Puppy Buying Guide:
Shopping Breeders & Making an Informed Choice
by Stephanie Lam

• What are you looking for?
• Researching the Breed: Getting the Inside Scoop
• Why a Health Guarantee isn't enough
• Why AKC papers don't make the difference
• Internet Buyers Beware
• Show Breeders
• Hallmarks of a Reputable Breeder: Tier I, Tier II, Tier III
• How much do I pay?
• What about imports?
• So where DO I look?

(Please note: This guide, along with all other content and images on this site, is copyright protected. While you may link to this page from other places, you may not cut & paste any portion of this guide for distribution or posting without written consent from the author).

This guide is my opinion only, and is based upon my personal experience in and research. I wrote this for two reasons: 1) I receive a significant amount of requests for assistance in finding a puppy, and it's more time efficient to have a general advice page; 2) I wish someone had shared the information presented here to me when I was looking to purchase a puppy. If you have any questions or are looking for more specific information, please don't hesitate to email me.

The following information, while it may be helpful in the purchase of other species, is intended for the researching and purchasing of a dog recognized by the AKC. Doing research for rarer or non-AKC recognized breeds may drastically change the parameters of breeder types, and how critical you can afford to be as a buyer.

Also, I use the term "professional breeder" to negatively denote those breeders who breed for profit, and use breeding as a means of regular income to sustain their livelihood. Breeding is a money-losing NOT a money-making game. Those who conduct their business otherwise should be avoided at all costs.

What are you looking for?

A healthy purebred dog, obviously. But what do you want from the breeder? Are you looking for someone to educate you about dog-ownership and the breed for the life of the dog? Do you want to show, or possibly breed someday? Will you be a repeat client, and hope to get an additional companion in the future? If so, you will need to be more scrutinizing in your search; it will probably take you longer to find the right match.

Or perhaps you're simply looking for one dog, and you just want to make sure it's healthy and temperamentally sound. Either way, I encourage you to read through the following information. At the very least, you can avoid being the victim of a puppymill, broker, or professional breeder.

Researching the Breed: Getting the Inside Scoop

Having researched and been interested in many different breeds, I've found most all-breed profile books, and many breed-specific books to be incomplete or vague on the finer nuances of owning a breed. Because a "high-energy" dog means different things to different people, it's hard to know for sure what living with that breed will be like. I still recommend reading every piece of breed-specific literature you can find, but the following places might provide those insider details on living with your chosen breed:

• Online groups (Meetup.com, Yahoo Groups, Craigslist.org forums, breed specific websites with discussion forums). Pop in and submit an inquiry email to the list's members. Ask questions like, "I have XYZ schedule and situation and want XYZ out of my relationship with a dog - would this breed be a good fit for me?" You'll get lots of helpful info and anecdotal stories that you won't find in print. This is where you'll learn exactly what having a "high-spirited" dog is like, or what "sheds a lot" really means for you and your furniture. (And by the way, if you're wondering what it's like to own a Pug, French Bulldog, Pit Bull, or all three, you're always welcome to email me).
  
  
• 4C Dog Books (www.4cdogbooks.com). This is a book vendor that carries lots of books you can't find at Barnes & Noble. They frequent the California AKC dog show circuit if you're interested in looking through their selection in person.
  
  
• Breeders. This one's a no-brainer, but oftentimes by the time you talk to the breeder, you're already in purchasing/screening mode. It never hurts to ask specific questions - breeders will appreciate your preparation and concern.

Why a health guarantee isn't enough

It's generally assumed that we can distinguish the Good Breeders from the Bad Breeders by whether or not they offer a health guarantee. But it's no longer that simple; puppy brokers and puppymills freely proclaim their "health guarantees" to unsuspecting buyers. The only difference is when something goes wrong, they don't call you back.

You absolutely should expect your breeder to have a health guarantee that protects you against genetic defects, and for a substantial period of time (24 hours is not substantial). But don't assume that because the website SAYS they have a health guarantee, that you should stop shopping. Are there BBB claims against this person/kennel? How many puppies have they had to replace/how many times have they needed to fulfill their end of this guarantee? Breeders who regularly have to replace puppies or compensate buyers due to genetic defects do not have healthy lines.

