Now that you have identified the breed that suits you and your lifestyle best, its time to find a responsible breeder. The American Kennel Club's Breeder Referral Program is a valuable new service designed to assist all members of the general public who wish to acquire a companion animal.


A responsible breeder is the best source for a well-bred, healthy dog. The breeder will carefully select the parents of each litter to emphasize desirable attributes and minimize faults in their progeny. Some people breed dogs only to produce puppies to sell. These individuals have no regard for the advancement of that breed; they are motivated solely by profit. Responsible breeders will never breed a litter without considering the advancement of the breed. Each litter should improve the quality of breeding stock, resulting in healthy puppies with improved breed soundness- that is, physical and mental health- that are an advancement toward the ideal.


Another good reason to buy a puppy from a breeder is that gives you the opportunity to interact with the puppy's siblings and dam, also possibly the sire. You can, therefore, form a general impression of what the future holds for the puppy you take home.


Buying from a breeder means that you are part of an extended family. Most breeders expect a call if the dog has a crisis at any stage in its life, so they can help you understand and cope with the problem. This can be especially comforting for the first time dog owners who can't even imagine what kinds of questions they'll have in the future.


Visit as many breeders as possible for your breed. Examine the premises to make sure they are clean and that the dogs appear to be well cared for. Puppies should be clean, well fed, lively and friendly, without any signs of illness such as runny nose or eyes, skin sores, or dirty ears or fleas.


Every breed recognized by the American Kennel Club has a National or Parent Club that was formed for that breed. The parent club is responsible for the preservation, protection and welfare of that particular breed. They are also responsible for the Breed Standard of that breed. The breed standard is a written description, or word picture describing the perfect dog of that breed; how it should look, the manner in which it moves, and temperament. They are owned by the Parent Club. Responsible breeders are always trying to breed dogs closest to this standard with no inherited defects. The AKC believes that the Parent Clubs are the best contacts for anyone looking for information on a particular breed or purchasing a puppy of that breed. They can direct you to breeders of the individual breed in your state or region. They also have an abundance of excellent information and important facts that all owners of that breed should be aware of.


Local All-Breed and Specialty Clubs, in all states, also have a breeder referral contact designated by the club. These individuals will help you locate breeders in your state of a particular breed.


You may also consider visiting an All-Breed Dog Show. This will give you an opportunity to view firsthand virtually every breed recognized by the American Kennel Club. In addition to seeing a variety of dogs, you will have a chance to talk with dedicated breeders, people concerned with the welfare and advancement of their chosen breed. You can learn a lot from these knowledgeable and dedicated folks, who can also lead you to breeders of the particular breed in the area.