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Originally Posted by oldjoe  Also, how do you "find" good breeders? From what I've found online and in newspapers, they're mostly breeders like this one. |
For starters, stop looking in newspapers. Not saying that good breeders don't use them from time to time, but that is going to likely be a rare instance. There are many ways to find reputable breeders--it's really not as hard as people make it out to be, they just have to put forth the effort.
* ask for referrals from others on this site
* visit the YTCA site for a list of referred breeders
* attend some local conformation events and introduce yourself
* check out some handling classes in your area
* see if there is a local kennel club in your area
Many people don't want to deal with reputable breeders because they feel like it's a hassle. Ethical breeders will be extremely picky in screening potential homes for their pups and will likely have agreements (including spay/neuter requirements) that they expect to be signed--all to protect them, the new owner and most importantly, the dog. They also may have waiting lists. Although these are all very GOOD things, many people are turned off by them--they want a dog NOW, that they can pay for and get with no questions asked by the breeder.