3 Questions That Instantly Reveal If a Breeder Is Legit

You’re one click away from putting down a deposit on your dream puppy.

Before you do, ask these 3 questions.
If the breeder hesitates, changes the subject, or says “no” … walk away.

Question #1

“Do all of your breeding dogs live full-time in guardian homes with families — never kenneled, even for whelping?”

Why it matters:
Dogs kept in kennels 24/7 experience chronic stress → higher cortisol → weaker immune systems → more health and temperament issues passed to puppies.
Guardian-home moms live normal family lives, sleep on couches, go on hikes, and only come to us for the final week of pregnancy and 8 weeks of whelping. After that, they go straight back home.

Legit answer: “Yes — every single dog has their own family.”
NorthStar answer: 100 % guardian homes since day one. No kennel has ever existed on our farm.

Question #2

“Do you perform full ALAA-standard health testing on every breeding dog — hips, elbows, DNA panel for 260+ diseases, and annual eye exams?”

Why it matters:
Skipping even one test can pass on hip dysplasia ($5k–$8k surgeries), PRA blindness, EIC collapse, or von Willebrand’s bleeding disorder.
ALAA requires OFA or PennHIP, full Embark or Wisdom Panel DNA, and CERF/CAER eyes every year — no exceptions.

Legit answer: “Here are the current certificates for every dog.”
NorthStar answer: Certificates posted publicly on our website and OFA website.

Question #3

“How many litters do you produce each year — total and per female?”

Why it matters:
More than 1 litter per female per year (with no full year off) = exhausted moms, smaller litters, higher C-section rates, and increased genetic risk from over-use.
More than 4–5 total litters per year = impossible to give proper socialization and vet care.

Legit answer: “Maximum 1 litter per female per year, 2–4 litters total across the program.”
NorthStar answer: 1 litter per female per year + mandatory full year off. We average 2–4 litters annually across 5 girls.🐾

Don’t learn the hard way. Ask the questions.🐾🔥