Never drop in on a breeder unannounced. Breeding dogs responsibly is a hobby, not a business. Remember that you are a visitor in a person's home, not a customer at a retail store. Breeders have families, jobs, appointments, and lives outside the dog world. If you make an appointment, keep it. If you'll be late, call.

Don't risk the puppies' health. Puppies are very vulnerable to infectious diseases from other dogs. Don't visit a breeder after handling puppies at another kennel. And don't be surprised if you're asked to wash your hands and take off your shoes before meeting a litter!

Look for a breeder who cares more about the dogs than the money. This attitude will come across in many ways during your first meeting. Good breeders have to charge for their puppies in order to be able to continue to their hobby, but the welfare of their dogs always comes before financial considerations.

Check out the environment. Preferably, the puppies will be home-raised and underfoot, but if they're in a kennel, ask to see the facilities. The kennel doesn't need to be fancy or expensive, but it should be clean and dry inside. It should provide good shelter, and fresh water should be available. The dogs should appear happy and healthy, not fearful or aggressive.

Meet the mother of your puppy. Her temperament will be very similar to what you can expect from her puppies. Most likely, the father of the pups will not be available for you to meet, as breeders often use studs from other kennels. Ask how he was chosen and find out if photos are available. Ask about his personality and temperament.

Expect to be asked at least as many questions as you ask! A good breeder will interview you to find out about your lifestyle, your home, your plans for the puppy, and even your previous dogs. Don't be offended if the questions seem personal ("What happened to your previous dogs?" "Do you own your home or rent?" "How many hours a day will the puppy be alone?") There are good reasons for these questions--the breeder is not just being nosey! Placing a puppy is a big responsibility and the breeder wants to be very sure that she has done the best she can for this little creature she brought into the world.

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