How to choose the right breeder?

Interesting topic. So far we covered the topic whether this a right breed for you or not. What makes them great company and we briefly went into how to take care of italian greyhounds. Well really briefly cause this is a never ending topic - at least for me.

Choosing a responsible breeder gives these pups the best start in life. Bringing home your first Italian Greyhound puppy is an exciting experience filled with anticipation and joy. However, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is selecting the right breeder. A reputable breeder can mean the difference between a healthy, well-adjusted companion and potential heartache down the road. This guide will walk you through why choosing a good breeder matters, what qualities to look for, questions to ask, warning signs to avoid, tips for meeting breeders (in person or virtually), and some final advice to help you make the right choice. Let’s ensure your new four-legged family member comes from the best possible start!

Choosing a responsible breeder is crucial for your puppy’s health and happiness. Reputable breeders prioritize health, temperament, and proper care, which increases your chances of ending up with a happy, healthy dog that lives a long life​. In contrast, purchasing from an irresponsible source (like a puppy mill or backyard breeder) can lead to unexpected health or behavioral problems and hefty vet bills. In fact, research by the UK Kennel Club found that 70% of puppy buyers who spent less than two hours researching their breeder later experienced complications – from undisclosed health issues to missing vaccination records. This shows how important it is to do your homework before you buy.

A good breeder does far more than just produce puppies for sale. They carefully select mating pairs to improve the breed, avoid genetic problems, and ensure puppies are well-socialized from day one​. Italian Greyhounds have some specific health concerns (such as inherited eye conditions like PRA and delicate legs), and many issues might not show up until the dog is 2–6 years old​. A responsible IG breeder will perform health tests on the parents (for example, screenings for PRA-1, glaucoma, patella luxation, etc.) to minimize the risk of these problems in the puppies​. By choosing such a breeder, you’re stacking the deck in favor of a healthier puppy.

Equally important, an ethical breeder cares deeply about their puppies’ well-being for life, not just until the sale. They’ll be a source of guidance and support as you raise your Italian Greyhound, answering questions and helping you troubleshoot any issues that come up. They often require that if anything prevents you from keeping the dog, the puppy must be returned to them – a safety net to ensure none of their dogs end up in shelters​. While not every breeder may want lifelong contact, we aim to follow each puppy's journey from birth to their final moments.This kind of lifelong commitment isn’t just comforting for a new owner; it’s a hallmark of someone who truly loves the breed.

On the flip side, buying from a disreputable breeder or a puppy farm (puppy mill) can fuel cruel breeding practices and set you up for heartbreak​. Puppy farmers often put profit above welfare – breeding dogs in poor conditions, with little concern for health or socialization​. Puppies from such sources may arrive sick, undersocialized, or traumatized. By taking the time to find the right breeder, you’re not only protecting yourself and your future pet, but also taking a stand against inhumane breeding. In short: where your puppy comes from matters. A bit of patience and research now can save you years of trouble and ensure your IG has the healthy, happy life they deserve.

Key Qualities of a Reputable Breeder

So, what does a “reputable breeder” look like? Whether you’re in the U.S., Europe, or anywhere else in the world, responsible Italian Greyhound breeders tend to share the same key qualities. Keep an eye out for the following signs that a breeder is ethical and cares about their dogs:

Puts Health First: They prioritize the health of their dogs above all. Expect a breeder who conducts genetic health tests on their breeding dogs and is eager to show you proof of health clearances for both the mother (dam) and father (sire)​. For IGs, this may include DNA tests for eye diseases like PRA, screening for glaucoma, checking patellas (kneecaps), and other breed-specific concerns. A health-focused breeder will openly discuss any issues in the breed and what they do to avoid them.

Good Reputation & Experience: A quality breeder will have a positive reputation in the dog community. They may be involved in breed clubs or dog shows, or have testimonials from previous puppy buyers. Don’t hesitate to ask how long they’ve been breeding Italian Greyhounds and if you can speak to some past puppy owners for reference. Responsible breeders are proud of their dogs and happy to have you verify their reputation​.