This is where asking for references can be helpful. A responsible breeder will likely ask you for at least your vet's name and phone number, so why not inquire about contacting their previously satisfied puppy buyers? If they take offense to your request, move on.

Why AKC papers don't make the difference

Provided that you're looking for an AKC recognized breed, another seemingly crucial factor is whether or not the puppy has papers. And to an extent, papers are important. For instance, if you're looking to purchase a Pug puppy from a breeder (and not your friend, whose bitch accidentally got pregnant), then absolutely make sure the puppy is papered. It would be concerning to have such a popular, AKC-recognized breed that isn't papered if you're going to be paying a papered pup's price.

But, like a health guarantee, the presence of AKC papers can be a cheap trick to convince buyers of quality. This is especially true if the website/breeder is flaunting this fact as if it were the most important thing to care about. AKC registration, unfortunately, is quite easy to obtain. Because the AKC does not send a field rep out to inspect each and every registered litter, the quality of AKC papered puppies can vary greatly. Even puppymills possess AKC papered dogs. So don't let papers be an automatic determinant of quality. A truly reputable breeder will be knowledgeable and transparent about a dog's pedigree, but that won't be the only reason why their puppies are quality. 

Internet Buyers Beware

These days, many responsible breeders use the web as a way to connect with the puppy-buying public. But guess what? So do puppy mills, brokers, and professional breeders. The internet is a puppy broker's dream. Brokers and professional breeders know that many people impulse-buy when it comes to purchasing pets, and the internet makes it all too easy: post some adorable pictures of puppies, create a sense of urgency with a "Puppies Available Now!" banner, throw in some sentimental music, add a few lines about how all puppies are "lovingly hand-raised" and come with a "health guarantee," and supply a Buy It Now button through PayPal. This last item is KEY in detecting puppy mills, brokers, and professional breeders.

**NEVER buy from a source that allows you to make a deposit or pay for the puppy online without first being screened by the breeder.** Purchasing the next member of your family should never ever be like shopping on eBay.  If the only proof you have to provide that you're a good home is your credit card, what sort of quality can you expect? This is assuming you actually receive a puppy - many scams are conducted this way as well.

With the preponderance of internet-based puppymills and irresponsible breeders online, I have ended up drawing the following conclusion: If the website comes up in the first page of a Google search, avoid it! This is not a hard and fast rule, but pretty close.

Show Breeders

If I were to start shopping for a new puppy today, I would NOT consider a breeder who doesn't show, except in a couple rare circumstances.* It may sound elitest, but there are significant reasons why you should avoid breeders who do not participate in AKC sanctioned shows if you're looking for a dog recognized by the AKC:

• Breeders registered with the AKC have to have competed and been involved with a breed before they are permitted to register a kennel name. That kennel name is then theirs, and all dogs bred by them have that name included in their registration. (Which is why many AKC papered dogs have odd-sounding, long names like "Windstar's Love of my Life." In this example, "Windstar" is the kennel name and "Love of my Life" is that specific dog's registered name. It may or may not reflect the dog's call name or pet name, like "Bubba" or "Max"). Kennel names are a great source of pride for breeders; legendary kennels often have a signature look that identifies dogs from that line. Most show breeders want to leave a legacy of healthy, correct, temperament-sound dogs that contribute to that breed's gene pool in a positive, lasting way. To stray from this ideal would mean sacrificing their reputation and integrity of their kennel name.
  
  
• Show breeders are usually heavily invested in a large network of other breeders who not only help hold them accountable, but also share helpful information and support. If they are members of a national breed club, many of those breed clubs also require them to conform to specific standards of integrity in their breeding program. They have access to special seminars through national specialty shows, and other resources for help and information that an independent backyard breeder does not have access to, and a puppymill breeder does not care to obtain.
  
  
• Another important consideration is where breeders get their studs/bitches. Because show breeders are involved in a large network of breeders with similar standards and practices, they tend to have access to a greater number of high-quality dogs for breeding. They do not knowingly sell their own puppies to backyard breeders and puppymills, which helps preserve the integrity of their breeding lines. Which makes one wonder - where do puppymill breeders get their studs/bitches from? If they aren't stolen or bred illegally (against contract), then they're often imported from foreign puppymills. More on this later.
  
