A typical dog breeder produces companion / pet-quality and / or show-potential puppies. Usually, breeders sell puppies only, although sometimes adult dogs will be available under specific circumstances. Each individual breeder will have their own standards of care and adoption criteria, which usually starts with a written application and visits by the potential owner so the breeder can observe interaction with the puppies.
Some breeders may include a “background” investigation and/or home visit to make sure their precious pups are going to a safe and happy home. Some things a breeder might ask about and look for include: have you owned pets before and do you own any now; can you provide the name and phone number of your veterinarian for reference; do you have a fenced yard; how much interaction will there be between the dog and children; and how much time will the puppy spend alone each day?
Please take a few moments to share your positive personal experiences with specific dog breeders. Your input will help other potential purchasers feel more confident in their choice of breeder!