Breeds for Temperament and Breed Standard: Reputable breeders breed to improve the breed, not just to produce puppies for demand. They focus on temperament and sound structure, not just flashy looks or “popular” colors. They should be very knowledgeable about the Italian Greyhound breed standard (size, appearance, typical behaviors) and strive to produce pups that are excellent examples of the breed in both mind and body. Profit is not the main motive – in fact, many responsible breeders barely break even after the costs of health testing, quality food, vet care, and so on​.

Clean, Caring Environment: When you visit (virtually or in person), the breeder’s home or kennel should be clean and safe. The dogs should appear happy, well-fed, and well cared for​. Puppies should be raised in the breeder’s home or a home-like setting – often in a busy area like a kitchen or living room – where they get used to normal household sights and sounds. There should be evidence that the puppies actually live there (toys, bedding, playpens, etc.). If the breeder has a kennel setup, it should be spacious, sanitary, and enriching for the dogs (no cramped, dirty cages). A reputable breeder never keeps their dogs in inhumane conditions or isolated away from people​.

Socialization and Careful Rearing: Good breeders invest enormous time and love in raising their puppies. From their earliest weeks, the pups will be handled kindly and exposed to various stimuli – different people (including children, supervised), household noises, other gentle dogs – to build confidence​. Italian Greyhound puppies, in particular, benefit from careful socialization since the breed can be a bit timid by nature. A responsible breeder ensures each puppy is gaining positive experiences so they’ll adapt well to their new homes. They might use protocols like Early Neurological Stimulation or puppy culture methods to give the pups a great start. By the time you get your IG puppy (typically at 10–12 weeks old, never younger than 8 weeks​, it should be outgoing, or at least comfortable, with humans and normal life in a home.

Open Communication and Transparency: A reputable breeder will welcome your questions and answer them candidly. They’ll also likely ask you a lot of questions. Expect a thorough breeder to interview you about your lifestyle, experience, and plans for the puppy – they want to ensure their puppies go to responsible, loving homes​.This is a good sign! They should be willing to show you documentation (pedigree papers, health test results, vet records for the puppies’ vaccinations and deworming)​. Honest breeders have nothing to hide: they’ll introduce you to the mother (and maybe other relatives), show you where the puppies are raised, and be up-front about any challenges with the breed. If a breeder is evasive or defensive about reasonable questions, that’s a bad sign. Good breeders understand that you’re making a big commitment and will gladly talk with you at length.

Provides a Contract: Most responsible breeders will have you sign a purchase contract. This contract typically includes agreements that the puppy will be returned to the breeder if you can’t keep it, that you will spay/neuter the puppy by a certain age if it’s sold as a pet (non-breeding). They might also include guidelines for care. While it may feel formal, a contract protects both you and the breeder and, most importantly, the puppy’s welfare​. Be sure to read and understand the terms before you commit.

Lifetime Support and Take-Back Policy: A hallmark of a great breeder is that their responsibility doesn’t end when the puppy goes home with you. They will encourage you to stay in touch and provide updates. Many will check in to see how the puppy is settling, and they remain available for advice on training, nutrition, or health throughout your dog’s life​. If down the line you encounter any problems or life circumstances change, a reputable breeder will take the dog back rather than see it rehomed to a shelter or stranger​. This lifetime “safety net” demonstrates true dedication to their dogs. Knowing you have an experienced person to turn to with questions is an invaluable resource for a first-time owner.

Not Constantly Churning Out Puppies: Ethical IG breeders don’t always have puppies available. Italian Greyhounds are a relatively uncommon breed, and responsible breeders typically produce only the occasional litter – often at most one per year per female, if that​. They do not breed a mama dog every heat cycle (which would be very hard on her health). In fact, you might encounter waiting lists or be vetted alongside other potential buyers. While it can be hard to wait when you’re excited for a puppy, remember that good breeders breed infrequently. If someone always seems to have a batch of puppies (or multiple litters at once), that’s a red flag (it could indicate a commercial breeder or puppy mill)​. Patience is key – it’s far better to wait a bit for a healthy, well-bred pup than to rush and end up with a poorly bred one.

