pit bulls is another option. Many passionate dog owners are eager to share their experiences and help others find the right breeder.

You can also go through breeder directories online, such as those found on the website of the American Kennel Club.

11. Research the Lineage of Puppies

The lineage of a puppy pit bull terrier can tell you a lot about its breeding history, parents-grandparents, and traits that are associated with them. You want to make sure that you choose a breeder who specializes in this breed and has extensive knowledge about them.

It's also important to understand the temperament of each individual dog, as some may be more energetic or independent than others. This will give you a better idea of whether you’re prepared to handle a particular dog’s personality and needs.

Ask about the socialization of the puppies and whether they have taken any training or obedience classes. Look into different bloodlines or lines of dogs to guarantee you’re getting a well-bred pit bull puppy from a responsible breeder.

Bottom Line: Do Your Homework, and You Will Get a Good Pit Bull

Finding and choosing a reputable pit bull breeder can be a time-consuming task. But it is well worth the effort as you will be able to find the healthiest and happiest puppy possible.

All you’ve got to do is research, ask the right questions, and carefully consider the breeder's answers. Then, visit the breeder and get to know the environment where the puppies are being raised.

Follow these tips on how to find and choose a pit bull breeder, and you will get the right fit for you and your new pit bull. Happy searching.