You can identify a breed that is a good fit for you by looking at the traits of the group. For example, take into account the breed’s fitness level as well as their particular grooming needs.
You might ask, “Do you provide care for any breeders in the area? What type of dogs do they breed and would you recommend them to me?”
You can also search for a breeder using the AKC National Puppy Finder registry, located on their main website. This is a system that allows you to find breeder names by entering in your selection criteria, including breed type.
The AKC actually has a paperwork process that you can follow if you’d like to register an adopted dog as a purebred one for competitive or breeding purposes. Look at the AKC website for additional details. To find a local shelter in your area, you can go to the Petfinder website. Or, you can enter your city name and “animal adoption” into a search engine.
If you leave a message, it is a good idea to tell the breeder how you found out about them. They may be more likely to call you back quickly if you found them via a professional contact, such as a vet. In your opening statements, you may also want to make it clear that you are not interested in just any purebred dog, but that you are looking for one that meets particular requirements regarding lineage and care. You might say, “I’m trying to find a Pomeranian breeder who manages the breeding process from start to finish. ”
It is also a good idea to ask how long they’ve been in business at the same location. Some bad breeders move their operations multiple times in order to cover up animal cruelty investigations or simply bad reputations. You can also ask a breeder why they choose to breed dogs instead of simply owning them. Many breeders will express their passion for the breed and their desire to participate in the upkeep of pure bloodlines.
Ask if the litter has been handled by children or exposed to normal household noises as well. Feel free to ask specific questions about what they’re feeding their dogs, too. Do they use a reputable dog food brand? Do they give their dogs pre-natal vitamins?
If the breeder offers to place you on a waitlist pending the next litter, this is a good thing. It means that your breeder is in demand, but not overbreeding. Agree to be placed on the list, but ask for a time estimate. [9] X Research source Most dog breeders will allow you to take home your puppy when it is between 8-12 weeks old. This allows time for socialization. [10] X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source Some breeders do aptitude testing for their puppies that sheds some light on their personalities.
See if the dogs were health-tested by a board-certified cardiologist, too.
It’s always a good idea to contact the breeder’s veterinarian while you’re doing research.
Keep your travel costs and your schedule in mind when you first contact the breeder. You want to be able to make a quick decision if they offer you a visit. Some breeders welcome family visits as well. If you are adopting the puppy into a family, this is an important moment to see how the puppy, and breed in general, interacts with your child or partner.
No kennel is spotless. A little dirt is to be expected. However, the presence of general refuse, trash, or feces are not signs of a good facility. Check the cleanliness of the food and water bowls. [16] X Research source
