How to Find a Reputable Dog Breeder in Ireland (And Spot the Red Flags)

maevehumphreys
Aug 1
4 min read

Healthy, well-socialised Australian Shepherd puppy wearing a blue harness, sitting on grass - example of a responsibly bred dog in Ireland. — A blue merle Australian Shepherd puppy sits on the grass, wearing a bright blue harness that complements its striking coat and eyes.

Thinking of getting a puppy this summer? Please choose your breeder carefully.

Ireland has sadly earned a reputation as the puppy farming capital of Europe. Every year, well-meaning families unintentionally support unethical breeders or puppy farms, simply because they didn’t know what to look for.

This guide will help you choose a reputable dog breeder in Ireland — and avoid the heartbreak that comes with supporting the wrong one.

What Is a Puppy Farm (aka Puppy Mill)?

Puppy farms are large-scale breeding setups that prioritise profit over welfare. While the worst examples involve dogs kept in extremely poor conditions, even less visibly harmful operations often fall short in providing the level of care puppies need. Physical needs may be met on paper, but vital aspects like individual socialisation, environmental exposure, and early handling are usually lacking. Multiple breeds are often bred at once, with little regard for health, socialisation or temperament, and mothers are typically discarded once they’re no longer profitable.

But remember — you don’t have to be a puppy farmer to be an irresponsible breeder. Unfortunately, there are many of those as well. That guy down your street who had an "accidental litter", or the lady on Facebook who bred her Cockapoo just because she was cute - they also fall into this category and should be avoided.

Mother dog nursing a litter of newborn puppies on a wooden floor in poor conditions — example of an inappropriate dog breeding environment. — Mother and her newborn puppies in a wooden kennel

🚩 Common signs of a puppy farm include:

Breeding multiple litters or breeds at once
Year-round availability of puppies
Won’t let you meet the mother or makes excuses
Quick, urgent sales - often listed on selling sites or social media with phrases like “ready now” or “must go”

But not all bad breeders look like puppy farms. Some are “accidental litters” or backyard breeders who skip vital steps like socialisation or proper rearing conditions.

❌ Red Flags: How to Spot an Irresponsible Breeder

When buying a puppy, keep an eye out for these warning signs:

Doesn’t health test the parents (or avoids the topic)
No health or temperament testing
Puppies raised in sheds, barns, or outdoor kennels
Poor early socialisation
Puppies kept in outdoor kennels, barns, or dirty conditions
Breeds without a license (in Ireland, anyone selling 6+ puppies/year must be licensed)

✅ Green Flags: Traits of a Reputable Dog Breeder in Ireland

Here’s what to look for in a reputable dog breeder in Ireland:

Health-tested parents with sound temperaments
Puppies raised inside the home, not a shed or kennel
Multiple visits encouraged - you’ll meet mum and ideally dad too
Puppies handled gently from a young age and well socialised
Regular updates and photos while pups grow
Pups stay with mum until 8–12 weeks old
You receive a full puppy pack with microchip details, vet records, feeding advice, and more
Breeder is happy to take the dog back at any age, if needed
They ask you plenty of questions too because they care where their pups go

Two young puppies engaging in play fighting on a soft pink rug with a plush toy nearby — part of healthy early socialisation in a home-raised litter from a reputable breeder. — Two playful puppies engage in a friendly tussle on a soft blanket, their toy lying nearby.

Questions to Ask a Dog Breeder (Before You Buy)

Asking the right questions can help you spot a good breeder from a bad one.

Can I meet the mum (and dad)?
What temperament and health testing has been done?
Does mum or dad have any health conditions?
How are mum and dad around other dogs and humans?
Will you take the puppy back if I have to rehome them?
What socialisation has the litter had so far? What have puppies been introduced to?
Where are the puppies being raised? Home environment?
Can I see your license?

Why It Matters

Buying from the wrong breeder can lead to:

Behavioural problems (fear, aggression, anxiety)
Expensive vet bills and chronic health conditions
Emotional distress for both dog and owner
Supporting animal cruelty - often without realising

Your breeder shapes your puppy’s entire world in those crucial early weeks. And you only get one shot at that foundation.

Final Tip: Focus on Socialisation, Not Obedience

Litter of young puppies resting and playing in a colourful indoor setup with sensory toys — example of enrichment and early socialisation by a reputable dog breeder in Ireland. — A litter of puppies cozily snuggles together, surrounded by colourful sensory toys designed to stimulate their developing senses.

What matters most in your puppy’s early life isn’t “sit” or “stay” — it’s:

Confidence building
Gentle exposure to different people, sounds, and handling
Creating a puppy who feels safe in the world
Lots of sensory experiences and environmental enrichment

These lessons start long before your puppy comes home - during a critical stage of development known as the socialisation period, which happens between 3 and 14 weeks of age. This is when a puppy’s brain is most receptive to new experiences, and positive exposure during this time lays the foundation for a well-adjusted, resilient adult dog.

But here's the key: the breeder controls most of that window. If puppies are raised in isolation (in sheds, barns, or with minimal handling) they miss out on essential early learning. Poor socialisation during this stage can lead to fear, anxiety, reactivity, and long-term behavioural struggles.

That’s why choosing a breeder who understands and prioritises early socialisation is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make. You only get one shot at this and it shapes your dog’s view of the world for life.