Once you have conducted your research and selected a breed that you're interested in, the challenge now is to find a reputable breeder. You can find breeders on the internet, through word of mouth, by attending dog shows and contacting training clubs. But how can you tell if they produce good quality dogs?

The best breeders usually make their living some other way and breed dogs as dedicated and enthusiastic hobbyists. Individuals who rely on the sole income from dog breeding to support themselves are often unethical and do not have the consumer's or the dog's best interests in mind. It is also a great idea to stick to breeders that only breed one type of dog.

In general, good breeders have been working with the breed for more than five years. They are very knowledgeable about the breed and readily offer information regarding the breed's problems, training issues and so on. A good breeder will ask you a lot of questions. They have an active interest in their pups and want to ensure that they are going to a good home with responsible parents.

Ask the breeder about the number of litters they have per year. They shouldn't have more than two or three. Raising puppies takes time and attention. You want to choose a puppy that has been given proper care from day one. These pups will be better socialized and less likely to suffer from anxiety.

The breeder you are interested in should belong to a training club or have a membership in a breed club. In other words, they should have some kind of professional credentials. They should be able to tell you about or provide you with your puppies' parent's pedigree or genealogy.

Here is a very important point: good breeders have a written contract. This contract will include a return policy as good breeders will want their dogs back, usually at any time and at any age. The contract will also include a clause for replacement or rebate if common health problems arise within a specified time period, often two years. Ethical breeders will often include a spay or neuter clause because they do not want their dogs bred irresponsibly.

If you live within driving distance of your potential breeder, make an appointment and visit them. Do some research and come prepared with a list of questions for them. They should also have questions for you. This is an excellent opportunity to perform due diligence. Examine their operation. Meet the potential parents of your puppy. Meet their other dogs. Do the animals look healthy? Are they well behaved? Do they have room to run free? Are the breeders friendly, helpful, concerned individuals? There are many questions you can come up with. Go with your intuition as well. What kind of gut feelings did you experience while visiting the breeder?

Try to visit the breeder while they have a litter present. Observe and handle the pups. Do they appear healthy and well-cared for? If the pups retreat, urinate, or wail when you approach, this is definitely a bad sign. These pups are not socialized to humans. You want a breeder who actively participates in the raising of the litter, not a factory farm.

A reputable breeder will provide you with a puppy that has already has his initial health tests and show you documentation regarding this. You want a puppy from good stock that is well bred. If you can visit the parents of your potential puppy, do so and watch them closely. What you see is what you get and your pup will be a lot like its parents.