Finding the Right Breeder

So, you found the right breed, now it’s time to find the right breeder. A breeder producing your chosen breed isn’t automatically the right fit for you. You’ll want to consider their lines, health testing, breeding practices, and, very importantly, whether you can build a good relationship with them.

1. Consider the Lines

Different breeders may focus on different types of dogs within the same breed. For example, show-line Labradors are generally stockier and more laid-back, while working-line Labradors tend to be leaner and higher-drive.

Neither is inherently better, it depends on what you want from your dog. Look for a breeder whose goals and lines match your lifestyle.

2. Check Health Testing

Start with the breed’s AKC-recognized parent club. Parent clubs establish breed-specific health-testing recommendations and requirements, making them one of the best places to learn what responsible breeders should be screening for.

You can also check the Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) and OFA records to verify health testing and results.

Remember: health testing varies by breed, and a CHIC number alone does not mean every result is normal. What matters is that the breeder is transparent about health and uses the results to make thoughtful breeding decisions.

For example, if you’re researching Labradors, the breed’s parent club is the Labrador Retriever Club. Their website is a great place to start learning about the breed’s health-testing recommendations and finding breeders: https://thelabradorclub.com/

You can then use the OFA’s Browse by Breed tool to see the recommended health clearances and look up individual dogs’ publicly available health records: https://ofa.org/chic-programs/browse-by-breed/?breed=LR

3. Find Breeders Through the Parent Club

Most parent clubs have breeder directories or referral resources. These are a great place to start your search.

Don’t let distance be your deciding factor. The right breeder may not live nearby, and transporting a puppy by air or ground is common. Just make sure the breeder is comfortable placing puppies out of state.

For example, the Labrador Retriever Club offers an interactive LRC Breeder Map where you can explore breeders across the country: LRC Breeder Map

4. Evaluate the Breeder

Once you have a shortlist, look at:

• How many litters they produce

• How often their females are bred

• Health testing and transparency

• Puppy socialization and early experiences

• Their puppy contract

• Pricing and whether it is consistent across colors/sexes

• Whether they take their dogs back if you can no longer care for them

A good breeder will interview you, too. That’s a good thing! They should care deeply about where their puppies end up and want to make sure you’re a good match.

Breeding frequency should also be considered in context. Although two litters a year is generally the acceptable limit, there isn't one magic number of litters that makes a breeder ethical or unethical. Look at the whole picture: the health and age of the parents, litter sizes, genetic diversity, puppy care, and the breeder's ability to properly raise and socialize each litter.

5. Go to Dog Shows

Dog shows are one of the best ways to meet breeders and their dogs in person. If you find a breeder online, see if you can meet their dogs or offspring at a show.

You can also talk to other owners of the breed. Ask who they recommend and what their experience was like.

6. Use Breed Communities

Breed-specific Facebook groups and online communities can be surprisingly helpful. Look for recurring recommendations and, more importantly, read why people recommend a particular breeder.

Are owners happy with their dogs? Do they speak highly of the breeder? Do they still have a relationship with them years later?

Those experiences can give you valuable insight that you won't find on a breeder's website.

For example, if you’re looking for a Labrador breeder, this group is specifically focused on helping people find bench bred/show-line Labrador breeders: Labrador Breeders Facebook Group

For broader breed questions and breeder recommendations, Purebred Snobs is another great resource. You can ask questions about specific breeds, breeders, dogs, health, and more: Purebred Snobs Facebook Group

Most Importantly: Take Your Time

Finding the right breeder can take months, or even longer. Don’t rush just because you found a puppy.

The right breeder should feel like someone you trust, not simply someone with puppies available. A good breeder will want to stay involved throughout your dog's life and will be there to support you if something goes wrong.

The wait is worth it. Good dogs, and good breeders, are worth waiting for.