You can find reputable breeders by asking for referrals from your veterinarian or professional dog trainer, by contacting local breed clubs, or by visiting dog shows. Remember that reputable breeders:

• Specialize in only one or two breeds of dogs and are knowledgable about breed standards and potential breed-specific genetic problems.


• Often keep the dogs in the home as part of the family and will welcome you to see where the dogs spend most of their time.


• Encourage you to spend time with the puppy's parents (at minimum the mother) and encourage multiple visits prior to taking the puppy home.


• Want your entire family to meet the puppy and discuss care and "rules" for the household.


• Have a strong relationship with a veterinarian and will provide documentation of the puppy's vet visits and medical history.


• Provide a written contract and health guarantee, and ask you to sign a contract stating that you will return the dog to the breeder should you be unable to keep the dog at any point during its lifetime.


• Understand healthy breeding patterns for the females, so puppies are not always available. They will maintain a list of people interested in the next available litter.