You are so right about being careful about the breeder when purchasing a puppy or older dog from one.
This is why I prefer the breeders you will find at UKC shows. And, I would never buy a puppy or dog without meeting both parents of a litter, and interacting with them.
I also think that it is important to listen to the good breeder when selecting a puppy from a litter. They will have a much better sense of which pup in the litter is the best fit for your family, your home environment, and your lifestyle.
If a breeder doesn’t ask a lot of questions about these, be a bit suspicious.
100% correct. I met my boy’s parents and they are awesome dogs! My girl I rehomed from a breeder who didn’t want to show her anymore- her teeth came in slightly crooked. *rollseyes*. Didn’t meet her parents. Wish I could have. She was so soft, skittish and submissive when I got her at age 11 months. No confidence whatsoever. Now, she’s a completely different dog- athletic, food and toy driven, and lots and lots of prey drive. She learned how to be a Belgian! And she definitely has the ‘bitchy’ chick attitude of a herding dog!