While you will be able to find a breeder for your chosen breed, not all breeders are reputable. Here are some tips for you to follow when choosing the right breeder.

  • To find a responsible breeder, go to a dog show or contact one of the breeders here on the Breeder Listing page. All breeders listed below are required to have all health clearances on their breeding stock.  OFA and CERF numbers are to be given to the secretary for filing. Or access the AKC Breeder Referral page under Breeds at: http://www.akc.org/breeds/complete_breed_list.cfm . The breeder referral officer for the parent club is the best contact. Local all-breed kennel clubs in your neighborhood are also a good option to find reputable breeders. Find an AKC club in your area by using this directory: http://www.akc.org/clubs/search/index.cfm
  • Be wary of breeders without references. Check them. Do not just take their word or what is written on their website. There are reputable and backyard breeders so your best bet is to ask for references and follow through on it. Speaking with the references is your best line of defense.

  • Don't be put off if a breeder isn't immediately responsive. Hobby breeders often have full-time jobs and they don't always have available puppies. Be selective. Find a breeder who is knowledgeable and make sure you're comfortable with them.

  • Visit the breeder's home or kennel and ask to see at least one of the puppy's parents. Get an idea of what the future holds for your dog in terms of temperament and appearance.

  • Observe the premises. Is the area where the puppies are housed clean? Odor-free? Dogs and puppies should be clean, well fed, lively and friendly. Look for signs of malnutrition such as protruding rib cages or illness such as runny nose/eyes, coughing, lethargy and skin sores. Puppies should look healthy and plump.

  • Pay attention to how the dogs and puppies interact with their breeder. Does the breeder appear to genuinely care for the puppies and their adult dogs? Both dogs and puppies should not shy away from the breeder and should be outgoing with strangers.

  • Find out about the health of your puppy and its parents. Breeders should be honest about the breed's strengths and weaknesses and knowledgeable about the genetic diseases that can affect their breed - including what's being done to avoid them. Breeders should be willing to share proof of health screenings such as OFA and CERF certificates with potential buyers.

  • Ask for references from the breeder. And dont be surprised if the breeder asks for references from you. more than likely, they are asking for a vet reference but a breeder may want a personal reference as well.

  • Establish a good rapport with the breeder. He/she will be an excellent resource and breed mentor for you throughout the life of your puppy. You should be encouraged to call the breeder if your dog has a crisis at any stage of its life.

  • A responsible breeder may ask you to sign a contract indicating that if specified conditions of care are not met or you become unable to keep the puppy, he/she will reclaim it.

  • Don't expect to bring home the puppy until its eight to 12 weeks of age. Puppies need ample time to mature and socialize with its mother and littermates.

  • Breeders should be willing to answer any questions you have and should ask many of you as well. Breeders will want to make sure their puppies are going to good homes, with people who know what to expect and have made all the necessary preparations.

  • Don't leave the premises without the appropriate documentation of the dog's pedigree, a.k.a. "papers." The words "American Kennel Club" as well as the AKC logo should be clearly visible. You'll need to send in this application form to register your dog with the AKC. Be wary of a breeder who refuses/hesitates to give you papers, wants to charge you more for AKC papers, offers papers from a registry other than the AKC, or tells you he/she will mail them to you at a later date.

  • While the AKC does not have penal or regulatory authority, AKC conducts its own inspections of approximately 5,000 kennels each year. Breeders who have major kennel deficiencies may lose AKC privileges (ability to register dogs or compete in events). In some cases, fines will be imposed, AKC privileges may be suspended indefinitely and appropriate law enforcement authorities are contacted. If you would like to ensure that the breeder you are dealing with is in good standing with the AKC, contact AKC Customer Service at 919-233-9767 or Info@akc.org .