First, know what you're looking for:

1. Do not be afraid to ask questions! Good breeders encourage questions. If a breeder tries to intimidate you or make fun of the fact that you are asking questions, politely end the conversation.

2. If the breeder states that he does not screen his breeding stock for genetic disorders (hip dysplasia, heart, eyes) because he does not have health problems in his line, politely end the conversation.

3. If the breeder claims he tests his dogs, but simply cannot find the written results 'in order to provide you with a copy prior to the actual purchase, politely end the conversation.

4. If the breeder states that a litter was an "accidental breeding," politely end the conversation. Conscientious breeders do not have "accidental breedings."

5. If the breeder states that it is too expensive to test all dogs, politely end the conversation.

6. A reputable breeder will often ask you a lot of questions. He will be concerned about the homes 'in which his puppies will live. Answer his questions honestly and thoroughly. You may also be asked to complete an application or questionnaire which will help the breeder select a puppy that fits your needs and lifestyle. BEWARE of the breeder whose only concern is whether you can pay the purchase price.

WHEN YOU VISIT THE BREEDER'S KENNEL/HOME, LOOK FOR THE FOLLOWING:

1. Where are the dogs kept? Are the surroundings clean?
2. Are all of the dogs friendly (especially the sire and dam)? Do they have good temperaments?
3. Are the dogs clean and well kept?
4. Do they have plenty of clean/fresh water to drink?
5. Is the yard or kennel clean and free of feces, urine and debris?
6 What are your overall feelings about the environment? (Trust your instincts.)

Good breeders never sell their puppies to brokers, pet stores, flea markets, etc.

Good breeders stand behind their dogs and puppies for the life-time of the dog, meaning that they will take back any dog or puppy for ANY reason that a buyer can no longer keep it, just like a good rescue does.

Good breeders don't ALWAYS have puppies on hand and you often have to be put on a waiting list.

Good breeders require a spay / neuter contract with proof the dog was altered before you'll get papers if you are not buying the dog for show purposes.

Good breeders will give you references of other people who have puppies bred by them and actually WANT you to talk to them.

Good breeders almost never breed more than two breeds, and usually only one.

Good breeders often show their dogs, but not always, and "show" can include, hunting trials, herding, tracking, service, confirmation, obedience etc.

Good breeders never let their puppies go before eight weeks (ideal is 9 weeks for most breeds and toy dogs should be kept with their litters until 10-11 weeks minimally according to many toy dog behavior experts).

Good breeders do neonatal socialization of all their puppies (meaning the pups are exposed to different "enviornments" by eight weeks, not just one room of a house, or one pen outside.)

Good breeders will let you see the puppies parents (one or both if both are owned by the breeder).

Good breeders breeds only to improve their line or their breed, not for the sole purpose of making money.

If you're still unsure, use this comparison chart to decide.

Next, FIND the good breeder:

• Check your LOCAL DOG CLUB (look in the yellow pages or ask pet food supply store personnel) first.
If you live in a small town, check with the nearest city. If there isn't a breeder of the breed you're looking for there, ask for recommendations.

• Search the INTERNET. Look for webpages specifically put up by one breeder of one or two breeds of dog, NOT Yahoo ads or breeders who always have puppies available.

• The AKC website has a breeder referral. You can search by breed and state. Remember, the AKC is just a dog REGISTRY, not a guarantee of a good breeder. A TV news station reporter successfully registered a litter of pigs with the AKC, totally fabricating the entire lineage. Consider the AKC a resource to find a breeder, but do not assume an "AKC Registered" breeder means they're a GOOD breeder. Do not assume any "AKC Registered" dog or puppy carries any kind of a guarantee the puppy is healthy and without genetic defect, either. The AKC's primary job is to keep records on which dogs bore litters and how many pups were in that litter, NOT whether the pups are healthy and free of disease or genetic defects.

• Attend DOG SHOWS; ask anyone wearing a JUDGE nametag if they know of any breeders of the breed you're hoping to acquire.

Deciphering the Classified Ad

REPUTABLE BREEDERS recommended by WDR membership:
BREED	BREEDER CONTACT INFO
SHELTIE	Lisa Bush | Blue Heaven Shelties | Marshall, WI
WHIPPET	Marie Jackson | Cross Plains, WI | 608-798-3068 | Liesta@prodigy.net
BOXER	Bentbrook Boxers Barb Carroll | 5998 Sarah Circle | Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494 715/325-3246 | 715/325-2933(fax) | info@bentbrookboxers.com
GERMAN SHEPHERD	Greron-Haus Kennel Rhonda Rakestraw of Springfield, IL
AMERICAN ESKIMO	Sun Shadows American Eskimos Kim Galloway | 1330 Opal Circle | Lawrenceville, GA 30043 | 770-963-6120
AMERICAN ESKIMO	Fox American Eskimos | Michigan | Foxeskimo@aol.com
COCKER SPANIEL (American)	Heidi Braun | N79W2846 Fond du Lac Ave | 262/255-0246(home) | 414/342-0145 (work) TebreezHei@aol.com, WiCockerRescue@Juno.Com www.geocities.com/WiCockerRescue
LABORADOR RETRIEVER	LeAnne Nord | Waterstrike Retrievers | 2662 N. Golden Lake Rd. | Oconomowoc, WI. 53066-9402 (262) 567-0022 dewclaw@execpc.com http://waterstrikeretriever.tripod.com/
SHIH TZU	Sue Bletzinger | Neenah, WI | (920) 722-0179
SHIH TZU	Barbara Pressley | Oshkosh, WI | (920) 233.5373
SHIH TZU	Kim Gropp | Oshkosh, WI | 426-0633
SHIH TZU	Donna Blumenthal | Rhapsody Shih Tzu E642 Berkshire Lane Waupaca, WI 54981 | 715-256-2366
GERMAN SHEPHERD	Kenlyn Kennels | 397 E. Hemenway Lane, Edgerton, WI 53534 (608) 884-8355

Once you compile your list of potential breeders, call AND visit them, using the above checklist to find the best one.