1. Personalized Attention: Small breeders often have fewer dogs, allowing them to provide more individualized attention and care to each puppy. This can lead to better socialization and emotional development.  You can view on the website, breeders that have hundreds of puppies listed…they are all at “guardian homes” across the country, but I’m not how that breeder can tell you how the puppy is taken care of on a daily basis…we do!

2. Health and Genetic Screening: Responsible breeders typically conduct health screenings for their breeding dogs, which can help reduce the risk of hereditary health issues in the puppies. You can often review health clearances and medical history. Here at PuppiesUpNorth, we don’t screen once in their lifetime, we screen each time the momma comes into heat with blood tests and an over all check-up.  The Daddy’s are also given a over all check-up and the sperm is also tested to make sure there is no infection in the body!  If either parents are not at 100%, we will not breed them.

3. Environment: A small breeder who raises their dogs on their property can provide a home-like environment, which is important for early socialization and exposure to various stimuli. Puppies raised in a nurturing setting are often more well-adjusted.  We have our parents and puppies in our home, in our facility and they run our 100 acres.  Our parents and puppies run to us each time we come to their area.  They are loved, each parent has their own little quirk and we know them.  Don’t get me started I could go on and on about the silliness of each dog / puppy!

4. Knowledge and Expertise: Small breeders are usually passionate about their breed and have extensive knowledge about their dogs. They can provide valuable information about breed characteristics, training, and care.  Here at PuppiesUpNorth we are sold out to our dogs!  We take them places, we are kinda known as the “dog people”.  We love spending a quiet afternoon down by the pond or running thru the corn fields.  We are available for the lifetime of our puppy families and many time we get calls late in the evening or early in the morning just wanting to run something past us…

5. Breeding Practices: Responsible small breeders often prioritize ethical breeding practices, focusing on the health and temperament of their dogs rather than profit. They are likely to be committed to improving the breed.  PuppiesUpNorth make a commitment to our families and we focus not only on the health and temperament, but also the cute looks of the puppies.  We don’t breed, breed, breed…we pay close attention to our mommas body, making sure her body is back in shape and ready to take on another litter.  We work closely with our vet with discussions of breeding ethically.

6. Lifetime Support: Many small breeders offer ongoing support to puppy buyers and are available to answer questions or provide guidance throughout the dog’s life. This can be especially helpful for first-time dog owners.  PuppiesUpNorth prides ourselves in being available to our puppy families.  I tell my families to call any time…sometimes I am laughing with them because the puppy mastered how to ride on a wakeboard…and sometimes I am crying with the families if the puppy gets hurt or killed…I love dogs and love to talk to others that love dogs

7. Better Socialization: Puppies raised in a home environment are more likely to be exposed to various people, sounds, and situations, which can lead to better socialization skills and adaptability. PuppiesUpNorth is involved in a reading program in a school, we have gone to Retirement homes, we have a Downs syndrome neighbor that loves holding puppies, we have had friends, old and young holding, helping with pictures or just rocking puppies to sleep.  The puppy parents get out an about often to places around town and on our property.

8. Opportunity to Meet Parents: Buying from a small breeder allows you to meet the puppy’s parents, which can give you insight into the temperament and behavior you can expect in your puppy.  Here at PuppiesUpNorth we allow you to see our puppy parents online.  If you wanted to see them, we can take a short video to help in aiding in your puppy decision.

9. Less Stress for the Dogs: Dogs raised in a smaller, family-oriented setting may experience less stress compared to those in larger commercial breeding facilities or puppy mills.  The large guardian homes or puppy mills often have to fly puppies to a location, and fly them back or travel long distances…this is so much stress on a puppy.  We love to meet our families to show them our puppies and to talk and get to know them

10. Commitment to the Breed: A small breeder is often dedicated to the breed and may be involved in breed clubs, indicating a commitment to the welfare of the dogs.  We belong to MN Board of Animal Health and are licensed breeders.  We also belong to MN Pet Breeders Association.  We specialize in 4-5 breeds and love the various personalities and temperaments in each of the breed.

When considering purchasing a dog from a Reputable Breeder, it’s important to do your research. Ensure the breeder is reputable, ethical, and follows best practices in breeding and raising their dogs.

Never be shy to ask lots of questions…I have been in the dog business for 15 years, I have mentored many other breeders / boarding facilities and want you to make the best decision with all the information I can provide…just ask!