National Breed Club Referrals
Newspaper Ads
National Magazine Ads
Dog Shows
Web Sites
Other Internet Resources
Pet shops

National Breed Club Referrals
Contact the national breed club and ask for breeders in your area. Though not all reputable breeders are members of their national breed clubs, this is a good starting point. The AKC breeder referral site can help.

Newspaper ads
Some very good breeders advertise in their local papers. All of them should. The newspaper is one of the best methods for reaching the public with information about a breed. However, many breeders do not advertise locally for one reason or another, so don't assume because you don't see an ad, there are no puppies available in your area.

Never buy a puppy from someone advertising several breeds in the newspaper. These folks are known as backyard breeders (BYBs) and they are raising dogs strictly for profit. With so many breeds available, there is no way they can be knowledgable about all of them, and the puppies are seldom well-socialized.

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National Magazine Ads
Advertising in national dog magazines like Dog Fancy and Dog World is very expensive, and you won't find the majority of private breeders listed. These ads are worth checking out -- some very good breeders do advertise there -- but be wary of the ones that say "Puppies always available." Obviously these people are breeding a lot of puppies and though they may be well known show breeders and talk a good game, they are no more able to socialize dozens of puppies a year than the backyard breeders are. Also these breeders seldom have the time or inclination to answer your questions and give you advice once they've cashed the check.

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Dog Shows
By all means attend a dog show if you can find one near you. This is a great way to meet breeders, but don't plan to carry on lengthy conversations at the show. Dogs shows are a lot of fun for most exhibitors, but stress can be high and people may not be at their most sociable. Buy a catalog and watch your chosen breed, making notes about the dogs you like or the people who seem approachable.

Don't try to talk to exhibitors before or during judging of the breed -- this is the busiest time of the day for them, and they've spent a good bit of money getting ready for this particular time. Do approach them afterwards if you're interested, ask for a business card or set up a time to call on them.

Remember that the dog show world, just like the rest of the world, has all types. If someone is rude to you or you just don't like someone's attitude, don't take it personally. Just find another breeder. Buying a puppy is just the first step in a long-term relationship with a breeder, so find someone you feel comfortable with and can talk to. There is no reason to tolerate rudeness.

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Web sites
Many breeders do maintain a web presence and you can learn a great deal about them from their web sites. Again, don't assume that a fancy web site guarantees a good breeder. Using any of the search engines, look for "breeder" and your breed.

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Other internet resources
Email lists, bulletin boards, breeder listings...the internet is full of information about breeders. Join a list and ask pet owners privately for a recommendation. You'll find an assortment of dog email lists or groups at K9 Web and at Yahoo.

In the section Getting a Dog: Links and Resources are some sites on the web where you'll find listings of breeders. Remember that just because a breeder is listed in a particular place doesn't mean he or she is a responsible breeder. Do your research and ask questions regardless of the source.

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