Ask anyone that they will tell you that at some point in their life they have had or been around a new litter of pups..Many have played match maker hooking up a beloved pet with the boy next door or down the street, in a attempt to create a clone of a family companion that will some day pass on…

However breeding healthy litters of puppies who are not only have a great temperament but are fine examples of the breed take more then just guess work..Tt takes dedication to something beyond the next litter and reaches back to the generations of breeders that have devoted life times to beautiful animals we see today, gracing the back yards and show rings at a typical dog show.

To be a really great breeder you most put much of your own ego on a back burner. Your cherished family companion and top winner many not be best choice for your breeding program..just wanting a new litter of pups, having your children experience the miracle of birth, or wanting that new refrigerator at not sound reasons either. A really great breeder never puts pups on the ground for such reasons.

Great breeders show their dogs .  They do not let politics, or other such weak excuses keep them from the ring, they do not skimp when it comes to health testing, doing everything possible to insure that new families have a healthy new member.  They are not kennel blind, meaning that they are constantly learning looking for and supportive of other dogs in their breed that are outstanding, hoping to get some of that for their own breeding program.

A great breeder cares about where the pups that they produce go, matching the characteristics of the breed that they raise and show, to the lifestyle of the families that are adopting. A great breeder cares about every puppy in the litter not just the show pups, and not just until the sale is made.

A great breeder is a member of the national breed club, showing that they are will to adhere to the sport code of ethics. Take place in national of regional specialties, and keep up to date on changes and new information that is evolving.

When you are preparing to add a pure bred dog to you family do your home work do not become deceived by slick web pages and adorable puppies ..Visit the AKC web page and research the breed that you are considering. Make sure that the dogs temperament matches you family lifestyle and environment. Then carefully  select  a great breeder..

Here is a quick summary of what to look for:

• A great breeder shows their dogs in AKC events conformation as well as performance events
• Does all health testing and breeds only healthy parents
• Has a contract and requires you return the puppy if you cannot care for it.
• Requires that you spay or neuter any non breeding stock animals.
• Requires that you show a pick or breeding stock puppy.
• Is a resource that helps you with questions.
• Is in good standing with their breed club.
• Breeds for temperament before all else.
• Never promises a designer dogs..
• Stands behind what they breed.