The best ways to find a dog breeder include asking friends or family for recommendations, talking to a local veterinarian or going online to read breeder reviews, like those on ConsumerAffairs.
Once you identify a breeder, you should ask questions, schedule an in-person visit, meet the puppy’s parents, get medical histories and request references. Reliable dog breeders should address all your questions thoroughly and let you observe the dogs’ environment. They should also guarantee your puppy’s health, show interest in your ability to care for a dog and be happy to communicate after adoption.