I'm just starting out looking for a dog, but I'm not sure what to look for in a breeder? What sorts of things should I ask? or be looking for? I want a small lap dog like a shih tzu, but not from a puppy mill or other chain-seller. How can I be sure who I'm dealing with? internet breeders only have web pages, I can't go visit all of their kennels...

thanks,

The first step is to decide whether you can really commit to a dog, and then what kind of dog would work best for you. Take note: I said what kind of dog would work best, not just what you like the looks of. That is important. You have to take a self assessment: think about how your family is comprised (children, other pets, elderly, etc); your domestic arrangements (apartment, condo, house, ranch, island, whatever); your lifestyle (active, moderately active, couch potato); your time (work all day, home all day, travel frequently, etc.).

You should also take into consideration how much time you can spend bathing, brushing, even clipping your dog. Is shedding OK? Anyone in the family have allergies? Asking yourself these kinds of questions will help you to narrow down a breed. There are hundreds of breeds, and except for extreme situations, you should be able to find a few which will work for you.

Now that you have chosen a breed(s), it's time to find a breeder. Here is one way to go about it: The ones who advertise heavily on the internet are often the worst ones. The very best breeders are probably the ones who don't advertise at all. How to find them? Start with the AKC (akc.org). Look under Clubs. Find the national parent club for your breed(s). That club usually has a website too, but even if it doesn't, there will be a contact point listed. Contact that person and ask them if they can recommend a list of breeders. Usually they will.

Another thing you can do is find breeders through Jack Onofrio (www.onofrio.com). They are the AKC superintendents for many of the dog shows nationwide. They have a membership list which includes clubs and, sometimes, dog breeders. Contact clubs in your area to find out about breeders.

If you will give me a rough idea of where you are, I would be happy to help you find a good breeder in your area.

The best breeders raise only one or two litters per year, at home, underfoot. Their dogs have AKC or UKC pedigrees (or Canadian Kennel Club, if applicable). They do health testing and genetic testing on their sires and dams. They will offer to buy back the dog at any time, if you choose no longer to keep it. Some breeders will deduct the cost of spaying or neutering from the purchase price if you promise to fix your dog. Some require you to do so contractally, if you are getting the dog as a pet (they all can be different when it comes to these rules).

I hope you will take the time to choose a breed and breeder wisely. There's the old saying, "You can pick your friends, but you can't pick your family." This is one case in which you CAN pick your family, so choose intelligently and rationally.

Good luck.

Shih-tzus are lovely dogs, but very high maintenance. Be prepared to do lots of brushing and combing. You can expect to have them professionally groomed at least once every 6 weeks.

They are expensive to keep, but if you are dedicated to the breed, you will love them.

Good luck with whatever dog you decide upon.

I know of some purebred rescues...where do you live? I can look some puppies (if you want a puppy) up for you. =D