Some breeders are unscrupulous in their practice, but by asking the right questions you can find a quality breeder.

Now that you have decided that you want a dog or puppy, you should then decide on what specific breed you want. Be sure to pick a breed that fits with your finances, time, and energy to care for it. Some breeds are a lot more expensive to care for because they are more susceptible to certain genetic diseases. Once you have decided on a breed now it is time to find a quality breeder.

Like any business there are those breeders who take pride in their work and genuinely care for the dogs. Then there are others who just want to make money with no regard to providing a quality dog to their customers.

So how do you find a quality breeder?

Before you contact actual breeders you should do some research? Getting a list of breeders that provide the breed of dog you want can often be obtained from kennel clubs. You should be able to locate a kennel club in your area by the telephone or on the internet.

Referrals from friend or family who have worked with breeders before are often the best and most honest source. Also going to dog parks and talking to dog owners will help as well. Dog shows are another good place to find referrals and even talk to prospective breeders.

When you visit the actual breeding facility walk around and make note of how the animals are cared for and how sanitary the kennel is. Also note how the dogs are behaving. Are they friendly, timid, or aggressive.

Good questions to ask:

What vaccinations and de-worming are given to the dogs?
Do the dogs come with pedigree papers?
Can I call some former customers?
How long have they been breeding dogs?
Do the dogs come with vaccination papers?

Good breeders should offer advice on feeding, grooming, health care and equipment you may need as well as a schedule for all necessary immunizations.

One of the best signs of a quality breeder is that they want to know that you are a suitable owner for one of their dogs. They might ask if you have ever had a dog before. Also if you have a house suitable for the dog, and also what veterinarian you will be taking the dog to.

A few signs of a bad breeder include:

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