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Dog Breeders - Dog BreedingWhen you look at the variety of dogs that exist, from tiny chihuahas to massive mastiffs and great danes, you quickly realize that mankind has shaped the dog family to meet their needs. Even though dogs are still a single species (a terrier can breed with a bulldog), they come in such shapes and varieties, than the concept of specific dog breeds has arisen to classify them according to their size, look, and traits. In the US, the American Kennel Club (AKC) is the final arbiter in what defines specific dog breeds. For each breed, there is an ideal definition, ranging from body proportions to colors to coat texture. Clearly, a dachsund is different from a German shepherd, just as a bischon frise is different from a black labrador. So if you are looking for a dog, you need to decide if you are shopping for a purebred dog breed or any old mixture of dog you find. In real life, specific dog breeds come from breeders that mate specific male and female dogs of the same breed, maintaining the purebred lineage.
Finding the best dog breedersIf you don't care what kind of dog you get, you should check out your local pound or SPCA office and look into rescuing an unwanted dog. These can range from dogs that have grown too big for apartments, to dogs that need more exercise that someone working 60 hours per week can provide, to dogs left behind when people move out of state. Regardless of how they got there, dogs at the pound can be like lost treasure for the right owner. Stop by, look around, see if you "connect" with a dog there -- dogs have only a short stay before they are euthanized (unfortunately, uncaring owners who don't neuter or spay their pets will be providing dozens of new dogs next month..), so finding a companion here is a wonderful experience for both human and dog. Stop by SPCA.com for tips on finding and saving animals at risk.
If you are looking for a purebred dog, then you need to find a dog breeder that specialized in that kind of dog. We've all heard and seen horror stories of puppy mill operations, where some lowlife redneck breeds dogs under ungodly, unhygenic conditions of filth. That's not what you want. You want a breeder that loves the breed, that has owned and bred them for a decade or more, and who raised each litter in a family-friendly environment, meaning you get a healthy, happy puppy when you buy your dog. There are a number of sites out there that list dog breeders. This does not mean that these people offer healthy, happy puppies -- it is up to you to do your homework and find the breeder that is right for you. Check out TerrificPets.com, that has a big section of dog breeders to select from. What kind of breeds do they cover? Here are a few: akitas, afghans, basset hounds, border collies, bischon frise breeders, dalmatians, german shepherd breeders, lhasa apso, poodles, saint bernards, shih tzu, vizsla, and much more. Pretty much all dog breeds can be found here, with links to breeder sites. This is a good way to get started with your research on who the best dog breeders are for your select breed. NextDayDogs.com is another site that allows you to screen breeders, searching by specific breeds and locations to find a dog breeder near you. You'll find listings of breeders here, although breeders pay for their listings here. If you are looking for a puppy, you can place a "dog wanted" ad here at no charge. Breeders.net is our last selection for information on dog breeders, dog breeding guides, most popular dog breeds, and how to find a dog. AKC Dog BreedsThe AKC has almost 1 million dogs registered in their database, tracking the litters and progeny for more than 100 years. You have to register the parent dogs with the AKC in order for puppies to be recognized as registered AKC dogs. The lineage of your dog is called its pedigree, tracking its ancestors and the dog family tree, so to speak. The AKC recognizes more than 150 dog breeds, spread across sporting breeds, hound groups, terriers, working dogs, toy groups, herding, non-sporting, and more. The most popular dog breeds registered with the AKC are labrador retrievers, yorkshire terriers, german shepherds, golden retrievers, and beagles. The AKC sponsors many events each year, including obedience trials, tracking trials, dog agility, field trials, sheepdog trials, and more. AKC.org is their official website, and you will find everything from AKC events there to breeding tips to health and training tips. Their section of future dog owners is especially valuable, with information on why you should register with the AKC, what being a responsible dog owner means, and tips you should follow when buying a dog (will the breed fit your lifestyle and home? do you have time to groom and train and exercise your dog?). Their section on finding a dog gives you tips on finding responsible breeders and considering rescue and SPCA groups. They also have a breeder referral section to help you find local dog breeders for the type you are looking for. This is a good resource - use it!!Do you have a quality site or product that belongs in this guide? We are always happy to evaluate or review new products and websites. Feel free to contact us at the email address below and let us know about you. If you have a demo product you'd like us to look at, please contact us before sending anything. Thank you.
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