In summary, a reputable breeder will demonstrate knowledge, transparency, and genuine care for their dogs. They follow a strict code of ethics (for example, many are members of kennel clubs or Italian Greyhound breed clubs that have ethical guidelines). By ticking off the qualities above, you’ll greatly increase the odds of finding a wonderful breeder who will provide you a healthy IG puppy and support you as an owner.

Important Questions to Ask Breeders

Once you’ve found a prospective breeder, it’s time to talk to the breeder. Approach this like a friendly interview on both sides. A good breeder will appreciate that you’re being thorough and thoughtful. Here’s a checklist of important questions to ask when you first contact and eventually visit a breeder:

• “Did you breed these puppies yourself, and are the puppies being raised here?” – This might sound obvious, but confirm that you’re dealing with the actual breeder, not a broker or third-party seller​. You want to see the puppies in the place they were born and with their mother. If the person offers to sell puppies they didn’t breed, or won’t let you see the premises, that’s a major red flag (more on red flags later). Always ensure you can visit (or virtually tour) the pups in their home environment.

• “Can I meet the mother (and can I see the father or photos of him)?” – Meeting the mother dog is very important. A responsible breeder will happily introduce you; you can observe the mom’s temperament and health. She should be friendly or at least well-behaved and comfortable with the breeder present. If the father isn’t owned by the breeder (quite common, as breeders often use an outside stud dog), ask about his characteristics and if there are photos or health info available. Seeing the mother nursing or interacting with her pups also confirms the puppies truly are hers (sadly, unethical sellers have been known to fake “moms” or lie about which dog is the mother). So don’t skip this question – insisting on seeing the mom is crucial.

• “What health tests have been done on the parents, and can you show me the results?” – A quality breeder will be proud to discuss health testing. They should readily tell you which health screenings they do for Italian Greyhounds and show documentation. For example, they might say the parents have been tested clear of PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy), have recent clear eye exams, normal patellas (no kneecap luxation), no signs of congenital heart issues, etc. If the breeder is in a country with specific schemes (like hip or eye certification), ask if they participate. In IGs, genetic testing for PRA-1, primary glaucoma, and other known issues is available and commonly done. Also ask about the general health history: Has the mother or father had any health problems? Good breeders know their dogs’ pedigrees well and will be honest about any concerns.

• “Have the puppies had any health issues? What veterinary care have they had so far?” – This covers questions like: Have the puppies been vet-checked? Vaccinated? Dewormed? A reputable breeder will usually have a schedule for deworming (e.g., at 2, 4, 6, 8 weeks)​ and will give the first set of vaccinations before the puppy goes home (or will instruct you when it’s due)​. They should provide records for these. Also, all puppies should be microchipped by law in many countries before sale – ask if the pups are microchipped and if the paperwork will be provided. If any puppy in the litter had a health scare or injury, a truthful breeder will inform you. (Italian Greyhound puppies can sometimes hurt themselves, so it’s good to know if any mishaps occurred and how they were addressed.)

• “How do you socialize the puppies? What is their environment like?” – You want to hear that the breeder is doing a lot to expose the puppies to the world in a positive way. For instance, are the puppies raised inside the family home? (This is ideal, so they hear TVs, vacuum cleaners, and normal daily bustle.) Have the puppies met children, or men and women, and maybe even safe adult dogs besides their mom? How do they introduce new sights, sounds, and surfaces? Proper socialization is key to a well-adjusted IG. The breeder might describe play sessions, how they handle fear periods, and so on. This question also shows the breeder that you care about the puppy’s development beyond just “looking cute.”

