If you’re considering buying a purebred dog or puppy you may find yourself at a loss with the overwhelming number of breeders and kennels to choose from. Everywhere you look you’re find advertisements in dog magazines, the internet and even local papers. Just because a breeder is good at advertising doesn’t necessarily mean they are a good dog breeder.

Dog breeders can be divided into two categories: those that are in the business for the money and those that love the breed they sell. You should do your best to steer clear of the former. Be wary of breeders that seem to have endless numbers of pups or many different breeds, they could be running a puppy mill. These kinds of breeders are often cruel and abusive to their dogs and the dogs are rarely vaccinated or checked by a vet. Puppy mills, also known as puppy farms usually sell inferior dogs that are fall short of breed standards. They also contribute to aggravating genetic conditions in purebred dogs; buying a dog from such an establishment will only result in heartache further down the line.

Here are a few things to look for in a breeder:

1. A reputable breeder only breeds a limited number of breeds and knows a lot about the breeds he or she is breeding.
2. An honest breeder will only pre—sell litters. Reputable breeders often have waiting lists for the pups because they don’t over breed their female dogs. Because money is not their top priority they breed their dogs responsibly and sell their pups to good homes only.
3. A good breeder will interview you or ask you to complete an application before agreeing to sell you one of their dogs. The questionnaire may include questions about your income, family, and home and whether or not you have any pets.
4. Reputable breeders have a good reputation in the area and are usually registered with the relevant Kennel Club in their country. They may also be registered with local breed registries as well.
5. A trustworthy breeder doesn’t mind taking you on a tour of their facility and are keen to show you their breeding stock. The facility should be clean and well managed.
6. A breeder who knows all his or her dogs and recognizes them by name is usually a good breeder. Observe how the dogs interact with the breeder, are they self confident and happy around the breeder or do they seem timid and fearful?
7. Good breeders provide registration papers and any paperwork required by the AKC,KC or CKC for registration purposes.
8. The breeder should also be able to provide you with information about the championship lines of their dogs, as well as any relevant medical records, health certificates and test results for any genetic conditions the breed may be prone to.
9. Reputable breeders provide a health guarantee when you purchase one of their pups.
10. A trustworthy breeder will happily provide you with information on the breed and require you to neuter or spay your pup.
There are many good breeders around but sadly there are many disreputable ones as well so be sure you do your homework and ask around extensively to find the right breeder to help you find the perfect pup for you.

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