Dog Breeders Directory
For breeders, rescue shelters and dog breed clubs, click here to add your listing to the directory. Don't see
your country? Let me know and I will add it! Want to alter an existing dog breeder listing? Click here
I've decided to put together a section of the site as a dedicated area for dog breeders to list the dogs and puppies they have available. It is also open to Rescue and Welfare Groups to list their sites. Note, for those of you seriously considering getting a puppy or dog, please remember that a dog is for life, not just for Christmas or a birthday, it is a responsibility that is not to be taken lightly. Have a read of my article about choosing a dog breed before you even start. You want to know exactly what you are getting yourself into before you even go looking for a dog.
Some pointers when looking for a dog breeder or when adopting a dog from a dog
rescue
Make a list of questions you will be asking the breeders when you pay them a visit. Whilst I take great pains in ensuring that all the dog breeders listed on the directory are caring responsible breeders of their particular dog breeds, I cannot guarantee that I will get it right every time. If you find that any of the breeders listed aren't up to scratch I would appreciate it if you could write a review about them and why you weren't happy, that way, I can grade the breeders accordingly.
Questions to ask a dog rescue group or shelter :
- Why was this particular dog surrendered?
- Is there a higher incidence of this dog breed being surrendered at the shelter? If so, why?
- When was this dog surrendered and how long has he/she been in the shelter for?
- If you already have another dog, ask if there are any dogs at the shelter who would not suit being in a multi-dog household - then you can shortlist the ones that are and look at them.
- Has there been a history of abuse or any other behavioral quirks that you should know of in the dogs that you've shortlisted?
BIG NOTE : There is a higher incidence of behavioral problems like separation anxiety with dogs that have been 'surrendered' at shelters or dog rescue homes. Most of these dogs would have felt 'abandoned' - that's not to say that the shelter or animal home is in any way negligent in providing care and love to these dogs, but the truth of the matter is that some of them would've been left on the roadside and then found by some kind soul later on and taken to the shelter or taken for a car-ride and then 'surrendered' at the shelter home. They would've suffered bewilderment, confusion and fear, therefore many of these dogs would have 'emotional baggage'. You need to realize this when you adopt dogs from shelter homes.
Shortlist of questions and things to take note of when picking a dog breeder :
- Is the breeder a specialist when it comes to breeding that particular dog breed? If there are a lot of different types of dog breeds available on the one property I would seriously doubt that they are.
- Is the breeder a member of their dog breed club?
- Does the breeder ask you lots of questions and seems genuinely interested in finding a good home for her babies rather than just taking your money regardless? Most good breeders will barrage you with questions and you will almost feel like you've undergone some interrogation process at the end of it - they really want to make sure that the dog is a 'good fit' for you and will not end up in some shelter at a later date.
- Does the dog breeder also sell her pups to pet shops? I find that the most competent dog breeders never have to sell their pups to pet stores because there's usually an overwhelming demand for the puppies. You can usually tell if there's a long waiting list.
- Have the puppies been properly socialized with humans? Puppies that haven't been socialized will never make good pets because they don't 'see' humans as part of their dog pack.
- Have all the vet checks, vaccinations and worming of the pups been conducted?
- Is the breeding facility well kept and clean? I don't mean that the set up has to be pristine and look like the Taj Mahal, but have a look at the water provided (if it's stale and dank then obviously water changes have been neglected), their feeding bowls, their beds, the general health and wellbeing of the dogs there.
- Most responsible breeders will not allow you take puppies that are less than 6-7 weeks old and when the pups have been properly weaned off their dam and onto solid puppy food.
- Most good dog breeders will also have had health checks done on the puppies' sire and dam for the common diseases that that particular breed is prone to before they embarked on a breeding program eg hip dysplasia, retinal disease, cryptorchidism etc. They will have the documentation to prove it.
- Ask to view the parents of the puppies (some breeders will only be able to show you the dam because the sire is from another breeder) and take note of their behavior and how they relate to humans. Seeing their size and build will also help you determine if you like the proportions or build that the puppies will 'finish' off with.
- Most good breeders will actually ask you if you plan to breed from the dog. Whilst it's probably not something you think of initially, it's a good thing to really think through because good dog breeders will know which pups are better 'breeders' and which ones will just make nice pets and aren't really suitable to be bred.
- Most good dog breeders I know will actually take the pup/dog back from you if at any time you decide that you cannot keep it anymore - the extent of their devotion to their dogs goes that far.
- All pure bred puppies from dog breeders should have a proper Registration Certificate authorized by the appropriate governing dog body eg American Kennel Club etc. They should also have a pedigree chart and health record (vaccinations, worming done, diet that puppy has been on) that comes with them. Responsible dog breeders will also allow you to get another 3rd party opinion eg by your own vet (at your expense) as to the general health of the puppy of your choice and they will also agree to take the puppy back and offer a full refund if for some reason you aren't satisfied with the outcome.
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Vet question of the day
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Buying dog from interstate
I am currently looking for a Chihuahua puppy to purchase online because there are none available in my immediate area of Minnesota. Many Breeders say the will ship the puppy via air through pet shipping services such as "delta pet first" etc...I have read briefly about the conditions the animal will be subjected to, which seem ok, the "pet cabin" is air pressure and Temperature regulated and they seem to be treated with care, and the airline and handlers have to comply with the animal welfare act. The breeders will not ship the puppy until it is 12 weeks of age,to make sure it is healthy and weaned from it's mother.I am stil a bit worried though. There are many breeders in Missouri which would be a short flight away. SO...my question for YOU is: What is your oppinion of putting animals such as dogs (which are so humanlike as opposed to other animals) through an air flight, especially such a SMALL and FRAGILE breed of dog and at such a young age? The breeder recommends visting the vet within 3 days after the flight to get the puppy checked, to make sure the flight did'nt affect it. Have you ever cared for dogs in a similar situation, ever seen any health problems because of flying? ANY information you have on this would be helpful to me as It is what is hindering me from buying a pup at this moment.
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