• “Will you provide a contract, and what are the terms?” – As mentioned, a contract is common. Ask if the sale includes a written contract or agreement and if you can review it beforehand. Typical terms might cover spay/neuter agreements (many IG breeders sell pets on the condition you spay/neuter at a certain age), health guarantees, and the requirement that the dog be returned to the breeder if you can’t keep it​. Make sure you’re comfortable with things like limited registration (if applicable) or any co-ownership if that’s something the breeder does. A transparent breeder will gladly explain their contract clauses – they exist to protect the puppy.

• “What support do you offer new owners? Can I contact you if I have questions or problems?” – A first-time owner should feel supported. Ask if the breeder will be available for advice after you take the puppy home. Good breeders often provide a puppy packet with care info, feeding instructions, vaccination records, and IG-specific tips (Italian Greyhounds, for example, may need tips on potty training since they can be a bit delicate or stubborn, and advice on keeping them warm in cold weather due to their thin coat!). Most ethical breeders love to stay in touch and hear about their puppies as they grow. If a breeder seems to want to “wash their hands” of the puppy after the sale, that’s not a good sign.

• “Do you have any questions for me?” – While not something you ask per se, observe whether the breeder is interested in you as well. A responsible breeder will have plenty of their own questions – about your lifestyle, work schedule, your family or other pets, your living situation (rent or own, yard or apartment), etc. They might ask how you plan to exercise the dog, or if you’re aware of the quirks of IGs (like their fragile legs and need to keep them from jumping off high furniture). If a breeder doesn’t ask you much at all and is ready to accept payment immediately, that’s a red flag. So, ensure it’s a two-way conversation. You can even prompt them by asking if there’s anything they want to know about you as a potential owner.

Common Red Flags to Avoid

Just as important as finding a good breeder is knowing the warning signs of a bad one. Unfortunately, there are people out there who operate puppy mills or otherwise put profit over the well-being of their dogs. Here are some common red flags to watch out for when searching for an Italian Greyhound puppy:

• Pushes for a Quick Sale or Offers “Instant” Puppies: Be wary if someone is rushing you to pay or keen to sell puppies very quickly with minimal interaction. Buying a puppy should never be as fast as buying a gadget online – if it feels like the breeder just wants your cash and to hand you a puppy ASAP, step back. Responsible breeders often have waiting lists and want to get to know buyers; they won’t pressure you into a hasty decision. If the seller is urging you to put down a deposit right now because “others are interested” or they have a “sale”, consider it suspicious.

• Won’t Let You Meet the Mother or See the Premises: A huge red flag is any excuse for why you can’t see the mother dog or where the puppy was raised. Common dodges include “Oh, the mom is at the vet” or “the mom is out on a walk” or “we’ll bring the puppy to meet you in a parking lot.” Do not accept these excuses. If mom isn’t present, the puppy likely wasn’t bred there (could be a broker situation). Good breeders want you to see their proud mama dog and how well their animals are kept. If a seller suggests meeting in some random location (parking lot, highway rest stop) or wants to ship the puppy without you ever seeing their home, alarm bells should ring​. Legitimate breeders might deliver a puppy in some cases, but only after you’ve established a relationship, not as a way to hide their facility.

• Multiple Breeds or Always-Available Puppies: If you find a website or ad where the person is selling several different breeds of puppies, or constantly has new litters year-round, that’s likely a commercial volume breeder or puppy mill. Responsible breeders are usually focused on one (or maybe two) breeds and have infrequent litters. For Italian Greyhounds in particular, as mentioned, a breeder with many litters at once or back-to-back litters from the same mom is not adhering to good practices. Steer clear of any place that feels like a puppy production line.

• No Health Testing or Dismisses Health Concerns: If you ask about health screenings and the breeder says something like “We don’t bother with that, our dogs are fine” or “Oh, those problems are normal for the breed, nothing to worry about,” it’s a red flag. For instance, if an IG breeder waves off known issues (like saying “IGs always have bad teeth or broken legs, that’s just how they are”)​ without evidence of trying to breed away from those problems, be cautious. A good breeder acknowledges issues and works to prevent them; a bad one will minimize or ignore them. Also, if they can’t provide any proof of vet checks or vaccinations for the pups, that’s unacceptable – every puppy should see a vet before going home.

