Dog breeders near you

The first step is deciding what dog breed is a good fit for you and your family. You can research breeds and learn about the typical size and temperament of different types of dogs. You can also take into account things like how much they bark, how much they shed and how active your lifestyle is. A great place to start learning about different breeds is the American Kennel Club (AKC) website.

 

Once you’ve determined what kind of dog you want, you can start looking for a breeder. You’ll want to know about people’s personal experiences with the breeder, so start with referrals. Talk to your friends and neighbors with purebred dogs to see where they bought them. Ask veterinarians, dog trainers, or the staff at your local pet supply store. You can also go to dog shows and talk to spectators or participants.

 

Be sure to visit the breeder rather than rely on phone calls or websites. Many reputable breeders won’t sell to people they haven’t met in person. Check the environment and pay attention to how the dogs live and how they are treated. The dogs should be clean and healthy and have plenty of room.

 

Once you’ve gotten interested in buying a specific puppy, meet its parents. You should also ask questions about the puppy’s medical history and vaccine record. Don’t be surprised if the breeder asks you a lot of questions, too. A good breeder will want to be sure they are finding a good home for their dog.

 

Ask the breeder for referrals and talk to other people who have worked with them. See if there have been any unexpected issues or costs with the dogs purchased from the breeder.

 

Check BBB.org for any reviews or complaints about the breeder. Make sure you understand the finances, including when payment is due, what type of payment is accepted, and any expenses in addition to the listed cost of the puppy. Read the contract carefully and be sure you are clear on any circumstances that would result in returning the dog.

 

For more information

Calculate the cost of owning a pet.

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What to know before buying pet insurance.

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