[TrishB]

I like my breeder due to her honesty. She told me why these two dogs were being bred. She told me what she was hoping for. She told me the strengths and weaknesses of both and of my pup.

She didn't just sell puppies to homes to sell them. She matched them. ;) Parker was 12 weeks old when I got him. She wanted an obedience/show home for him and she waited until she found that home, Me! :D

She gave me several people to contact. I spoke to people that have past pups from her and one that had a littermate of Parkers. The openess was wonderful!

The health clearances are a given (heart, eyes, hips, elbows). I also like the idea that both parents not only have conformation titles, but working ones too. To work towards the total dog.

As others have said, the contract should also be open to discussion. I've heard of other breeders just having people sign without even allowing them to read it. I had mine for 2 weeks before I even met her. I asked her to alter it as I'm Canadian, so working towards an AKC title would have been a little tougher for me. I asked her to add "CKC title". We left the AKC reference on, as, you never know! But her main drive was to encourage trying to attain a title or two on him, which is what it says.

Meeting the parents is paramount. I wouldn't even consider getting a pup without meeting both. If I don't like the parents, what kind of pup will they create?

I also like people who show / work their own dogs. This is just a personal opinion - but if they work with them competitively, they'll know their dogs inside and out. They'll be better qualified to help you with your puppy.

Don't be in a rush. Take your time. Find out about the person. Make sure they're just as excited about you getting a pup as you are! You should feel like you're a part of an extended family, not a customer.