• “Rare” Colors or Gimmicky Selling Points: Be skeptical of a breeder advertising “rare colors/teacup size” etc., especially if they charge a premium for it. Italian Greyhounds come in many colors, but some unethical breeders might market certain markings as “rare” to inflate prices. In IGs, brindle is a disqualifying color (any IG advertised as brindle is not purebred​), and “teacup Italian Greyhound” is not a real classification (IGs are already a toy breed, about 13-15 inches tall). A breeder emphasizing color or size novelty over health/temperament probably doesn’t have their priorities straight​. Always prioritize breeders who talk about the dogs’ health and personality rather than just appearance.

• Lack of Questions or Screening from Seller: As mentioned before, if the seller doesn’t ask you anything and is willing to hand over a puppy to anyone with money, it’s a bad sign. Reputable breeders care where their puppies go – they will typically have you fill out an application or at least have a detailed conversation to ensure you’re a suitable home. If you find you have to “convince” a shady seller to tell you more, or they seem disinterested in you, that indicates they’re not responsibly placing their puppies. You should feel a bit “vetted” by the breeder – that’s a good thing!

• Poor Communication and Secretive Behavior: Watch out for breeders who avoid phone or video calls and only want to communicate via text/email. This is often a sign of a scam or someone hiding something. In fact, the American Kennel Club warns that legitimate breeders will want to talk on the phone or do a video chat before a sale – if a seller refuses live communication, be very wary​. Also, if their answers to questions are vague or constantly changing, that’s troubling. Trust your gut: if something feels “off” about how a person communicates, don’t ignore that feeling.

• Puppies Too Young or Unhealthy in Appearance: As a rule, puppies should not go to new homes before 8 weeks of age (and many IG breeders prefer 10-12 weeks for this small breed)​. If a seller is trying to offload puppies at 6 weeks or even younger, that’s illegal in many places and certainly unethical. Also, when you see the puppies (in person or virtually), they should look clean, bright-eyed, and have energy. If the puppies seem lethargic, filthy, pot-bellied (a sign of worms), or have nasal/eye discharge, those are red flags that they haven’t been well cared for. A responsible breeder’s puppies should look and act healthy – playful, curious, maybe a bit mischievous! If you notice obvious health issues and the breeder downplays them, be cautious (and consider having a vet examine any puppy before finalizing a purchase if you’re unsure)​.

• If You’re International or Shipping the Puppy: Sometimes, you might find a perfect breeder in another country. In such cases, you may not get to visit in person at all. It becomes even more important to do multiple video calls and possibly enlist help – for example, if you know someone in that country, you could ask if they’d be willing to visit on your behalf. Ensure all import/export paperwork, travel plans for the puppy, and timing (the puppy should be old enough and have required vaccinations to travel) are discussed thoroughly. A responsible breeder will handle shipping very carefully or might even fly with the puppy if possible. Be cautious with international sales; make sure everything checks out (many scams target overseas buyers). Ideally, stick to breeders with solid reputations and perhaps referrals from your local breed club if going this route.

  
  

To sum up: don’t let excitement cloud your judgment when you see an adorable IG puppy for sale. If you encounter any of these red flags, it’s better to walk away and find a different breeder. The cost – both financial and emotional – of dealing with a sick or badly bred puppy is far higher than the effort of finding a trustworthy breeder in the first place. When in doubt, consult your local Italian Greyhound club or veterinary professionals for guidance; they might know of known bad actors to avoid. Remember, a puppy is a long-term commitment, so it’s worth getting everything right at the start.

Bringing a new IG puppy home is the beginning of a wonderful adventure. By doing the legwork to find the right breeder, you’ve already taken the first step toward being a responsible and loving dog owner. Enjoy every moment with your new furry friend, and rest easy knowing you made the best choice to give them a great start in life. Here’s to many happy years with your Italian Greyhound!