First of all, if you are looking for a puppy from a responsible breeder, you need to find the breeder. Try a search for the parent club of your specific breed through the AKC Parent Club Search. Parent club sites offer all sorts of information and some of them have a breeder listings. You can contact the secretary of the parent club for assistance in your geographical area.

   Go to shows. You can find the location and dates for shows in your area through www.infodog.com, www.onofrio.com or www.akc.org. When you locate a show, view the judging program for specific times and ring numbers. These judging programs are usually posted the week before the show. Once at the show, look at the dogs and see which ones you like. Contact the person who has those dogs after the judging. Show people have been criticized for being snobs and this isn’t as a general rule true. Before judging takes place, they are busy grooming and preparing to go into the ring. During judging, things can be hectic and they really don’t have time to chat. Please wait until after the judging of that breed and ask if there would be a convenient time to talk about their dogs. With this attitude, you’ll receive a more favorable reception. Be polite and have specific questions in mind. You have already done your research so you know how much the dog eats a day or how much he is supposed to weigh. A good opener is “I love this dog. Can you tell me about him and his parents?” Talk to as many people as possible at the show and get a feel for who knows what. There will be novices and experienced people in the ring. Watch and listen and learn.

   If you are more interested in rescue, contact the parent club of your breed to see if there is a rescue operating in your general vicinity. Sometimes people are unwilling to take on the trials and tribulations of puppyhood and prefer an older dog that is somewhat trained. On the other hand, some people don’t want to inherit another person’s problem child. It is up to you to make the choice. It is sad that so many purebred dogs end up in rescue for really stupid reasons. “I redecorated the house and he is messing it up” or “She is getting old and can’t play as much anymore” or “We want to go on vacation and have no where to put him” or “We are moving and it’s too much trouble to take him with us”. There are numerous excuses that some people have for turning their dogs into rescue. These are the people who would probably have been better off not getting the dog in the first place.

   It is unfortunate that we have a society used to disposable goods. A dog is a living, breathing being. If you aren’t prepared to take on the responsibility of dog ownership, then don’t get a dog. I urge my puppy buyers to do things with their dogs. I offer rebates for attendance and completion of obedience classes. This lays the groundwork for a working relationship with their dog.

   I cringe whenever I see dogs in commercials and in movies. 101 Dalmatians is a perfect example. Everyone wanted to have a Dalmatian and the unethical breeders went into high production without paying attention to health issues in order to meet the demand. Rescues and humane societies were flooded with unwanted Dalmatians. People were not prepared for breed specific problems.

   The internet offers educational opportunities. Search for breed specific discussion boards. These can offer information. The internet however, should not be used for buying a dog. Personal contact is best when choosing the future member of your family.

Good luck in your search!

Bio I Buying a Purebred Puppy I Know Before You Buy I How to Find a Puppy I Glossary

Puppy Checklist I How to Read a Pedigree I Breeding Costs I Articles of Interest I Puppy Costs