Who should I talk to?

You can find a good breeder by talking to people in the know. For example:

• Ask your veterinarian, who sees lots of pups, for a good reference.
• If you like your friend’s dog, find out where they got him.
• Meet breeders at local dog shows or look online for local breed clubs.

Good breeders want lifelong, loving homes for their pups, so they will have a few questions for you. And you want a healthy, happy pup, so you’ll have questions for them, as well. Enjoy a lively, informative conversation with your breeder.

Should I visit the breeder?

It’s always best to see where the pups were born and raised, so avoid “parking lot” transactions when buying a pup from a breeder. A responsible breeder is proud to show you their home and kennel.

How do I know if a breeder is good?

Don't let your emotions decide on your breeder or choose just because someone told you.  Do your homework.

A good breeder:

1. A good breeder ony breeds one breed with few exceptions.  You may see clean grounds and kennels but don't that fool you.
2. Is a member of a national breed club and a local kennel club.
3. Will allow you to visit and tour all areas where the pups and their parents spend their time. The grounds should be well-maintained with clean, odorless kennels and exercise areas. Dogs should not be confined in cages for long periods. Small breeds may actually be housed in the breeder’s home.
4. Only has one or two litters a year.  Their primary focus should be to maintaine the quality of their puppies as outlined in the bree standard.
5. Does ALL genetic testing of the sire and dam with passing results and the results are posted on their website or other public site.
6. Is not a puppy mill churning out high volumes of pups, but rather considers their breeding dogs to be family members and treats them with loving care. The breeder should encourage you to spend time with one or both parents on your visit. The parents should be friendly and socialize well with both people and other dogs. Their pups should have the same demeanor, be clean and energetic.
7. May not have a littler of pups readily available, but can put your name on a waiting list. Since optimum mating times occur according to natural schedules, litters are usually born in the spring and fall. Conscientious breeders give their dams a rest between litters and don’t over-breed them, so the wait for a pup may be over a year.
8. Should be very knowledgeable about the breeds they raise and should be able to answer your questions about the dog’s potential size, temperament, exercise requirements, inherited health issues, special needs, etc. 
9. Knows that socialization is an important part of puppy development and spends one-on-one time with their pups. They provide toys, fun exercise and lots of love for each pup.  
10. Has a good working relationship with a respected veterinarian who examines each pup and provides immunizations and parasite control according to medical standards. The breeder should readily provide a complete medical record on each pup.
11. Practices responsible mating, taking genetic predispositions into account to reduce potential inherited problems.  
12. Provides several references from other families who have purchased pups and welcomes inquiries.
13. May question you regarding your ability to care for the dog, how much time you have to spend with him and where he will fit into your family.
14. Only sells pups to people he has approved as good pet owners and never sells to pet stores or over the internet.
15. Informs you of the pup’s diet and daily routine to minimize complications when introducing the pup to a new home.
16. Offers to be available to answer any questions you may have after you take the pup home.
17. Provides a written contract with a guarantee of health allowing time for a pre-purchase examination by a veterinarian of your choice. If medical problems are diagnosed, the breeder should readily take the pup back and provide a full refund.
18. Provides documentation of pedigree and registration papers made out in your name.
19. Has a website
20. Has their contract on their website.
21. Has a documented return policy if the puppy fils any genetic testing you have done.  Keep in mind some tests like Hip Dysplasia are not done until the puppy is two (2) years old.
22. Will request that you give him first option to re-home the dog if you find that you find that circumstances prevent you from keeping him.

Below you will find a list of member breeders of our club.  Just because a breeder is listed here does not mean the club guarantees any of the above conditions.  You should do your own investigation. Continuing to use this list of breeders is your agreement to hold harmless our club in any way.