How do you find good breeders of dogs?

[TravelingChris]

I will probably be in the market for a new dog later this spring or in the summer. I want a miniature poodle but this time, I would prefer to get one from a reputable breeder that has been checked for various genetic problems and comes from a line of healthy dogs. I want AKC registration. Now how do I find this and avoid puppy mill?

 

(I have had rescues and will again but this would probably be the last puppy I would ever get).

[JFSinIL]

We looked for local AKA-registered breeders, and then looked at their websites for testimonials. Our Lab came with paperwork verifying his lineage and health (no hip problems) for several generations.

[Jenn121]

I would try the American Kennel Club. They have lists of breeders.

[HSLoriAnn]

We are also in the market and have been researching puppies. We would be looking at German Shepperds, but I think regardless of breed, it would work about the same.

We have done a lot of research on line. We have looked at GSD forumns and have asked a lot of questions. We also called numerous clubs and talked with people who love the breed. They have given us some leads on breeders. Ask questions, look for both positive and negative feedback on the breeders you are considering. If you are considering a breeder, go visit to get an idea of how they are. If you have any "red flags", then don't go with them.

Plus, do not be in a hurry, take your time.

[Dory]

Looking at the list of AKC breeders is a good start. I would suggest going with a list of questions regardless of what breeder you go to, and ask them to show you the paperwork for the testing that has been done to screen the parents for problems.

[Ellie]

ITA with the others: start with the AKC.

 

I'm cautious of breeders who purposely breed designer dogs (e.g. golden doodles or puggles). I want to know how they socialize their pups. I would prefer to see both pup parents, but that's negotiable. :-)

 

Never buy a dog from a pet shop. N.E.V.E.R. Or a flea market. Not if you want a purebred dog; if you're rescuing a sweet mixed-breed dog, that's fine; but dogs from pet shops or flea markets are likely to be puppy-mill animals (yes, even if the dogs are "registered" and have papers). You don't want those, poor things.

 

Know the AKC standard for poodles. Then if the breeder looks you in the eyeball and says that his parti-color pups are rare, you can walk out unscathed. (Parti-color is a disqualifying fault, one of the most feared; if you buy one on purpose because, really, a poodle is a sweet doggie regardless of his color, you'll know that you should never breed this dog, and you'll have him neutered right away. A breeder who tries to tell you otherwise is not reputable.)

 

My mother bred and showed poodles for a number of years. :-)

[I talk to the trees]

Starting with the AKC is good, but keep in mind that some puppy mill pups will have AKC papers. I'd recommend searching out an AKC Breeder of Merit, if you're absolutely sure you want a puppy. Know the potential genetic problems for the breed, and ask if the parents have been tested. Check out the local chapter of the breed club/association. They can give you information about respectable and responsible breeders.

 

But first, do check with the local rescue organizations. There are so many fabulous dogs out there (AKC or not!) who need forever homes. You may find exactly what you're looking for!

[Monica_in_Switzerland]

I'm really tired. I read that as "bracelets for dogs" and had to open the thread to find out about the new doggie fashion. LOL. I'm so disappointed.

[Candid]

Also to be found on the AKC website are links to the national clubs. Sometimes they will list breeders not found on the AKC site which are still reputable.

[TravelingChris]

Monica, I am sorry I disappointed you. I did have an all weather coat for my mini poodle with weatherproof, green exterior and fluffy interrior and my dog did look cute in that. But, alas, that is not a new fashion.

[SebastianCat]

We found our puppy when we met an adult dog who came from the same breeder. I was very impressed with this dog, asked about him, and then did some research. Our current puppy is perfect for our family - and it all started because I met the adult dog that belonged to a friend, and thought that a similar dog would be good for us.

 

Another place to find a good breeder is to go to local dog shows for the breed that interests you. From the AKC, find the websites of the local clubs in your area, and they will usually have a schedule of upcoming shows. You should be able to meet many excellent breeders that will be more than happy to talk to you and give you some direction on where/how to find the right dog for you.

[Flowing Brook]

We breed akc standard poodles. They are born in our house and played with every day. I know of a fellow breeder that has very small akc standards. The mother is 35 pounds if you are interested pm me for the information. I can also give you some info on a breeder that has miniature poodles. She has tons of dogs but also has adopted 23 children it is a business to give the children something to do. One of her girls is a vet tech. They give all their dogs lots of love. If you are interested let me know.

[Pawz4me]

The only thing the AKC website is good for IMO is finding links to national breed clubs (which you can also find using any search engine). The national breed clubs are the best and easiest starting point for finding a good breeder, although the breed clubs vary widely in what they require of their members. Some require adhering to a strict standard of ethics, others are simply a listing of known breeders. But it's a starting place. AKC registration in and of itself means absolutely nothing in terms of getting a healthy, quality puppy.

[Anne]

I second the suggestion of going to some local shows and chatting up people showing dogs you like the look of.

 

Anne

[Lanny]

Bless you for asking. AKC registration is meaningless. Any puppy mill can sell you a puppy with AKC papers. Begin with the "Breed club" of the breed you are interested in. They probably have a list of breeders who have puppies available. You can probably get the contact information of the Breed clubs on the AKC web site. I was a member of the Old English Sheepdog Club of America, for many years, and that's how "OESCA" did it. Buy from a reputable breeder! All breeds have known defects, so try to get a guarantee against those defects, from the breeder you buy from. GL!

[Jann in TX]

I would not suggest dog shows for all breeds....

 

I would NEVER recommend getting a dog like a Germany Shepherd from a show breeder. The AKC 'show standards' are actually INFERIOR to the breed-- so you end up with a dog who has a high chance of hip problems and other issues (can be more agressive....).

 

When we researched German Shepherd breeders it took me several months. I researched the health requirements (found I wanted a STRAIGHT BACK 'old fashioned' dog with parents who were both had OFA certified hips of very good or excellent) and then looked for breeders who bred for those characteristics. Our shepherds have been AWESOME dogs!

 

Most German bred German Shephers have been 'line bred'-- that comes with a whole 'nother' set of health problems! (but the pups do look like their parents!).

 

Most puppy mill breeders are AKC registered...

 

I specifically wanted a HOME breeder with limited litters each year. I wanted the puppies cared for in house (not a kennel) for proper socialization.

 

--

I know of a woman who breeds AKC pomeranians. Her dogs are beautiful and she has used the money she makes to adopt several children from Africa. She also keeps the breeding dogs in kennels stacked several layers deep in an outbuilding. Most adult dogs only touch the ground once ever few weeks if that. This woman is a wonderful person (if you don't count her puppy mill business against her!).