  
• Competitive showing ensures that dogs are bred to meet the standard. Due to the very political nature of the AKC and dog showing, many would laugh at this previous statement, myself included. Oftentimes winning dogs are not the best reflection of the breed, but rather a reflection of who holds the end of the leash. Even still, showing tends to weed out the "inferior" specimens - dogs with disproportionate features or poor health. Such discrimination is not often a priority of puppymillers and professional or backyard breeders who may have limited access to viable studs/bitches or breed out of ignorance or disregard for the standard. Generally speaking, if you want a Frenchie that looks like a Frenchie, you're better off going through a show breeder than not.

Now, does buying from a show breeder guarantee you're getting a problem-free dog? Nope. With dogs, as in life, there are no guarantees. BUT the idea is that you're choosing from a carefully screened gene pool which increases your chances of having a healthy, wonderful pet. You're also buying from someone who, ideally, will be an important fixture in your life for the life of the dog. Good breeders are fantastic resources. You're also getting the assurance that your breeder is here to stay and wants to preserve her reputation as such - no fly by night operations looking to run off with your money.

It is not the act of showing that makes the difference, but rather the benefits and requirements of being involved in that world that often set show breeders apart. Is it possible to find a puppymill, professional, or backyard breeder who has healthy, conformationally-correct dogs with nice temperaments? Anything is possible, but I would not stake my money or my dog's future on it. Are there show breeders who import from foreign puppymills and don't uphold ethical breeding practices? Yes. Which is why being a show breeder isn't enough. Keep reading...

*(In case you're wondering what those circumstances are: 1) I want a very rare breed with a limited number of breeders in the country - a Xoloitzcuintli perhaps, or an Ovtcharka. 2) I would also consider a Border Collie breeder who doesn't show only because in this breed there is a major split in opinion between show breeders who believe in conformation judging, and "working" breeders who refuse to submit their stock to a process of elimination that is based upon appearance. Both are particular about their bloodlines. The Border Collie has a very wide range of appearances because it was bred for its merits as a shepherd, not its looks, and is one of the few breeds still widely used for its original working purpose. In the case of Border Collies, you are often choosing between "show stock" and "working stock" - and rescuers will tell you there is usually a significant energy/personality difference between the two). Other breeds may have similar circumstances.

Hallmarks of a Reputable Breeder
In my experience, I have found there are 3 types of breeders, and I classify them as Tier I, Tier II and Tier III.

