What is a Dog Breeder?

Most reputable dog breeders raise litters from AKC registered purebred dogs, although some mixed breeds, such as Cavapoos or Goldendoodles, are not recognized by the AKC, and therefore, those breeders are not registered.

Most will specialize in one breed. If you want to buy a purebred puppy from a breeder, buy from a responsible breeder who is AKC registered and/or dedicated to animal welfare. As good stewards of the breed, they ensure there is no inbreeding which can lead to health issues. If you’re wondering how to check if a dog breeder is registered, contact AKC Customer Service or use the dog breeder license lookup at the USDA Animal Care Public Search Tool.

Keep in mind, there are many good, trustworthy breeders who do not breed AKC purebreds, as there are many mixed breeds that do not fall under AKC guidance. This doesn’t make those breeders less reputable than an AKC registered breeder.

A reputable breeder should be able to demonstrate sufficient knowledge about their puppies’ lineages and pedigrees and about the breed characteristics in general. Ask if they belong to any local or national breed clubs, because many clubs require that their members comply with a code of ethics. They should also be able to explain what they have done to help with the puppies’ early socialization and be able to demonstrate the good medical and behavioral health of their litters. Avoid breeders that appear aggressive or fearful toward their puppies.

If the breeder is more interested in your deposit or your payment than what kind of home you are going to provide for their puppies, that’s a signal you might not be dealing with a trustworthy breeder. Good breed stewards will want to know about your previous dogs, their ages, your veterinarian, your work schedule, where the puppy will live, and how it will be trained and further socialized.

Ask to meet the dog parents of the puppies. The father may not be available, but the mother dog should still be with the litter and available to meet the prospective owner of her puppies.

You may be required to sign a contract attesting to whether you want the dog as a family pet or if you’re going to enter him in dog shows. The contract may also stipulate that if the dog needs to be surrendered, for any reason and at any age, the dog is to be returned to them.

Avoid dogs that are bred in puppy mills. These large-scale commercial dog breeding operations place profit over animal welfare. Many times, these puppies are sold to brokers or direct to the consumer at a very young age and will have little training or socialization.

In addition, puppy mill puppies will likely have health and behavioral issues as the people who run the puppy mill are not interested in the welfare of their dogs. Puppy mill pups are sold at irresponsible pet shops, flea markets, roadside stands, and online shops, so caveat emptor – buyer beware.

Find Your Perfect Dog

To find your perfect dog, search “dog adoption near me” or browse Petfinder, where you can access our network of more than 11,500 shelters and rescues with thousands of dogs and puppies looking for a good forever home. You can refine your search by breed, color, age, size, gender, location, and other criteria to find the pup of your dreams.

Before you begin your search, think about what type of dog breed you’d like and what you, your home, and your family can handle. For example, German Shepherds are handsome dogs, but may need a strong handler; Border Collies are fun, but probably need someone with the same level of energy; and Beagles are friendly, people-pleasing pups that are generally good with children. Each dog has a unique temperament regardless of breed or breed mix, so learn as much as you can about your dog’s individual personality before adopting.

To make your search ever easier, complete a short profile – it only takes a minute – and get matched with compatible pets. Browse your customized list of available dogs to find your match and you’re on your way to finding the perfect dog for you.

Learn more about adopting dogs with Petfinder.

Where Can You Adopt a Dog? Differences Among Dog Rescues, Shelters and Sanctuaries

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