Find Licensed Dog Breeders
Looking to buy a puppy? Use the Kennel Club's Assured Breeder Scheme to find responsible, inspected breeders who meet the highest standards of care.
🔍 Find a Puppy from Responsible Breeders
The Kennel Club's Find a Puppy service helps you locate responsible breeders. Since January 2025, The Kennel Club uses a new Health Standard to promote good breeding practices across all breeders, making it easier to find health-tested puppies.
Easy access to health test results for parent dogs
Clear guidance on which health tests should be completed
Puppies raised in home environments with good welfare
Access to breeder information and puppy health records
Breeders commit to quality of life and best practices
All puppies registered with The Kennel Club
📍 Search by Location
Use The Kennel Club's Find a Puppy service to search by your location and breed:
✅ Essential Checklist When Visiting a Breeder
👀 What to Check
- Visit the breeder's home - see where puppies are raised
- Meet the puppy's mother (and father if available)
- Check mother is friendly and healthy
- Puppies should be raised in a home environment
- See health certificates for parent dogs
- Verify breed-specific health tests were done
- Check puppies are clean, active, and well-socialized
- Breeder asks YOU questions about your lifestyle
📋 Documents to Request
- Pedigree certificate (5 generation minimum)
- Health test certificates for parents
- Vaccination record for puppy
- Microchip documentation
- Written contract with health guarantee
- Feeding and care instructions
- KC registration papers (or application proof)
- Breeder's contact details for future support
❓ Important Questions to Ask the Breeder
🏠 About Their Breeding Practice
- How long have you been breeding this breed?
- How many litters do you have per year?
- What health tests do you perform on parent dogs?
- Can I see the health test certificates?
- Are you a Kennel Club Assured Breeder?
- Do you show your dogs or participate in activities?
🐕 About the Puppy
- Can I meet both parents?
- What is the puppy's temperament like?
- Has the puppy been socialized with children/other pets?
- When will the puppy be ready to go home? (min 8 weeks)
- What vaccinations has the puppy had?
- Is the puppy microchipped?
📞 About After-Sale Support
- What support do you offer after purchase?
- Will you take the dog back if I can't keep it?
- What happens if health issues arise?
- Do you provide a health guarantee?
- Can I contact you with questions as the puppy grows?
- Do you have references from previous puppy buyers?
🚨 Red Flags - Avoid These Breeders!
Never Buy If...
- Breeder won't let you visit their home
- You can't meet the puppy's mother
- Multiple breeds/litters available at once
- Puppies younger than 8 weeks old
- No health certificates or pedigree papers
- Breeder meets you in a car park or public place
- Pressure to buy immediately
- Unusually cheap prices
- Breeder doesn't ask YOU questions
- Offered from a pet shop or dealer
Be Cautious If...
- Breeder has many different breeds
- Always has puppies available
- Doesn't provide KC registration
- Won't provide references
- Vague about health testing
- Payment only in cash
- No written contract offered
- Can't provide vet records
- Unwilling to answer questions
- Puppies seem nervous or unwell
🏭 Beware of Puppy Farms
Puppy farms (also called puppy mills) are commercial breeding facilities that prioritize profit over animal welfare. Puppies from these sources often have:
- ❌ Serious health and behavioral problems
- ❌ Poor socialization and trauma
- ❌ Unknown genetic history
- ❌ Higher veterinary costs later
Always insist on visiting the breeding facility and meeting the mother! If you can't, walk away.
📚 Helpful Resources
KC Find a Puppy
Search for puppies from registered breeders
KC Health Standard
Health testing guidance for every breed
Health Test Results Finder
Check health test results for any registered dog
RSPCA Buying a Puppy Guide
Expert advice on choosing and buying a puppy
KC Breeds A to Z
Learn about breed characteristics and requirements
Blue Cross Puppy Guide
Guidance on finding and choosing a puppy
💡 Have You Considered Adoption?
Many wonderful dogs in rescue centres are looking for loving homes. Adoption is often more affordable, and you'll be giving a dog a second chance at happiness.
🐾 Find Dog Shelters Near You