~ Tier I (aka Good Show Breeders) ~

1. These breeders breed for one purpose only: to "better the breed." Most are or have been involved in conformation showing.
2. Rarely breed more than one or two breeds of dogs at a time.
3. Rarely/never have more than one litter available at a time.
4. They screen their stock using the latest tests available and applicable to their breed (OFA hips and/or elbows, VonWillebrand's disease, etc.)
5. They may do advanced genetic testing on their breeding stock/puppies.
6. They can name various bloodlines that have made significant contributions to the breed, and they're intimately aware of their dogs' pedigrees many generations back.
7. They breed for quality, not quantity. If they don't have a breed-worthy dog at the moment, or they haven't found the right stud/bitch for their bitch/stud, they don't breed.
8. They don't breed simply to meet the demands of their waiting list.
9. They select a mate for their stud/bitch based on its bloodlines, knowing that traits in its ancestors can appear and negatively or positively affect their litter. They don't simply put two healthy, attractive dogs together without prior knowledge of each dog's ancestry and how that could affect the puppies.
10. They don't repeatedly breed the same bitch year after year. Bitches have an optimum breeding age and lifespan as a breeding bitch. Numerous litters very negatively affect the bitch's health and the quality of the puppies.
11. They don't stud out their males to just anyone. Many don't even advertise that they have one available, as they are particular about suitable bitches, and may do the hunting themselves. Studding is not seen as a "source of income."
12. They will readily admit they lose far, far more money in breeding than they make. It is not a reliable source of income for them; they are not "professional" breeders.
13. They don't always own both parents. Sometimes they do, but not always. I know many dog books advise that you buy from a breeder that has both parents on site so that you can examine both stud and bitch. I wholeheartedly agree with meeting both parents as a means of evaluating the puppies if you have that opportunity. However, such scenarios are not always realistic. A qualified stud/bitch for a particular bitch/stud is not always conveniently found in one's own backyard, so to speak. But the breeder should always be very open about both parents, willing to answer your questions, produce pictures and pedigree, etc.
14. They have extensive knowledge of the health issues of their breed, oftentimes, more knowledge than the average veterinarian. They'll be able to advise you on the "undocumented" things your breed might need or be sensitive to: anesthetics, allergies to certain ingredients/foods/products, etc.
15. They understand puppy development at various stages and know when to expose puppies to certain stimuli and at what ages. They often have a special program or routine they follow to socialize litters.
16. They will have a detailed contract for you to sign. Most average 2-5 pages (but I've seen contracts three times that length!). These contracts are designed to protect both buyer and seller, but most importantly, the health and well-being of the puppy. Aside from offering some sort of health and/or puppy replacement guarantee, these breeders will definitely have strict spay/neuter requirements (unless you agree to show and/or co-own) as they don't want their puppies to fall into the hands of an irresponsible novice breeder or puppymill. Most all of them will also require that if you cannot keep the dog for any reason, you return it to the breeder only and not give it to a shelter, a rescue, a friend, etc. Other requirements may involve a backyard fence, the type of food you feed, the medical care it receives, restrictions if you have a pool, how frequently you vaccinate and what vaccines you use, restrictions on using cargo transportation for airline travel, proof of pets being accepted if you rent, proof of home ownership, etc. Not all show breeders require all of these things, they are just a laundry list of things you might expect.
17. These breeders are committed to their dogs for life and should be willing to take one back at any age, for any reason. This is KEY in spotting a good breeder!!! If they are unable to re-home them personally, they take it upon themselves to find a suitable home for the dog. Their worst nightmare is to have one of their puppies unaccounted for and unloved.
18. They will scrutinize you and your living situation to ensure their puppy is going to a wonderful, permanent home. They will ask you lots of questions. Beware the breeder that doesn't!!!

    *A quick tip in spotting show breeders: Most show breeders will have win photographs from dog shows of their dams/sires on their websites. Some even talk about how many points each win was worth, and/or how quickly the dog "finished" (became a Champion). Websites that don't display any such photographs usually belong to Tier II and III breeders. After all, wins are a credit to the breeder and the kennel - why wouldn't they show them off?

~ Tier II (aka Backyard Breeders) ~

1. These breeders range from profit-hungry to very well-intentioned. It's my guess that most people who buy from a breeder have bought from a breeder of this category - and I've been one of those people. The well-intentioned ones are often doting pet owners who want to breed their pet in the hope of producing more like him/her.
   
2. They're easy to find - 99.9% of newspaper ads are puppies from Tier II breeders.  The backs of various dog magazines are the advertising stomping grounds for Tier II breeders, as are many (though not all) Yellow Pages-type websites that yield a large assortment of breeders searchable by breed and state.
3. The "type" (the physical look) of the dog varies widely. These are oftentimes the adorable puppies that grow up to be Bulldogs with long-ish snouts, or unusually tall Pugs, or rather large Labradors. They look like the breed, but something isn't quite right.
4. They spend a good deal of effort making it clear that the puppies come with AKC papers - as if this fact alone determined the value of the dog. Some cannot provide AKC papers.
5. They aren't overly concerned about whether or not you spay/neuter.
6. They don't raise eyebrows if you declare your desire to breed the puppy in question.
7. The health and temperament of their puppies vary widely.
8. They do not require you to return the puppy to them if you can no longer keep it. Future calls regarding the health or status of your puppy go unreturned or are met with malaise or hostility.
9. They lack a planned or structured breeding program, and/or puppy socialization program. Their idea of socializing the puppies is letting neighborhood children "tire them out."
10. They may sell their puppies to pet shops.
11. Many breed multiple breeds or have several litters simultaneously.
12. Breed "designer," "hybrid," or "fad" breeds.
13. Breed many times a year, always/frequently have a litter available.
14. Do little screening of potential buyers. Greatest concern is ability to pay.
15. Allow for "same-day" purchases - you come, you like, you buy!