Learn the difference BEFORE you buy!

First, it is important to know what a breed is. The easiest way to do this is to see if the AKC (or are part of the Foundation Stock Service (FSS), the oldest and most prestigious Kennel Club in the USA, or another respected Kennel Club abroad, such as the Canadian Kennel Club, recognizes the breed. Pet registries, like the Continental Kennel Club, are not reliable sources for helping identify true breeds since they will recognize any mix without investigation, they do not keep accurate breed standards, nor do they maintain high standards for breeders that participate in their registry. A breed has a written and documented history, as well as a recognized function that it was originally bred. They also have a detailed breed standard (a physical description of the breed ideal), a Breed Club, and active health and rescue committees. On the other hand, to be recognized by the Continental Kennel Club, a dog must merely have three pictures and 2 witness signatures (nothing is verified, and the witnesses do not need to be breed experts). If you select anything other than an AKC, FSS registered or an abroad equivalent recognized breed you run the risk of not really knowing what you will end up with since the breed has not been properly established, proven to breed true nor are they overseen by strict policies such as the AKC puts forth. For more information regarding how a breed achieves AKC recognition please visit: http://www.akc.org/reg/fss_details.cfm 

There are 157 AKC-recognized breeds and 65 breeds working towards completing the recognition requirements one will surely meet the needs of your family! After you've chosen the breed that is right for you and your family you will need to find a breeder... 

How do you identify an ethical breeder? 

The definition goes far beyond someone breeding two dogs. An ethical breeder is concerned and involved with the breed, standard, health, research, rescue, education, etc. They are concerned about their contribution to the welfare and health of all dogs. An ethical breeder is not part of the problem, but rather part of the solution! As a puppy buyer your job, if you will, is to decide what is important to you and what role you want to play in the canine society. Even if it is just to be a pet owner, that doesn't mean you have any less profound effect on the community than the exhibitor or breeder. From the beginning, being your initial decision as to where you are going to purchase your new family member from, you are having an impact. Your decisions have a ripple effect on the community and the dogs themselves. If you decide to buy your puppy at a pet store/broker (supplied by puppy mills) or a Backyard Breeder (BYB) you are in essence supporting their lack of ethics and general misgivings to the canine community. You are also risking much heartache (both emotional and financial) down the road for you, your family, and your pet. Pet stores, brokers and BYBs do not have the concern or the knowledge necessary regarding the breed standard and health concerns that should be screened for. They do not understand or care about the importance of testing for specific health problems. By not supporting careless breeders you take away the BYB/Puppy mill market. 

Furthermore, by purchasing from a breeder who is committed to only one or two breeds you are bettering your odds of getting a healthy and temperamentally sound dog that will bring you and your family years of happiness. Make sure the breeder's primary concern is the welfare of the breed and their dogs. One of the first things that will prove this concern is the effort they put forth to make sure their puppies go to good homes. Do they ask YOU a lot of questions? Then, evaluate their knowledge of their breed. Do they know about special grooming needs, temperament, and health concerns? Do they know the breed? history? (Please note: these things are breed specific. If a breeder constantly references another breed as the basis for describing their dogs run the other way!) Do they take back any dogs they breed if the owners can no longer keep them? Once you've established your potential breeder is knowledgeable about the breed you will want to find out what they do to maintain a high standard in their breeding program. Do they show their dogs in conformation shows to help evaluate how well their dogs meet the standard? What health testing do they do? It is also important to note that it is necessary to require PROOF of health testing. A breeder should maintain a full disclosure policy regarding their dog’s health, which includes the availability of all documentation.