A better way to find your dog
Connect with ethical breeders and shelters, and begin this chapter with confidence.
Explore Popular Breeds
Discover thousands of trusted breeders and shelters for every dog type.
Full transparency
We lay everything out clearly: who the breeder is, how they work, health checks, and genetic test results. So you can decide with full confidence.
Responsible breeding, assured
Every breeder on HonestDog meets strict standards, including health checks and genetic testing for both parents. So you never have to worry about puppy mills or bad actors.
Trust and verification
We verify breeders and buyers alike, so every conversation happens on solid ground. It's a new standard of trust in dog breeding.
Less hassle, more time
We've already vetted the breeders and gathered the details, so you can skip the endless research and focus on finding the right puppy for your family.
Our Mission
We connect dog lovers with responsible breeders and shelters to ensure every dog finds the perfect home.
Founded by dog enthusiasts, our platform focuses on ethical dog breeding and adoption.
See HonestDog in Action
See how we're changing the way families connect with responsible breeders.
Start Well Prepared
Practical tips for new and experienced dog owners
Am I Ready for a Dog?
The key questions to ask yourself before getting a dog — honest and to the point.
Read more →
How to Spot a Reputable Breeder
What to look for to tell a trustworthy breeder from a questionable one.
Read more →
Adopting a Shelter Dog
Everything you need to know — from the first visit to bringing your new companion home.
Read more →
Join Us
How does it work?
Becoming a HonestDog breeder is quick and easy
Sign up on HonestDog
Answer questions about your breeding and your dogs
Upload the relevant documents
Complete your profile
Have a video call with someone from our team
Why HonestDog?
We connect you with vetted breeders and shelters so you can find your — your new companion — with confidence.
Vetted Partners
Only verified breeders and shelters — for a safe start.
Highest Standards
Every animal's health and wellbeing is our top priority.
Guides & Resources
Guides, checklists, and breed profiles — so you can make a well-informed decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions people ask us most about finding a dog and working with breeders
What makes HonestDog different from other animal placement platforms?
Animal welfare and a healthy, harmonious life between people and dogs always come first. That's why we vet every breeder through a thorough application process (including identity checks and video calls) before we activate their profile. It's how we protect you from ending up with an irresponsible breeder. We match you with breeders who fit, and we're here for any questions or doubts along the way. Every breeder profile shows detailed health information on the parent dogs and puppies, so you have what you need to make a good decision. We keep our criteria and our guidance on hereditary diseases and how to prevent them up to date, and we actively work with experts and policymakers toward better dog breeding. Breeding dogs with torture breeding traits is strictly prohibited on our platform.
What is HonestDog's stance on torture breeding?
Torture breeding traits can severely limit an animal's quality of life and lead to high vet bills — sometimes a life of pain and suffering. On HonestDog, selling dogs with torture breeding traits is strictly prohibited. In some cases this applies to entire breeds. That said, we're working with breeders and experts to allow these breeds in future under the right conditions, and to support breeding for health.
What criteria do we use to select breeders?
At HonestDog, breeders have to meet strict criteria to join. There are three levels, and we show each one openly on the profile:
Level 1 – Approved by HonestDog: The breeder uploads all the required documents, including proof of identity and, where relevant, proof of club membership or their §11 breeding permit. Once we've reviewed the documents, we have a personal chat with the breeder about their breeding philosophy and how they socialize their puppies, and we take a look at the breeding environment over video call.
Level 2 – Community feedback: Feedback from the community is a key part of how we check breeders. We take every tip seriously and act on it.
Level 3 – Dog expert visit: A breeder can receive a personal visit from a dog expert to confirm every criterion is met. On top of that, every breeder has to agree to our standards for healthy breeding when they sign up.
Our goal is simple: make sure every breeder on the platform meets the highest standards and gives puppies the best possible start in life.
Buying a Dog - What does a puppy cost?
Our breeders set their own puppy prices, and they can vary a lot. Expect somewhere between €1,000 and €5,000 depending on the breed and breeder, with popular breeds often costing more. Keep in mind that a good breeder pours a lot of time, love, and money into raising puppies — they're not in it to make a quick profit.
How to recognize a reputable breeder?
Here's how to spot a reputable breeder:
- Deep knowledge of the breed
- No more than 1–2 breeds
- Proper socialization and health checks
- Open communication
- A written contract
- Follow-up support
Visit the breeder's profile to see photos of the puppies, the parent dogs, and past litters, learn about their breeding program, and pick up care tips — everything you need to decide whether they're the right fit.