How old is the female and why was she bred?

- Reputable Breeders will only breed a female following the specific guidelines/code of ethics of their breed (in the case of a Boxer, no younger than two, and only after all health testing has been done)

- Reputable Breeders will only breed an exceptional female 2 or 3 times, AND only if the breedings are producing the results they are looking for

- Reputable Breeders do NOT breed to produce pets; they breed to improve their breed

What health/genetic (hereditary) testing has been done on both the male and female?

- It is of paramount importance that you know the health issues associated with your breed of choice regardless if you are looking for a show prospect or just a family companion

- You should be provided with copies of all health testing along with any other pertinent information regarding your new puppy and its sire and dam

Does this Breeder know her breed?

- Breeders should be knowledgeable about his/her breed

- Breeders should be involved in the dog world, be it conformation, obedience or agility etc

- Breeders should be able to discuss health, diet and training issues. This is not to suggest that they will know everything about dogs, just have a good solid base of information

- Does the Breeder appear to be devoted to her dogs?

- Breeders should be ready, willing and able to help you throughout the lifetime of your new family member. Whether you are having issues with health, training or diet.

Ask the Breeder for References, and follow-up with them.

- If the Breeder is unwilling to provide you with the information, then request
that she have some of her previous puppy owners contact you. You can gather some very valuable information about a Breeder and his/her dogs in this manner

How do the puppies look and where are the puppies being raised?

- Puppies should appear to be healthy, of proper weight, rounded (but
not overly, as this could be an indication of worms), have clear bright eyes,
no nasal discharge or clear discharge (not crusty)

- Well socialized puppies are not raised in kennels tucked far away from everything and everyone. They are usually right in the thick of things, living in the Breeders home along with her other family members.

- Be very leery of any Breeder who claims to have "NO" problems with his/her dogs, or is offering a "rare" example of his/her breed.

- Know your breed standard!!! Do not be fooled into thinking that you have just added a "rare" member of a particular breed to your family. While there are some "rare" breeds of dogs today, this refers to their numbers and the difficulty associated with purchasing them, not whether they are of a rare colour or size within their breed

- As for the Breeder with "perfect" dogs with NO health problems, they do not exist

How do I find the right Breeder?

- Reputable Breeders will not advertise their litters in the newspaper. General rule of thumb: most reputable Breeders will have an established waiting list. Please do NOT be in a hurry to add a new member to your family.

- Do your homework, research both the breed and the Breeders. If you take the time needed, you will find a reputable Breeder who will genuinely care about her puppies AND the homes they go too!

- Be prepared to answer as many, if not more questions, than you ask yourself. The Breeder you are looking for, is also out there looking, for just the RIGHT family for her puppies

- Best places to start:

National Breed Club
Canadian Kennel Club
Local Kennel Clubs

- Do not be afraid to contact Breeders who appear promising to you. If they do not have any pups available, they might be able to refer you to another Breeder who does

- Do not geographically restrict your search for a Breeder. Some Breeders would be willing to ship a pup to you if you meet all of their requirements