How to find and interview a Maltipoo breeder

It's an exciting time!  You've been searching for the perfect breed and have decided on welcoming a Maltipoo puppy into your family.  Best decision!  There are a lot of steps ahead to ensure that you can bring home the best match for you.  Here's a list of questions and requirements that should be met to find a reputable breeder.
  1.  Ask family and friends if they know anyone that has a Maltipoo and what the pup is like.  If you know or can meet someone first hand that has used a breeder that you'd like to use then they can provide you with a wealth of information.  When you find a breeder and are starting this vetting process you should also ask for references of other owners of pups from previous litters.  Call and have a chat with these owners to ask them about their experience with the breeder and their puppy.  They will be an amazing source of information for you.
  2.  Google and search online for a good breeder.  Check out their website, see what they have to say about their pups and how it looks.  Visit their FaceBook page, Instagram, whatever else they have and see if there are any reviews or puppy owner comments.
  3. Call and chat with the perspective breeder.  Don't worry if the breeder doesn't respond quickly, many have full time jobs and raise pups as a hobby or part time job.  Be more concerned about if they are knowledgeable.
  4. Some breeders will allow you to visit their home to meet the parents, puppies and see the premises.  But that is not the case for many breeders.  Many breeders choose not to permit visitors for the safety and health of the puppies.  They don't want to expose the new puppies to potential viruses before the puppies have had their vaccinations.  If you do visit the breeder's home or premises, make sure to look for the following:
    Is the the puppies' area/kennel clean and odor free?  Do the puppies look lively and healthy?  Inspect the pups to make sure they are clean and look well fed.  
  5. Again due to health concerns for the puppies and distance between you and the breeder you may or may not meet the puppies' parents: On the phone or in person try to ascertain the qualities of the parents' temperaments and draw your own conclusions if meeting them.  This may give you a peek into your future pup's personality.
  6. Again, if you are able to make a visit (refer to #4) Observe how the breeders interact with their dogs and puppies.  Make sure that you can see that the dogs are comfortable with them and they genuinely care about each other.  It would be a red flag if the dogs or pups seem afraid or cower away from their breeders.
  7. Discuss the health of the puppies, parents and breed.  The breeder should be knowledgeable and able to discuss common health concerns for the breed.  They should also have medical records detailing the health of their current dogs.  The parent dogs should be AKC (American Kennel Club) registered and they should have proof and papers available to show you.
  8. Many responsible breeders will ask you questions as well to ensure that your home will be a good fit for their puppy.  They may also ask you to sign a contract stating that if at any future time you are unable to keep the puppy they will reclaim it.
  9. Puppies should be between 8 - 12 weeks old when they go home with you.  This will ensure that they receive the appropriate bonding and nourishment from their mother and litter mates.  They should also come with their first round of vaccinations and a thorough health exam by a veterinarian.