Breeding Dogs : Finding a Breeder

When it comes to purchasing a pure bred puppy, you will first want to find a reputable breeder and check out their litters. There are a variety of individuals out there posing as legitimate breeders, so you may need to do some research to ensure your puppy’s background is as flawless as claimed.

This is especially important if you plan to show or breed your dog in the future, since the lineage must be carefully traced in order to register the dog with a kennel association such as the American Kennel Club, the AKC. Once a dog is registered with the AKC, he is capable of representing his breed in show forums and work to produce puppies and further influence their breed.

You should have an idea of a breed of dog you are seeking before you begin your search for the right puppy for you. Look to the World Wide Web for a wealth of information regarding dogs of all different breeds in order to find the best breed that fits your wants, needs, home, and lifestyle. Also, visit your local library to find a complete encyclopedia of dog breeds so that you can best research your favorite breed.

Also, consider seeking personal stories and information from individuals who currently own a dog of your preferred breed. There are many breed oriented organizations from the national level to the local level that can provide you with excellent information. Look to the internet to find contact information for these groups.

Once you find a breed that you want to further investigate, look to find a breeder with that specific specialty. Reliable breeders can be found by a simple search to the World Wide Web for individuals who produce puppies of a certain breed in your area. Also, ask your friends, neighbors, coworkers, or family members to provide the name of a breeder they have purchased a puppy from in the past and experienced great success. If you have contacted a breed specific organization in your area, ask those club members for the name and contact information for a reliable breeder in your area.

You may need to travel outside of your local area to find a breeder that specializes in a unique breed of dog. It is not uncommon for individuals searching for a puppy of a unique dog breed to purchase a dog that was born hundreds of miles away.

If you plan on importing a dog across state or country borders, be sure to understand all necessary legal implications you may experience. Additionally, you should have a great amount of trust in any breeder if you are to buy a dog sight unseen. Know that this method is not recommended for any individual wishing to purchase a dog, but some potential owners take this risk in order to own a rare or unique breed of dog.

When you have found a breeder that sells your preferred breed of dog, make an appointment to visit the breeder’s kennel and check out the dogs first hand. Be sure to meet the mother of the litter and if possible, the dog that fathered the litter. A reliable breeder should show no hesitation in showing you the facilities and the other dogs in his or her kennel.

You should be prepared to pay for a pure bred puppy, especially one of a unique or rare breed. Remember the old adage, “you get what you pay for,” so beware of breeders offering to sell you a dog for an extremely inexpensive rate. You may have a limited amount of bargaining room when determining the price of a puppy, but most breeders have set fees that you should respect.