Searching for that perfect family companion? Be sure to do extensive research on the quest for your future furry family member or you could get more than you bargained for. When choosing a kennel be sure to know the difference between a good breeder (one with focus on improving the breed) and a puppy mill (one with focus on making money at any and all cost.) With years of a long and hard road experience has been built to better ourselves in making the right decisions when choosing a breeder.

The best and one of the easiest things to do when choosing a breeder is get a notebook and create a whole page for each breeder with the questions and evaluations you plan to make. In this article we will look at ways to help you get started with general key questions and criteria. Be sure to research the breed that you are interested in to better understand the genetic defects and the AKC standard of your decision. Many of us choose a dog or puppy simply on appearance only. Please be sure not to go this route. The better informed you are before a purchase will drastically increase the chances for success. When narrowing down your list of breeders to visit be sure to call and ask these questions before you actually decide to make a visit.

1. How many breeds does the kennel focus on? If more than two throw a red flag and mark it down on your list.

2. How many litters per year does a particular Dam have per year? If more than one please consider the option of puppy mill related.

3. How many total litters per year does the kennel have as a whole? If more than two approach with caution.

4. How many years has the breeder been breeding? Make sure at least 3 years has been achieved.

5. Does the breeder have any championship animals or any champions in the pedigree? A devoted breeder more than likely will show proof of championships at least in all of the pedigrees on each dog.

6. Can he or she supply you with at least three fellow breeder references and three personal references? A true breeder of the breed can easily achieve this information of proof.

7. What date was the puppies whelped? Should be answered instantly with no hesitation.

8. At what age does the kennel release the puppies to the new families to take home? A minimum of eight weeks is the answer.

9. Is there a waiting list? Most devoted good breeders will have some sort of waiting list.

10. Does the Sire and Dam have their health clearances? This can be a variety of things it's according to the breed you choose. So study and know the clearances your breed should have and be sure to ask for proof by documentation.

11. Have there been any signs of/are genetic disease/problems in previous litters? Know the genetic problems of your puppy to be.

12. Has the puppies had their first round of shots and worming? This should be achieved at six weeks ask for documented proof.

13. Does the breeder have a spay and neuter policy? A good breeder will have a contract to spay or neuter pet quality puppies.

14. What is the return policy? Every quality breeder will have a return policy that equally satisfies both parties.

15. What is the puppy replacement guarantee? In event of a severe problem the puppy should be replaceable at no cost to you.

16. What is the amount of the deposit? Is it refundable or will it be forwarded to the next litter?

17. What vet or vets does the breeder use? Ask if they care if you contact them. A graciously yes should be the answer.

Now the list more than likely has been narrowed down to a handful of breeders. What should we look for at the visit with the kennels? All of the following should be answered as YES:

1.Is the home and/or kennel clean?

2. Are the sire and dam friendly?

3. Is the Dam on site? Sometimes the sire will not be on site. With concentration on improving the species a prominent sire is sought out and more than likely will be out-of-state

4. Is the water clean and readily available?

5. Does the kennel have a pleasant or neutral smell?

6. Does the kennel have adequate exercise areas?

7. Are the kennels kept clean of feces?

8. Are the puppies active, curious, and playful?

9. Are the puppies skin elastic and are the eyes clear?

10. Does the overall puppy smell clean?

11. Is the anus clean from feces?

12. Are the ears clean? Also they should not have any type of foul odour?

13. Does the bedding area look sufficient?

14. Would you spend the night in the kennel?

15. Can you visit the kennel anytime with an appointment?

16. Is the kennel adequate size for the dog or dogs?

17. Do the puppies and adults look healthy?

Here we will go over some questions the breeder may ask you. Remember a good breeder will wish for their pup also to be going to a good home. As the breeder asks questions he or she may have certain criteria they wish for you to meet. Here are examples of questions that may be asked?

1. Do you own your home or rent?

2. Where will the pup be kept?

3. Have you visited other kennels?

4. Do you have children?

5. What will you feed the puppy?

6. Do you own other pets?

7. Have you ever had a dog or puppy before?

8. If you work where will the puppy be and will the puppy be supervised?

9. Can I visit the puppy's home?

10. Do you have vet references?

11. Do you have personal references?

12. Can you support the puppy on your salary?

13. Have you had experience with puppies?

14. How will the puppy be socialised?

15. How old are your children?

16. Is your yard fenced in?

There are many more questions and answers that may arise. Hopefully this article will help to better prepare yourself for the adventure of selecting the proper puppy from a devoted breeder.